North From Patagonia

Having lived and worked in the UK for the past five years, we decided to leave the comfort of our working lives to realise a life-long dream and travel together across the South American continent on horseback.

My name is Antoine Drion and am 26-years-old. Having French parents and growing up on a stud farm in Ireland, I was always keen on travel and horses. Since I finished my studies in Edinburgh, I have been working for Equine Adventures, a specialist tour operator that I set up and currently manage. Having travelled to various parts of the world and experienced many fantastic journeys on horseback, I am now looking forward to fulfil this adventure of a lifetime with Marie.

My name is Marie Lacan and at 28 years of age, I have spent most of my life in the south of France before moving to the UK with Antoine. Since completing my studies, I have been working in London managing a library. From a young age I inherited a passion for travel from my father and hence am enthusiastic about discovering new countries and cultures. My allergy to horses has not put me off becoming a keen horse rider and joining Antoine on numerous riding treks around the world.

In early 2006 we were preparing for a backpacking trip around South America, when we began to contemplate the idea of travelling by horse as the best way to discover the vast expanses of South America and encounter the people who live there. The idea was to experience the continent, not just see it. We have spent the past year preparing for this journey and are longing to be out there in the saddle.