Meet a Globetrotter: Allanah Powell
The Maasai Mara Ride, Kenya
It’s time to have your socks blown off yet again, globetrotters, because we’re taking you back to the Maasai Mara in Kenya. Allanah Powell and her husband, Ian, cut their globetrotting teeth on our riding holiday in Tasmania (sadly no longer available) before deciding it was time to take things up a notch, despite Ian being relatively new to the art of horse riding. As it turned out, this was the most rewarding part of the trip for Allanah: watching Ian’s horsemanship improve by the hour as they rode alongside zebra, giraffe, cheetah and lion. But Allanah tells it best – read on for the full story!
What is your day job?
Manager of personal affairs… I am retired and currently living with my husband Ian in Singapore. Prior to this I owned Gingers Boutique in Buderim and Maleny, Queensland. They were sold when we moved here.
How have horses influenced or changed your life?
They say horses see your soul. I believe this and I hope they know the love I have for them. Although I no longer own a horse, I am still actively working with RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association) here in Singapore.
What is your earliest memory of horses?
My early memories are of being taught to ride in Albany, Western Australia, where I grew up. My teacher Carol had polio as a young child and although she needed calipers to assist her in walking, she was a fabulous horsewoman.
What was your childhood pony called?
My first horse was called Silver Malee. Not sure where that name came from, but we kept it. She was a force to be reckoned with and was almost impossible to catch on your own.
What does riding or being with horses mean to you?
Some of my happiest childhood memories include being at pony club. I especially loved the eventing and racing around the bending poles or barrel races.
What have horses taught you the most?
Respect! With owning a pony comes responsibility. Visiting the paddock before and after school was just something we did without question.
What was your first Globetrotting ride?
The Tassie Tiger Trail [sadly no longer available]. A fabulous introduction to the Globetrotting family. We did this in 2015 and went on to Melbourne – and the Melbourne Cup – the next day.
What made you take the plunge and sign up for a Globetrotting holiday?
I met Kate when she still owned Salt magazine, and she was so excited with this new business venture she had started. It was infectious!
Were any of your Globetrotting rides celebrating or marking a significant moment/milestone/achievement in your life? And if so, would you mind sharing?
Our African Adventure to Kenya was a bucket list ride for me. I knew it would be a challenging ride so I wanted to do it while I was still fit. My wonderful husband Ian, who is still quite new to horse riding, joined me and what a champion he was. His riding skills over the six days developed off the planet.
What Globetrotting rides have you completed/planned/dreamed about?
We are now dreaming of Patagonia in 2021.
Why choose this type of travel? As in exploring a new country from the back of a horse?
Seeing the world on horseback allows you to be part of nature and be in the moment, if that makes sense. In Africa it allowed us to get so close to the wildlife without having to stay on roads (tracks) like you would in a vehicle.
What is your most memorable Globetrotting moment?
Seeing Ian’s riding skills develop on both the Tasmania and Kenya rides was so exciting for me. The smile on his face on his first canter along the beach in Tasmania said it all.
Who is your favourite trail horse of all time and why?
Although Badaman in Kenya was a trusty steed and that’s what you want around wild animals, I have to say Opal in Tasmania stole my heart. She was so pretty and a palomino. I was sad to leave her.
A tip that every globetrotter should know before going on a ride…
Have high hopes – however I can guarantee they will be blown out of the water.
Finish this sentence: Don’t leave home without…
Your bestie… in my case my husband! We will be able to reminisce for years to come.
Wise words! There’s nothing quite like travelling with your best friend. If you’re feeling inspired by this couple’s Globetrotting story, you can learn more about the Maasai Mara ride here.