Day 4 Hogrog

Day 4 brought a shorter ride our way. Our guide Shuree said about 20 Mongolian km which equates to 25 km. It was a later start to the ride but we were still on the trail by 10 AM. We started with a gentle walk  and ahead of us was an open plain with a gentle rising slope. We got the call for a gallop to the top. One little kick and Khan was off and racing. Yet again we were cut off by a slightly out of contol rider so had to back off before kicking into gear. At the top of the hill the support van was waiting for us near a Sharman teepee. This is to let you know the roadbahead is protected by the Sharman. You go around the structure 3 times and pray for good weather and protection. After a short break we hit the trail again and headed off to a friend of Shurree’s for our lunch stop. These were a newly wed couple with a new ger and we were welcomed into their home. We wer invited to share some soup, sweets and a shot of vodka. Even though there was a language barrier we managed to get a chuckle when we were having the vodka. We also had our cook prepare a meal so lunch was a big meal. 

We still had about 13km to go and the hills were getting longer and  little higher. For some reason my knees were playing up more than normal and Khan wanted to trot at every available opportunity. I eventually slipped my feet out of the stirrups and let my legs dangle for the last 500m.  The stop was in sight alongside a small stream. We led the horses to the water and they enjoyed a long drink before being tied up for the night.

I am still in total amazement at the stamina these little horses have.  Not only do they have to carry my 83 kg frame up the hill, but add to that the weight of the saddle and then saddle bags with gear in it. You could almost guarantee a good 100kg on them. So far our total distance is 140 km or there abouts.