ESSI / IMMERSIVE RIDING EXPEDITION
Manglisi.
The reins
are in your hands.
Stop imagining yourself riding through the mountains. Come and feel it for yourself.
Confident riders · 2–8 hours in the saddle daily
FREEDOM / RESPONSIBILITY / ADVENTURE
You're part of
the adventure.
“I can do this.
This is
my life to live.”
Mist, the scent of damp leaves, Georgian hills turning green and gold all the way to the horizon. You're in the saddle, taking a deep breath, with so much space ahead you want to shout.
The forest opens onto a field. A gallop, wind on your face, your pulse racing. You feel your horse's strength, breath and rhythm. You set the direction — and feel freedom in every part of your body.
This is the kind of trip we'd choose for ourselves. You ride independently, choose your line within the group's route and take responsibility for your decisions. Nobody leads your horse by the reins. ESSI guides are close by to show the way and help on more challenging sections.
Expect wet boots, exhilaration and a step beyond the familiar. Rustic trail picnics on the ground, mountain air and the urge to get back in the saddle to see what's around the next bend.
Gallops take place on suitable stretches, weather and the group's ability permitting.
A PERSONAL INVITATION
Hello,
I'm Ksenia.
I'm a somatic practitioner and the founder of ESSI, an equine-assisted approach to embodied practice.
Join us for an immersive journey inspired by The Secret Life of Walter Mitty: step beyond everyday life and into an adventure you've only imagined until now.
We move out of our heads and into wide-open country. Speed, elevation, distant horizons and a little improvisation become experiences of your own.
“Life is bigger than the version of yourself you've grown used to.”
THE ROUTE
Three days. One route.
Your own horse.
Forest trails, rivers, open fields and mountains. Between 2 and 8 hours of riding each day.
We keep moving forward rather than returning to the same base each evening. Every day brings a new place to stay.
The riding ends in Ghvevi. From there, we return to Kiketi by car.
- StartKiketi
- OvernightTsveri
- OvernightManglisi
- End of the rideGhvevi
- ReturnKiketi
A SMALL GROUP
Just8riders.
Up to 8 riders and the horses we'll share these three days with.
A small group gives us room to choose our path, pause, adjust our pace and stay present in the experience.
You don't have to fit everything in. Give yourself time to be here.
RIDING EXPERIENCE
Ride with
confidence.
Expect 2–8 hours in the saddle each day. You need confident riding skills, including galloping and varied terrain, and the stamina for long days on horseback.
Not sure whether this is right for your level? Get in touch and we'll talk it through.
MANGLISI / 16–18 OCTOBER 2026
Your three days.
Your journey.
GOOD TO KNOW
The finer
details.
How the expedition works
We spend three days riding from place to place, with 2–8 hours in the saddle each day. Everyone rides their own horse independently, accompanied by our guides.
The route takes us along forest trails, rivers, open country and varied terrain. We pick up the pace where the route, weather and group readiness allow.
Lunch is a rustic picnic along the trail, sitting on the ground. Our guides carry food and water.
Your main luggage travels separately and awaits you at the next overnight stop.
This isn't a race. We take time to experience the journey.
Where we stay
Tsveri: a private country house in the woods. Old rugs, books, a fireplace, a veranda, a long dining table and contemporary art.
Think a much-loved, bohemian family retreat — with a fresh perspective.
Manglisi: small A-frame cabins surrounded by nature.
All our accommodation is heated. Expect character and comfort rather than five-star luxury: we choose places for their atmosphere and how they belong to the journey.
What else is included in the experience?
An ESSI practice. Manglisi Sioni. Trail picnics. Shared dinners and evenings.
And enough unplanned time to let the journey breathe.
How we choose your horse
We ride trained horses that are used to travelling together.
That first connection matters, so you'll be involved in choosing your horse.
The ESSI team makes the final match, taking your riding level, the horse's temperament and the route into account.
What's included in $2,000?
Your horse and tack · ESSI guides · accommodation along the route · meals and water · luggage transfers · local transfers in the itinerary · expedition practices and activities · a steam bath back in Kiketi.
What's not included?
Flights to Georgia · personal expenses · extra accommodation before or after the expedition.
If you're flying in for the trip, we can help arrange your arrival and an extra night in Kiketi.
What to pack
Comfort comes first.
Bring a few changes of riding clothes, warm layers, clothes for relaxing and sleeping, and comfortable, broken-in footwear.
Gloves and a long raincoat are required.
We'll send a full packing list before the expedition.
What to carry in the saddle
Keep it light.
A waist bag · gloves · raincoat · sunscreen · lip balm.
We'll transport the rest of your luggage.
Can I arrive a day early?
Yes.
The expedition starts at Kiketi Farm, around 30 minutes from Tbilisi.
Arrive the day before, stay on site, enjoy a relaxed dinner and settle in. In the morning, you'll meet the group at the stables.
You're also welcome to stay an extra night after we return.
Additional accommodation is charged separately.
COMING HOME
And finally,
Kiketi.
Our riding journey ends in Ghvevi. We say goodbye to the horses and return to where it all began: Kiketi.
Three days on the trail are behind us. A steam bath awaits.
Steam. Warmth. Dinner. People who were strangers just a few days ago. And time to slow down and take in everything you've shared.
This is how our Horse Expedition comes to a close.
YOUR ADVENTURE / MANGLISI
This time,
the rider in the mountains
is you.
Give yourself permission to step beyond the everyday and become part of the adventure you've been dreaming of.
Start with “let's go”. We'll get to know you, talk about your riding experience and explain how to reserve your place.
MANGLISI / OCTOBER 2026
2–8 hours in the saddle daily$2,000
ANOTHER ADVENTURE / BEGINNERS WELCOME
Kazbegi · 9–11 October
Rides of 1.5–2 hours, cosy stays in houses and hotels, a steam bath and a place for evening campfires. $2,500 per person. Full programme coming soon.
Ask about Kazbegi →