Where do I begin?  The whole experience was something so different from anything I have done before and the best thing I have ever experienced for many reasons. Throughout the ride we were looked after like royalty! Everything was taken care of from the minute we landed until we left which was very important as it is a completely different land/culture/language from what I have previously experience. The locals could not do enough for us and our guide/interpreter Bayaraa made us welcome and ensured we had all we needed.

The horses are amazing - small, compact but very robust and strong and surprisingly great to ride. I found it important to adjust my approach as obviously the horses are not patted and cuddled as much as my own and horses in general in Australia are. However the bond I built up with my little horse, who I named Bob, was an extremely heartwarming and fulfilling experience - if I could have taken him home with I most definitely would of!  Initially he was very standoffish and hated being saddled (which made me a little nervous) but by the end of the 7 days he would nuzzle in for a cuddle and stand quietly whilst I saddled him. The wranglers that accompanied us were wonderfully patient with us and initially did all the saddling etc but as the ride went on were more than happy for us to saddle our own horses but still check our work :-)  

The lunch stops and campsites were always perfect locations. We pretty much always camped alongside running streams/rivers which provided beautiful views and very cold water to ease muscle aches at the end of the day's' riding - very refreshing and invigorating - also the perfect way to cool a beer or two!

The cook and his set up was also amazing - the meals he provided were very flavoursome and satisfying - the cook and I became great mates and he called me ''Ýum' as that is what I said repeatedly after each meal.  Even the meals we had along the way there and home at restaurants were not as good as his and there was always seconds!  The mix of traditional Mongolian food and the food I was more accustomed to with a Mongolian twist made the meal times a highlight of every day for me - especially the dinner meal as we could watch him prepare it with obvious passion for his craft and the enjoyment it brought us.  We learnt  that he was in the employ of the president so felt extremely blessed!

The route we traveled took us through differing country and I especially enjoyed the forest covered hills with the aroma of the wild herbs and stunning wild flowers. The forests are nothing like I had seen or been through before. The open plains or Steppes as I learnt they are called also provided a rich viewing experience with grasses, wildflowers, solo Gers as well as small communities/families Gers all with motorbikes, horses, sheep, cattle, goats and Yaks. I had never seen Yaks in the flesh and they are certainly intriguing animals with big heads and shaggy coats!

The equipment provided was certainly more than adequate. The fact that everything, equipment wise, was provided is a major plus for me. The tents, sleeping bags and sleeping mats did the job well. I thoroughly loved the saddles and being based on the Aussie stock saddle I felt right at home - I found them to give a more upright and correct seat which made the riding across all types of terrain very easy. Using traditional bridles added to the experience.

Most definitely the best way to get the most spectacular and differing exposure and experience to and of Mongolia is to travel through the land on horse back!  The horses have a presence and personality I have not come across before and could imagine them fearlessly carrying their rider into a heated battle!  They are tough and fearless and will go all day without a moment's hesitation and back up again day after day.