Unforgettable Patagonia: An Adventure Unlike Any Other

Are you ready to begin a journey that will forever change your perspective on travel? Welcome to Torres del Paine, the true crown jewel of Patagonia! This isn't just another entry on your bucket list; it’s a chance to transform your spirit through an incredible adventure.

Picture this: the first rays of sunlight illuminating the impressive Cordillera Paine, transforming the landscape into a vibrant masterpiece. This breathtaking destination is not only known for its striking views; it’s about adventure, peace, and making unforgettable memories. Imagine starting your day with yoga, embarking on thrilling hikes through scenic trails, biking around the stunning Laguna Azul, and riding horseback alongside a real Patagonian cowboy. With this, you are invited to discover the enchanting wonders of Patagonia.

The turquoise beauty of Laguna Azul in Torres del Paine National Park

Wake Up to Awe-Inspiring Views

Patagonia isn’t just a location; it’s an immersive experience for your body, mind, and spirit. Imagine beginning your day with yoga on the shores of a serene lake, surrounded by towering mountains and vibrant greenery. As you flow through your poses, the sunrise casts a warm golden light over the landscape, setting the stage for an extraordinary day filled with activities.

Women's Quest hikers feeling enlivened by the peaks of Torres del Paine

Once you are centered and energized, it’s time to discover the stunning trails that Patagonia offers. From exhilarating hikes through dense valleys to challenging treks leading to breathtaking viewpoints, every trail unveils a unique story.

Explore Patagonia's Wonders

Feeling sheer joy after hiking to the Base of the Towers

The pristine trails in Torres del Paine are perfect for every level of adventurer. Tie up your hiking boots and prepare to witness diverse scenery that ranges from dense forests to awe-inspiring mountain landscapes. For example, the popular W Trek offers a balance of challenges and spectacular views, allowing hikers to navigate rugged paths while enjoying destinations like the Base of the Towers, where three granite peaks rise majestically.

A highlight of your Patagonia adventure will surely be a bike ride around the dazzling Laguna Azul. Feel the refreshing Patagonian breeze on your face as you pedal along the edge of turquoise waters that gleam under the sun. Pause for a moment to drink in the vibrant colors and calmness of the lake; it’s a breathtaking view that will imprint itself in your memory.

Experience Patagonia on Horseback

If you want to connect with the culture of Patagonia, riding horseback with an expert Basqueano offers a deeper understanding of the region's heritage. These seasoned Patagonian cowboys carry invaluable insights about the land and its traditional way of life, allowing you to experience an authentic ride through picturesque trails.

As your horse navigates the rolling plains and secluded valleys, take time to absorb the sights and sounds around you. The rhythmic motion of the horse combined with crisp mountain air creates a unique connection to the wild around you. Did you know that over 80% of the terrain in Torres del Paine is accessible only on horseback?

Discover the Magic of Patagonia on Horseback: Your Once-in-a-Lifetime Adventure Awaits

Cruise to Grey Glacier

As your boat glides across the calm waters of Grey Lake, you’ll witness the striking beauty of rugged mountains and floating icebergs. Grey Glacier itself is a stunning sight, with ice formations that showcase the raw power of nature.The sight of icebergs glimmering in the sunlight is something truly special. For photography enthusiasts, this is your moment—every snapshot captures the essence of nature’s masterpieces in stunning detail.

The sound of ice cracking and shifting is mesmerizing. Each moment spent here captures the dramatic tale of ancient glacial movements, immersing you even deeper into this enchanting environment.

Cruising towards the massive Grey Glacier

Discover Valle Frances by Catamaran

One of the park’s hidden treasures is Valle Frances—a spectacular valley surrounded by colossal peaks. A catamaran ride invites you to the heart of this beautiful scenery.

As you glide along the pristine waters, take in the untouched nature around you. Upon reaching the landing point, you have the opportunity to hike through wilderness that feels like an exclusive secret. Expect to be captivated by the vibrant flora and fauna, including vividly colored wildflowers and majestic condors soaring overhead.

Paddle through the Straits of Magellan

The adventure doesn’t stop there. Next, set out to conquer the legendary Straits of Magellan. Kayaking provides an intimate connection with the environment as you glide over the calm waters, gaining a unique perspective on the magnificent scenery.

While navigating through the straits, keep watch for playful sea lions and an array of seabirds. Each stroke of the paddle pulls you deeper into the wonders of this stunning paradise.

Your Once-in-a-Lifetime Adventure Awaits

Patagonia captivates with its enchanting landscapes. The diverse scenery, breathtaking views, and rich culture create a perfect haven for adventurers, nature lovers, and those seeking genuine exploration. Whether you're trekking, biking, or discovering Patagonia on horseback, every experience enriches your soul and connects you to the beauty of the Earth.

