General Info

Combine horseback riding in the Wadi Rum Desert in Jordan with Atallah, your Bedouin guide, magical Petra, Mt. Nebo, where Moses first saw the Holy Land, the dazzling mosaics of Madaba, historic Roman ruins in the well preserved city of Jerash and a float in the Dead Sea led by Terhaal, one of few tour operators in Jordan that specializes in adventure travel.

Larger than the country of Portugal and smaller than the U.S. state of Indiana, Jordan is a kingdom in the Middle East well worth discovering. The Bedouin, tribes of desert nomads who are thought to have been some of the original breeders of Arabian horses, have a rich culture. They survive in the sometimes harsh conditions in the desert and will teach you much as you ride with them through the Wadi Rum, whose landscapes were made famous by the epic film Lawrence of Arabia. The Wadi Rum Desert is called ‘The Valley of the Moon.’ Large pink, red and white sandstone formations striated with lines of black, and pockmarked with crevices rise up to bright blue cloudless skies. The desert is stunning. There are areas of rocky sand mixed with large sugary sand dunes, surprising patches of greenery, imposing mountains and large sandstone monuments decorated with 2500 year-old petroglyphs.

You’ll spend time riding strong Arabian horses and Arabian crosses, eating foods cooked right at your campsite and sleeping in comfortable Bedouin camps. This trip is a truly unique opportunity to meet the warm Bedouin people, like your host, Atallah, who was born in Wadi Rum. Over ten years ago, Atallah became the first Bedouin to guide to lead riders horse trekking in the area. Atallah is an endurance rider, participating in races in Jordan and Europe. Riding through the desert with the Bedouin is sure to earn you bragging rights with your friends and give you special insight into the Bedouin way of life and Jordanian culture.

This trip also includes the rare chance to take in equestrian culture in Amman. You'll visit either the Royal Stables to meet the beautiful Arabian horses and gain insight into the royal breeding program, the Royal Jordanian Polo Club or the Arab Horse Club, depending on availability.

Amman is a colorful city you’ll get to know on your city tour. Jerash, which has been called “the Pompeii of the Middle East” and is a major attraction in Jordan. Once a part of the Decapolis, a federation of ten important Roman cities in the Middle East, Jerash is thought to have been inhabited as far back as the Bronze Age. You can enjoy the RACE, Roman Army and Chariot Experience, here and watch the gladiators fight and race to the finish.

Rejunvenate in the salty mineral rich waters of the Dead Sea. Take in the Dead Sea and Jordan Valley from high atop Mount Nebo, where Moses first saw the Holy Land. Explore the ancient Nabatean city of Petra, once a desert oasis and thriving urban area. Traveling through the siq and viewing Petra’s treasury for the first time is an amazing experience. It’s all part of your classic adventure tour, riding and exploring the Middle East in Jordan.

Jordan Bedouin Trek & Classic Tour- 9 days/ 8 nights- Intermediate to Advanced riders

Awards & Accolades
This trip will be featured in Equitrekking’s Jordan episodes debuting on PBS fall 2010.

Your guide for the riding portion of this trip, Bedouin Atallah Swalhen, is an award-winning endurance rider.

Terhaal, the Jordanian tour operator who arranges this trip in Jordan, is a member of the Adventure Travel Trade Association, the Jordan Tourism Board and the Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association.




 

Packing

Please see Equitrekking Travel’s General Packing List.

Atallah, your guide for the riding portion of this trip, recommends the following items:
- Comfortable pair of riding pants
- Riding boots, helmet and chaps if you use them
- Comfortable pants and an extra pair of shoes for the desert camps at night
- Warm fleece jacket is always helpful
- Personal washing items, sunscreen, etc.
- A flashlight for walking around your camp at night
 

About the Horses

You’ll ride locally bred Arabian horses and Arabian crosses that are used to the desert environment. The horses are all cared for in the ‘English tradition” by your guide Atallah and his family. They are fed alfafa together with rolled barley & chaff. Regular worming program and shoeing is carried out by Atallah, who is a qualified farrier, having done a professional course in France some years ago. Water is constantly available together with the usual mineral blocks etc.

