Riding up into the Andes

While snow still sits on the mountain peaks in Argentina,

the arrival of spring causes plant life on the slopes to burst into bloom.

We mounted our horses to climb higher into the Andes range

heading towards the border with Chile.

Rivers were flowing with melt water, but skies were clear.

as we left the cattle lands behind us

and rode further into the mountains

Let me know if you would like to go on a similar ride early next year. A friend of mine is leading one across the Andes from Argentina to Chile - the chance of a lifetime.

Riding into the Andes Mountains

Breakfast on the mountain side.

Looking forward to the day ahead.

Horses tacked up

and away.

riding in a land where fences are few 

colours are vibrant and condors soar 

Nigel Harvey is looking for riders to join a group hoping to ride across the Andes early next year. If you are interested please contact Ride Worldwide

Towards the Andes, on a horse

.

So, you want to ride across the Andes?

You need a horse like this,

a headcollar,

bridle,

one of these saddles,

and a trustworthy guide.

I decided I'd better wear a hot weather helmet.

By lunchtime I looked like this.

But  the food was good,

the scenery interesting

and the experience unforgettable.

If you would like to ride across the Andes 

contact Nigel Harvey at Ride Worldwide 

They have space on a ride going early next year.

,

Riding in Argentina

I flew to Argentina to ride across the Andes.

The first job was to find the right horse and the right saddle. 

  

To try these out, we rode across the hills and spent a morning bringing in cattle. 

This was good fun in itself. The Estancia was beautiful.

Having rounded them up, we brought them down the valley.

Once in the kraals they were checked over and inoculated.

Whilst the horses were unsaddled,

we had local beer with our lunch - beef cooked under the trees on an open fire.

The meat was from the farm and very special, cooked on long pieces of iron.

Whilst some of the horses were released on the hillside to rest and graze,

We kept in those that would take us on the long trek, which would begin the next day.

To read more please click here

Flying without wings ~

Bagual Horse Safaris

My cousin James McMahon Mahon will take you riding across South America

Click here to learn about the guides who can take you on a Bagual Horse Safari

They also offer guided tours of Mongolia - in the spirit of Chinggis Khan!

Are you thinking of making a film or documentary about South America? Or looking for articles for your publication? The Bagual team also have an experienced creative background, and their local 'close-up' knowledge is invaluable if you need detailed research, location recces and photos.

Read what recent visitors have said on the testimonials page.