Discovering En Selle and Their Spirit of Adventure
En Selle is Ashley Parson, a journalist and author, and Quentin Boëhm, a filmmaker and photographer, both passionate about travel and adventure.
With this shared passion, the duo embarked in 2021 on an expedition across the high steppes of Central Asia, accompanied by Tian, Chai, and Fidel, three Kyrgyz horses. Together, they traveled over 1,600 km through the wild landscapes of Kyrgyzstan. At the end of this adventure, Ashley and Quentin returned to France, leaving the three horses in Kyrgyzstan. However, nostalgia and the unique bond they had formed with these horses soon drew them back.
In 2024, Ashley and Quentin decided to set out on a new adventure with a clear goal: bringing Chai, Tian, and Fidel to France. Their new journey would take them nearly 3,000 km with these three horses through European mountains and landscapes, crossing the Carpathians and the Alps. Their route would pass through several countries, each stage bringing its own challenges and enriching encounters.
Horses and Nature at the Heart of the Journey
This trip, much more than a simple return, is accompanied by the production of a documentary film showcasing a different way of traveling. Ashley and Quentin aim to highlight and share the unique, profound bonds that develop between humans and horses, especially in the still-pristine mountain environment. This adventure is fueled by a genuine quest for freedom, discovery, and communion with nature, where every step brings them closer to home.
The Importance of Proper Equipment
On such a journey, the human body is subjected to significant temperature variations and intense physical exertion. That’s why we decided to support Ashley and Quentin on their adventure by equipping them with products adapted to their practice, allowing them to focus on the essentials and fully enjoy their journey.
At the start of their expedition, in the cold plains of Kyrgyzstan, the Essential jackets provided optimal protection against freezing temperatures, despite the sun. Once in the Polish Carpathians, where cold was replaced by rain, they swapped their winter jackets for Long Raintech jackets, ideal for facing the elements.
The Suntech was also an essential companion throughout the trip. Worn alone when temperatures rise, it provides effective sun protection while wicking away heat. It can also be worn under a jacket when it gets cooler.
For rest periods, the Optimax and Optimax Tights provided warmth and comfort, essential for recovery after long days on horseback. The X-Design pants, both comfortable and durable, accompanied them every day on their horseback adventure.
A Journey in Stages
Starting the Adventure: From Kyrgyzstan to Poland
Ashley and Quentin’s adventure began in May with a long trip from France to Kyrgyzstan, alternating between train, bus, and boat. Ten days later, they finally arrived in Bishkek, eager to reunite with their horses after two years apart. Unfortunately, the adventure began with sad news: Tian, Ashley’s faithful companion, passed away a few days before their departure for Europe. Chai and Fidel thus set off together in a truck headed for Poland, where the real journey would begin.
Upon arrival in Poland, a third traveling companion, Brando, joined them to keep Chai and Fidel company. Accustomed to the mountains and part of the Carpathians, Brando served as both guide and support for the team, knowing the terrain perfectly. After several weeks completing administrative formalities, Ashley, Quentin, and their three horses finally set out on their journey through Europe.
The first stages through the Carpathian forests proved demanding. The weather was unpredictable, alternating between scorching sun and capricious wind, sometimes gentle, sometimes gusty, fortunately keeping insects away from the horses. Nature presented its share of surprises: steep, muddy, poorly marked trails, accompanied by heavy rain. In these difficult conditions, the Long Raintech jacket became an indispensable ally to face the elements and continue the adventure.
Crossing the Slovak Side of the Carpathians
Arriving in Slovakia marked a calmer phase of the adventure, in contrast to the challenges of crossing Poland. Welcomed under a bright blue sky, Ashley, Quentin, and their horses found a more relaxed rhythm. The Slovak mountains offered drier, rockier trails, making progress easier for the horses, who seemed to have retained their bearings in these mountainous landscapes.
However, this stage also brought its own challenges. As they progressed, the end of the Carpathians approached. Vast forests gave way to more urbanized areas, with increasing roads making the journey more dangerous and less secure for the horses. To avoid endangering Chai, Fidel, and Brando, Ashley and Quentin decided to transport part of Slovakia by truck to the base of the Alps.
Their journey through the Carpathians covered more than 500 kilometers through mountains and forests, marked by many enriching encounters and learning experiences about local customs. The end of this first stage also brought the team closer to their ultimate destination: France.
The Austrian Alps
After a four-hour truck ride, Ashley, Quentin, and their horses arrived at the foot of the Austrian Alps, a moment of relief for the horses, who had traveled part of the way without wind or rain. On this second stage, temperatures warmed and the sun became more present. The Suntech could finally be worn alone, offering sun protection while regulating body temperature.
This change of mountains required the team to revise their travel strategy, as the Austrian trails were very different from those in the Carpathians. In this part of the Alps, paths were more fragmented, alternating between 4×4 tracks and bike trails to best follow their route. Fortunately, the Austrian locals were very welcoming, providing shelter each night for Ashley and Quentin, as well as fenced areas for Chai, Fidel, and Brando, ensuring they got much-needed rest.
This part of the Alps was more difficult to travel on horseback. Paved roads to the mountain passes made progress challenging, forcing Ashley and Quentin to look for rideable trails that were safer and more comfortable for the horses. The end of this second stage led them into Italy. The final part of reaching the new country was on a bike path, a necessary compromise due to lack of better options, as the only other road was reserved for motor vehicles.
Italy: The Last Stage Before France
The journey through Italy took place under the intense heat of August. During this period, travel became more complicated due to the influx of tourists and high temperatures. The horses also felt the heat: while ascents were relatively cool, descents were stifling. By 4 a.m., the horses would start sweating, and cooling them down was difficult. For this part of the journey, the Suntech and Team Shirt became Ashley and Quentin’s best allies.
The adventure continued through the majestic Dolomites, following mountain trails to get closer to their final goal. However, the ascents proved particularly demanding for the horses, with steep slopes testing their endurance. Brando stumbled several times and slipped on metal grates placed on some paths, further complicating their progress.
Despite these difficulties, this stage also had its benefits. The lush alpine pastures offered high-quality grass that allowed the horses to regain weight and strength. The effect was especially visible on Chai, for whom the ribs were no longer visible for the first time in life.
This crossing of the Dolomites represented a major step forward in the final stage of the journey before embarking on the last part: crossing Switzerland, the final passage before reaching France.
Key Takeaways from This Horseback Adventure
This horseback adventure proved enriching in many ways. The journey was not just about crossing mountain passes but also about exploring new routes, discovering unknown valleys, and immersing themselves in different cultures and ways of life. Each stage was an opportunity for encounters, learning, and sharing, where every challenge strengthened the bond with the horses and the surrounding nature. This experience, more than just a trip, was a genuine quest for authenticity and connection with nature and the world.
Learn more about the adventure at En Selle.
@enselle.voyage
