Riding with Kings, Rajasthan, India. 10 days plus options to stay on. 7 days riding. Introduction This is a ride through rural Rajasthan, a long way from India’s established tourist routes. We ride along sandy trails that thread their way between fields of millet, squash and horse-beans, crossing an agricultural environment that is little changed from the days of the Rajputs and Mongol overlords. Camel carts are the transport of choice with ox waggons and donkeys making their contribution to the rural roads. Many crops are harvested by sickle, fields ploughed by bullocks, and the occasional small Massey, and crops stooked in the traditional way. This is a rare opportunity to see India in a rural setting. And the fact that you’ll be travelling in the most traditional way, riding a Marwari Horse, bestows a very special status upon you: not only are you mounted, but you will be mounted on a prize example of a Marwari – well cared for, well fed and fantastically well mannered. When you ride through a village, heads will turn: riders from the West mounted on horses that the experienced, appraising eyes will acknowledge come from the top bloodlines. The thing to emphasize about this ride is that the logistics are flexible and can be tailor-made to fit your itinerary, particularly if your party consists of four or more riders. The Marwari Horse “science” of whorls is of interest, your host on this The Marwari horse stands between 14 hh and 17 hh ride is well-versed and happy to share his knowledge. depending on its geographical origin; stock from more fertile areas grow larger than their desert There is a stud book in India which was established in counterparts. Furthermore, foals now achieve larger the 2000’s: the breed isn’t new, agreeing to the proportions due to improved nutrition and better standard is! One of the results of having a breed parasite control but the average remains 15.2 hh to standard is that it is now prohibited to 16 hh. export Marwari. They wish to preserve and improve the breed within India. The Marwari comes in all colours including the boldly coloured Tack ‘ablacks’ (Piebalds or Skewbalds) The saddles are Indian cavalry “Sawar” particularly favoured in India. The saddles developed by the British cavalry in Marwari’s natural tendency to the mid 1700’s and still used by the Indian perform would make him cavalry today. They are designed with a particularly suitable for dressage, high pommel allowing a good flow of air but dressage isn’t popular in India. along the horse’s spine which is particularly He is a tough, brave and beautiful important in India’s hot climate. They horse who has proven his ability to function (and feel) similar to a conventional adapt and thrive in most English saddle and are comfortable for environments. When you first set both horse and rider. Short chaps work well eyes on one you tend to think they with this tack and if you like to use a seat- look angular; not a bit of it! These are the marathon saver it’s a good idea to bring one. If you have a runners of the horse world; all sinew and lean particular favourite stirrup you can also bring these, muscle: remarkable stamina and they end the day as though stirrups are of course provided. The bits are fresh and keen as they begin it. snaffle bits. They are particularly known for their ears! The classic lyre-shaped ear with the tips just touching. There is a host of folklore about the whorls on the coat too: too much to go into here, but if the The tack on its overnight rack. The Riding Itinerary Day 1. Day 5: Depart London and fly overnight to Jaipur. Nawalgarh to Churiajitgarh and Nabipura Today we set out on trail. Ride through semi-desert Day 2 areas with small farms where the countryside is Arrival in Jaipur dotted with Khejri trees and ladies wearing brightly The flight arrives in Jaipur at dawn. Met upon arrival coloured saris work the land. En route we will stop and driven across Jaipur (35 mins) to the hotel for a picnic lunch and a long rest before riding on where your charming room awaits you for a through farmland to reach a small copse and freshen-up and change of clothes; it’ll be warmer waterhole. Many herds of Nilgai, the indigenous here than in the UK so it’ll be good to shower and antelope, and “blue bulls” (the mature males) may change into lighter clothing. be seen around camp. Breakfast will be ready when you are, around 08:00 Whilst on the trail each night is spent in a tented and afterwards we’ll head off in a northerly camp but this is no ordinary camp: you will