Attallah writes, “The horses mostly live out year round in a number of spacious paddocks surrounding the feed barn and stables. Many of the horses are home bred and as such the work is more in the vein of a business in order to take care of the horses rather than a business centered around making money… the horses are the first love and priority.”

Activities/Events

This trip includes the best of Jordan's historic sights including an Amman city tour, a trip to magical Petra, a visit to the mosaics of Madaba, Mt. Nebo, Jerash, Amman and the Dead Sea. In Amman, you'll have the chance to visit an exclusive equestrian center, either The Royal Stables, The Royal Jordanian Polo Club or The Arab Horse Club.

The Royal Stables in Amman date back to 1958. With over 180 beautiful Arabian horses, some of whose blood lines can be traced back 500 years, the stables have rich traditions. Each year, new foals are born, making a spring visit a great time to see these new horses. Various competitions are held at the Royal Stables throughout the year and championship horses make this beautiful area in the green hills above Amman their home.

The Royal Jordanian Polo Club has a facility that includes stables, Polo fields and a small breading operation. The club owns around 100 horses. It includes Argentinian ponies and New Zealand thoroughbreds in addition to Barbarian / Argentinian ponies and Barbarian / Zealand Thoroughbreds.
 
The Arab Horse Club is one of the first and largest equestrian clubs in Jordan. It was this club that made show jumping famous in Jordan. One of the owners has been in the Olympics in the last two games, the only Jordanian that has made the Olympics for show jumping. The club includes indoor and outdoor arenas and stabling for 100+ horses. The breads that you will see at the club include Hanoverians, Irish Hunters, Thoroughbreds, Arabs and Anglo Arabs.

Accommodations/Food

Accommodations

On this classic Jordan adventure, you'll spend one night in a 5 star hotels, four nights in 4 star hotels, one night in more basic lodging and two nights camping in a Bedouin camp in the Wadi Rum Desert. Accommodations while on the trek are either in individual or communal tents. While camping in the Bedouin camps, you'll sleep on mattresses/bedding and a floor cover. A private tent with a warm shower is available between the whole group in turns during the ride. Toilet facilities are “au natural” with the request that any toilet tissues or sanitary tissues are burnt after each use.

Food

8 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 8 dinners are included in this 9 day/ 8 night trip. You'll try a variety of local Jordanian foods and traditional Bedouin meals, cooked fresh over an open fire in the desert.

Drinks

Piping hot tea is available throughout your trip. You'll enjoy the variety of herbal teas in Jordan, especially with the Bedouins in the desert. Alcohol is available in some hotels, but not in the desert.

The Ideal Traveler

Adventurous traveler or travelers who is curious about other cultures and the Middle East. Rider who can spend many consecutive hours in the saddle, handling a horse in the open desert. Travelers who like camping, but only for a few days and want to see Jordan's classic sights along with its horsey attractions.

Itinerary Overview

This trip is sure to earn you bragging rights. You’ll be riding strong Arabian horses and Arabian crosses through the Wadi Rum Desert, made famous by the epic film Lawrence of Arabia with Bedouin guide Atallah Swalhen, an award winning endurance rider and pioneer of desert trekking in Jordan. The ride itself is not just a view of this unique area, but an insight into the local customs the Bedouin people.

Dates & Rates 2010
9 days / 8 nights

starting at $2609 USD*

Please note, the below trip dates must have a minimum of 4 participants to operate. If there is a date you'd like to go, but do not see, please contact us.

Oct 8-16
Oct 15-23
Nov 5-13
Nov 19-27 (Special Thanksgiving Week Departure)

* Prices are subject to changes based on currency conversions. Payment with credit card is subject to a 4% processing fee.

Itinerary Overview
see Itinerary In Depth for further details
Day 1
Welcome to Jordan, overnight in Amman.

Day 2
Explore the ancient Roman Decapolis of Jerash and watch The Roman Army and Chariot Experience (RACE) performance. Enjoy a walk through the traditional markets of Amman Downtown and visit the Citadel.

Day 3
Explore the ancient mosaics of Madaba and stay at Dana Biosphere Reserve

Day 4
Indulge in history visiting the world wonder city of Petra.

