Riding Reindeer in Mongolia with Verena Sutherland : Ride+Climb

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Riding Reindeer in Mongolia with Verena Sutherland

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In this episode, I had the pleasure of exchanging stories with Verena Sutherland, who recently embarked on this captivating adventure. Let me take you through her journey to Mongolia and the impact it had on me.

A Spontaneous Adventure

Verena’s journey to Mongolia was as spontaneous as they come. A Facebook connection with Callie King opened unexpected doors when Callie posted about needing a travel partner for a Mongolian adventure. With just three months to prepare, Verena took the leap and set off on August 20th, embarking on what would become a life-changing experience.

Immersing in Nomadic Culture

Upon arriving in Mongolia, Verena travelled to the Russian border to live with the herding families, diving straight into their rustic lifestyle. Unlike typical tourist experiences, she embraced the simplicity of camping and sharing a ger (a traditional yurt) with her hosts, and rode across the steppe with a horse as her constant companion.

The Journey to the Reindeer Herders

Traversing the steppes led Verena to the reindeer herders in the taiga. The sight of reindeer being herded into camp left her in awe of these majestic creatures. She vividly described the experience of giving the reindeer salt, marveling at their gentle disposition and unique thick fur.

Understanding Mongolian Horsemanship

Verena’s journey also gave her insights into Mongolian horsemanship, which values the horse’s spirit and speed over traditional domestication methods. As someone with a background in positive reinforcement training, Verena’s observations provided a fascinating contrast to her own experiences.

Experiencing Minimalism and the Cultural Exchange

While adapting to local cuisine posed challenges, such as a diet rich in mutton-based dishes, Verena found a new appreciation for minimalist living. The simplicity and contentment of the herding communities offered a perspective on leading a life closely connected to the land and animals.

Reflections

Verena’s story left an indelible mark on me, sparking a desire to one day experience the vast, unfenced landscapes of Mongolia firsthand. Her journey also reignited my love for riding and reaffirmed my commitment to embracing life with a fresh perspective.

Conclusion

Verena’s Mongolian adventure, as shared on my podcast, is a testament to the beauty of embracing new cultural experiences and the profound impact that nature can have on one’s spirit. Her story inspires me—and hopefully you—to live purposefully, immersing ourselves in different ways of life to gain broader perspectives.

If you’re interested in seeing the visuals from Verena’s journey and want to learn more, be sure to check out the video version of the podcast on the Ride Climb YouTube channel. And if you’d like to support the podcast, you can buy me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/rideclimb.

Thank you for joining me in exploring Mongolia through Verena’s eyes—a journey of cultural exchange, personal growth, and a celebration of life’s simple pleasures.