HORSEBACK TREKKING IN JORDAN
 HOW IT WORKS!…

WELCOME TO OUR DESERT STEEDS - TO  "WADI RUM HORSES" ! 

 
The "mule" knot - this knot is essential!

Here are a few rules and some important advice which will help with the everyday procedure during your trip.

Arrival at the stables, greetings and introductions all round.

• Here the toilet is in a private house. Never throw toilet paper into the WC.  A rubbish bin is close at hand
   

• The water is drinkable everywhere. Fill your bottles and refill them every chance you get.

Be dressed for riding when you arrive (see clothing list). Put the things you need for relaxing at the midday halt, including sandals, etc.  in a separate bag and leave it with the driver. He will pack it so that it is quickly available when wanted.

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You will be allocated a horse. Brush it down before harnessing it for each departure. This lets you check there is no potential problem. Note any injury and tell the guide. During the whole trip keep an sharp eye on the condition of your horse.

• You must know how to tie up your horse to whatever is handy - to a stake, to a hook on a rock to a branch... The knot to be used is the "mule" knot, easily undone with one hand if the horse pulls "au renard".  The other knot used to tie the horse is the "bowline"  which needs two hands to untie it.

Comment faire un noeud "mule"	Comment faire un noeud "chaise"

After the original grooming, you will be given a complete saddle, a saddlepad with pockets closed by velcro strips, and either a bridle with bit or a hackamore.

• When trekking, and especially the first day, it is better to keep the halter with you, either still on the horse or in one of the pockets of the saddlepad. It is always likely that you will need to tie the horse unexpectedly, even if it is just to take a photo without the horse "on your arm".

A strap for tying the horse is part of the "personal" equipment supplied. You should always have it with you, in one of the pockets or around the horses neck (no slip knot, please!)

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 When you arrive at a halting point or at the bivouac site the guide or his staff will point out where to tie up the horses

1. Tie your horse with a "mule" knot

2. Take off the bridle and unsaddle your mount. Put all the equipment away from the sand - up on a rock for instance

3. Rub his back hard for a few seconds where the saddle was

4. Give him water, if possible as much as he wants. At the same time, wash the bit thoroughly. Spread out the saddle pad or blanket so that it will dry more quickly

5. Take your horse somewhere where he can roll in the sand - this is his way of taking a shower!

6. Tie him up correctly (with a "mule knot"), brush him down quickly and look him over

7. Give him any necessary medical treatment - the guide has the supplies. Thank you. Fodder (barley, straw, alfalfa) will be given later.

• A few minutes before you arrive at a halting spot, the guide will ask you to dismount: loosen the girth a couple of holes. This lets the saddle provide a  natural massage of the horse's back after the sudden decompression of its blood vessels. Like this we avoid swellings, - which will mean an unavoidable stoppage of the animal.
   

• Similarly, when starting off, you should walk for a few minutes to warm the horse up before you mount.
   

• While you are riding, keep a distance from the others. Space yourselves out, don't stay together all the time. Take advantage of the space offered in the desert, but don't go too far away, always stay in sight of the guide and within hailing distance.
   

• When trotting or galloping, keep a steady pace. Don't get in front of the guide. The ground in the desert sometimes hides traps, sometimes dangerous ones, like burrows or sudden changes of terrain

Always look ahead, but remember that our horses are highly responsive to your signals

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In the camp, after having looked after your horse, don't hesitate to join in helping the staff with the chores, (unloading the cars, setting up the camp, collecting wood, preparing the meal, etc....

If there's enough water (ask first), you can give yourself a little shower! There are plenty of jugs and soap about. One jug (holding about 4 liters) is enough for washing and rinsing all your body (except your hair which needs too much water!). There are plenty of "private bathrooms" to be found in the nooks in the rocks, where you can be nice and private.

And then, you can relax and rest on the matting, or the mattresses provided.

When you're thirsty, always start off with the hot sugared tea. Only afterwards, drink all the water you want.

Always wash your hands before eating. When the meal is served on a common tray, use the right hand and keep the left one for "impure" tasks. When you need to go to the toilet, choose a discreet corner, but don't head systematically for one of those beautiful nooks which might be needed for other purposes by future groups...! ALWAYS BURN TOILET PAPER (lighters are provided the first day= or bring it back to the camp in a plastic bag and put it in with the rubbish.

Help to clean up the camp before you move off.

Thank you all very much.

The "Wadi Rum Horses & Camels" team

Atallah Sabbah Sweilhin & Wilfried Colonna