Day 5
Head to the magical desert of Wadi Rum and start your desert equestrian
adventure passing by the “Seven Pillars of Wisdom” trekking towards the valley
of “Um Ishreen”.

Day 6
Ride through the awe inspiring narrow corridors of Lawrence and Barrah
Canyons. Trek down into a wide valley to Jebel Burdah famous for its immense
rock bridge at its summit and enjoy amazing views of the whole region over an
enchanting sunset.

Day 7
Trek to an area of moving sands and sand dunes, explore some over 1,500 year
old inscriptions and ride back to the stables marking the completion of your
Bedouin trek. Stay at the Dead Sea.

Day 8
Experience an amazing buoyant bath in the Dead Sea at the lowest spot on
earth. In the afternoon, you'll have the chance to visit an exclusive equestrian center, either The Royal Stables, The Royal Jordanian Polo Club or The Arab Horse Club.

Day 9 Departure.

* This itinerary is flexible and may change based on weather, the trip guide's discretion or other factors. Last minute changes in the itinerary are possible and at the discretion of the guides.
 

Itinerary In Depth

Dates & Rates 2010
9 days / 8 nights
starting at $2609 USD*

Please note, the below trip dates must have a minimum of 4 participants to operate. If there is a date you'd like to go, but do not see, please contact us.

Oct 8-16
Oct 15-23
Nov 5-13
Nov 19-27 (Special Thanksgiving Week Departure)

* Prices are subject to changes based on currency conversions. Payment with credit card is subject to a 4% processing fee.

This Trip Includes
Transportation Airport to airport and transfers throughout the trip using a licensed tourist transport vehicle. English-speaking licensed tour guide throughout the trip. Entrance fees for Amman Citadel, Jerash and RACE show, Mosaic Map Church, Archeological Park, Mount Nebo, Petra 1-day pass & Wadi Rum. Activities: Horseback riding, camping, swimming & sightseeing. Meals: 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 8 dinners. Accommodation 5* hotels (1nts), 4* hotels (4nts), basic lodging (1nt), desert camping (2nts). Other Inclusions Horses, camping equipment & water during riding.

This trip does not include
Flights, travel insurance, drinks & tips.

This trip is designed with shared accommodation in mind whereby travelers are paired with individuals of the same sex in twin shared accommodation. Please note that riders weighing over 187 pounds (85kg) must notify us before booking to check availability.

All travelers must have their own riding equipment to include a riding helmet, appropriate pants and chaps for those who use them.

Itinerary In Depth

Day 1 Arrival Day 
You will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to Amman where you’ll be spending the night. (Check-in time at the hotel is typically after 2:00pm)

Dinner and overnight in Amman (4 star hotel) 

Day 2: Explore the ancient Roman Decapolis of Jerash and enjoy a tour of Downtown Amman

This morning you’ll be heading north to explore the Roman Decapolis of Jerash –one of the biggest preserved Roman cities outside of Italy. Its colonnaded streets, baths, theaters, plazas and arches remain in exceptional condition. The history of Jerash is a blend of the Greco-Roman world of the Mediterranean basin and the ancient traditions of the Arab Orient. Archaeological findings indicate human occupation at this location for more than 6500 years. Besides touring the ruins of Jerash, we’ll be watching The Roman Army and Chariot Experience (RACE) performance – a re-enactment in a genuine setting. The show features gladiators, Roman racing chariots and legionaries.

Next, you'll head back to Amman and set out on a walking tour into the traditional market and pay a visit to the Citadel. Allow Amman to tempt you with strong Arabic-style coffee and sweet, slightly scented and delicious pastries in a typical downtown coffee house.
Watch Ammanies playing backgammon and cards, reading the newspaper, or just gossiping. And why not try an Argeelah; the traditional Hubbly-Bubbly!

