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08.15.2009

Traveling with Horses Your EquinePost.com Traveling with Horses Expert is: Janine Wilder

Long Riders - The meaning of the word "Adventure"!

Men and women from all around the globe and throughout history have been exploring the world by horseback. These true Long Riders hold a distinction that will forever set them apart in the equestrian community. No matter what their country of origin, or what country they ride, they are "one" in their pursuit for their equestrian dreams.

We have all heard of the adventurous soul who has taken his/her dream across the United States riding from the Atlantic to the Pacific or from Mexico to Canada and countless destinations in between. These audacious horsemen exist all over the world, in all countries, all genders, from all age groups, individuals, groups and even families have ridden their dreams. These brave individuals not only received self-gratification but have also left their mark on all future equestrian communities.

There have been some amazing adventures and extraordinary feats by horsemen all over the world such as: Stéphane and Véronique Bigo who have rode across several countries, including Turkey, China, Ethiopia, Brazil, Guatemala and the United States. The amazing Vladimir Fissenko who rode his steed from the southern tip of Argentina to the top of Alaska. In the 1960's Elly & Nathan Foote, had an unbelievable adventure as they traveled from Argentina to Canada. Then there is the incredible journey of Manfred Schulze who has ridden around the world. These true horsemen are only a sample of the Long Riders' who have ridden for the sake of their dreams.

This legendary Swiss equestrian traveler was 29-years-old in 1925 when he started his remarkable three-year, 10,000 mile equestrian trip from Argentina to Washington DC. This Long Rider's journey, with his two Criollo horses, took him over mountains, through jungles, and a breath-taking adventure. His quest turned him into a champion for all the Long Riders who followed. Whether you are an adventurous rider or a passionate fan, who loves to read adventure stories, you will love reading Aime's story as depicted in the book "Tschiffely's Ride: Ten Thousand Miles in the Saddle from Southern Cross to Polar Star". Tschiffely's ride and his story have inspired generations of equestrian travelers to fulfill their own dreams, perhaps you will be the next rider to be inspired.

In 1912 four men, George and Charlie Beck, Jay Ransom, and Raymond Rayne calling themselves "The Overland Westerners", dreamed of making the longest continual ride to date. They started out on their expedition from the village of Shelton, Washington in an effort to visit the capital cities of all the contiguous 48 states. These hearty Long Riders completed their journey in San Francisco with more than three years and 20,352 continuous miles to their credit. Can you imagine yourself on this kind of ride?

In 1909 Bud and Temple Abernathy (aged 9 and 5) traveling alone from Frederick, Oklahoma, to Santa Fe, New Mexico and back again to Frederick. This 1,200-mile adventure was followed the next year by a 2,000-mile excursion from Cross Roads, Oklahoma, to New York City. Riding an Arab and a pony these same two equine friends rode with these adventurous brothers (now aged 11 and 7) on a 3,619-mile trip from Coney Island, New York to Golden Gate Park, California. Can you imagine those two youngsters traveling that distance in only 62 days? You can read about their escapades in the book "Bud and Me".

When I think of Peruvian Paso's I have to think about Verne Albright and his famous ride from Chiclayo, Peru, to Los Gatos, California. His book "The Long Way to Los Gatos" was a thrilling and chilling account of this Long Rider's determination and courage. With a life involved in Peruvian Paso's and an incredible 5,000-mile journey this renowned horseman has some wonderful advice for the "would-be" Long Rider.

When I asked Mr. Albright if he had any advise for the horse enthusiast who dreamed of a real adventure his response was "Yes, I do have advice for someone who has a dream of riding his/her horse across the country. Do it! It will teach you much about yourself, about people and about life. Such a ride is a unique experience, different from anything else that can be done in our modern world, and it's a wonderful way to understand what life was like before all the miracles of modern technology".

I found Verne's answer to another question very interesting. I asked if you were to repeat your trip today would you do anything any differently? His answer, "Many of my preparations would be different if I were making my ride now. My ride was in 1965-66, and since then, there have been advances in horse products that would have saved me from many of the difficulties I had. First and foremost among these are some of the new saddle pads that allow the installation of shims to make a saddle fit better and more comfortably. Also, there are much better insect repellents that would have been most useful in the tropics, as you will read in my book. I also would have made a greater effort to enlist a companion, though such a person might have been impossible to find considering the ride's difficulties and dangers. Certainly being alone was something that gave the ride a unique flavor, but I think I would have been more appreciative if I'd had the stimulation that would have come from hearing another person's impressions of the people, sights and events along the trail".

