Riding through Georgia

Sunlight flooded through the trees as we rode along ancient tracks through woodland and forest,

making our way through the hills and valleys of Georgia,

to visit ancient fortifications and monasteries, built on the crossroads of Asia and Europe and yet now only accessible for those on foot.

St George, the patron saint of Georgia, as well as England, was honoured in every church.

He was often depicted on a horse not so very different from those we rode,

crossing bridges constructed more than a thousand years ago

making our way up through unfenced pasture land

and on over the hills, sleeping in tents or staying with villagers.

It was an exciting way to see the country. For more details, please click here.

Sophie Neville in Georgia

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.

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.

,