Dinner and overnight in Amman (4 star hotel) 

Amman, the capital of Jordan, is a fascinating city of contrasts – a unique blend of old and new, ideally situated on a hilly area between the desert and the fertile Jordan Valley. Due to the city’s modern-day prosperity and temperate climate, almost half of Jordan’s population is concentrated in the Amman area. The residential suburbs consist of mainly tree-lined street and avenues flanked by elegant, almost uniformly white stone houses. The Citadel, located in the middle of Amman, the Hill of the Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a) was occupied as early as the Neolithic period, and fortified during the Bronze Age (1800 BC). The ruins on the hill today are Roman through early Islamic.

Day 3: Explore the mosaics of Madaba and Mount Nebo

After breakfast, a 35 km drive takes you to Madaba and start today’s tour by visiting Mount Nebo. Known as Pisgah in the Bible, Mount Nebo is where the Bible says Moses lived out his remaining days and viewed the Promised Land which he would never enter (Deuteronomy 34: 1-8). Mt. Nebo offers a fantastic view westward, with a vista that includes the Dead Sea, the West Bank, the Jordan River, and, on a clear day, Bethlehem and Jerusalem. Then head to the center of this little town for a short walking tour and visit to the Church of St. George. The church is the home of the Mosaic Map, which represents the Holy Land and its surrounding regions. The mosaic was originally composed of over 2.3 million pieces, and measured a staggering 25 by 5 meters. You'll also visit the Archeological Park and have a walk through the souvenirs market before gathering in a traditional restaurant to sample a variety of Jordan’s local food recipes over lunch.

A 2.5 hour drive then takes you south to Dana Biosphere Reserve for an opportunity to enjoy the serenity of nature on a short optional hike and a little tour around the abandoned village of Dana.

Overnight in a hotel in Dana or other nearby location, depending on room availability.

Madaba, located 30 kilometers southwest of Amman, is most famous for its exquisite 6th-century mosaics. Its history dates back at least 3500 years, however. Madaba, which was known in the Bible as the Moabite town of Madaba, is mentioned in the Old Testament account of Moses and the Exodus (Numbers 21: 30)

Dana Biosphere Reserve: Dana is Jordan’s largest nature reserve, covering some 320 square kilometers of spectacular mountains and wadies, valleys, along the face of the Great Rift Valley. From scorching sand dunes in the west to cool mountain tops in the east, the Dana Biosphere Reserve is home to a great variety of wildlife. There are plants and animals characteristic of true desert, of Mediterranean forests and of the dry plains of Russia. By visiting / staying at the reserve you will be contributing to the conservation of nature and benefiting the local community.

Day 4: Indulge in history visiting the world wonder city of Petra

After an early breakfast, you'll travel to Petra (a 45 minute drive). Walking into Petra you will quickly realize why this ancient city is one of the world wonders. The Victorian traveler and poet Dean Burgon gave Petra a description which holds to this day -"Match me such a marvel save in Eastern clime, a rose-red city half as old as time." Yet words can hardly do justice to the magnificence that is Petra. Spend the day touring this ancient urban city.

Overnight in Petra (4 star hotel)

Petra is one of the world's heritage sites and one of the world's new wonders. An ancient rock city, it was the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom. Built around 2,300 years ago, the imposing rose-stone palaces are an impressive testament to the power and influence of the Nabateans, who controlled trade around the area in the 3rd century BC. Petra is surrounded by hills in which tombs have been carved into the pink sandstone. The site includes some 800 structures.

Day 5: Wadi Rum Equestrian Adventure

A 90 minute drive takes you to the marvelous desert of Wadi Rum where you’ll meet your Bedouin host and guide, Atallah, at his stables to get organized for the desert equestrian adventure. From the stables, you’ll trek towards the valley of "Um Ishreen", taking in the striking desert scenery. You’ll notice more greenery that you thought would exist in such a harsh climate. The first well-known landmark that the riders will see is “the seven Pillars.” This is an impressive mountain formation named after Lawrence of Arabia's book “The Seven pillars of Wisdom.” Next, you’ll ride into the entrance of Wadi Um Ishreen and stop for a lunch break.

The afternoon trek will take you deeper into this valley passing a set of Nabatean inscriptions at Al-Ameileh. Enjoy the beautiful changing colors that appear in the desert at sunset. Your first night at the desert will be in a fixed, private Bedouin camp near Lawrence Canyon.

You’ll be sleeping in large traditional Bedouin tents woven with goat hair.

