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Written by Biggi Hayes

Mediterranean Trail April 2-8, 2018

In early April of 2018 I was excited to be heading off to Catalonia, to participate in the Mediterranean Trail, covering about 100 miles in 5 days.

After a long Wyoming winter – March and April are tough months as teasingly warm spring days can give way to full out blizzards –  the temperatures north of Barcelona were in the mid 60’s. Different green hues were sprouting everywhere, flowers blooming and the birds were singing – spring was in the air and what balm to my soul it was.

I flew into the Barcelona airport via Berlin and eagerly awaited the group transfer from the airport which was scheduled for late afternoon from a designated pickup point. Our friendly driver Enrique was there on time and soon all of us where chatting away, anticipating what the next few days would bring.

The trail started at Mas Alba, a typical Catalan stone house dating back to the 16^th century. The accommodations for the week where in quaint family owned village hotels and comfortable rustic stone houses, all adding to the charm of the ride.

During our welcome dinner that evening we got to know our fellow riders and our fearless trail leader Nacho. Soon after dinner I found myself tucked away into my cozy room, getting a good night’s sleep to be ready for our weeks adventure that lay ahead.

After breakfast the next morning we were introduced to our trusty steeds. I locked eyes with a young and very handsome P.R.E gelding named Vido and was hoping he would be my partner for the week – and a few minutes later that unspoken wish became a reality. After receiving all of the tack needed for the week ahead and had an introduction on how to tack and untack, we set off following the river Fluvia as it winds through hilly terrain covered by thick oak and pine forests. As it turned out to be a warmer day than anticipated, a picnic at a small lake turned into an impromptu splashing in the invigorating waters for those of us brave enough. During the short siesta after lunch and our shenanigans in the cool waters, I was able to enjoy these first warmer rays of sunshine.

Day 3 was a long one as we awoke before sunrise to tack up and head to the beach before it became too crowded. After a long fun canter in the surf we climbed the Massif Montgri mountain to enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the Mediterranean sea. It was cooler then the day before and we all feasted on the fantastic lunch spread of fresh bread, cheeses, and different cold cuts such as salami and ham options, fresh tomatoes, washed down by some red wine. A much needed siesta followed before cantering to our next stop. In the afternoon we crossed over a small mountain range down to the coast. A simple hotel close to the beach was our stop for the night. Since I was still so full from our late lunch I opted to enjoy a long walk along the deserted beach and reveled in the peace and the energy of the ocean.

The next day brought more long canters twisting through pine forests and rice fields and passing through small towns and hamlets. We arrived in the medieval town of Pals in time for a delicious Paella for lunch after which we had time to explore the town a bit. It was easy to get lost in the narrow cobble stone streets – what a cool place to explore!

On our last day of riding we set out after breakfast, homeward bound, having come almost full circle. After tacking up our mounts and a quick photo op in a field abloom with poppies, Nacho led us on a fast canter up and down some hills before crossing the river El Ter. There was a feast set up for us and after toasting our week with Cava, we enjoyed the fresh food and wine before a peaceful siesta and a bittersweet return to Mas Alba. I cannot wait to return to ride Vido again on another one of these itineraries.

Written by Biggi Hayes

Several years ago I had the pleasure of experiencing a few wonderful and fun filled days at the Rancho Puesto del Sol. Going over some new photos from the outfitter brought back lovely memories from this visit and I’m looking forward to returning when we can travel freely again.

Arriving at the ranch after an 1.5 hour private transfer from the Mexico City airport I was welcomed by Uschi and her friendly staff who immediately made me feel at home and fell in love with the colores de Mexico displayed at the rancho.

The next 4 days flew by with fun riding on willing and surefooted horses. All level of riders are welcome at the ranch and on one afternoon ride is was great to see a couple of beginner riders getting to feel an easy canter on these steady mounts. I was amazed by the varied terrain and landscapes we rode through and enjoyed galloping across wide open spaces with no fences. Especially memorable to me was the river valley where 800 year old cypress trees are covered by Spanish moss – not something I would have expected in the land of cactus.

