One week later...

I'm starting to realise that it's not the horse-riding that's the main appeal...but the magnificent landscapes and scenery. 

We came from the small shadowed mountain in the background just left of centre.
Only one dog escort this week!



Didn't think I'd be writing about my horse riding adventures so soon but I really wanted to share my latest photos captured on my tiny digital camera.  It was exciting to witness such a rapid transformation in the landscape. What a difference a week makes!   

The temperature was minus 3 when we headed out.  Some of the horses had icicles attached to their coat (they'd obviously traversed the river that morning).  The river although still flowing briskly is now starting to freeze over on the riverbanks and shallower areas.  It was a joy to witness how adept my horse was at breaking the ice with his hoof on the rivers edge to enjoy an obviously freezing cold drink!  (no pictures of that as I was more concerned about staying dry!).

The plains were lightly cloaked with snow. It was very cold.  It's going to be a bigger challenge in the coming weeks to stay warm.

High up on the ridge-time to rest the horses and take in the majestic views

Snow capped mountains glisten in the sunlight. Its getting much warmer by now. You can barely see the Tuul river from this distance.

Zooming in on the Tuul river.  The waters are an amazing contrast to the browning countryside. 

It's hard to descibe how vast, exquisite and tranquil it is out in the open spaces.

Tember, our guide, models his monocular used for keeping track of stock and finding routes from very long distances.

Once you turn to go home, you don't need to know the way...the animals know exactly where home is.  (Quite often this would also lead to a spontaneous, undirected gallop!!)
It's moments like those you need a Minty!!! :D