In the Who Rides in India section, we hear from riders who have journeyed to India to ride the native breeds for a horse riding vacation.
Ann joined Dundlod Safariโs on the Pushkar Fair Ride, a six day horse riding vacation from Dundlod to the vibrant, bustling Pushkar Fair of Rajasthan.ย
Describe your riding background, Ann
Having had four children, now flown the nest, and recently retired from a very all consuming business, I was feeling that there was something still inside of me that wanted adventure and challenge. I am 67 years old of good health and spirit! This ride came to me through a friend who was discussing endurance rides across Rajasthan on this unusual breed of horse, staying in forts and tented accommodation on the way. It sounded magical, and how right I was!
As a child I rode frequently, until the age of about 15, and then the decision for my parents was whether to invest in a pony for me to continue, or to let me pursue other activities. The pony was never purchased, and then life proceeded along its frantic path and horses and riding took a back seat. Perhaps at the most I was going for a hack once or twice a year.
If I took on this endurance challenge it was going to need some serious commitment from me, however I proceeded. I decided to go ahead really only about 6 weeks before the start of the ride, and in that time worked hard in the gym making my body stronger, and riding as often as time would allow.
I cannot deny that I was nervous on the first day when we met our host, the glorious Bonnie, and our horses who were to look after us for the duration of the ride. I knew so little about this breed of horse, and they did look a little scary to my mind!
from the outset my glorious mare looked after me and together we rode for six days over the most amazing terrain, seeing the real India and experiencing that wonderful bond that can be achieved with rider and horse.
I came home so confident in my ability to face and embrace the unknown, and proud of my achievement!
Why did you choose to ride in India?
India was the country of choice for me because having visited years ago on a number of occasions (mainly major cities) I was keen to return. Initially I had thought to go south to Kerala, but really did not want to be on a commercial tour and craved something more individual at a price I could afford. Rajasthan fitted the bill perfectly.
How was your experience riding the Marwari breed of horse?
The Marwari breed of horse is unique to India. Quite fascinating are their ears that bend inwards and rotate 180 degrees, especially when you talk to them! A wonderful specimen of horse, lean in the body and a really comfortable ride.
I was able to express my requirements for my chosen horse ahead of the ride. I asked for a kind, calm and steady horse, and she was!ย A beautiful grey called Gulbadan. She looked after me so well. Responsive to all my needs and oddities, a wonderful horse.
Above all, the horses were so well looked after by the grooms who travelled with us. There is nothing more wonderful than waking up in the tent early as the sun rises to hear the horses grazing just outside.ย
How would you describe riding in rural Rajasthan with Dundlod Safari’s on a horse riding vacation?
The experience of the Dundlod ride was so professional throughout. The logistics were amazing. The whole ride was headedย by Kr. Raghuvendra Singh Dundlod, commonly known as โBonnie,โ who, along with his very loyal staff and grooms, saw us through six days of meals, riding and camping. Nothing was too much trouble. We even had gin and tonics to hand every evening!ย ย ย
What advice would you give to someone who is keen to come to India to ride the Marwari’s on a horse riding vacation?
I met some lovely riders. Our ride was small, four at commencement, grew to eight mid ride, and finished with four, as some people only joined for a few days.
There is nothing I can tell you, other than I feel so much more confident on horseback than I was on arrival, and who knows, may be back one day before its too late!
My advice to anyone who is thinking of going on this adventure of a lifetime is โDO ITโ โ you will not be disappointed!
ANN MARTIN
Ann’s husband, Martin, joined the trip as a non-rider
My husband travelled with the group as a non rider, and although hesitant before we booked, he was really enthralled by the trip.
Most days he travelled in the jeep which backed up the ride driving over some exciting terrain, through villages, and really experiencing India in the raw!
Bonnie and his crew were so accommodating, and often he lingered in the hotels where we had been overnighting whilst we set off on our morning ride. He was then picked up by one of the many forms of transport involved in this logistic organisation and joined us for our lunch, three hours in the cool of the trees, perfect curry and snooze time.
He felt thoroughly included in every aspect of the week, and left feeling that he had truly seen the real India and enjoyed each and every moment.
To cap it all, we suffered not one bout of tummy trouble which he was particularly worried about, thanks to our wonderful host and his team.
