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Horse Riding in Iran |
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Turkomen Steppe Ride - Spring
Itinerary
Outline: The Turkmen horse is the key to hot-blooded horses the world over. Valued above all other possessions by the kings, emperors and aristocrats of three continents throughout three millennia of history, the Turkmen was famed for its mythical speed, endurance and beauty. The Han Chinese risked armies to get hold of just a few of the breed, the guards of the Caliphs of Baghdad were mounted on Turkmens, Alexander the Great captured hundreds if not thousands of the horses to return to Europe after his Persian campaigns, and the modern Thoroughbred owes everything to Turkmen blood bred directly and indirectly through the great lines. The Turkmen tribesmen have used their horses for generations to wage warfare across the steppes and mountains of Central Asia. At peace now, the tribesmen still race their horses, training them in the traditional way, and keeping them under felts to sweat them to the lithe lines of catwalk models. The Turkmen horse is the product of millenia of evolution, built to survive heat, drought, predations by wolves and leopards, and the cold winter storms, and capable of impressive feats of endurance and great speed. The Turkmen Forest Ride is for adventurous and capable riders. Our circular route covers some 150 kms steppes, hills, broadleaf forest, and mountain pastures. In the uplands our fellowmen are shepherds and woodsmen, whilst in the lowlands we pass through Kurdish and Turkmen villages where the women weave the famed local rugs and the men herd sheep, horses and camels. The five day'/four night trip is broken into three long rides to cover distance at paces best suited to the Turkmen horses, alternating with relaxed days of riding out from our two campsites. On the easy days we ride into the primeval forest and up to the high grasslands. Iran's position at the crossroads between India, Arabia, the Central Asian Steppes and Europe gives the region a huge range of flora and fauna. Leopard, wolves, bear, deer and wild boar inhabit the forests, and ornithologists will have frequent sightings of hoopoe, bee eaters, rollers, several types of eagles, and even rarer birds. Most of the ride is at relatively high altitudes, giving cool nights (with possible rainstorms) to give relief from the days' sun. The four nights are spent under canvas, (in modern two-man tents). Two of the nights are as guests of a small, mountain village, and two are spent behind a wooded mountain stream with good bathing. Supper and breakfast are cooked Turkmen style on open fires, and lunches are picnics with siestas to follow. There are of course plenty of tea, coffee and snacks. Each trip is led by an experienced Western guide, and has two local Turkmens along as horseman/groom and camp manager/cook. Though guests are welcome to help with their own horses and in setting up camp, there is always somebody on hand to assist with the animals, to make camp life comfortable and to do the hard work. Each group is supplied by an off-road vehicle, which is there for the setting up of each camp. This also is a safety vehicle, and can be used to transport anybody having a hard time in the saddle. Essential daily kit is carried by a packhorse, making us independent for lunch breaks. Many of the provisions for horses and riders are bought locally, though the small luxuries that make camp life comfortable are sourced before the trip. The pace of travel by horse, especially in the Turkmen region, and our two Turkmen guides' network of family and friends over the ride's route, ensures a genuine friendly welcome in the villages and the country. This, and the western guides knowledge of the region's flora, fauna, history, myth and local custom, turns the guest rider into an 'insider' in a remote and little known land. Practicalities: The length of the ride, the quality of the horses, and the challenge of the country we cross makes this a trip for capable riders and adventurous travellers. Firm in the saddle at all paces and with enough grit for three long days of 6-8 hours riding, (though there are two days for recovery in between) is the basic requirement. Trips are run between April and October annually, each season having its own particular highlights. Group sizes are up to a maximum of eight riding guests. Horses are mainly well-schooled, sure-footed but spirited Turkmens, though there are more relaxed half breds and local work horses for less confident riders. Saddles are western saddles, or English style cavalry saddles; each guest gets a pair of saddlebags to carry personal kit for each day. All horses go in snaffles, pelhams or hackamores, and though used to being neck-reined they can also be ridden English style. Pace on the trail is extended walk, jog and gait, though there are chances to canter and gallop on the relaxed days when we are not carrying saddlebags. We supply all camp equipment - tents, sleeping mats, cutlery, medical kit, cooking materials etc. Guest must bring warm sleeping bag, sheet sleeping bag, water bottle as well as personal requisites. The strictures of Muslim society as adhered to in Tehran are considerably relaxed in the remoter corners of Iran. Nevertheless modest clothing - loose trousers and a long sleeved shirt for men and women is an essential politeness. Women also need to wear a headscarf to cover their hair. R M Williams (Regent Street) do a full range of tough stylish riding kit, whilst Arizona Wildwear (01798-868038 for brochure) have designer riding clothes for women, including riding skirts, trousers, capes, shirts and macs. Well worn in jodhpur boots and half chaps, or high, soft leather boots are the most practical leg wear. Rubber boots are unsuitable for the heat. If you wear a hard hat, an Akubra type hat with a chin string is essential. Rare but sudden and fierce rainstorms make a full length, fully waterproof riding coat imperative, (Drizabone, Barbour, R M Williams, Dark Horse, or Amazona Wildwear). Camera and film, sun cream, change of clothing, wash kit, personal effects, penknife etc are carried in guests' saddlebags. Waterproof is tied to saddle cantle dees. Sleeping bags and spare clothing are carried by pack horse or support vehicle. There are opportunities to buy locally made rugs, horse blankets, Turkmen silk riding coasts, Astrakhan hats and traditional saddlery. Photography, even of village people, is not a problem. 100-200 ASA film is the most suitable, and a 100 mm or longer lens gives good results. |
