This week the Word Press Photo Challenge is the word UNUSUAL.
I usually ride a horse so riding an elephant is unusual for me. This photo was taken a few years ago when my husband and I were in Cambodia at the Temples of Angkor. At the Bayon Temple they offer rides on the elephants. The mahout told us he had this elephant since she was very young. No bits or bridles here. The mahout sits behind the elephant’s ears and has a small short stick that he would tap her with and she knew where to turn or when to stop or go. The movement of the elephant is huge, even at the walk.
At the temple of Angkor Wat I saw a little pony. I am often fearful that horses or donkeys in tourist areas will not be well looked after. But this little fellow was in good weight, hooves neatly trimmed and his coat well groomed. He had on a small saddle as he was there with his handler for Cambodian children visiting the temples to ride. This beautifully decorated bridle is also unusual.
I have not associated Cambodia as a country with horses and in fact the pony was the only one I saw while we were there. But judging by this carving on one of the walls in Angkor Wat , it was not unusual for there to be horses in the armies of the ancient Cambodia.
To see other responses to this challenge click on this link.
https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/unusual-ld/
HorseAddict 
Beautiful! Great photos. I love hearing about your travels
LikeLiked by 1 person
We do less distant travel now. I don’t want to be away from riding and Biasini for too long and we go twice a year to London to see our son who lives there so that is most of our travel now. But that’s ok!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hear you! It is a different season in your life now…more than OK! As it should be! You are blessed to have those past experiences and memories.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I rode horses my whole life, too, so I figured it wouldn’t be that strange to ride an elephant. WRONG! It was the oddest feeling ever! Gorgeous pics and of course I was blown away by that bridle. Spectacular! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your comment and yes it’s a very different stride to a horse. I can’t begin to imagine what it would be like if the elephant set off at a trot!
LikeLike
Exactly! Can’t you just imagine the riding lesson on that? “But instructor…I really am using my leg but I just can’t seem to master the flying lead change on this guy.” Hahaha! They are spectacular animals though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How fun! Great job on your daily prompt!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike
We bet that elephant was a bit more sluggish then Biasini. Looks like a lot of fun.
LikeLiked by 1 person
HaHa! Yes but if the elephant started to trot off it would be pretty hard to stay on.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can imagine it would be hard to stay on them. You would be like a pea on its back. They seem to roll forward on those tree trunk legs. Not like Biasini.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes I think that is why they have the seat for people like my husband and me who are amateur elephant riders. The movement is not jarring at all but there is a big roll with each step. Thanks for your comment .
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmm…I fear I might feel a bit seasick on an elephant with
all the motion.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I get terrible motion sickness but the elephant was ok. I have heard camels can make people seasick.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve ridden on an elephant in India! It certainly is different.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes it is. They are wonderful creatures I think. Thanks for the comment. Interesting to know you have been in India.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My first husband was from India We went for about a month during my break from teaching. Hot, hot, hot!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
wow..that must be funny
LikeLiked by 2 people
It is very different from a horse. But the elephant seemed calm and gentle. I can’t imagine what it would be like if it went faster!
LikeLiked by 1 person