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 a horse across Uruguay

'What is there to see in Uruguay?'

Unusual things, unusual animals

with the sweetest ears.

A clutch of eggs laid by the southern rhea, a flightless bird like a small ostrich

and perculiar plants,

all best seen from the back of a horse.

I travelled through Uruguay in December with Ride Worldwide. Click here for details.

Crossing the Andes into Chile

A collection of saddles and bridles outside my tent

The day dawned when we woke on the Argentinian side of the Andes mountain range knowing that we would soon cross the border into Chile.

After breakfast cooked on the fire,

 We saddled up our horses.

The morning was spent riding higher and higher as we made our way towards a certain, iconic volcano.

We finally crossed a river into a National Park that straddles the border with Chile.

Sadly our Argentine horses were not permitted to cross into Chile due to veterinary controls. We ended up having to walk through passport control, out saddlebags flung over our shoulders.

To our surprise the most wonderful lunch was awaiting us, together with glasses of Chilean champagne.

Small, but beautifully presented horses were tethered up under the bushes.

I was given a Palamino.

We rode off, descending from the Andes watershed into valleys which seemed to be surprisingly Alpine in appearance.

My little pony proved quite a handful, but a sparky and amusing ride.

Sophie Neville having ridden across the Andes into Chile

For more information please click here.

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

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.