Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
This week, I would like you to share in the adventures of five lucky ladies who went away for a weekend never to be forgotten. The Dilmun 5 - Lisa, Mel, Andrea, Sam and Fran travelled to Jordan to experience some real desert riding and Bedouin-style life, writes Helen Blake.
Flying into Amman, the girls were greeted by trip organiser Brenda and Bedouin elder, Abu Iman.
After landing, the girls set off on a four mile drive to camp. On their way, they passed coffee shops, children, various animals, fruit sellers and several villages until they finally reached their destination, miles of endless hazy mountain and desert terrain, camels, mountains and sand dunes.
The girls, taking on board an all traditional lifestyle for their trip, lived in tents and experienced authentic Bedouin food, drink (well, countless cups of sweet Lipton tea) and fun in the desert without gadgets. The nights were spent around camp fires, talking, listening to the silence of the desert and making their own entertainment without technology.
Expecting to feel achy and tired from the excess of 15-hours a day spent trekking through the rocky landscape of Jordan's Wadi Rum, Fran was pleased to report no such pains, and any suspected twinges were soon forgotten as they followed the magnificent footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia.
When they arrived at their camp the girls were anxious to find their mounts, Arabian horses, which are bred for their speed, refinement, endurance and strong bones that are needed to negotiate the tough desert terrain.
Developed in a desert climate the Arabian horse was prized by the nomadic Bedouin people, often being brought inside the family tent for shelter and protection from theft. Selective breeding for traits that included the ability to form a co-operative relationship with humans has created a horse breed that is good-natured, quick to learn and willing to please.
Day one started early, initially slow and steady, giving the girls a chance to get the measure of their mounts. The horses had no names (rather reminiscent of a song ... 'riding through the desert on a horse with no name'!) So, they named them Fluffy - needed a good haircut, Fallah - spitting image of their own Dilmun Fallah, Gallop - who would not walk, Bay City Roller - aka Bay - who took to rolling in the thick sand WITH rider on board and Blondie - supporting the most beautiful golden locks. The lead rein, Brenda, was on her mare Samiha.
Initial introductions over and it was time for a gallop to the lunch camp. For Lisa, Sam and Mel it was their first ever galloping experience, and what an experience, covering the ground in seconds at breakneck speed, the wind wiping past, eyes watering from the sheer exhilaration.
The second camp was more basic than the first, but after another authentic Bedouin meal, all were happy to retire to their sleeping bags in anticipation of the next day's riding.
It brought about more fabulous scenery, gallops and tea, intercepted with history lessons from their Bedouin guides who also showed them how they lived using items found in the desert.
The girls last day came about all too quickly and they were able to walk in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia. Going off trail they rode deep into a sandstone mountain called Umm Ashreen (Mother of 20) shaded and protected from the elements.
Reaching up high in to the sky, the Bedouin guides explained the significance of the rocks and they were shown some ancient carvings from the time of Prophet Mohammed - written in ancient Arabic - declaring the Prophet's teachings to the Bedouin people of the Rum Valley.
One last surprise of the trip came with a farewell sandstorm, just to add authenticity to the adventure. Arriving back at camp for their last supper the girls were treated to food prepared in a sand cooker built into the desert.
The girls used a UK company called Equine Adventures to tailor arrange their weekend. Contcat www.equineadventures.co.uk for more details. You can find out more about Brenda and her Jordan connections at www.brendasjordan.com and she can tailor-make Arabian adventures for all.
Twin Palms Riding Centre has entered a team in this year's Marathon Relay on Friday, October, 29.
I can let you know all about that next week, well that's if I recover in time!
Email your equine news to helen2blake@hotmail.com
