Full title: “On a Hoof and a Prayer: Exploring Argentina at a Gallop”

Author: Polly Evans

Released: April 29, 2008

Travel genre: Larkish travel, equine travel

Territory covered: Patagonia, Argentina

Promo copy: “The stampeding true story of one woman’s journey from timorous equestrian novice to wildly whooping cowgirl—a madcap ride through Argentina that will fascinate horse lovers, travelers, and armchair adventurers alike.”

Critical verdict: “Polly Evans, a Londoner, claims to be ‘very cowardly and not at all fond of danger,’ but here she goes again, putting herself in uncomfortable situations with a risk of aches and pains—and embarrassment. ... [She] has an engaging style that draws comparisons to Paul Theroux and Bill Bryson.” (Newsday) It’s “a jolly romp of a read, with some good snapshots of local life, but like so much popular travel writing the journey is literal, rather than emotional or spiritual, leaving the reader feeling slightly short-changed intellectually.” (Telegraph) “Give it a whirl if you’re interested in travelling, grown-up style.” (NZgirl)

Find it: Amazon, Powell’s, publisher