The Long Riders' Guild

2018 - News!

Brazil’s Long Rider Legend Honoured - Pedro Luis de Aguiar (right) has been designated a Living Treasure by the Long Riders’ Guild. READ MORE

The Guild’s Activities in 2018
Starting in January 2018, the LRG news page was updated six times and dozens of news stories were published. Sixteen new Long Riders became Members, including the first equestrian travellers from Romania and China, making those the 47th and 48th countries to join the Guild. After a nine-year search, Jing Li, the world’s most important “missing in action” Long Rider was found. Jing Li not only joined the Guild, he carried the LRG flag across Russia. The Living Treasures, Long Rider Routes, and How to Ride collections were all expanded. Two special academic studies, Horses and Religion and the History of Russian Horse Travel, were published by the Guild’s Academic Foundation. A Long Rider Literary Renaissance occurred with the release of the Encyclopaedia of Equestrian Travel, as well as a number of books written by LRG authors.
The Guild welcomes its newest Member

Jesse McNeil – travelled “ocean to ocean” across the USA, riding from Oregon to New Hampshire.

Charles Darwin and Lyme Disease

During the five years in which Charles Darwin made his famous journey around the world, he explored the continents of South America, Australia and Africa on horseback. For example, he rode more than 500 miles across the Argentine pampas to find and retrieve fossils. After his return to England the Victorian naturalist continued to ride until the age of sixty. In 2014 the Guild published “
Ticks and Travel – A Deadly Peril,” the first equine travel study to document how ticks carrying Lyme Disease represent one of the most frightening threats faced by Long Riders. Newly published research indicates that Charles Darwin may have unknowingly been afflicted with Lyme Disease.
 

Is Climate Change Affecting Equestrian Travel?

In 2018 Long Rider Kimberley Delavere carried the LRG flag across Australia, riding the length of the 5,330 kilometre long Bicentennial National Trail. She is currently travelling by kayak the length of Australia's longest river. Having seen alarming articles about unprecedented drought in Australia, the Guild wrote to ask Kim if the severe weather was having an effect on equestrian travel. Kim wrote back to share disturbing news.
"There was a devastating ecological disaster here about a week and half ago - estimates of about 1 million fish suffocated and died in the Darling river due to the heat.  Endangered Murray Cod up to 100 years old were found dead in their thousands. Devastating. And of course this isn't just indicative of the Darling river, or Australia, but for the rest of the world too.

It is incredibly hot here. I've struggled with the heat, experiencing heat stroke a couple of times. Sometimes the days are easy, sometimes they're hard. Two days ago it was easily 46c (115f), an almost impossible heat. The weather never used to be like this, and now it seems to be occurring more and more frequently."
Kim went on to say, "I don't exactly know how this bears for the BNT trail, but a few months ago large sections of the trail were closed to self-sufficient trekkers due to the drought in New South Wales and Queensland. I knew of a couple of hikers who had to pull out since it became impossible to walk between water sources. The president of BNT, Nik Jacomas, declared the BNT closed in the drought stricken areas on the Facebook page, and hasn't mentioned it being opened again. I haven't checked the BNT website or the FB page for a while, but I would assume large sections are still void of water at the moment."

 

 

 

 

Equestrian Campgrounds on Google Maps

A new programme will assist Long Riders travelling in the United States. Thousands of equestrian campsites are listed across the nation, each of which has been ranked as free, cheap, medium and expensive.

Russian Geographical Society Honours Legendary Long Rider

Gennadii Semin (left), President of the Russian Equestrian Federation, and Long Rider Jing Li (right) spoke at the Russian Geographical Society in Moscow on, December 5, 2018. READ MORE…

The Perils of Tech

The value of halting the normal routines of life and learning to reflect inwardly may seem out of step with a world where everything seems gauged towards immediacy. Technology is an ever-present feature in our everyday lives, with the culture of computers being self-proliferating, self-interested and self-consuming. These developments have had a furtive influence on equestrian travel as well. Whereas early Long Rider websites supplied information about the route and the mission, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are encouraging people to become obsessed with themselves and seek constant feedback on their activities. Canadian Long Rider Chris MacLuckie has written a special article about the need to keep tech at a distance for the safety of the horse and the happiness of the Long rider.