Optional excursions to the ruins of Tula, San Miguel de Allende and the weekly market visits to Jilotepec add extra cultural aspects.  At the end of the day I would retire into the comfortable and colorful accommodations. The infinity pool, the Jacuzzi and the wellness gazebo invite to relax and rejuvenate.

I recall a sense of sadness that came over me when it was time to leave after 4 days – I could have easily spent two weeks as there is so much to explore on horseback and during the offered excursions – next time

Join a Live Webinar with Equine Photographer Gabriele Boiselle

In February of 2020 equine photographer and friend of Equitours, Gabriele Boiselle, traveled with Mel Fox to Tanzania on the Serengeti Migration ride. She is hosting a live webinar on Thursday, April 16, 2020 to share her photos and experiences from the trip. Gabriele’s photography is always stunning, and the trip’s wildlife viewing was once of a lifetime, so this is sure to be a thrill!

Sign up for the free webinar on Gabriele’s website: https://mailchi.mp/editionboiselle/travel-to-africa and see her video introduction on her Facebook page.

Written by Mel Fox

I was initially attached to the ride in Zimbabwe due to its location in southern Africa and good connections. Since it is a shorter itinerary it works well as an add on to other rides and provides its own unique experience.

A view of Victoria Falls

A big draw is Victoria Falls, one of the 7 Wonders of the Natural World. It was only a half hour drive from our small, charming lodge with a very active waterhole; impala, eland, zebra, elephant and baboons all visited during our stay. Daily rides through the mopane woodland let to close encounters with a variety of big game, including large herds of buffalo. A highlight was tracking black rhino and we saw a total of 8 of these highly endangered animals during our stay. Most of the ride is quite slow, meandering through the bush looking for tracks, but there were some exhilarating trots and canters along sandy tracks. Our guide, Alison, is a native Zimbabwean who has managed to survive through all the political turmoil and has many fascinating tales to tell.

In 6 hours of travel the road went from tarmac to murrum to sandy tracks with countless gates leading from one fazenda to another. We finally pulled up beneath a large grove of mature mango trees with numerous little black pig families enjoying the cool shade and noisy parrots squawking overhead. Stepping past the verandah with inviting easy chairs, we were welcomed into the cool family home with fresh fruit juices. After a lunch featuring home grown vegetables with a meat dish and tasty desserts, and a long nap, we sallied forth in the late afternoon to meet the horses. Following the “line up” we were introduced to our mounts and tack (sheepskins thrown over the saddle tree, very basic stirrups and rather severe bits). The horses were lovely to ride, very responsive, but a little reactive on the ground. That first evening we saw crab-eating foxes, pampas deer and caiman in every pool, as well as numerous exotic birds, whose names we were just starting to learn.

The days merged into each other; up at 5am to the call of the southern screamers, ride, returning mid morning, lazing the day away and another evening excursion. Sometimes we came across the pantaneros cowboys working their white cattle, lassoing, doctoring, sorting. The Pantanal is 90% privately owned and ranching traditions are proudly upheld.

Pantaneros working their cattle

This is the largest wetland in the world and when the rains come the animals are forced to move off lush green pastures to high and more arid land. All the ranch buildings are situated in these areas and many have rough airstrips since they can be cut off for months at a time. The rides take place in the dry season of June through October.

We stayed at two different fazendas, quite some distance apart, with a night in hammocks along the way.  There was a river running by the second fazenda and one of the activities on offer was boat trips. It was magical motoring along through the shallow water, stopping to photograph capybara, giant river otter and numerous kinds of kingfishers, herons, ducks and  birds that one could never have imagined. Our guide Daniel, who accompanied us on the whole trip, is an excellent ornithologist and made sure everyone was engaged and happy. This was an interesting and wonderfully relaxing holiday that could easily be shared with a non riding partner.

Written by Mel Fox