Meet a Globetrotter: Jos Flint
Khovsgol & Arhangay Rides, Mongolia
This is one of my ALL-TIME favourite fairytale Globetrotting stories. Meet Jos Flint, a true-blue Aussie sheila who won a riding holiday to Mongolia a few years ago. Jos, who has a mail run in a remote region of Tassie, had never stepped foot overseas, so her first trip became a 19-day horse riding trek in northern Mongolia.
What is your day job?
Mail Contractor for Australia Post.
How have horses influenced or changed your life?
They have shown me a better way to ride and I appreciate them as I get older.
What is your earliest memory of horse/s?
‘Bout 10 years old when good old Santa Clause brought me a horse for Christmas.
What was your childhood pony called?
Tarnie.
What does riding or being with horses mean to you?
Adrenaline racing through your blood, at one with the horse.
What have horses taught you the most:
To be kind and patient.
What was your first Globetrotting ride?
The Khovsgol Ride, Mongolia.
What made you take the plunge and sign up for a Globetrotting holiday?
Why wouldn’t you, it’s just the best adventure and tailor made for what you like.
Was this ride celebrating or marking a significant moment/milestone/achievement in your life? And if so, would you mind sharing?
I won this Mongolian holiday, a 19 day horse ride through northern Mongolia. This country girl from the back paddock of Mengha, Tasmania had never been overseas before and I had NEVER been away by myself. I doubted I could do it a couple of times and then thought I will regret it for the rest of my life if I don’t. To be alone was a big part of the experience and to trust that I would get there and back also was a huge task. I enjoyed the holiday of a lifetime, saw things I’ve only ever seen on telly or in books and am now looking forward to my next Globetrotting adventure… Kenya!!!
What is your most memorable Globetrotting moment?
We rode 300 kilometres to visit the reindeer people [the Tsaatan people of West Taiga]. To ride into their camp with all the dogs, teepees, kids and huge reindeer is something I’ll never forget. To sit with them and wish like heck I could talk to them and listen to their stories. It was the most amazing experience early morning in the frost, just me and the reindeer – that was something special. Also we got to see a horse breaking demonstration at a local hut along the way, it was way up there with all the other most amazing experiences. Really from the time I climbed onto that Mongolian plane it was one huge adventure for 19 days!!
Why choose this type of travel? As in exploring a new country from the back of a horse?
Why would you travel any other way? The smells, the sights that are taken in with the countryside changing all the time, the little things you see and experience… riding a horse is the best way, very relaxing and gentle.
Who is your favourite safari horse of all time and why?
The Mighty Mongolian horse – what a powerful animal, tough and no nonsense. Even a non-horsey person could ride one of these horses and the saddle was pure pleasure, like a bean bag full of sheeps wool.
A tip that every globetrotter should know before going on a ride…
Remember that it isn’t your horse and doesn’t need to be trained or corrected, just enjoy the ride.
Finish this sentence – Don’t leave home without…
Wet wipes!!!