When we first set off for Mongolia we were hoping to sample 100 horses but expecting to only sample 40 or 50 since the horses may be difficult to catch, and they cannot be closely related. Having sampled 90 horses the previous day, a total of 100 horses had turned in to a reality.
After sampling the last 10 horses, which included the 4 we had been gifted the previous day, we saddled up to go on a well-earned trek across the planes. The four of us each had a jockey guide as we made our way to the top of a hill. The view at the top was breath taking 360O of rolling mountains and unspoilt countryside. The hardest thing to explain to you is the sheer size and vastness of Mongolia. There are no trees or houses to show you the scale just endless unspoilt beauty.
Mongolian jockeys must be over 7 years old and less than 30Kg; most are retired by the age of 12. Our jockey guides were riding in racing saddles (which are a very minimalistic) highlighting the skill and strength required to race at such a young age. These children truly become a part of the horse. Cantering to the base of a mountain and taking the climb to the top has got to be one of the best experiences of my life!
Walking up the side of the mountain it surprised me how rocky it was. From the bottom it just looks like a grassy mound but in fact it is covered in: small, hard, loose rocks. The horses scrambled up to the top to yet another phenomenal view. These horses are so hardy to be able to cope with such terrain as well as the 30-degree heat in the summer and -30 degree cold and snow in the winter. There was a large pile of rocks at the top of the mountain which we had to walk clockwise around three times. Due to the language barrier I had no Idea why I was doing this at the time. I have since found out that this pile of rocks is called an Ovoo and is an offering to the gods. To not go around the mound three times clockwise is thought to be disrespectful and will result in you falling ill or dying. Maybe I did it wrong because I now have a cold!
Our conversation during our ride consisted of pointing at various parts of the horse and countryside and saying the name in English and Mongolian. My pronunciation must have been awful as the jockeys spent most of their time laughing at me. After scrambling our way back down the mountain we tied our horses up next to the ranch. There were a couple of large wooden poles protruding vertically from the ground. Between them, was sturdy length of rope with rings at 5m intervals to which the horses were tied. This is very typical in Mongolia.
After riding we collected our stuff together and made our way back to Ulaanbaatar. I was sad to leave the countryside of Khentii but after the long, hot days (30 oc) I was ready to have a proper shower again.