Grass-wise this summer was great ! Our horses could eat enough and did not get too tired despite all the travelers they carried. We have been able to cut grass and store more hay than previous years as a result they now look like typical over fed lazy european ponies. (I wonder if that last sentence is insulting for our horses or european ponies). Anyway thats good lets hope they manage to keep some of that fat all through winter.
Her name is “Baougai – little bear” (little for now) age unknown but rather young as you can see. She will be in charge of the “protection” of the cafe from this winter. It is winter now … first winter snow have come in Harhorin.
… just five years old. We celebrated her birthday at the Morin Jim Cafe. It is amazing to see how fast children can learn. Even though she never rode before, she has been able to trot and gallop all by herself after just one day.
All my respect.
Yesterday, Tuya’s lovely dog “Khartsag” died. She has been guarding the “Morin Jim Cafe” for several years, and brought comfort to all of us (Tuya, Xavier, Aya and I) during hard times.
She was the most popular female dog in town … which was kind of a problem when she was in heat, making it hard to sleep at night. Our kind encouragement to Tuya who is of course the most touch by this sad news.
This year, Horsetrails did not compete in the Horse races because of a lack of time and a very busy season. But we did participate … I (Olivier) competed. Not in wrestling of course, I am not “cut” for it as some of you probably noticed.
We did not take any picture of my “outstanding performance” but I have been photographed to death by many tourists (German, British, American and French of course). I wonder what is the point for them to take picture of a “foreigner / tourist” competing when there are real Mongolian nomadic people competing as well, i don’t get it.
At the end of the competition Horsetrails offered one bow to the woman who won the competition. Archery seems to be the least popular naadam “sports” in Harhorin at least. One bow for all the contestants so far. Now there are more, and may be next year more competitors i hope.
Big party for children’s day in Harhorin. All children related to Horsetrails or Morin Jim Cafe had been invited on first of June for a big celebration party. After the children’s one the adult also had a party though.
Yesterday, blizzard blew in Harhorin, bringing 30 cm of snow in the city. This is dangerous weather pattern, for horses but also for humans because in the storm you can only see few meters away and it is very easy to get lost. Every year nomadic people get lost and some die in the blizzard. It usually happens in winter but it is more tricky in spring when you are usually expecting less harsh weather conditions and you are usually less prepare for it.
Our horseman got lost last night. We found him and he is now at hospital. We all wish him a fast recovery.
Horsetrails’ team is getting ready for the high season, saddles are getting repaired, new ones are made. Everyone is working hard around the Morin Jim Cafe.
Winter is not completely over, yet two groups already had a trip with Horsetrails. Next group is coming soon, this will be a very early start to the season for Horsetrails this year.
In every city people leave close to each other, and need to create some privacy. In Harhorin this “privacy” is created by building up “western-movie-like” fences. This fences have some disadvantages. For instance with snow. Mongolia receives a relatively small amount of snow during winter, in the country side (steppe, desert or mountain) it make relatively few problems because the wind blows it away. See along the river and on the mountain slopes below …
But in the city the snow gets blocked by the fences. And as you can see it can be troublesome.
Five years ago, three friends signed the initial agreement that was the founding act of Horsetrails. We wanted people to discover Mongolia just as we did. We started working with 3 guides, 6 families, 20 horses and very few clients. 5 years later we are now working with more than 10 families, 6 guide, 60 horses and thanks to you a lot more clients.
We are happy be able to continue, guiding you and helping you discover this country and its people that we love. We went through hard times, but thanks to everybody’s (guides, drivers, cook, families , friends) hard work, will to go on, and support (including moral support form former clients), we have been able to go on.
Nothing is perfect and nothing will ever be, but we are doing things with the will to improve, and faith in the way we chose to work.