England’s Poet of the Saddle Honoured - Noted equestrian author and Founding Member of the Guild Jeremy James has been designated a Living Treasure by the Long Riders’ Guild. READ MORE
How to Ride in Ireland – At the conclusion of her second 1000 mile journey, Cathleen Leonard has written an article which provides essential information regarding traffic, weather, lodging, etc for anyone planning to ride through Eire.  Click on picture to read more.

The Guild welcomes its New Members

Vlad Coman – pioneered a route across the length of Ireland.

Anja Hasse completed a circular journey from Switzerland to Italy and back that required her to cross the Alps twice.
Julia Juretzko - rode from Switzerland into Italy, crossed the Apennine mountains and then swam her horse into the Mediterranean Sea.
Chris MacLuckie – rode from Rockingham, Ontario, Canada to San Andres Itzapa, Guatemala.
Peng Wenchao – completed a 13,000 kilometre (8,000 mile) equestrian journey in China.
Oisín's Irish Trail - In the summer of 2018 English Long Rider Cathleen Leonard and Romanian Long Rider Vlad Coman rode the length of Ireland. Click on picture to read more.
A History of Russian Horse Travel
When asked to name an equestrian culture, the majority of modern humans would think of cowboys and gauchos. What few people remember is that Russia played a remarkable role in horse-human history. A special study documents the astonishing and dangerous journeys done during the last 300 years. For example, Long Riders such as Alexander Kenik (right) rode his stallion, Irkut, 7,000 kilometres from St. Petersburg to Chita, Siberia in 1895. This unique report documents the women and men who had the courage to ride across Russia, from the days of the Czars, through the era of the Soviet Union, and who are blazing new trails in the 21st century.
Click on picture to read more.
 
Pioneering Long Rider Passes Away - During the dark days of the 1950s when equestrian travel nearly went extinct, young Tex Cashner helped keep the ancient art of equestrian travel alive. By the time Cashner stepped down from the saddle at the end of a difficult journey, he was on the other side of an invisible barrier that would forever set him slightly apart from those he left behind. Yet Cashner wasn’t content to just travel. For nearly seventy years he preserved vital equestrian travel wisdom for posterity. His knowledge is now enshrined in the Encyclopaedia of Equestrian Exploration.  To mark his 85th birthday, Tex Cashner was the first Long Rider to be designated as a Living Treasure by the Long Riders’ Guild. Click on picture to read more.


The Horse Travel Handbook is fantastic
. Encouraging yet full of wisdom. Most guide or handbooks have the ability to make you feel as if the author doesn’t think you can do it! CuChullaine O’Reilly’s Handbook is far from this and has only fuelled my desire to get on with my equestrian journey.

As an aspiring Long Rider I found the Handbook as engaging and page turning as any excellent novel yet the knowledge conveyed on each page was priceless. The warnings expressed were given with logical solutions so it did not have the effect of putting me off only requiring that I think of things that had never occurred to me - wolves for example who will dwell in the areas we will be crossing.

Even if you only ever wish to do short camp rides the Handbook is a worthy read. I expect that many copies will become battered and torn from time in saddle bags, notes being made in margins, raindrop splurged pages and wrinkles and crumples all over. However is that not the sign of something which has lived a life and been well loved?

Jane Bury – United Kingdom

Essential Information - Having done two independent horseback treks in Mongolia earlier and now preparing for a long ride in Patagonia, I wish I had had the Horse Travel Handbook before my Mongolian trips! It makes preparing and planning so much easier when all the essential information is gathered in one book. And the information gathered from other Long Riders is much more reliable than the random info you find on the internet.
Tuomas Kauko - Norway

 

 

 


Exploration Encyclopaedia described as a Herculean feat

Neil Clarkson, editor of the international equestrian news service, Horse Talk, has published a glowing review of the Encyclopaedia of Equestrian Exploration. “No-one has garnered more knowledge about the joys, and the pitfalls, of equestrian travel over the last 40 years than CuChullaine O’Reilly. To describe the encyclopaedia as a comprehensive guide to equestrian exploration is an understatement, pure and simple. It is, to be frank, impossible to accurately describe the breadth and comprehensiveness of this work.”

