PATAGONIA - the imprint is big, huge even, the distances stretch to the horizon and the memories further still.

Land of the wind, land of the infinite horizon, land of the tehuelche, the ona of myth, of extinct forests and dinosaurs, of manners and customs long past. Yet their echoes are permanent, present and alive here. The wind whispers and blows with the echoes of deeds done, of the people who left their imprint in every cave, of Lucas, uncrowned king of Patagonia, protector and friend of the now extinct indians who hunted these desolate lands at the ends of the earth, echoes of fortunes made in the times of the first war by the wool barons wresting by force of will, by subjugating millions of acres and thousands of sheep the first exports to leave these remote shores.

From the mountains of Darwin, across the Straights of Magellan, up and over the distant ports of Santa Cruz the lands of Patagonia extend nortwards off the horizon. Here the rocks and hills of the land breathe a history audible to those who are attuned to the land, sympathetic to nature.

It is the land where the horse was meant to be, to roam free and wild, in great herds, following the grass, the seasons, and assimilating the simple yet wise ways of the lead mare - mother of all - our mother, our guide in this land that is the home of adventure and freedom.

Welcome to Patagonia!

21 Jan 2006

From BC Canada: Swapping Riding Holidays

Dear Jan,

I live in Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada. I am in the Cariboo-Chilcotin area which is the best riding country in this province (and arguably this nation). Many equestrian holiday companies have trips into this area. My riding partner, Fred, and I do trips there all the time in the spring, summer and fall.

I was wondering if you know of any service that could hook us up with people who live in foreign countries, have horses, are competent with them and who know very well their respective areas who might be willing to exchange holidays? Fred and I could take a couple for a 7-10 days - house them here in the cabin at my farm, take them out into the Chilcotin on a camping trip if they could later reciprocate in their own area.

I have 8 horses. Fred has 3. Fred has spent his whole professional life on horseback as an agrologist for the Ministry of Forests here in B.C. He know the Chilcotin extremely well and can trailer, pack and camp very well. I grew up in the Yukon and have been around horses all my life. I am a psychiatrist.

We would want to go somewhere completely different in turn. Not be part of a large group - there's nothing worse than being part of a group of 6-12! And we like camping. And rough terrain.

Submitted by Vona Priest.

6 Jan 2006