En Selle, an adventure across Europe

Discovering En Selle and their desire for adventure

En Selle is Ashley Parson, journalist and author, and Quentin Boëhm, director and photographer, both passionate about travel and adventure

It was with this shared passion that the duo set off in 2021 on an expedition across the high steppes of Central Asia, accompanied by Tian, Chai and Fidel, three Kyrgyz horses. Together, they covered more than 1,600 km across 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 forged with the horses soon caught up with them.

In 2024, Ashley and Quentin decided to set off on another adventure with a clear objective: to bring Chai, Tian and Fidel back to France. Their new adventure will take them and their three horses almost 3000km across the mountains and landscapes of Europe, over the peaks of the Carpathians and the Alps. Their route will take them 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 presenting a different way of traveling. Ashley and Quentin’s desire is to highlight and share the unique and profound bonds forged between horses and humans, particularly in the unspoiled terrain of the mountains. This adventure is fueled by a genuine quest for freedom, discovery and communion with nature, where each step brings them a little closer to home.

The importance of good equipment

During such a journey, the human body is subjected to significant temperature variations and intense physical effort. That’s why we decided to support Ashley and Quentin in their adventure by equipping them with products adapted to their practice, so that they can concentrate on the essentials and get the most out of their trip.

At the start of their expedition, in the cold plains of Kyrgyzstan, the jackets Essential gave them optimum protection against the freezing temperatures, despite the presence of the sun. Once in the Polish Carpathians, where the cold was replaced by rain, they swapped their winter jackets for Long Raintech, ideal for all weather conditions.

the Suntech was also an ally throughout the trip. Worn on its own when temperatures rise, it offers effective protection against the sun while evacuating body heat. It can also be worn under a jacket when temperatures cool down.

For moments of relaxation, the Optimax and Optimax Tights set provide warmth and comfort, essential for recovery after long days on horseback. The brenchees X-Design, both comfortable and durable, accompanied them on their daily horseback adventure.

 

A journey in several stages

Beginning of the adventure: from Kyrgyzstan to Poland

Ashley and Quentin’s adventure began in May with a long journey from France to Kyrgyzstan, alternating between train, bus and boat. Ten days later, they finally arrive in Bishkek, eager to be reunited with their horses after a two-year wait. Unfortunately, the adventure began with the sad news that Ashley’s faithful companion Tian had left them a few days before their departure for Europe. So Chai and Fidel hit the road together in a truck, heading for Poland, where the journey really begins.

When they arrived in Poland, a third travelling companion, Brando, joined them to keep Chai and Fidel company. Used to the mountains and part of the Carpathians, Brando will be both a guide and a support for the team, knowing this terrain inside out. After several weeks of administrative formalities, Ashley, Quentin and their three horses were finally able to hit the road to begin their adventure across Europe.

The first stages through the forests of the Carpathians prove demanding. The climate is unpredictable, alternating between blazing sunshine and a capricious wind, sometimes gentle, sometimes gusty, which fortunately keeps the insects away from the horses. Nature has its share of surprises in store for them: steep, muddy, poorly-marked trails, accompanied by heavy rain. In these difficult conditions, the Long Raintech becomes an indispensable ally in battling the elements and keeping the adventure going.

Crossing to the Slovak side of the Carpathians

The arrival in Slovakia marks a more serene pause in the adventure, contrasting with the challenges of the Polish crossing. Welcomed under a brilliant blue sky, Ashley, Quentin and their horses find a calmer rhythm. The Slovakian mountains offer drier, rockier trails, making it easier for the horses, who seem to have kept their bearings in these mountainous landscapes.

However, this new stage also presents its share of challenges. As they move forward, the end of the Carpathians looms on the horizon. Vast forests give way to more urban areas, where roads multiply, making the route more dangerous and less safe for the horses. In order not to endanger Chai, Fidel and Brando, Ashley and Quentin decide to cross part of Slovakia by truck to the foot of the Alps.

Their journey through the Carpathians will have covered over 500 kilometers through mountains and forests, punctuated by many enriching encounters and learning about local customs. The end of this first stage also marks the team’s rapprochement with their final destination: France.

 

The Austrian Alps

After a four-hour truck journey, Ashley, Quentin and their horses arrived at the foot of the Austrian Alps, a moment of respite for the horses, who were able to make part of the journey without wind or rain. On this second leg, temperatures warm up and the sun becomes more present. Suntech can also be worn on its own, offering protection from the sun’s rays while regulating body temperature.

This change of mountain forced the team to rethink their travel strategy, as Austrian trails are very different from those in the Carpathians. In this part of the Alps, the paths are more fragmented, alternating between 4×4 tracks and cycle paths, in order to best follow their itinerary. And that’s a good thing, the Austrian inhabitants are very welcoming, offering Ashley and Quentin shelter every evening, as well as fenced-in areas for Chai, Fidel and Brando, giving them a well-deserved rest.
This part of the Alps proves to be more complex to cover on horseback. The tarmac roads to the passes make progress difficult, forcing Ashley and Quentin to look for more horse-friendly trails. The end of this second stage takes them to Italy. The last part of the journey to reach this new country is on a cycle path, a necessary compromise for lack of better options, as the only other road is reserved for motorized vehicles.

Italy, last stop before France

The advance into Italy takes place in the sweltering heat of August. At this time of year, travel becomes more complex due to the influx of tourists and high temperatures. The horses also feel the heat: while the climbs are relatively cool, the descents are stifling. As early as 4 a.m., the horses start to sweat and it’s difficult to cool them down. For this part of the trip, the Suntech and Team Shirt are Ashley and Quentin’s best allies.

The adventure continues through the majestic Dolomites, where they follow trails through the mountains to get closer to their final goal. However, the climbs prove particularly arduous for the horses, with steep inclines that put their endurance to the test. Brando stumbles several times and slips on metal grates laid on some of the paths, further complicating their progress.

Despite these difficulties, this stage also has its advantages. The verdant alpine pastures offer high-quality grass that helps slimmed-down horses regain their weight and strength. The effect is particularly noticeable on Chai, whose ribs are no longer visible for the first time in his life.

This crossing of the Dolomites represents a major step forward in this final stage of the journey, before embarking on the final leg of their journey: the crossing of Switzerland, the last passage before reaching France.

 

What we take away from this adventure on horseback

This adventure on horseback is rewarding in so many ways. Itinerant travel is not just about crossing passes, but also about exploring new routes, discovering undiscovered valleys, and immersing yourself in different cultures and ways of life. Each stage is an opportunity to meet, learn and share, where each difficulty strengthens the bond with horses and nature that surrounds them. This experience, more than a simple journey, is a true quest for authenticity and connection with nature and the world.

Find out more about the En Selle adventure.
@enselle.voyage