American Long Rider Lisa Stewart was among the equestrian explorers who commented on the review. “Long riding can be a travesty or a triumph. Mr. O’Reilly’s work of more than three decades codifies the art of exploration through long riding on horseback, such that anyone who deploys what is learned in the EEE (and Mr. O’Reilly’s 2016 The Horse Travel Handbook) can ensure his or her trek is a triumph,” she wrote.

 

Russian Long Rider Carries Guild Flag to the Arctic Circle

A Guild flag that crossed the United States with an American Long Rider is now on its way to the Arctic Circle with a Russian Long Rider. This is a perfect example of the Guild's philosophy of equestrian brotherhood. Chinese born Long Rider Jing Li previously rode solo across Russia, Siberia and on to Peking. He then rode the length of the Great Wall. Jing Li is now carrying the LRG flag from the Caucasus Mountains to the Arctic Circle.

Tschiffely’s Friend Lady Polwarth Passes Away

The Long Riders’ Guild is very sad to report the death of Jean Cunninghame Graham at the age of ninety. Lady Polwarth was the literary heir of the legendary Long Riders Robert Cunninghame Graham and Aimé TschiffelyRead more…

Captured by Afghan Bandits!

The Guild website was created so as to connect the world's equestrian travellers with the traditions of their past. It also preserves the fragile “Stories from the Road” that Long Riders often risk their lives to ride and retrieve. The publication of two such remarkable stories marks a special moment in modern equestrian travel history. In 1973 Sean Jones (right), Kevin Rigby and Raffaele Favero rode across Afghanistan. That remarkable adventure is recounted in Sean’s article The Company of Horses. What occurred next was unprecedented. The three Long Riders set off to ride from Afghanistan, over the Khyber Hills into Pakistan’s Tribal areas. Their plans went astray when they were Captured by Afghan Bandits. The Guild would like to welcome Sean as a Member and has honoured the memory of Kevin and Raffaele in the Historic Long Riders Collection.

 

Riding Through a Chaotic World

Armed escorts, roadside shootings, searing temperatures, chaotic traffic and mind-blowing bureaucracy. Despite it all, Filipe Leite completed a two-year 10,000-mile journey on horseback from Canada to Brazil. In an exclusive interview the founder of the Long Riders’ Guild, CuChullaine O’Reilly, talked to Filipe about his remarkable journey, and the many challenges the Long Rider describes in his new book, which even included the need to befriend drug lords to get through.
 

How to Ride in Western Europe

The Guild’s series of “How to Ride …” articles continue with a contribution by Andrea Kukalova, who describes the journey she and Milan Rousek made from the Czech Republic, across Germany, France and on to Spain.

How to Ride in Germany

Before she rode more than a thousand miles across Great Britain, English Long Rider Elizabeth Hill Davies rode from Spain to Germany. She provides valuable advice on how to make a successful equestrian journey in Germany.

 

Long Rider Literary Renaissance

At the dawning of the 21st century equestrian travel literature was on the brink of extinction. Long Rider authors such as Robin Hanbury-Tenison and Jeremy James had written excellent books in the late 20th century but those fine works had gone out of print. Even more alarming, “Tschiffely’s Ride,” the most influential equestrian travel book of all time, was not only out of print; but even used copies had become unobtainable. The Long Riders’ Guild Press was created to preserve equestrian travel classics. In addition, the Guild has always encouraged Long Riders to become authors.

During the summer of 2018 the subsequent release of many new equestrian travel tales marks a milestone in modern literature. The Guild would like to congratulate the hard work of these Long Rider authors.


Eye on the Hill  Horse Travels in Britain — The 2018 Illustrated Edition by Richard Barnes. Back in 1977 a 27 year-old man rode a 12 year-old cob through Wales, Scotland and England. For Richard Barnes, it was to be a long look at Britain, as the country passed beneath the horse's hoofs, mile by mile, through 33 counties. Barnes packed a camera in the front saddlebag, but he wrote Eye on the Hill because he felt the pictures were incomplete.

The new illustrated edition has many more photographs, some full-page and a few of them in colour. With an atmosphere of time travel, they show the horse and rider, the view from the saddle, and the roads they went along.

Lady Long Rider by Bernice Ende. Foreword by CuChullaine O’Reilly. At the age of 50, Bernice began her first trip. She traversed the Great Plains, the Southwest deserts, the Cascade Range, and the Rocky Mountains and was the first person to ride coast-to-coast and back again in a single trip. Through her rides, Bernice shares the heartfelt and inspiring story of inner struggles and triumphs. She tests the limits of physical and mental stamina, learns to cope with inescapable solitude, and ultimately finds the reward of a life well-lived.

