LISTEN
OUR STORY SO FAR
INDIA, MONGOLIA & PATAGONIA
We started off as travellers exploring remote parts of Asia pursuing personal & academic interests. We have immerse
d ourselves more than most into the art of travel – be it in the saddle or otherwise. We are experienced horseman and well travelled. Our interests are very much in textiles, local traditional garb and gastronomy. Our offering began and remains a unique, personable experience. We aim to share passions we have developed, hoping you can immerse yourself in the regions we take you to & pursue your own project should you wish.
Travel started at a young age, and then at SOAS extensively travelling in Asia. Then later onto Patagonia inspired by Lady Florence Dixie´s book 'Across Patagonia', riding in the hoof prints of her party's epic equine expedition of 1879. A key part of the story has been sharing memorable times with wonderful families and fabulous characters in awe-inspiring locations – be it round a camp fire, in humble dwellings, nomadic tents or other homes – and bringing you in as part of that experience.
We share an authentic experience with guests - we are always supportive of local communities with particular reference to having things made traditionally (weaving, spinning, sewing, knitting, saddle makers and artisans of many trades), preparing & sourcing local ingredients; cooking with passionate interest - we enjoy getting fully immersed in the local environment and so guests get to feel that genuine interest and natural connection.
Bagual is an old Spanish word referring to a wild horse, one that was domesticated but became wild. There to, is a dramatic range of mountains separating a remote part of southern Chile and Argentina called ‘los baguales’. The word is easily pronounced in Hindi to, less easy in English! A ‘baguala’ is a beautiful Indian lament/ song.
Locations are tucked away gems. The families and businesses we operate with are first and foremost friends as well as partners. Encouraged by this, you hopefully will feel something special from this and the reactions you get from the horseman and others alike. We support our local artisans – whose textiles, clothing and tack we endlessly love commissioning - for us, our horses and you (we have ponchos, trousers, jumpers and things for sale!)
The places where we travel offer a great opportunity to immerse yourself in invigorating and inspirational environments and peoples.
We welcome you to journey with us on one of our suggested journeys or one we create for you!
GENUINE FOLK
HOSTS, GUIDES & CHARACTERS
James
Bagual Host Guide
Private guiding. Guest speaking with Bagual Talks. Artisan kit design.
Botei
Nomad
Experienced horseman, herdsman & eagle handler. One of life's very special characters. You don't get a better mountain guide than Botei. Our front man, his horses, his Eagle, his tremendous spirit on our Mongolian Altai rides.
Bonnie
Dundlod Fort, Rajasthan
Dundlod Fort and Stud is home to his wonderful breed herd of Mawari horses. Founders of the Indian Indigenous Horse Society. Bonnie is a real Gentleman and a wonderful host.
Silau
Nomad
A wonderful warm hearted man whom with his wife and family inspired us greatly on our first experience of the region - to delve deeper and so the story is written. He was the initial inspiration for BBC Human Planet with the filming of initiating his son into the ancient art of falconing.
Lord Portsmouth
Quentin - Bagual Super Guest -
& friend
One of life's great charaters. Gosh, really, such a pleasure to spend time with Quentin. Has done a number of trips, tailored & otherwise on diferent continents. Judges everything superbly, full of knowledge; interested in everything. I'll never forget the emotional heartfelt after supper speech he made in Mongolia. Wonderful man.
The Clan!
Bagual Super Guests
Well, what good times. The mongolian safari celebrating Folco's future wedding - his 'stag' trip; has to go down as one of the all time great trips. The magnificent 6! Emotional!
Annabel
Bagual Super Guest -
& dear friend.
India. What can I say; all those common interests to share give such joy. Horse safari in the desert, little bit of a travel enjoying the scrummy delights that India generously shares. Little bit of yoga & goa. Perfect. I miss this & Annabel's fun spirit.
David Biggins
Bagual Super Guest -
the oldest chap we've had on a trip in his 80's.
One of my closest friend's father. The resepect he received from all the Mongolians was absolutely incredible. For good reason - he was good humored, as fit as anyone else, lots of wonderful stories, completely relaxed & travelling with a companion half his age! Unreal. He has sadly died now; but those special memories will live on.
John
Bagual Super Guest -
a lovely man
A super chap who saw a piece written up in the Royal Geographical Magazine whilst at the dentist in his home of Dumbarton. We did 2 tailored horse trips for him alone - in Mongolia & then in Chile. Very very special times. Such a gentle, giving, lovely man. Gosh I enjoyed these trips.
Steeple Chasers & Polo Coaches ...
Bagual Super Group -
the Baltimore gang.
A very special group from Baltimore. Absolutely charming; what was so special for me is that they enjoyed it so much. Especially with their combined experience & unprecedented success in steeple chase training, and indeed polo tuition ...
it was a joy to host them. A really lovely bunch of characters. Very very special trip. The mongolians adored them.
Aishol - pan
Botei's niece in Mongolia
All in the family & of whom we have been fond well before all the attention of the Eagle Huntress documentary, as guests have authentically expereinced.
Agii
Location Manager
in Mongolia
Managing logistics for our horse rides & camps on location in western Mongolia.
Kadu & Alojak
Mongolian Trail Chefs
Incredible homemade cooking on safari on the Mongolian Altai safaris. Very hard working, always smiling & super nice girls
José Antonio
Dear Friend -
South Chile
One of Patagonia's great charaters. Gosh, we have done some pretty full on riding together! Where Gavilán lives. Siempre vuelvo por aca.
The Cleggs
The Cleggs - Bagual Super Guest -
& childhood friends
Wonderfully generous friends. Complete joy to spend time with them. So generous, lovely & supportive. Well, here's to riding 'la rute de seda' with them in retirement!
David
Bagual Super Guest -
& old chum
You don't get more relaxed travel partners than this. Just perfect. We did some epic trips together in India, Mongolia & in Chile. A joy. Good memories.
Rosemary
Bagual Super Guest -
& aunt to a dear old chum.
Well, we've spent multiple trips together in Patagonia, Mongolia - & fun times on Exmoor to. I love being with Rosemary.
Meriwether
Bagual Super Guest -
a joy to have on safari.
She came with a lovely group, we had such fun & happy times. What a pleasure it was to have Meriwether; she gave us a fright by breaking a few ribs, but was super brave & good humored nonetheless.
Will
Bagual Super Guest -
one of my best chums.
Well, rather a good effort to fly from Botswana to the south of Chile! Jolly good effort to inspire a Kayak journey after the riding safari. What can I say, it doesn't get better than spending time with Will. I treasure that trip, hopefully we can do another inbetween him conquering diferent mountain peaks.
Falco & Family
Bagual Super Group -
the colombian clan.
Well, I think Folco's testamonial best sums up this trip. One of complete joy; fun; adventure & friendship. What an emotional trip. It doesn't get much better than this. Profound memories everlasting.
Nomad
Gaucho
