Postcards From the Saddle: Cambodia

By: Jenny Goodwin (formerly Horsezone's Clubs and Sponsorship Co-ordinator)

I've just returned from a couple of weeks travelling around Cambodia. Wow, what an amazing place! Highlights included the beautiful beaches and deserted islands around Sianoukville, the riverside town of Kampot, sunrise at Angkor Wat and visiting many other incredible ancient temples at Siem Reap. 

Cambodia has such a dark history but the people are kind, gentle and friendly. We saw many interesting programs that have been set up to create ongoing employment opportunities especially in the area of traditional crafts like silk weaving and carving. Lots of the top restaurants were also staffed by disadvantaged youth.   

And of course.... I went riding – in Siem Reap at The Happy Ranch www.thehappyranch.com

Going for a trail ride when you’re travelling is the perfect way to get a horsey fix while seeing the countryside and meeting the locals. This ride went for two hours, meandering through lush green rice paddies where farmers were planting their new crops and working their land in the traditional way with oxen.

Despite being a little nervous when she was stared down by water buffaloes, my sweet mare Delilah, was very well behaved.

When we rode through a small village, past a school and stopped to admire a temple we were particularly  popular with the kids, who all greeted us with huge smiles, shouts of “hello” and excited waves.

 

Angkor Wat (pic from Lonely Planet)

Colourful local produce

Jenny and Delilah

Buffalo mum and calf

Ta Prohm - the jungle temple featured in Tomb Raider

 

Quick Link

• Thinking of travelling to Cambodia? Find out more at www.lonelyplanet.com/cambodia