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It's our first simultaneous YouTube-version of the podcast! In this episode I introduce all of Apollo's horse friends, and share some tips for new horse owners. Want to see the video instead? Head over to my YouTube channel HEREOther Ways to Follow Our Adventure:Blog Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube  Support This Podcast:Books Store Patreon Sponsor inquires welcome!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/havehorsewilltravel)

Well, that was a strange year, wasn’t it? Things got a little crazy in my life, as they probably did for you too… but the good news is, it’s 2021 and the podcast is BACK! Woohoo! This episode is a not-so-brief update on what Apollo and I (well, mostly just I) have been doing for the last few months while not recording. Apologies for the sound quality. Hang in there, it gets better about halfway through the episode.  Follow Our Adventure:Blog Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube  Support This Podcast:Books Store Patreon Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/havehorsewilltravel)

We’re back! Did you miss us? After an unscheduled break (because, 2020) your favorite horse travel podcast returns with another exciting interview… this time with Cathleen from “A Strange Request,” who has a lot of funny and interesting stories to share from her horseback journeys through England and Ireland.  About our Guest: Cathleen LeonardI travel on horseback. It became a dream from the moment I first sat on a horse. In 2017 I rode 1000 miles from Scotland to Cornwall alone with one of my rescued horses. In 2018 I rode with my partner, Vlad, from Cornwall to Wales and all around Ireland on my other two rescued horses and my violin. Half way round we picked up a one-eyed mule near Limerick. I've written two books, one for each journey. We're currently stuck in Portugal with all our equines. We were due to set off in March to ride 3,000 miles across Europe to Romania but Spain went into lockdown and closed the borders the day we were due to set off. It's now too hot to travel on horseback and grass and water are scarce so we're staying in Portugal until the spring when we'll try to set off again.Book “Before Winter Comes” Book “Fiddler on the Hoof” Facebook  Other resources:Workaway  Follow Our Adventure:Blog Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube  Support This Podcast:Books Store Patreon Sponsor inquires welcome!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/havehorsewilltravel)

Keeping Apollo healthy is my number one priority.  Careful considering is necessary for everything he eats, everywhere he sleeps, every step he takes. Of course, accidents still happen – sometimes they are unpreventable – and this, too, requires a unique strategy when you’re traveling the backroads of America by horse! What do I love as much as horses? Reading about horses! It’s a rare day that doesn’t include time with my nose in a book.  Let’s talk about a few of my recent (and Apollo approved!) favorites.What to Listen For:00:25 Introduction to the episode13:38 Eating for travel health09:03 Playtime is the most dangerous part of the day14:01 Safety on the road (keep off the grass!)18:25 Social distancing before it was cool21:19 The unavoidable 22:46 Horse books you should read29:16 …and a bonus book review32:44 Closing statements 33:25 End of episode Resources:Cavallo hoof bootsTrick Training for Horses by Bea Borelle A Good Horse is Never a Bad Color by Mark RashidThe Faraway Horses by Buck Brannaman Strange Planet by Nathan W. PyleStranger Planet by Nathan W. PyleAll above resources are Amazon.com affiliate links to products mentioned in this episode.Follow Our Adventure:Blog Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube  Support This Podcast:Books Store Patreon Sponsor inquires welcome!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/havehorsewilltravel)

Over 8000 miles of walking is enough to get any horse in shape! Of course, there is more to getting a horse in shape to do this kind of adventure, and keeping him that way for so many days (and years) and miles. In this episode, I’ll share with you Apollo’s fitness routine for getting ready and staying ready to accomplish this adventure.Plus, we’ll hear from Karen of Equine Unlimited talks about her horseback journey through the Scottish isles with her rescue mare Connie. What to Listen For:00:25 Introduction to the episode01:41 Preparing the equine athlete to perform safely02:20 The biggest fitness challenge 05:04 Work hard, play hard, take a break06:30 Spring training09:16 Daily warm up and schedule15:40 Differences from competitive endurance riding18:06 Our 2020 fitness plan20:54 Guest Karen Inkster talks about riding in Scotland42:54 Closing statements 44:30 End of episode About our Guest: Karen Inkster After a 25 year gap in horse ownership I got a rescue mare Connie. She ended up having major behavioural issues, hence the reason I went on a 300km unsupported journey with her and my rescue collie Pip. Since then I got another horse, a Spanish Mustang who also has major behavioural issues which I am working through. I am passionate about being barefoot and bitless and I am currently setting up my own natural equine centre in Scotland where I will also offer long distance trail rides, camping in the hills. My two rescue horses have taught me so much, I now have such a better understanding of equine behaviour and I am passionate about rehabilitating "problem" horses.Equine Unlimited The Deaf the Daft and The Ditsy  Resources:Compact portable electric fence  Follow Our Adventure:Blog Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube  Support This Podcast:Books Store Patreon Sponsor inquires welcome!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/havehorsewilltravel)

