Lone Ranger: Riding in Montenegro

Lone Ranger: Riding in Montenegro

While Peter went climbing in Russia, I decided to do something much more: riding in Montenegro

I was alone in more than one way. I was traveling without Peter for the first time this year; I was the only non-French spokesman on our seven-night tour; I was the only vegetarian in the group; And I was far the least experienced driver.

'It doesn't matter', I thought on the first day. I could spend the week with it at the same time my riding and improve my French.

As it turned out, the only vocabulary that I learned was the French word for Lauch (Poireau), but my driving skills have improved in a leap in (in the truest sense of the word) despite some bumps.

My relative lack of experience became clear immediately when we met our horses on day 2 for the first time. I greeted Vranac, a strong male with a dark chocolate coating, and began to stroke his mane.

alt = “A trio of horses grazed on our travel trip in Montenegro”> Atlas & Boots A trio of our horses

In the meantime, my equestrian colleagues picked up bristles and hoof scraps and began to maintain their horses with liquid efficiency. I had taken a dozen riding lessons in the past, but never cleaned hooves before.

Satisfied with my efforts I climbed Vranac and soon we set off. I was immediately impressed by the landscape. I had chosen the trip mainly because it collapsed with Peter's climbing in Russia, and I had not suspected that riding in Montenegro would be so beautiful.

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We spent the morning to meander through yellow berry meadows under the gently warming sun. The yawning landscape was perfect for riding: lush, colorful and fertile.

After four hours in the saddle we stopped for lunch, and when I watched the riders secured their horses with a quick locking node, I felt an acute inability.

As Peter will tell you, I have an inexplicable problem with measuring devices, closures, zippers, buckles, knots and locks (if this is a known disability, please tell me someone because I feel like an idiot). Unnecessarily saying that I had difficulty binding the knot, especially since I had never done one before. One of my passengers - this time Mathilde - came to my aid and helped me to tie (and tie it back).

alt = "Riding in Montenegro"> Atlas & Boots My experiment on the quick closure node

We ate a hearty lunch from Kačamak (warm and buttery corn flour mixed with local cheese) and Punjena peppers (with meat, rice and tomatoes filled peppers), followed by Rakija, a colorless brandy with 40% alcohol!

Soon we were ready to drive again. Back on our horses we grazed through gentle willows until the youngest rider in the group persuaded our guide to gallop down.

When we made our way, Vranac flew past the fore horse - eager to gallop. My lack of experience came out again when I couldn't wrap it and he stormed forward. Adrenaline drummed in my ears and my thoughts flew back to my riding lessons for their most important rule: always stay calm. In this sense I relaxed my attitude, then pulled and loosened and pulled and loosened the reins until Vranac calmed down again.

alt = "Typical scenes on our ride in Montenegro"> Atlas & Boots Typical scenes when riding in Montenegro

After the drama of the day was over, we survived the rest of the afternoon without incidents or accidents. That came on day 3. It happened on a mountain pass on a piece of steep rocks. Our horses slowly and carefully navigated around the rocks. I patranac to assure him that he did a good job. Unfortunately, he lost the hold on a particularly slippery section and fell on the left side.

vranac got most of the impact, but I also opened on the floor and partially jammed under it. I felt a sharp approach from panic when he straightened up and I lost the reins while my left foot was still in the stirrup. If he decided to break away, I would be dragged over the rocks. Vranac took a few unsafe steps forward, but then it mentally stopped. I shook my foot and got up quickly so as not to be kicked.

Our main guide Millena relegated and examined my bones and bruises. Everyone (most) was relieved that Vranac and me were doing well. I had no pain, but it was the first time that I had fallen from a horse and when I held a hand up, I noticed that she was trembling. My shock soon turned into embarrassment and I was grateful for Millena's factual tone when she told me I should get back on the horse. After all, we were in the mountains and could not cover the route on foot.

Zipline recordings: Mathilde cool

I reached my low point on day 4. I had pain from riding, bruises from the fall and was hot and stood out on my long -sleeved top, which made me braise in the heat. When we sat down for lunch and the conversations in French flowed around me, I silently counted the remaining trip. Can I really stay in the saddle for three days? Could my tired calves have endured 15 hours of driving? Could my British sensitivity endure the embarrassment of an amateur?

alt = “riding tips: Always wear a helmet”> Atlas & Boots smile again after a strenuous morning ride in Montenegro

on day 5 the sore muscles waned and I started enjoying the journey. In the past few days, my passengers have been very helpful to improve my technology. I now felt stronger and more confident than ever. We drove past glittering green lakes and high mountain passes through the dramatic Durmitor National Park and, my God, it was breathtaking.

Soon I had enough confidence to gallop again and understood why the group was always like that to become faster. The moment when a horse changes its gait and shoots it at high speed is absolutely exciting. It tears through your tendons and sparks through your blood until you think that the air will literally run out.

Video: Mathilde Coolen

After six days riding we spent our last day with rafting on the Tara River and Ziplining over the Tara River Canyon, which is 82 km long and at its lowest point 1,300 m (4,300 ft). When the week came to an end and I prepared for my last night in Montenegro, I thought about the events of the week.

There had been ups and downs and sometimes I feared that I was simply not experienced enough for the trip, but the patience of my passenger was inexhaustible and her guidance of invaluable value. They helped me through the cuts and bruises and literal missteps. They led me through the low point from day 4 to day 6 when I was able to fully enjoy the thrill, freedom and the unspeakable joy of riding one with a horse. There is no exaggeration to say that I have rarely felt more alive.

riding in Montenegro: The essentials

What: Riding in Montenegro with Unicorn Trails. The seven-night mountain and stable comprises in the saddle for six days and covers a total of 130 km to 150 km (four to seven hours of riding per day).

Where: We stayed in a mixture of eco -cotton and mountain huts, mostly with joint baths. Drivers can request private rooms, but this cannot be guaranteed because there are only limited accommodations in the mountains.

alt = "Our first and last overnight stay"> Atlas & Boots Our first and last overnight stay

The rooms are warm and cozy and the food is plentiful. Vegetarians can be treated after prior notice (remind your tour guide on your arrival).

When: The best time to ride Montenegro is June to September when the weather is warm and sunny. Make sure you layer and pack a raincoat, as it can also be cold and rainy in the mountains in midsummer.

like: I went to Montenegro with Unicorn Trails, a specialized tour operator with almost 20 years of experience during riding holidays. I chose Unicorn Trails because they are committed to responsible tourism in the industry. The company was founded by a veterinarian and horse lover and therefore pursues a proactive approach for responsible tourism. Look at your trips to Montenegro here or explore the full list of travel destinations. Tel: 01767 600 606, email: info@unicorntrails.com.

Several international airlines fly to Montenegro. I had a super early flight, so I booked a night in the Ibis Styles London Heathrow Airport. The rooms are calm, comfortable and stylish (as the name suggests). There is free high-speed WLAN, a hotel's restaurant and-the best of everything-Expressbuses to the Heathrow terminals around the clock. I started at 4:10 a.m. and was past the security check exactly 23 minutes later: perfect for a late night or an early start!

Book flights at the best prices via skyscanner.net.

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Lonely Planet Montenegro is a comprehensive travel guide for Montenegro, ideal for those who want to explore the most important sights and take the less busy street.

Mission statement: Atlas & Boots

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