Guides, Instructors and Horses
Horseback Georgia is a passion project that brings together the expertise of our guides and instructors with our love of horses, and in-depth knowledge of ethnography and culture. With the desire to connect with good humans on a deeper level, to bring joy to our business and customers, we came up with many creative ideas for horse lovers, their families, and friends.
Our Theory
Our guides and instructors take great satisfaction and pride in having well-kept and trained horses. We are working to restore the old breed and promote equestrian tourism. Although many horse breeds can be found in Georgia, not all of them are suited to the country’s hilly or desert-like terrain.
There is something special about saddling your horse, and exploring the wilderness of Georgian mountain ranges with your long-legged friend.
On horseback, you travel at a steady rhythm without being confined to roads or disturbing the surrounding tranquility. Following trails through vibrant alpine pastures and mountain passes, passing by ancient churches, or rushing rivers is a strikingly memorable experience in Georgia.
Horses
You’ll find horses with different bloodlines and sizes in our herd, some with smaller than average frames and some with larger ones. As a result, we can meet the needs of heavy riders. Our horses are incredibly calm and kind.
Every horse has a unique name, life story, set of behaviors, and mindset. Those who appreciate spending time with horses and getting to know them intimately will predict each horse’s personality.
We purchased some horses from various ranches, farms, and villages. Some of them came from poor living conditions where they had endured difficult physical labor and treatment. Through our team, we have changed the future of more than one horse. Sadly, Georgians still use horses to perform difficult activities like removing logs from remote forests. Some horses have been doing this difficult work for years, which has caused them a great deal of psychological stress and forced them to develop a unique muscular system. These horses don’t live very long. We buy them, care for them, socialize them with humans and other animals, train them for riding, and use them for tours. They appear happier and healthier since relocating to our stables.
Guides and Instructors
IA
Ia Tabagari is the main person behind the idea. Her long list of credentials, experience, creativity as a leader, and entrepreneurial personality brings wonderful people together, unites their goals, overcomes challenges with fun, and brings ideas to fruition.
Ia Tabagari is, by training, an ethnologist and an expert in sustainable tourism development in rural communities. She is also a blogger, a traveler, and an adventurer. Ia’s outgoing and innovative character, compassion, and intimate knowledge of the land lead her to create beautiful spaces for horses and humans, not to mention a dedicated film and documentary producer.
Giga
Giga Kharkhelauri is the most experienced leader, guide, and instructor on our team. Giga grew up riding horses in one of the mountainous regions of Georgia, in the “world of horses.” He connected his profession, lifestyle, and business with equestrian activities. Giga is always thinking about the development of horseback-riding tourism. He has organized a number of mountain-riding tours, beginning with training the horses and getting them ready for the trip, which includes getting the animals to the destination. He is an irreplaceable team member and creates exciting experiences and long-lasting memories.
Nick
Nick Bichinashvili is the most cheerful and humorous guide in the equestrian community. You will never be bored with him, although his sense of humor does not hinder him from being serious and attentive to his clients when planning horseback riding tours. Nick’s sharing of experience and the speed of harnessing a horse are integral parts of his character. A key aspect of Nick’s personality is how quickly he can harness a horse and share his experience. Almost nothing is difficult for Nick: setting up camp in the valley and pitching a tent; changing the route due to bad weather; having a special attitude toward kids and watching out for them during the horseback riding trip;
Elene
Elene Modebadze is a girl guide. She has merged her passion for horses with her work as a guide and shares her knowledge with students in her “second career.” Elene enjoys traveling, taking pictures, and mingling with people besides horses. She has a unique perspective and talent for capturing breathtaking photography of beautiful surroundings with kids, horses, and elderly people. Through her pictures of nature and various facets of life, the viewer is taken into the diversified world of the characters. Elene on horseback is incredibly attentive to her clients and also enjoys discussing world literature and poetry.
Nitsa
Nitsa Bur, a female musician and tour guide, is one of a select group of individuals whose career paths exhibit total radicalism. Following horseback riding trips was a hobby for Nitsa, but it turned into a true passion for exploring the mountainous regions, Kakheti lowlands, and semi-desert landscapes.
Muhmad
Muhmad Mutoshvili is a resident of Pankisi, a young man who grew up surrounded by horses and who chose the profession of a guide from an early age. He provides incredible care and attention to the guest riders at all phases of organizing horseback riding trips. Besides the beautiful country he comes from, Muhmad has explored the mountainous regions of Georgia and is treated with special respect everywhere he goes.
Ketie
Katie Babulaidze is a native of the region, where horseback riding is a beloved family custom. Since she was a little child, Katie has enjoyed riding horses, going to Tusheti’s traditional horse races, and even working with her family to raise and train horses. Katie is the most experienced female mountain tour guide in the industry. She is delightfully aloof, humble, and responsible. After all, she comes from Tusheti, Georgia’s most romantic region, where history, modernity, the beauty of the natural world, and people coexist together.