The Mongolian Horse is strong and tough. Though smaller than horses in America they seem to be able to go forever. I weigh between 200 and 210 pounds and my horses (one in the Gobi Desert for three days and another in the Orkhan Valley for five) carried me about 5 hours each day covering 30-35 kilometers over sand dunes, up and, possibly harder, down mountains, through streams, walking, trotting, and galloping, in thunderstorms and 95-degree heat. They never gave up. Impressive.

We’re getting ready to follow Baggi up a large Dune of loose sand in 95-degree heat.

I was surprised by how well behaved but lively the horses were. They essentially run wild for most of the year and I was expecting a skittish ride. But as soon as they were saddled and bridled (which was quite a chore at times) they settled down and became very responsive (but not docile). Unlike a trail ride in the US, we rode the horses, we didn’t just sit on one walking behind a guide.

Horses trying to find a bit of shade in the Gobi Desert

The horses are let lose to fend for themselves until the Nomad needs them. There are no fences but somehow the herders manage to round them up.

The Mongolian Nomad is strong and tough. Though smaller than typical Americans (in height as well as girth😊) they handle the Mongolian environment year around; an entire family living in a spotlessly clean well decorated Ger (yurt) that is moved several times a year to summer, spring and winter locations. They are hard-working, quick to laugh, take joy in their children, and are welcoming to strangers.

Our three nomad horsemen: Boroo, Dembee, and Tumee. Our guide/translator, Honda, is second from left.

I felt that the Mongolians are doing it right. Under USSR domination until the early eighties, Mongolians have been independent since 1990 and now have a functioning democracy. The economy seemed vibrant, the people active and happy. I just got the feeling that they weren’t waiting for handouts or help from the rest of the world. They were strong and proud and are going to make their own way.

Our Drivers Togee and Mugi owned their own vans. They are entrepreneurs who subcontract out to the riding tour operators. Here is Togee overhauling his carburetor on top of a mountain during the middle of the trip.

To anyone reading this who is a horsemen or woman (or who has dreams in that direction); If you want a chance to ride across wide open landscapes for days on end, over mountains, valleys, and deserts, I can’t imagine a better place than Mongolia. Go, you won’t regret it.

It seems as if you can ride forever.

Anne, Doug and Chris were awesome. Before the trip we made sure that there was a sag vehicle available every day in case of sore muscles or backsides, bad terrain, exhaustion, difficult horses or whatever. They each had taken about four hours of lessons prior to the trip. They were at the stage where they were comfortable walking their horses with maybe an occasional gentle trot under tight supervision by an instructor for ½ to 1 hour. Well, they all rode every mile. They sat their saddles every minute of every ride. By the end they had each walked, trotted, cantered, and even galloped across the Mongolian Steppes. Riding helmets off to all of you.

On the last day, after 40+ hours of time in the saddle, Anne, Doug and Chris are still riding strong.

The nomads don’t name their horses. Even their favorite ones to ride will just be called “the black one” or “the one with a long mane”. They clearly care for and like their horses, but in the way a craftsman will care for his tools. Though their herds are an essential part of their daily lives people aren’t affectionate towards the horses. Our horsemen respect a strong fast horse but the idea of hugging a horse would never occur to them. It’s a working animal not a pet. I, of course, named my horse and was riding “Chinggis” in the desert and “TC” (Tubby Chinggis) in the Orkhan Valley. The horsemen got a quiet chuckle out of that. Silly tourist.

These are just some thoughts I had during the past two weeks in Mongolia. But since this whole Mongolian Horseback riding trip was my idea, I’ll write a summation post about the motivation and the results after I have had a chance to digest the experience a bit.

Me and Tubby Chinggis (TC)