Overnight in a private Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum is a valley cut into the sandstone and granite rock in south-west Jordan. It has been inhabited by many human cultures since prehistoric times and is dotted with massive rock formations. It is virtually untouched by humanity and its destructive forces. Here, it is the weather and winds that have carved the imposing, towering skyscrapers, so elegantly described by T.E. Lawrence as "vast, echoing and god-like". Much of David Lean's Lawrence of Arabia was filmed in Wadi Rum.

Day 6: Wadi Rum Trek Day Two
Ride through the awe inspiring narrow corridors of Lawrence and Barrah Canyons. Trek Jebel Burdah Rock Bridge. Breakfast will usually be served by 7 a.m. accompanied by fruits, tea and nescafe. You may of course pocket a snack for later. From Lawrence canyon, you’ll ride through the magnificent narrow corridors of Siq Al Barrah, Barrah Canyon, famous for its vertical sandstone cliff faces of over 1000 meters making it a heaven for rock climbers from all over the world. Avoiding the desert heat at noon, you'll stop for Lunch within the shade of this amazing canyon followed by a siesta.

The afternoon ride will take you down to Jebel Burdah via a wide valley. At the summit of this massive mountain you can see an impressive natural rock bridge. A short ride then brings you through a colorful terrain of red sands and immense horizons stretching out in front of you to find your camping place set up and the support crew receiving you with a hot pot of tea mixed with a desert herb. You will have time for some exploring and may choose where you would like to sleep. The choice is yours, on the sand under the stars, by the campfire or in your tent.

Dinner around the campfire- cooked in the embers of wood fire. Get to know your Bedouin hosts, exchange banters and learn something about their exceptional culture.

Overnight in a mobile private Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum

Day 7: Wadi Rum Trek Day Three
Trek to an area of sand dunes, explore ancient inscriptions and ride back to the stables marking the completion of your Bedouin trek.
This morning you’ll be riding towards the sand dunes of Wadi Um Ishreen. Along the way, you'll see the inscription of Infishiyah –some 1,500 year old rock inscriptions. Lunch will be served in the shade in this area before the last ride through Al Rishrash back to the stables marking the completion of this pleasant 3 day equestrian adventure.

Say goodbye to your Bedouin guide and trekking team then transfer (3.5 hour drive) to the Dead Sea for a well-earned 5 star resort stay at the lowest spot on earth.

Overnight in the Dead Sea (5 star resort)

The Dead Sea is famous geographically as "the lowest point on earth," lying some 400 meters below sea level. It is 75 kilometers long and from 6 to 16 kilometers wide. It is fed by the Jordan River, but it has no outlet. As its name suggests, the Dead Sea is entirely devoid of plant and animal life. This is due to an extremely high content of salt and other minerals—350 grams of salt per kilogram of water, as compared to about 40 grams in the world’s oceans. This concentration is caused by a rapid rate of evaporation. These natural elements give the waters of the Dead Sea certain curative properties, recognized since the days of Herod the Great over 2000 years ago.

Day 8: Dead Sea Experiene & Royal Stables Tour

This morning is free for you to indulge in a unique floating experience in the world’s saltiest lake and why not try the curative powers of a mud bath treatment. In the afternoon, you'll have the chance to visit an exclusive equestrian center, either The Royal Stables, The Royal Jordanian Polo Club or The Arab Horse Club.

The Royal Stables in Amman date back to 1958. With over 180 beautiful Arabian horses, some of whose blood lines can be traced back 500 years, the stables have rich traditions. Each year, new foals are born, making a spring visit a great time to see these new horses. Various competitions are held at the Royal Stables throughout the year and championship horses make this beautiful area in the green hills above Amman their home.

The Royal Jordanian Polo Club has a facility that includes stables, Polo fields and a small breading operation. The club owns around 100 horses. It includes Argentinian ponies and New Zealand thoroughbreds in addition to Barbarian / Argentinian ponies and Barbarian / Zealand Thoroughbreds.
 
