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The Glacier Ride
the first day |
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Early next morning, the weather had, at least, not worsened. We were quickly matched to our mounts and off, trotting and cantering gaucho style across meadows dotted with yellow and white wild flowers, through forests of contorted wind blown trees, their branches hung with mistletoe and silky lichen. We rode Western style, easy we were told, just sit back and relax, let your reins hang long and neck rein to change direction. As a dressage rider (albeit at a humble level!) I found this very difficult. The usual buttons didn't work, and I discovered buttons which I didn't know existed and as for neck reining I was flummoxed.
After half a day I was beginning to get the feel for it, which was just as well as a long gallop across the pampas was to lead us to our next campsite. We galloped 4 or 5 abreast, High Chaparral style, in the shadow of the snow clad mountains. Stopping to give the horses a breather we suddenly realised that the wind had dropped and that the sun was shining. An Andean Condor soared on the thermals overhead. |
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