LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

IN NORTHERN INDIA

I’ve always been fascinated by India. So, when friends invited us to join The Princess Trails, a unique horse safari in Rajasthan, northern India, we didn’t hesitate. There would be six of us riding together: Peter and Sigurd came from Norway, Rupi and Michael from America, and William and I travelled from South Africa. The Princess Trails are run by a member of the noble family of Boheda Shaktawat, Virendra Singh Shaktawat, and his German wife, Ute. After arriving in Udaipur, we made our way to the Shaktawats’ residence and stables. By the time we arrived at the stables, Ute and Virendra had already selected our horses for us. After a small traditional Indian ceremony and some cold beers, we were introduced to our riding companions for the next five days. Direct descendants of Chetak and the former warhorses of the Maharajas, these fine horses have ears that are distinctively curved inwards in a lyre