be direction towards the stable in a private coach. provided with blankets, quilts, pillows, a mattress Arrive in the small town of Nawalgarh before lunch: and a camp bed. The canvas “rooms” are large total driving time about 5 hrs (flexible according to enough to stand upright in. Grooms ride with the Indian road conditions). It was founded in 1737 by a team to feed and water the horses. warrior statesman whose name is enshrined in local history and folklore. The town exudes an old world Overnight in camp. charm and the colourful bazaar has the largest number of painted Havelis in the whole of Day 6: Shekhawati. Nabipura to Dabri to Fatehpur Beed. Set out in the morning riding through semi-desert A royal welcome greets the arrival at the Kothi towards Fatehpur Beed, which is best described as (“castle” – but it’s better described as equivalent to our SSSI’s (Site of Special Scientific a fortified manor house) lying just a kilometre from Interest). 300 years ago the Nawab (feudal lord) of the town. The kothi is a fascinating blend of Fatehpur mounted his Marwari and declared that all European and Rajput style of architecture with the land he could ride around between sunrise and lovely, spacious lawns, a billiard room and a sunset would be protected for posterity. Today swimming pool. Overnight at the Kothi Fatehpur Beed is an amazing 70 km² where indigenous plants thrive. Today’s picnic lunch is near Day 3 a typical Shekhawati water tank "Johda". While Nawalgarh trial ride. camping in Beed you should see desert fox, jackal, After breakfast we visit the stables where we meet nilgai and others. This protected area demonstrates the team. The owner of the stable will introduce that if human activity is restricted, a scrub-forest each rider to his/her horse and offer advice on how can thrive in arid conditions. We settle down for to ride a Marwari. You can then ride around the supper in camp near a ruined Haveli that overlooks paddock near the kothi to get the feel of your horse. the entire Beed. We enjoy a picnic lunch and afterwards ride outside the grounds to try out all the “gears” and see how Overnight in camp. you get along. If riders are not comfortable with the horse that has been selected for them, you are welcome to try another. Overnight at the Kothi Day 4 Nawalgarh: 2nd trial ride and explore the town. Today we take a morning ride, with picnic breakfast, to explore the surrounding countryside, returning in the late morning in time for lunch at the kothi. In the afternoon you are free to enjoy the facilities at the kothi or jump into the Jeep and explore the town, with a guide. We’ll be able to visit a couple of the most splendid havelis and gain access to the roof terrace that gives an excellent “roof-scape” of the town. The Marwari, an Indian aristocrat. Return to the kothi for dinner and overnight. 2 www.ventureco-worldwide.com Day 7: If you can stay on, we recommend a fabulous family Fatehpur Beed to Ramgarh home in the centre of Jaipur, “The Pink City”. Today we ride north further into the Shekhawati heartland; the landscape becoming more arid. The Overnight Jaipur boutique hotel. sand-dunes are dotted with greenery where plants have found water and again we have the opportunity Day 11 (optional): to enjoy some long canters and maybe even a gallop! Today you take a private city tour of Jaipur which is a real gem: we don’t have a fixed itinerary for this visit Ramgarh is a small town with many painted havelis, but will interpret the preferences of the guests. and an interesting traditional market place. Some of the local highlights are: Overnight in camp. Amber Fort: about 30 mins north of the centre, like Day 8: something out of a fairy tale, the fort tops a hilltop Ramgarh to Mehansar Castle overlooking Maota Lake. It was the original home of Riding through high sand-dunes and desert villages, the Rajput (before Jaipur was built). It contains we reach the beautiful small village of Mehansar. stunning mirrored halls, gardens, and temples. The Mehansar Castle is a charming, family-run hotel with fort is reached by walking up the hill, going in a jeep, basic comforts but excellent home-cooked food and or riding an elephant. bags of character. City Palace: a huge complex of courtyards, gardens, The afternoon is free to rest from the rigors of the and buildings blend both Rajasthani and Mughal desert and the long rides and to venture up to the architecture. The Peacock Gate is exquisite, and top tower to see the spectacular views as the sun features bright peacocks.