Exploring the world through Horses

Given Free Rein - where tradition, adventure and horse culture meet

It’s not just about horses. It’s about people, place, and the history shared between them.

Here, I share stories from across the globe — where horse culture is alive and thriving, ancient and evolving. From the wild plains of Mongolia to the deserts of Africa and Asia, and inside some of Europes oldest riding schools, I follow the hoof prints of history, tradition, and connection. It’s about more than breeds and saddles — it’s about people, place, and the enduring spirit of the horse..

Featured Articles

falabella horse breed, given free rein

Falabella: The World's Tiniest Horse with a Grand Story

Miniature in size, monumental in story—the Falabella is a reminder that not all horses need to be ridden to leave a mark. Sometimes, they just need to be seen, understood, and celebrated.

Pushkar horse and camel festival

Pushkar Camel & Horse Fair: A Sacred Stage for India’s Marwari Majesty

horses and travel. Sumba. Indonesia. Horses on beach. Sumba pony.

Horses carry the cultural weight of the Pushkar Fair. The Marwari horse, a breed synonymous with Rajasthan's warrior history, takes center stage in both spiritual ceremonies and competitive showcases. Many devotees bring their horses to be blessed at the lake, tying the animal into the sacred atmosphere of the pilgrimage.

Sumba: Where the Sandalwood Winds Blow

Tucked away in the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia, Sumba is a place of contrast and quiet intensity. Dry hills roll into dramatic coastlines. Ancient stone tombs lie scattered among villages where life follows rhythms little changed by time. And galloping through the heart of it all is an animal that has shaped the very identity of this place — the Sandalwood pony.

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