Riding the Steppes of Mongolia

The Joys of Living in Mongolia

 


 
Mongolia is a stunningly beautiful country and we have been very fortunate to have lived here for the past two and a half years and the joy of being able to ride across the Steppes and enjoy the Mongolian country side and people is very special.

The photos are a selection of photos taken in the past two months when we have been enjoying going out every week to ride across the Steppes with a group of like minded souls. Leaving UB behind we drive for just over an hour to a wonderful ger camp where our friends Julie (who writes the blog www.myinternationaldepartures ) and Chelvan have set up their very own ger beside Sarah and Baggi's gers own ger, a very special privilege.

 This is Julie patiently waiting for us to catch up. I just love this photo as I think it looks like a painting, the light was so beautiful for that afternoon ride and the weather glorious, just perfect conditions to be out riding on the Steppes.

 Catching up was our son Ruan and Nigel. It was wonderful to be able to show Ruan just a little of what we enjoy so much about Mongolia.

 Ruan, Baggi (our wonderful Mongolian friend and owner of some of the horses), myself and Nigel with he glorious view of where we had ridden from in the background.

 Looking in the other direction and the way we hope to ride in a couple of weeks time.

 Ruan looking the part in Mongolia

 and very much looking the professional on his Mongolian horse.

 Another painted landscape of Mongolia, just beautiful.

 The grass has gone and winter is not far away but we still loving the rides out over the Stepes, even Vickie who is just a little nervous but gaining confidence every time she rides.

 Well there is still some grass around fortunately and this is another photo I thought was lovely with Temaru, another guide and friend, who had to sit to roll his cigarette, what a back drop.

 Baggi and steed waiting for an early morning cup of coffee before doing all the chores that need to be done before taking us out riding.

 Sitting in front of Julie and Chelvan's ger you watch the happenings of life on the Steppe and these two young boys heading down to the river with their dog at a very quick trot, was such a wonderful photo of life in Mongolia.

 and when they came back a little while later it was an even better photo moment when they had to stop the bullock for some reason, it was just gorgeous and certainly a different way of stopping it!


Ruan was also hitched to the cart to move some meat and did a great job but I think may have been easier to stop than the bullock.

 We also had an opportunity to show the Mongolians the game of 'horse shoe throwing', which they delighted in doing and even sneaking back to have a quick practise later in the day.

 Winter is fast approaching and a goodly amount of timber has to be cut for the gers, so it was all hands on deck although it took a little while for these city boys to get the hang of this modern equipment. No chainsaw in sight here.

 Some of the wild life was also enjoying the glorious weather. I can't seem to identify this one but I will continue to try...... anybody know which one it is?

 These women were returning from berry picking across the river and were having a hard time keeping their feet on the slippery river stones, but thoroughly enjoying themselves as they got into a little deeper water but

 Granddad was cool and calm and in a lot shallower water with the girls than the women were although the girls seemed to be dying to go for a swim.

 It didn't take long for them to be frolicking in the water which I thought was freezing and only had my feet in for a few moments before I was out. We watched these children for about 20 minutes but I guess that is the same with children world wide.

 Sitting in front of the ger and watching the antics and power play of the horses heading down to the river for water is always fascinating. The Mongolian's run their horses in herds which has all the characteristics of wild horses so there is always confrontations between the different stallions in the same areas.

Sometimes it is just a quite walk to the river.

 Meanwhile the horses that have been caught, wait patiently for us to mount up and head out for another wonderful ride.

 I am not as agile and fit as I used to be and having a little help to mount these little horses makes life just a little easier for me..... and more dignified with all those people watching me mount. Note the Russian saddle which can be OK or very brutal on the butt, depending on the horse.

 Baggi looking the part in his dell.

 Another view of the Tuul River and a small village to the left was taken from top of the hills behind the gers we stay in.

 Some of the girls when out riding have even given a hand to the local herders... whether they wanted it or not.

 The Mongolians seem to enjoy the time as much as we do.

 We also have to cross the river, but it is a lot easier on horseback although occasionally the feet get wet.

It is not easy taking photos from horse back, as this poor Mongolian man has found out by the look on his face.
 
Even the loo has a view..... just so the Mongolians can keep an eye on their horses.

Mongolia is an extraordinary country with such beautiful scenery that it is hard to do it justice in photos and as I said at the beginning it is a rare priveldge for me to have lived here for over two years and hoping to be here for another two as there is just so much to see and do.