Long Ride Home by Filipe Masetti Leite. Described as an amazing story of courage and tenacity, this is the story of a college graduate who rode 10,000 miles from Canada through the Americas to his home in Brazil. Two years. Three magnificent horses. Ten countries. A thousand stories of drug cartels, mass migration, the glorious wilderness, the old cowboy ways, the kindness of strangers and the powerful connection between man and beast. This is a tale of grit and inspiration, of Filipe and Frenchie, Bruiser and Dude chasing a dream, one hoof at a time.

Long Rider to Rome by Mefo Phillips. Foreword by Robin Hanbury-Tenison. From day one we share the inevitable dramas of all long distance rides as the pilgrimage, quite properly being done on a shoestring, lurches from one potential disaster to another. We meet a plethora of mostly kind characters, while at the same time there is always the imminent likelihood of catastrophe that accompanies equine travel, whether from inconsiderate speeding traffic hurtling past and often unable to resist the temptation to blow a terrifying blast on the horn; the constant predicament of wondering where you and your horse are, as maps and rare signs let you down; and the nagging worry about where you are both going to spend the night.

Voyage en France buissonnière by Louis Meunier. Having previously survived a perilous journey across war-torn Afghanistan, Louis returns to France and sets off to explore his native land. Though his route takes him south from Paris to Marseilles, Louis makes a point of riding through the less populated parts of France. He seeks out people who are trying to protect the environment, documents a country in change, and completes a journey that links the past and the future via mankind’s friend, the horse.

Aimé, Mancha y Gato by Dr. Ángel Alberto Pascua. A passionate fan of the Criollo horse, “Nito” Pascua is a veterinarian who resides in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His book celebrates the journey completed by Swiss Long Rider Aimé Tschiffely and his legendary horses, Mancha and Gato.

Long Rider’s Pony Library Flourishes in Indonesia

Pustaka Bergerak, a grassroots literacy movement, is boosting literacy in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Established in 2014 by Long Rider Nirwan Asuka, the unique programme uses ponies, canoes and bicycles to distribute books to villages throughout the countryside.

An article in the Jakarta Post explains how the movement’s dedicated volunteers, who comprise more than 10,000 locals, have fostered reading habits among Indonesians, especially children and teenagers, by developing fun activities around books.

“Our success demonstrates that once residents feel there are people out there who care for them, they become creative and proactive, contributing to the cause. The bottom-up approach, where locals become the main subject of the movement, is the key to our success,” Nirwan said.


Virl Norton and The Great American Horse Race of 1976

In the winter of 1979 Virl Norton rode from Illinois to Washington DC to visit President Jimmy Carter. But prior to becoming a Long Rider, in 1976 the renowned horseman had won the Great American Horse Race, a trans-continental endurance ride which stretched from New York to California. Equestrian historian Lori Oleson has documented Virl’s participation in the GAHR in an article republished from her book Endurance…Years Gone By.

 

Combating Colic - A Lesson from the Past

Medicinal marijuana is gaining acceptance in countries around the world, but a century ago horses were routinely treated for colic by the use of an effective medicine made from legally grown marijuana. An article published on Horse Talk, the international equestrian news service, explains how the Encyclopaedia of Equestrian Exploration contains evidence of this highly effective cure, that it was recommended by the US cavalry and had been in use for more than 500 years.

 

Good Luck Long Rider!

After an unprecedented ten-year field test, Long Riders have successfully used the Canadian adjustable pack saddle on every continent except Antarctica. Kelly de Strake, owner of Custom Pack Rigging, has generously donated three of these important pack saddles. The first pack has travelled 14,000 miles from Canada to Patagonia with Filipe Leite. The second pack saddle is stationed in Argentina, where it has been used by many Long Riders including Stevie Anna Plummer. The third pack saddle was used by Kohei Yamakawa, who carried the LRG flag across Japan. This pack saddle has now been transferred to Great Britain, where it will see service in Europe. Prior to shipping the pack saddle to England, Japanese horseman Makoto Matsui wrote “Good Luck Long Rider” inside the top of one of the panniers. The pack saddle is now stationed in Cornwall with Robin Hanbury-Tenison, a Founding Member of the Guild as well as a Living Treasure.


