Fancy rising to the challenge of capturing great images from the back of a horse? What’s more, climbing and descending 45 degrees slopes in deep snow, rain and clear sunshine.  If the answer is yes, Denis Longfellow and the Mercantour have the solution for you!  Twice a year Denis (a native Californian with many many years in France) drives his troupe of horses from the Mercantour down to the coast in Sainte-Agnès., and north again in June to enjoy the summer pasture in Le Boréon.

Climping above the snow line

Much anticipation was in the air as the group of adventurers gathered one cold morning in late September, preparing mounts and packhorses alike.  Everyone had their camera, the most sensible with pocket size digitals, me with the trusty Nikon Coolpix (bouncing around on my back!).

Making ready after the climb

However moving up from 1700m none of us were quite prepared to be urging our willing steeds up stoney paths obscured by a foot of snow, with the packhorses barging about thoughtfully knocking great swathes of snow off branches.  A small injury to one of the younger riderless horses made us realise that this trip was going to be a challenge. However no need to be a professional photographer to snap the awesome scenery.  The contrast of man and animal with brooding sky behind was truly “Breugelesque”.

Inspiring Scenery