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.
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https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/unusual-ld/
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