Solving Problems in the Saddle

Cathleen Leonard is currently on her second journey. While riding across Ireland, she noted, “Adaptability and determination are arguably the two most important characteristics of a Long Rider. Being able to cope with the curve balls that the universe throws your way and having the ability to accept and work with them and go with the flow is the only way to succeed.”

This philosophy was demonstrated by Karen Selle, who recently made a journey in Canada. When her mare, Miel, got a rope burn, the innovative equestrian traveller “made two pastern guards out of inner tube.”

The Guild Welcomes New Members

Greta Lackner - pioneered a route from Austria, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and into Norway.


Sarah Murphy joins the ranks of the Long Riders after completing a ride through the eastern portion of the USA.

Alys Culhane and Pete Praetorius have completed a journey in the USA.

Encyclopaedia of Equestrian Exploration Published

The three-volume Encyclopaedia of Equestrian Exploration is the most extensive study of equestrian travel ever created.

Robin Hanbury-Tenison is a Founding Member of the Guild and a gold medal-winning Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. In the Preface, Robin declared, “In these magnificent volumes all the great equestrian experiences throughout history are recorded and, above all, the love that can exist between humans and horses is revealed.”

Noted equestrian author and Founding Member of the Guild Jeremy James stated in the Foreword, “I believe CuChullaine O’Reilly has written the most astounding book in equestrian historical literature. It’s a staggering achievement.”

The first and second sets of the Encyclopaedia were presented to Great Britain’s reigning monarch, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, and to the future king, His Royal Highness, Prince Charles, both of whom exerted a profound influence on the creation of the books.

“CuChullaine O’Reilly is unquestionably the most gifted equestrian writer of the 21st century. Except for his abbreviated version – The Horse Travel Handbook, there has never been a guide written that is in any way comparable to this unusual tour de force.  Canadian Long Rider Bonnie Folkins

“The Encyclopaedia of Equestrian Exploration was authored by CuChullaine O’Reilly, the foremost expert, scholar and gentleman of horse back travel and exploration. It represents a vast collection of wisdom brought together for the first time.”New Zealand Long Rider Ian Robinson

“CuChullaine O’Reilly is the lore-master of the Long Riders’ tribe. After decades of amazing research, his wonderfully written Encyclopaedia of Equestrian Exploration represents a literary landmark in the study of horse travel.” Russian Long Rider Vladimir Fissenko

“The Encyclopaedia of Equestrian Exploration is not about one nation. It represents the collective wisdom of humanity’s travel on horseback. This is a book of marvels that includes precious stories, valuable ideas, forgotten history and endangered practical knowledge.” Lithuanian Long Rider Gintaras Kaltenis

“No one has written about equestrian travel as CuChullaine O’Reilly has. The author misses nothing. His breadth of knowledge is astonishing. I was amazed at the skill of the writing. This book is not only vital to equestrian travellers, it is essential to our human history.” American Long Rider Lucy Leaf

England’s most prestigious magazine, Country Life, reviews the Encyclopaedia, describing it as “The greatest horse rides ever, as chronicled in a unique treasury of horse and human wisdom.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





 

Extraordinary Equestrian Explorer Honoured

Legendary Long Rider Robin Hanbury-Tenison has been designated a Living Treasure by the Long Riders’ Guild. READ MORE


International Alliance to promote equestrian travel in Russia

The world is enduring very negative events. Yet a remarkable demonstration of equestrian friendship acts as an antidote to today’s political poison. The Long Riders’ Guild has teamed up with NETO, Russia’s official national equestrian tourism authority, to encourage horse travel in that country. READ MORE….

 

The World’s “Most Wanted” Long Rider has been found! 

With Members in 46 countries, every important equestrian explorer in the world was listed as a Member of the Guild - except for the legendary Jing Li! The Long Riders Guild conducted a nine year search for the extraordinary traveller who rode alone across Russia, crossed Siberia, journeyed the length of China’s Great Wall, and is now riding towards the Arctic Circle. Thanks to the assistance of NETO, Jing Li has been located and is the newest Member of the Guild. READ MORE….

