In the Who Rides in India section, we hear from riders who have journeyed to India to ride the native breeds.
Pam, a professional equestrian photographer, joined Dundlod Safari’s on an expedition ride, the Jaisalmer Marwari Trail, pioneering a new route across the Thar Desert.
Pam Langrish is a professional equestrian photographer, more of her beautiful work can be found here.
Describe your riding background, Pam
I started riding when I was about 10. First with lessons in our local stables, then โprogressedโ (doubtful) to being a stable girl, cycling the few miles to the stables. I was probably totally useless, not like my sister, who was always called on to saddle the ponies as I was often kicked by them – no doubt in punishment for my being a complete idiot and totally kak-handed at handling them. I rode friends horses and that taught you to stay on, or not, as the case was, on occasion.
Years then elapsed and I restarted riding when I was newly married, stopped during pregnancy and got back on (and fell off), principally to go on hacks across the gorgeous British countryside.
That has been the history of it. Each time I get back on a horse, I wonder that I could let so much time go by, but life gets in the way.
Iโve been on riding safari with my daughter Zoรซ near Richards Bay in South Africa and also went with her to Jordan, both of which were absolutely fantastic and repeatable, but other adventures are worth experiencing too!
Why did you choose to ride in India?
It was a dream that came true, as I met my husband Bob when he came back from a photo shoot with Bonnie Dundlod, who then stayed with us on a visit to the U.K. Sort of the circle coming round again and being the right time. Iโd longed to ride the Marwari horse with its wonderful ears, and India is such a fantastic destination. It is the reputation of the Marwari that really swung it for me. They are brave, fast, forward-going, not too big and worth riding because they are themselves.
How was your experience riding the Marwari breed of horse?
My little mount, Sukhi, was wonderful and kind and looked after me.
I can ride, but Iโm not the most experienced/confident of riders. I just loved being on her, but was determined not to delay everybody else or fall off! Initially she seemed to plod along at the back, but once I started riding out at the side, or in front to take pictures, her ears were permanently pricked and often got in the way of my photographs! Each time I mounted up, it put the most massive smile on my face and in my heart.
How would you describe riding in rural Rajasthan with Dundlod Safari’s?
It was fantastic seeing the life of India and experiencing the sights, sounds and smells of India so closely. The people were so incredibly kind and intrigued by our being there. It made you feel so proud and privileged and aware of how lucky we were to be able to go. The variety of terrain was so interesting and the best bits were when we were really and truly in the desert, seeing the wild animals.
What sets an equestrian holiday on Marwari’s in India apart from other destinations?
Because it is a Marwari and you cannot ride them anywhere else in the world. Life, if weโre incredibly lucky, gives us chances to go to different parts of the world and so this was a chance not to be missed to experience India, and to go to areas and see it untouched and unspoiled by being overly westernised. India is full of history and so it was an added bonus to be able to be there.
What advice would you give to riders who are keen to travel to India to ride Marwari’s with Dundlod Safaris?
If you are keen to go, I cannot state more persuasively or categorically that you must make every effort to do so.
PAM LANGRISH – PROFESSIONAL EQUESTRIAN PHOTOGRAPHER
It was wonderful and the most amazing experience, which I would repeat in a heartbeat. Sleeping in the tent or under the stars was just fabulous. I felt heartbroken when I dismounted Sukhi for the last time.
It would be hard, if not impossible to list anything that was missing from our every comfort, provided by Dundlod Safaris. I did take a seat saver, which I was grateful for, but the saddle seemed very comfortable, so I may not have needed it. Long sleeved loose tops were really useful, and a very good, waterproof/sweatproof suncream plus lipsyl available at all times. I had a silk scarf in case of wind and sand, which was great against the sun. Ear plugs might be an idea, depending if there are pilgrimages, because they travel in the cool of the night, so it can lead to a very broken night.
Pam Langrish, Professional equestrian photographer
Pam covered the Jaisalmer Marwari Trail as a photographer, taking many of the beautiful images in this blog of the Marwari horses, Rajasthan, and capturing the wonderful memories of this expedition ride. You can see Pam’s work on her website here.