Now that you've seen some of the magic of Torres del Paine and the adventures that lie ahead, why hesitate? Break free from the mundane and create lasting memories in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Patagonia is not merely a destination; it’s a place that will redefine your notion of adventure travel. Unplug from the chaos of everyday life and forge a deeper connection with nature; this is a journey you won’t regret.

From sunrise yoga to exceptional hikes, biking, and the thrill of riding horseback, each activity contributes to a unique story that belongs only to you. Do not just fantasize about adventures—immerse yourself in them! Book your journey to Patagonia now and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.

Your invitation to explore Patagonia’s wonders is here. Will you answer the call?

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Embark on an Unforgettable Adventure with Wild Horse Photo Safaris

Memories of Onaqui Wild Horses Linger Long After the Photo Safari

Wild Horse Photo Safaris (www.wildhorsephotosafaris.com) is a labor of love and a offers unique, custom tailored, ecologically conscious photographic viewing experience through my business A Place In Time Photography, LLC (www.APlaceInTimePhotos.com).

My private year-round tours start and end in the small rural town of Tooele and can accommodate any photography skill level from novice or professionals. Even non-photographers who simply love horses and wildlife have raved it’s been one of the best experiences of their lives.  Tooele is very easy to access only a short 25 minute drive from the Salt Lake City International Airport.

Pensative Onaqui wild horse

Onaqui wild horsepower!

Onaqui wild stallion rears

Onaqui wild horse grazes

By choosing to accompany me with Wild Horse Photo Safaris on range you are getting the advantage of a unique and customizable experience from someone whose life is entrenched the wild horses on a daily basis.  I've spent over 2,500 hours documenting the herd, the individual family members, their locations, patterns, hide outs and likes and dislikes.  This enables me to help my guests have the best experience possible during your tour. 

It also helps you to feel confident that our time with the wild horses is done in a way that is most at harmony with their location and comfort levels and with the intention of preserving their natural behaviors and surrounding ecological resources for years to come. 

While in Utah’s west desert, my guests will be provided with comprehensive information about the Onaqui herds, band structure and individual horses.  You'll learn their names, stories and what challenges they have had and may still face both on and off the range.  You'll also learn in real time about wild horse behavior and how to read their body language, mannerisms and interactions.

All of my photo safaris are private and limited to small groups traveling together to help ensure the best experience for you and for the Onaqui horses as well.  Tour lengths vary and range from 4 hours, 6 hours to sunrise/sunset per day and multi-day bookings can also be accommodated. 

Onaqui Wild Stallion

Onaqui wild stallions sparring

Beautiful Onaqui wild horse

Previous guests routinely rave about the undeniable spirit of the Onaqui wild mustangs and share that they can’t stop thinking about them long after returning home. 

·         Devona from Arizona shares “What a wonderful experience of light and joy with this wonderful lady.  She has devoted years with dedication and love … holding them in compassion for the rest of the world to witness.” 

·         Lisa from Arizona says “I can’t really find the words to express how my experience with the horses affected me.  It was amazing, breathtaking and soul stirring.  I absolutely fell in love with the Onaqui. They are so special. I fell in love because I was able to hear their stories, history, family dynamics, etc. from someone, Jen Rogers, who has a passion and love for these horses that can’t help but rub off.  It’s contagious.” 

·         John from Virginia shares “It exceeded our expectations.  We saw more wild horses than we could have imagined.  We were able to get close, but not disrupt them in any way.  We can’t say enough good things about our guide Jen.  She knows everything about the horses.  She knows them all by name, how old they are, which horses are in which small group and the behaviors of each horse.  Jen loves all of the horses and is a passionate advocate for them.  Thank you Jen for the experience of a lifetime and one of our best days ever.”

Conservation efforts, including photographic documentation, education and protection, have always been at the forefront of my mind even as a young girl.  I spent long hours near woods and streams learning to identify tracks and understand wildlife behavior.  This has carried me through the years as I traveled abroad exploring several countries where I loved volunteering time and photography skills at animal sanctuaries or private reserves.

An affectionate moment between two Onaqui wild horses in Western Utah

My prior travels and interest in conservation set the foundation for me to start my own locally based 501c3 non-profit Red Birds Trust (redbirdstrust.org) to help preserve and protect the Onaqui wild horses both on and off the range.  Red Birds Trust has worked with various other wild horse advocates around the US to speak for the betterment of the care of the Onaqui wild horses, held numerous range clean up events, sanctuary spotlight events, and assisted in the placement of 150 Onaqui wild horses to date.  Many of these Onaqui we rescued have been bought from kill pens and were slated to be sent to slaughter after they were rounded up off the range and their placements with private owners fail them.

Wild Horse Photo Safaris

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EquuStyle Art & Travel magazine thanks Jennifer Rogers of Wild Horse Photo Safaris for sharing an excellent article and her gorgeous photographs. As founder of the wild horse advocacy nonprofit Red Birds Trust, Jen Rogers dedication to educate the public about protecting and preserving America’s vanishing wild horses and, in particular the Onaqui wild mustangs, is immensely inspiring.

