Over the past 10 months my ponies and I have ventured over mountains, through rivers, deserts, forests and many cities & towns. Now, for the first time in our trip, we face the jungle and its tropical heat.
From the state of Puebla we descended to Orizaba, Veracruz. In the matter of one day the climate changed drastically along with the flora. Veracruz is a beautiful state but the humidity this time of the year makes it hard to do anything – especially ride. With temperatures close to the 40’s we trekked south ever so slowly. Sweat dripped from my body and the horses with every step we took. It was intense.
In Cordoba I was hosted by a wonderful family who took me to a Escaramuza competition. Watching those women moving in the arena in perfect sync was amazing! It’s literally like ballet on horseback. I enjoyed a nice break from the heat and the horses rested for a few days.
From Cordoba we rode towards Tierra Blanca. Once again we suffered through a long and hot week. One day I was watching the horses eat while sweating profusely at 7 am. Frenchie was literally soaked just from chewing his hay. I couldn’t believe it! I have never experienced this kind of heat in my life. Like the horses, I too am soaked from morning to night. The humidity is so thick, it’s like a wall.
Tired and ready for a cold shower we arrived in the town of Tierra Blanca. With the local Cabalgantes waiting for us we were once again treated extremely well. Luckily, I arrived just in time for their local Carnaval. Being from Brazil, I am a huge lover of this party that leaves your heart beating to the rhythm of samba. On Sunday, May 5, I got to experience what Carnaval in the state of Veracruz is all about. Let me tell you that Cinco de Mayo in Mexico is as epic as you imagined it would be. I was thoroughly impressed! The main street of the small town was but an ocean of bobbing heads as floats and bands made their way through. It was a beautiful parade full of music, colors and laughter.
From Tierra Blanca we will trek to Loma Bonita where the Pineapple Fair is currently taking place. I will have to keep a close eye on the ponies as this extreme heat continues. Because these horses are from North America and have never experienced tropical heat before, these next few weeks could be detrimental for their health. I need to make sure they drink a lot of water and don’t start to lose weight.