The Arab Horse Club is one of the first and largest equestrian clubs in Jordan. It was this club that made show jumping famous in Jordan. One of the owners has been in the Olympics in the last two games, the only Jordanian that has made the Olympics for show jumping. The club includes indoor and outdoor arenas and stabling for 100+ horses. The breads that you will see at the club include Hanoverians, Irish Hunters, Thoroughbreds, Arabs and Anglo Arabs.

Check into your hotel in Amman before a nice farewell dinner.

Overnight in Amman (4 star hotel) 

Day 9: End of program and departure

Depending on your departure flight schedule, you'll be taken back to the airport for your flight back home. (checkout time is typically at 12 noon)

* This itinerary is flexible and may change based on weather, the trip guide's discretion or other factors. Last minute changes in the itinerary are possible and at the discretion of the guides.

Related Blog Posts

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Jordan- Dead Sea

After riding through Petra and the Wadi Rum Desert with the Bedouin, I was ready to relax and take a dip, rather float, in the famous Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. The Dead Sea is known for its healing properties. People gather along the shore to slather its… Read more »

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Traveler Reviews

We spent several days with Terhaal canyoning, hiking, mountain biking and snorkeling (Aqaba) and it was such a great experience. Well-trained guides, high safety standards. The only thing I would have liked a little more of (and it's a very minor critique) is a little more about regional history while doing the trip. But it's a big burden on guides to expect them to be experts at everything. We were able to see Petra through the back door via a gorgeous hike. I would DEFINITELY travel with them again in the future.

-- Shannon Stowel – ATTA President - travelled with Terhaal in 2009 form Seattle, Washington

In the coming years, Jordan will emerge as one of the most compelling new adventure and sustainable travel destinations in the world. As important, if not more, as where to travel though is who to travel with. Terhaal offers a unique and special way to explore Jordan - with the highest standards of adventure activities, environmental awareness, reliable service, great gear and local knowledge. Terhaal delivers a truly wonderful trip of a lifetime.

-- Brian Kinkade-- National Geographic Adventure Director-Travel & Tourism – travelled with Terhaal in 2009 from New York, New York


Terhaal's team was fantastic. We insisted on a loose schedule and they accommodated us all the way. When things changed, they were right there to make it all happen. They go way beyond trekking and responsible travel (which they do very well as it is); they gladly do whatever you ask. We made 5 site moves around the county over 14 days and each move was seamless. I had walked up the stairs to the Monastery in Petra before, so Terhaal recommended and organized a hike up the ‘back way' from Little Petra. It is much more enjoyable (as long as you don't have an extreme fear of heights) and now a family story that will be told for a long time. Just cannot say enough about the Terhaal team, their subcontractors also speak highly of them and their level of engagement at all levels. If you want to really experience Jordan, go with Terhaal!

-- William Clancy-- USA

The guides were exemplary in every important respect--humorous, warm, intelligent, responsive, communicative, and truly caring. An unforgettable trip. This was my 4th desert trip in Jordan but I was very impressed

-- Rannen Sherman

Reading List

General Guidebooks & Novels

Jordan (Country Guide by Lonely Planet) (Paperback)
by Jenny Walker and Matthew D Firestone
Nobody knows Jordan like Lonely Planet. The 7th edition will help you discover the magic of this ancient land - whether it be basking in the sun-drenched glory of Petra, exploring the desert citadels, getting off the beaten track on a camel safari or simply sipping a bittersweet cardamom-flavored coffee. Lonely Planet guides are written by experts who get to the heart of every destination they visit. This fully updated edition is packed with accurate, practial and honest advice, designed to give you the information you need to make the most of your trip.

The Rough Guide to Jordan (Paperback) by Matthew Teller
"The Rough Guide to Jordan" is the essential guide to the Middle East's most enticing destination. This title features detailed accounts of the best attractions Jordan has to offer, along with the clearest Jordan maps and plans, lift the lid on this fascinatingly diverse country. With expert advice and background, explore the world wonder that is Petra, an ancient city carved from rose-red mountain cliffs, roam the sands of Wadi Rum in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia, and then relax on golden beaches at Aqaba, Jordan's beautiful Red Sea resort hideaway.