All images copyright Wild Horse Photo Safaris -all rights reserved. Cannot be reproduced for any purpose without permission from Jennifer Rodgers and Wild Horse Photo Safaris.

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2,000 Pounds of Hope. 3 Broken Hearts. One Place Called Hope Reins.

Annie a Percheron equine-therapy horse at Hope Reins in Raleigh, NC.

When Aaron Guin texted his wife Amanda that he was ‘done,’ she didn’t know what he meant until she heard the police sirens. He’d been at home with another deep bout of depression, so she and her two young kids were staying nearby at her parent’s house until Daddy felt better.

But this time it was different. The beloved husband, doting father, 82nd Airborne Ranger, and neighborhood Mr. Fixit, lost his battle with the demons that haunted him since serving in the Gulf War. Aaron Guin, who could tinker with anything and make it work, sadly couldn’t repair his own life. He killed himself at his home on a Saturday evening. This is how life ended for Aaron Guin. But for Amanda, Garrett and Ashlyn, this is where their journey of hope and healing began.

Aaron’s suicide devastated the close-knit Guin family, especially Garrett, who spent every free moment glued to his father’s side, playing football, gardening and serving as his young handyman apprentice. Amanda tried desperately to reach her son, but his thoughts and feelings remained hidden behind a veil of detachment.

When a friend suggested the equine therapy program at Hope Reins, Amanda was skeptical. “I thought, really? Garrett’s going to open up to a horse?” But after their first session at Hope Reins, the 7-year-old seemed instinctively aware of his new 2,000 pound friend’s gentle strength and moved easily around the huge Percheron, a breed known for its mighty stature.

Garrett with Abby in 2015

It was a natural connection. The massive horse became Garrett’s confidant – one who could shoulder the weight of his darkest pain without ever divulging a word. He would talk and Abby listened.

Session after session, Amanda watched in wonder as Garrett would brush, walk and then ride Abby bareback through the green pastures at Hope Reins – beaming with pride and accomplishment.

His caring session leader, Karen, who remained a comfortable distance away, would watch in amazement, too, as God’s handiwork helped create a bond of love, trust and openness just when it was needed most for a lost little boy deeply missing his best friend. “I can’t even put into words how good it makes a mom feel that a horse can do a job that I can’t,” says Amanda.

The Guin Family, Ashlyn, Amanda and Garrett

It’s been almost eight years since the Guin family first contacted Hope Reins. And a lot has happened since then. Garrett’s sweet equine mentor, Abby, passed away in 2018 from severe colic. He’s now a strapping 5 foot 10 inch high school junior who loves basketball.

His sister, Ashlyn, forged her own path over the years as an accomplished equestrian at the ranch finding great solace in Shiloh, a beautiful white pony. She and Garrett both volunteered in Hope Reins’ Kids Give Back, where they provided leadership to young program participants and learned how to apply these skills in their own lives as well.

Amanda took her pain and started volunteering at TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) to help other military widows struggling with the death of a loved one. Her passion for the cause formed a conduit between TAPS and Hope Reins by aligning both nonprofits so other families like hers could be helped through equine therapy. TAPS has been a cherished partner of Hope Reins.

“I could have never made it through Aaron’s suicide without Hope Reins.”

“Pain is the ultimate equalizer,” says Amanda. “No one is immune from experiencing a crisis in their lives like we did. But I thank God for Hope Reins.”

For more information about Hope Reins or to make a donation: www.hopereins.org.

A rescue horse at Hope Reins

Bree with Spirit

Avolina and Twinkle

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This beautifully animated short video gives an overview of how Hope Reins helps children and horses with wounded hearts find healing.

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Joey the book

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Joey: How a blind rescue horse helped others to see

Editors Note: Several years ago I discovered the life-changing work of Hope Reins after reading the book Joey: How a blind rescue horse helped others learn to see .

This heartwarming true story about an Appaloosa named Joey who was rescued by Kim Tschirret and brought to Hope Reins deeply touched my heart. Author Jennifer Marshall Bleakley's book is beautifully written and shares the love, dedication, and deep commitment of everyone who supports Hope Reins vital ministry to provide faith-based mentorship programs for kids in crisis with the aid of rescued horses. Even a blind rescue horse named Joey has awakened hearts, offering hope and healing.

EquuStyle Art & Travel magazine is greatly honored to feature the remarkable work of Hope Reins.

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EquuStyle Art & Travel magazine thanks Christy Burkey, Director of Marketing and Communications at Hope Reins in North Carolina, for sharing a beautiful story with her excellent wordsmithing, photographs and video. Our sincere thanks to Founder and CEO Kim Tschirret, the staff, volunteers, and board members for using their time, talents, and energy to provide "true hope and real healing" for kids in crisis. A special thanks to the rescued horses for their resilience and generous spirits.

All images copyright Hope Reins -all rights reserved. Cannot be reproduced for any purpose without permission from Hope Reins.

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