 

Long Riders’ Guild Academic Foundation

Horses and Religion - The Equine Connection

From ancient Scythians to modern Scientologists the horse has influenced religious events for 12,000 years.  Ranging from Africa to Zoroaster, this study explains how divinities, messiahs, prophets, priests, pharaohs and peasants all shared one common thread throughout the flow of time – their uninterrupted love of the horse.  READ MORE...

Deadly Equines is a revolutionary departure from equestrian romance.  Neil Clarkson, the publisher of the Horse Talk international equestrian news service, stated, CuChullaine O'Reilly controversially suggests that many modern-day horse lovers have a sanitised view of the horse and suggests past generations may well have had a better understanding of their nature.” Radio host Tim Binnall agreed. During a special live interview, he stated, “We welcome back one of the most talked-about guests ever featured on the program: CuChullaine O'Reilly, for an update on his mind-bending research into the sinister side of horses, including new cases involving attacks on children.”

Japanese Horse History - Few foreign journalists have studied and written about Japan for as long as 97-year-old Ed Moreno. A life-long fascination with Japanese history, art and culture has inspired the American journalist to write extensively about the island nation for decades. Then in 2014, to mark The Year of the Horse, Ed undertook an extensive investigation into Japan’s horse history. This remarkable study begins with the story of how horses influenced the Shinto religion, goes on to recount the incredible tale of Japan’s legendary Long Rider, explains how Emperor Hirohito’s white stallion was part of an elaborate political deception perpetrated by the occupying American army, and concludes with the story of how the largest tsunami in history couldn’t prevent local riders from participating in a traditional samurai equestrian festival. Ed’s heavily illustrated article marks an essential contribution to the annals of equestrian history. (PDF)

Stories from the Road

Alone Across Australia - Newspapers around the world have reported on the activities of sexual predators in Hollywood. But as Australian Long Rider Kimberley Delavere discovered, sexual misconduct is not restricted to the cities. After riding 5,000 kilometres alone across Australia, Kimberley was nearing the end of her historic journey – when she became the victim of an unexpected sexual assault. In a remarkable story Kimberley issues a defiant message of courage which marks a pivotal moment in modern equestrian travel history.
 

Ask Plenty of Yourself - During a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Pope Francis warned “Some stars may be bright, but do not point the way.” His Holiness urged people not to be led astray by an addiction to “success, money, career, honours and pleasures.” American Long Rider Trent Peterson heeded that message by following a different constellation. With Orion showing him the way north, Trent made his way along the Pacific Crest Trail. In a moving story about self-discovery, Trent explains how his equestrian journey helped him to understand loss, love and life.
 

Choosing the Right Horse - After completing a journey from Scotland to Cornwall in 2017, Cathleen Leonard contacted the Guild and shared a vital observation. Her current journey had been successful. Her previous trip had ended prematurely. The English Long Rider was in no doubt as to what had happened. The reason was simple. Cathleen’s horses, Taliesin (left) and Oisín (right) had reacted very differently to the challenge of travelling without an equine companion. This unique article explains the critical importance of selecting the right equine companion.
 

How to Ride in Western Mongolia - The Guild’s exceptional series of “How to Ride …” articles continue with a significant contribution by Tamar val Kenier. After concluding a journey through Mongolia’s Altai Mountains, the Dutch equestrian traveller crafted an extensive report which contains essential information regarding horse prices, weather conditions, cultural practices, budget for the trip, etc.

The Guild welcomes its New Members

Tina Boche – rode from Greece to Germany.

Andrea Kukalova and Milan Rousek – rode across the Czech Republic, Germany, France and Spain.
Cathleen Leonard – rode from Durness, the most north-westerly town in Scotland, to Cornwall.
Trent Peterson – rode through California, Oregon and Washington along the Pacific Crest Trail.
Stevie Anna Plummer – completed a solo journey across Patagonia and Argentina.
Julie Veloo - rode across the Mongolian steppe and the Gobi Desert.

