Exploring the world on horseback is a journey that few can truly understand until they've experienced it firsthand. It’s a journey that connects you with the land in a way no other mode of transport can. In this podcast, we sit down with Emma Carter, an avid traveler and adventurer, who spent years traversing continents on horseback. Emma shares her incredible journey, the challenges she faced, and the profound insights she gained along the way.

A Dream Turned Reality

Sarah: “Emma, your journey is one of the most inspiring I’ve ever heard of. What inspired you to take on such an ambitious adventure?”

Emma: “It all started as a dream when I was younger. I’ve always felt a deep connection to horses, and I’ve always had an urge to travel, to experience the world in a way that was truly immersive. I wasn’t interested in flying over countries or taking the typical tourist routes—I wanted to really connect with the land and its people. Horses seemed like the perfect companions for this kind of journey. They’re strong, resilient, and incredibly intuitive.”

Emma’s decision to embark on such a monumental journey was born out of a desire for a deeper connection to the world. “Horses allowed me to move through different landscapes at a slower pace, giving me time to truly absorb the surroundings. I could see the small details that you might miss when you’re traveling faster.”

The Journey Begins: Through the Mountains and Deserts

Sarah: “How did your journey begin? What was the first leg of your trip like?”

Emma: “I started in the Andes, in South America. I spent a few months in Argentina, learning the ropes and getting accustomed to life on the road with my horses. The initial part was incredibly difficult. The terrain was rugged, and the weather could be unpredictable. But those early struggles taught me so much about patience, resilience, and trusting my horses.”

“The first real challenge came when I crossed the Atacama Desert. I had no idea how harsh the desert could be. It’s one of the driest places on Earth, and the heat was almost unbearable at times. But there was something almost mystical about it. The vastness of the desert, the isolation, and the silence were all overwhelming but beautiful.”

The Mental and Emotional Side of the Journey

Sarah: “That sounds like an amazing part of the journey, but I imagine there were also mental and emotional challenges. How did you deal with moments of doubt or loneliness?”

Emma: “There were definitely tough moments. I think anyone who takes on an adventure of this scale will face periods of doubt. When you're out on the trail for days or weeks at a time, you spend a lot of time alone with your thoughts. Sometimes, I would feel disconnected from the world, like I was living in a completely different time. But that isolation also gave me clarity and a deep sense of peace. I learned to quiet my mind and listen to the world around me.”

“There were also times when I felt frustrated with the slow pace of travel. Sometimes, you just want to get somewhere fast, but that’s not the way horseback travel works. It forces you to be patient, to take your time, and to accept the rhythm of the journey. That was probably one of the hardest lessons, but also one of the most valuable.”

The Connection Between Human and Horse

Sarah: “Incredible. Now, I have to ask: How did your relationship with your horses evolve during this journey?”

Emma: “The bond between rider and horse is incredibly deep. Early on, it was a bit of trial and error. I had to get to know each horse’s temperament and quirks, and they had to get to know me, too. But as the journey went on, we became a team. My horses became my companions, my guides, and sometimes even my therapists. There were moments when I was feeling low, and they would just nudge me with their noses, reminding me that I wasn’t alone.”

Sarah: “That’s beautiful advice, Emma. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us.”

Emma: “It was my pleasure. I hope this conversation inspires others to take their own steps toward adventure—whether on horseback or in any other way that calls to them.”