Meet a Globetrotter: Shanti McIvor
The Patagonia Trail, Argentina
Shanti would probably call it fate, but luck was definitely on her side when she decided to book The Patagonia Trail ride in Argentina. Her incredible experience has made her want to join the Globetrotting team and look into offering horse riding adventures in Australia herself. Her passion is evident in her responses below.
What is your earliest memory of horses?
I can’t even remember my first memories of horses. All I know is I was born loving them – they are part of my blueprint, my DNA and my soul’s calling, when I am with them I am home…
What was your childhood pony called?
Her name was Kat Blue and she was my best friend. She was out of a stock horse mare from the Snowy Mountains and sired by Arabian Stallion, Ralvon Traveller. Her mother did The Quilty when she was eight months pregnant with her. We had such a strong connection, I could ride her with nothing!
How have horses influenced or changed your life?
Horses have taught me how to move through life with confidence and determination, but also with softness and gentleness. The mares are so protective of their young and the stallion so protective of his mares – they are a family, a herd at one. I would not be the same person without this connection with horses, it would be like a part of me was missing.
What does riding or being with horses mean to you?
Horses have this wild free heart that I would never want to break or tame. The moment when we are galloping along the beach and I reach up my heart to the big open sky, with my arms outstretched, the eagle to my left, the ocean at my right and the sun beating down on me from above … it is at that moment that I feel truly alive.
What have horses taught you the most?
Horses have taught me persistence and determination; seeing what is in each moment; not to use force, instead allowing the horse to unfold and to make its own decisions. They certainly have taught me about boundaries both for them and myself.
What globetrotting ride have you booked on?
The Patagonia Trail with Jakob in Argentina.
What made you take the plunge and sign up for this Globetrotting holiday?
I saw the ride, and after having no previous calling to go to Patagonia, I just knew I had to go. The thing was that we had a very costly December with many bills and I didn’t have the funds to go. But literally that day and the next day completely out of the blue, unexpected money came in from two different sources. Needless to say I booked the ride the next day!
Is this ride celebrating or marking a significant moment/milestone/achievement in your life? And if so, would you mind sharing?
I want to join the Globetrotting team and offer rides like this in Byron Bay and the Mid-East Coast of Australia. For me it’s a very big personal achievement as I feel like the stars are aligning, and I am doing what I was born to do – to ride and share this incredible experience of horses with others.