Petra (Hardcover) by Maria Giulia, Amadasi Guzzo, Eugenia Equini Schneider, Lydia G Cochrane
In this lavishly illustrated book, Maria Giulia Amadasi Guzzo and Eugenia Equini Schneider provide an accessible overview of the history and culture of the Nabateans, including their language, religion, politics, and economy, as well as a detailed guide to the city of Petra and its art and architecture. A major stop on the spice trade route, Petra attracted wealth and culture from across the Arabic and classical worlds and was abundantly furnished with more than 800 monuments. Perhaps the most well known of these is the Khazneh el-Faroun, or Treasury, a royal tomb more than 130 feet high with a magnificent Hellenistic facade carved from the salmon pink sandstone of the surrounding cliffs. But no less impressive were Petra's advanced achievements in hydraulic engineering, including elaborate water conservation systems and dams. For anyone who has felt the lure and wonder of ancient cities and civilizations in exotic locations, Petra will be a delightful and invaluable resource.

Married to a Bedouin by Marguerite van Geldermalsen (Paperback - Apr. 1, 2010)
New Zealand born nurse Marguerite van Geldermalsen first visited the lost city Petra with her friend Elizabeth in 1978 on a sightseeing tour of the ancient world. Already looking forward to her beach holiday at the end of the trip, little did Maguerite know she was about to meet the man she would marry, the charismatic Mohammad Abdallah Othman, a Bedouin craftsman of the Manajah tribe. A life with Mohammad meant moving into his ancient cave and learning to love the regular tasks of baking shrak bread on an open fire and collecting water from the spring. But as Marguerite feels herself becoming part of the Bedouin community, she is thankful for the twist in fate that has led her to this contented life. Marguerite’s light-hearted and guileless observations of the people she comes to love are as heart-warming as they are valuable, charting Bedouin traditions now lost to the modern world.

Equitrekking Coffee Table Companion Book & DVD

Equitrekking Travel Adventures on Horseback by Darley Newman with Photographs by Chip Ward available at ShopDarley.com
This companion to the PBS TV series, Equitrekking, proves that the world's most beautiful views are often best seen from atop a horse. This gorgeous book features dozens of scenic rides in the U.S. and around the globe, including Iceland. Denver Post review: For horse folk and dreamers, as well as fans of the show, it's a beautiful trip through stunning equestrian-friendly possibilities.   

Equitrekking: Season 1-4 DVD sets featuring Emmy winning PBS episodes. Available at ShopDarley.com

Get off the beaten path to see some of the world's most beautiful horses and classic riding destinations with host and equestrian travel expert Darley Newman with Emmy Award-winning Equitrekking, the horseback riding travel series on PBS. 

Season One: Vermont, the Carolinas, Georgia Coast, Wyoming, Colorado and Spain.

Season Two: Iceland, Coastal Ireland, Hawaii's Big Island, Irish Countryside, Maui, Virginia Hunt Country and California Wine Country.

Season Three: Arizona, Belize, Costa Rica, Kentucky, Quebec, Texas and Utah.

Season Four: Southern Spain, Alaska, Central Turkey, Quebec City and Beyond, Scotland and Wales.

  

Good Books for Horse Lovers and Equestrians

Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior (Paperback) by Temple Grandin
Philosophers and scientists have long wondered what goes on in the minds of animals, and this fascinating study gives a wealth of illuminating insights into that mystery. ---Publishers Weekly

The Horse: A Miscellany of Equine Knowledge (Hardcover) by Julie Whitaker with Ian Whitelaw
The Horse is an informative gallop through everything to do with the horse:  evolution, history, biology, breeds, behavior, training, competition, health, and care—all gathered into an accessible gallery of solid information, essential facts, and fascinating trivia.                                                           

Hunter Seat Equitation (Hardcover) by George H. Morris
A classic by a world-renowned teacher and master equestrian--the definitive work on the art of teaching and riding the hunter seat, now updated to include refinements in Morris's insightful program of riding instruction.

The New Encyclopedia of the Horse (Hardcover) by Elwyn Hartley Edwards
Chronicling the history of the horse, this guide encompasses the early domestication of the horse, classical riding styles, as well as a survey of the great stud farms and current international sporting events.