Testimonials 

“I discovered the Long Riders Guild when I was a young teenager, not only dreaming of owning a horse one day but of exploring the world on it. For years I read with avid interest about Long Riders and their incredible achievements. I was continually inspired by them and encouraged by their adventures to believe that my dreams of horseback travel could become a reality. After being inspired by Long Riders, it is a real honour to now be a part of the Guild!” Read more….
English Long Rider Cathleen Leonard rode from Scotland to Cornwall

“The Long Riders Guild provides an incredible international network of like minded riders from around the world. These riders are united by their love of the horse, the spirit of freedom and a borderless friendship. The generous support I received from the Guild, CuChullaine O'Reilly and Long Riders from Great Britain, Canada, the Netherlands, Germany and Mongolia was beyond comparison and turned my journey in Mongolia into an unforgettable and intercultural experience.”
Susanne Rode of Germany travelled through the Altai Mountains of Mongolia

The Horse Travel Handbook

Reviews praising The Horse Travel Handbook continue to arrive from readers world-wide.

A book that can change your life!  If I had this information 50 years ago it would have helped me make life changing decisions. Make plans when you are young. Sit down with your partner and draw a life map. I’m not saying jump on a horse and ride around the world, but do your adventures when you are young. I started kayaking at 70 years of age, but then terminal cancer altered any future plans. This book has a tremendous amount of info for persons of any age. Follow your heart or your mind will know no peace! 
Jeri Gauthier

No-nonsense wisdom — surely the most valuable book a would be equestrian traveller will ever read
I came to read this book as an almost lifelong rider with many years of horse training experience and two long rides completed together with my horse, two ponies and dog. Yet, I have found, there is still so much more knowledge I did not have. READ MORE....

English Long Rider Elizabeth Hill Davies

A Really Helpful Guide - I now keep the Handbook with me during my rides because this book is a really helpful guide. For example, it explains the importance of placing a bell on your horse. During my Long Ride in 2016 along Brazil’s Estrada Real I had a problem. One night my horse slipped in a ravine and fell into a river, where he remained trapped until we found him the next morning. If my horse had being wearing a bell, we would have realised the problem then rescued him much sooner.
Brazilian Long Rider Paulo Junqueira Arantes has made equestrian journeys in Europe and the Americas.

A Definite First Read for Long Riders - I read this book as a preparation to my long ride in western Mongolia and I learned so much! Though Mongolia is a very specific destination, and people there like to do things their own way, the Handbook gave me lots of advice and ideas. Most importantly, it enabled me to make up my own mind about what would be best for my horses in all sorts of situations. Plus it provides stories from different times, gathered from all over the world, and combined in one book. This gives the reader such a broad and elaborate insight into equestrian travel. It recounts the trouble people have faced in the past and explains the ways they solved those problems. It also provides valuable advice for would-be horse travellers. For my trip I needed detailed and specified information. That is why the Handbook served as my Bible. It was easy to take with me on the journey and I recommended it to any would-be Long Riders as a definite first read. Thank you, CuChullaine, for putting in all the effort to get such a valuable book out there for the world to enjoy.
Tamar val Kenier from the Netherlands rode across the Altai Mountains of Mongolia.

Share this valuable knowledge - I have spent the greater part of my life in the backcountry traveling with horses and packing mules. My knowledge has been passed down over the years by men and women that are wiser and have a greater knowledge of this art. They are people that understand the value of living history. As Long Riders and Mule Packers, we believed the custom that until now, you had to find someone that would teach you theses skills first hand. That belief was based on the fact that until the publication of the Horse Travel Handbook there hasn't been anything of value that you could pick up to start your journey as a Long Rider. The dedication CuChullaine O’Reilly has given to this community is paramount and it shows in this Handbook. I can't recommend it enough to anyone that is looking to begin their journey, especially for those that are already on it. Buy this book, keep it close, and refer to it often. Knowledge is shared, not kept.
American Long Rider Trent Peterson rode the length of the Pacific Crest Trail.

A great treasure of equestrian knowledge and experience compressed to fit in a saddlebag - The Horse Travel Handbook is so much more than just a guide. It covers all the facets of an equestrian journey. Besides the innumerable tips and suggestions it provides about the technical part of travelling with horses (such as the preparation, equipment, packing, paperwork, etc.), the books also provides insights regarding the emotional and personal challenges on the road, off the road and on the riders' own paths - before, during and after travelling. The content fitted into this small handbook is huge and in my eyes the value for someone who is about to set off on an equestrian journey is enormous. The reader/rider will benefit from the experience of the author and many other Long Riders. The passion, enthusiasm and dedication for the horse and horse travelling can be felt on every page of the book.
Susanne Rode of Germany travelled across Mongolia.