Verne Albright is a true inspiration for the adventurous horseman, a man who had the courage to fulfill his equestrian pursuit. This famous Long Rider has proved that if you dream it you can do it. Will you be the next to join the ranks of the Long Riders?

In 1975, Mary Ellen Eckelberg, made an historical trip known as "The Great River Ride". This courageous woman rode alone on a landmark adventure from Winnipeg, Canada down the great Mississippi River to New Orleans, Louisiana. Mary Ellen and her Arabian, Sahnson, not only made this 3,200-mile trip but at the end of the ride decided to make a return trip back up the other side of the Mississippi River to Winnipeg. This heroic lady's 18 month, 6,400-mile journey was made to celebrate the Bicentennial and to demonstrate the need for a comprehensive system of riding trails. What a lady!

Yes, at this very moment there are several new and repeat Long Riders out on the trail to adventure. Such current exploits include Laura Bougault, who has ridden extensively through France and is now riding the length of Africa, by herself. Guenter Wamser and Barbara Kohmanns are riding from Patagonia to Alaska, on an estimated 18,000-mile long trip. Howard Saether is currently riding from Uruguay to North America. Dane Hartwell, is riding through the West on his way to Peru. Les Nichols, is currently riding from Texas to New York in honor of 9-11. Saan Ecker, Pam Brookman and Angie Grusauskas are at this time riding along Australia's Bicentennial National Trail. Barbara Kohmanns and Guenter Wamser are enroute from Ecuador to Alaska. These are just a few Long Riders who are out there, as I write, fulfilling their equestrian dreams. If you could ride anywhere in the world, where would you ride?

One of Canada's most famous Long Riders is Stan Walchuk, Jr. In 1982, Stan and two companions started out on an adventure through the Cordillera Region of the Rocky Mountains. The three started out in Alaberta, Canada. 1,200 miles later Stan and his palomino named Lucky arrived, alone in Wrangell, Alaska. You can recount his wonderful journey in his book, "Cordillera!"

Stan has started a one of a kind school for the would-be Long Rider. With his skills and Long Rider know-how Stan will teach you the fine art of adventure. There is no one better to teach you the "how-tos" than Stan Walchuk. For more information you can go to Stan's website at www.bcoutfitter.com or call him toll free at 1-877-228-4868 or get in touch with "The Long Riders' Guild.

This community of equestrian adventurers and explorers was started to promote equestrian travel all over the world. The Long Riders' Guild is the brainchild of CuChullaine O'Reilly. CuChullaine, a long rider himself, led a record-breaking expedition in the Karakorum Mountains of Pakistan. His passion for horse travel has grown into a full-blown affair with living. CuChullaine's words ring so true "The Long Riders Guild encourages members to undertake life-changing equestrian journeys that explore not only the unknown portions of the world, but their own souls as well."

The Guild has more than a hundred members from 24 countries. These members have ridden on every continent except Antarctica. For a look into this world of excitement, courage and adventure take a look at the Guild's web site at www.thelongridersguild.com. This exciting site, managed by Basha, CuChullaine's Long Rider's wife, does a fantastic job with this very informative site.

This groundbreaking site offers a wealth of information that cannot be found anywhere else. You will be absolutely taken aback by the information found here. Take a look at the stories about long riders from all over the world. You will find a comprehensive explanation of what it takes to be a member of the Long Riders' Guild.

You can meet the members of this exclusive society of equestrian explores and adventures on pages dedicated to their individual achievements. "Stories from the Road" is an enticing page of great stories about some of the wonderful long riders' journeys. A great page to read is "The History of Equestrian Travel" a fascinating account of the history of many Long Riders' adventures. You can find out what adventurous horsemen are "out there" riding their dreams on the "Current Expeditions" page, see pictures and read how their adventure is progressing. Also of interest is that CuChullaine has the largest collection of equestrian travel books in the world. Want to read about a Long Riders' adventure? Then get "on line" and go to the Long Rider's Guild web site. Better yet, become a Long Rider yourself. As CuChullaine says, "Get on your horse, and that means ANY kind of horse, and head towards the horizon of your choice." Well, what are you waiting for?

Life is what you make of it. What do you want to make of yours? If you have a dream perhaps it is time to make that dream come true. Not everyone can ride thousands of miles or even want to. Perhaps you have dreamed of riding on an ocean beach, or the wilderness of the Rocky Mountains. Whatever your heart yearns for is what you should do. Good luck in your pursuit of your equestrian dreams. Hope to see you on the trail to adventure.