30 April 2023
Turkiye
27
This series documents my 240km/ 6 day endurance ride across the magical national park of Cappadocia in Turkiye.This was all possible thanks to Nicolas Guillo from Kapadokya Ranch who expertly guided our French team on mostly deserted volcanic paths on super fit, sure footed Arab cross horses. I teamed up with the beautifully spirited 6 year old Anglo Arab mare named Hazan. It means Autumn in Turkish as she was born during this season. Hazan is a keen jumper who loves leaping an extra metre high in the air over a bed of water. The sportive ride started from Urgup with stopovers in the villages of Akkoy, Ayveli, Mustafa Pasa and Uchisar where we slept in troglodyte caves. 11th century monasteries are found all along the way, the land is extremely varied with fairy chimney formations, lakes and the surreal nature of the troglodyte habitation make this ride an absolute dream. We celebrated with a magical hot air balloon ride at sunrise. This is a never to be forgotten adventure with a rewarding few days in the exciting city of Istanbul on the way back.
Making ground over the plateau
About to get back in the saddle after climbing the steep ascent by foot
Stretching my legs in the surreal Cappadocia volcanic land
At Kapadokya ranch in Urgup
Mélanie, Chloé, Honorine, Maelle and Margaux making our all French team :)
Beautifully fast and spirited Hazan who teamed with me
The surreal village of Uchisar
Margaux and Honorine climbing down the Monastery
4.30am start
Magic sunrise ride over Cappadocia
Packing up
Checking out Nicolas over the ledge
Crossing the village of Mustafa Pasa
One of the many ascents
One of the many descents
This is the tradition. You have to enter the 11th century church with your horse on the finishing line of the endurance trek. Featuring Nicolas and his stallion
Honorine
Crossing one of the many fascinating villages scattered across Cappadocia
Akkoy village
Kangal Shepherd dogs roam freely all over Istanbul. They are all loved and well fed
Cigarette break along the Bosphorus
The Harem of 15th century Topkapi Palace Istanbul
Posing in Galata Istanbul
Galata Istanbul
Cats always seem to find the warm spot. Sultanahmet Istanbul
Siblings in Balat Istanbul
Back street in Sultanahmet Istanbul