A Valuable Resource - In the Horse Travel Handbook, CuChullaine O’Reilly has gathered information valuable to the traveler who chooses to go by horse. This knowledge comes from both the author’s own experiences and many other Long Riders who have journeyed across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas. This information is presented succinctly. Sources are mainly contemporary with some historical wisdom that is still relevant. The Handbook is not a sentimental reflection based on the past. It is about how to travel by horse in today's world, The Handbook encourages real adventure and emphasizes care of the horse. In addition, it is a valuable resource for any local library.
Karen Selle is preparing to ride across western Canada.

This book can save your horse's life - The Horse Travel Handbook was of great importance whilst preparing for my long ride through Sweden. I studied it carefully and although I have owned horses all my life, there was a lot of new information in this very detailed book. When we were actually riding in Sweden I accidentally got into a swamp and because of the Handbook I recognized it just in time and knew what to do to save my horse. In addition to the comprehensive practical information, attention is also paid to the emotional impact of going on a long ride and what you have to overcome. This is a must read for every (want to be) Long Rider.
Carolien Staal of The Netherlands travelled in Sweden.

Provides Answers to Modern Problems - The Horse Travel Handbook is invaluable for anyone looking to make a journey on horseback. The book shares an enormous amount of knowledge about the intricacies involved in horse travel. Subjects ranging from horse health, dealing with bureaucracy, shoeing, panniers and packing are all covered in detail. In addition, the Handbook provides excellent advice on what to look for when purchasing a horse in a foreign country and how to navigate difficult situations unique to travelling by horseback. Dealing with traffic is explored in great detail, as this is a particularly dangerous element that all would be Long Riders need to take into consideration. Throughout the Handbook, the emphasis is always on the health and safety of the horse, with ethical horsemanship as paramount. Overall, the Horse Travel Handbook is invaluable to anyone preparing for a horseback journey and I recommend it highly.
Nicola Watson is preparing to ride across Rajasthan.

Tschiffely’s Ride

Legendary Long Rider and his horses honoured - In April 1925 a young school teacher named Aimé Tschiffely prepared to depart on an equestrian journey designed to take him from Buenos Aires to New York. This rare photo, (courtesy of The Tschiffely Literary Estate), shows the would-be Long Rider riding Gato. Carrying the pack saddle is Mancha, the other Criollo gelding that made the 10,000 mile journey. The horses soon changed jobs but the story of how the “three friends” crossed the Americas continues to enchant and inspire people. History Revealed magazine recently included Tschiffely’s Ride among its Great Adventures series. And Alto Río Senguer held its annual Provincial Party  in honour of the Criollos. Both horses had originally belonged to the Indian Chief Liempichun, who resided near the modern town in Chubut Province, Argentina.

LRG News

Long Rider’s Journey Inspires Documentary – In the company of his beloved mare, Sheila, Czech Long Rider Dalibor Balut completed his third journey, which took him 900 miles through Austrian, Hungary and the Slovak Republic. In an interview with the Czech press, the veteran equestrian traveller explained that he wanted to mark the twenty-five anniversary since the peaceful dissolution of Czechoslovakia. Throughout the trip Dalibor met people who all shared “hospitality and an open heart.” A talented film maker, the Czech Long Rider has released a documentary about the journey.


1000 Horse Riders Protest Against Bad Drivers – The world’s largest simultaneous horse ride was organized to protest against dangerous drivers. A new survey shows 66 percent of horse riders in New Zealand have had a near miss with a car or truck, and 71 percent say they no longer feel safe on the roads. The Ride for Road Safety event was organized after journalist Karen Rutherford was hospitalised when a car hit her horse at 80km/h. The horse, named Curious George, had to be put down. Drivers need to pass quietly, slowly and with a 2-metre berth - something not enough people seemed to realise, organisers said. Campaigners said more than half of those taking part had experienced a near-miss and others had been hit by vehicles on roads they had to ride on to get to their paddocks.

Australia bans Chinese horses and restricts entry of New Zealand horses. According to a news report, the Australian government has prohibited horses from Hong Kong to be imported. Horses coming to Australia from New Zealand which originated in Hong Kong require a quarantine of 180 days.

For information on earlier news stories, please visit the Archives pages, or for 2016 news click here..


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