Feeding a horse is simple, right? They eat grass.Well, yes.  But also, no.  There are many, many things to know about horse nutrition, and especially when you’re feeding an adventure horse.  Rule #1: Don’t forget to pack some apples.Listen weekly as Meredith and Apollo share about their multi-year 48-state journey (The Centauride), talk with interesting guests, and discuss the realities of domestic abuse.  What to Listen For:00:25 Introduction to the episode01:25 Horses eat grass, how complicated could it be?02:56 Proper horse nutrition is very important04:52 The big problem of feeding Apollo during our journey06:50 Why horses (usually) can’t change their diet from day to day…14:32 … except Apollo does! (and why he’s just fine)20:50 Apollo’s breakfast and dinner recipe27:33 Treat time (do you know what a carrot sounds like?)29:52 Adventure horses cannot be picky eaters31:47 Closing statements 32:51 End of episode Resources:Cool Calories (affiliate link) Horse electrolytes (affiliate link)  Follow Our Adventure:Blog Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube  Support This Podcast:Books Store Patreon Sponsor inquires welcome! Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/havehorsewilltravel)

Happy belated birthday, Apollo!Let’s celebrate Apollo’s safe return home, and his birthday too! He turned 12 in April.  Do you know what age that would be in human years? In this “Apollosode” (get it? Apollo + episode!), we’ll talk about this and other interesting horse birthday stuff.Listen weekly as Meredith and Apollo share about their multi-year 48-state journey (The Centauride), talk with interesting guests, and discuss the realities of domestic abuse.  What to Listen For:00:25 Introduction to the episode00:32 He’s baaaaack02:32 Celebrating Apollo’s 12th birthday03:00 How does 12-horse-years compare to human age?06:12 Apollo’s age through his training and the ride11:48 Choosing an adventure horse (revisited) – the age factor15:03 How a horse’s teeth reveal their age18:23 Why horses need dentists, too27:42 Closing statements 30:30 End of episode Follow Our Adventure:Blog Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube  Support This Podcast:Books Store Patreon Sponsor inquires welcome!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/havehorsewilltravel)

It’s not easy finding the perfect adventure horse to be your travel partner! Season two is all about Apollo, and to kick it off, let’s talk about what qualities a good adventure horse requires.  Speaking of things that aren’t easy, stick around for the second half of the episode, when guest Angela Accomando talks about her journey to change the laws of New York state to make them better for domestic violence victims! She’s already succeeded to get one terrible law changed, and will be sharing just how she – an average citizen – was able to accomplish this! Listen weekly as Meredith and Apollo share about their multi-year 48-state journey (The Centauride), talk with interesting guests, and discuss the realities of domestic abuse.   What to Listen For:00:25 Introduction to the episode (and the season!)01:30 Apollo’s big news03:37 Why Apollo?04:44 How did I find Apollo?05:48 What qualities does an adventure horse require?07:08 Young… but not too young07:33 Training level08:12 Healthy as a horse!09:29 Size matters10:35 Conformation12:20 Personal preference13:11 Apollo wants to be everybody’s friend15:11 Never “buy pretty”15:42 Why I love to “drive” a mustang17:54 Welcome guest Angela Accomando38:52 Closing statements 39:55 End of episode About our Guest: Angela AccomandoHi! I'm Angela an Anxiety Coach & Certified Meditation Teacher I help Women calm anxiety so they can live a peaceful, happy life. I do this work because I want to help others manage their anxiety so they can move forward with their dreams. I came into this work myself when I suffered from debilitating anxiety for many years. After leaving an abusive marriage & almost losing a child, these tools are what have been my saving grace. I want to help others get through tough times and thrive.Angela’s Coaching Website Angela on Facebook Angela on Instagram  Follow Our Adventure:Blog Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube  Support This Podcast:Books Store Patreon Sponsor inquires welcome!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/havehorsewilltravel)

The big question of the moment – and, honestly, at any point in the ride – is where have we been and where are we going? (Yes, I know that’s two questions).  With the uncertainties of travel restrictions and safety during this COVID-19 epidemic, that question is more relevant than ever. Plus, special guest Lisa of Willow Domestic Violence Center joins us for a very informative conversation about domestic violence, including useful advice on talking with teens, helping victims, and fun ways you can help end DV in your community. What to Listen For:00:25 Introduction02:29 The original 2020 plan and how Coronavirus has affected this 03:41 Where we have been04:45 Where we still have left to ride06:02 How Apollo and I will get home at the end and what we’ll do next07:27 Where I’m most looking forward to riding10:01 Spread the word, help me find local hosts and helpers!11:17 Welcome guest Lisa12:09 Willow’s many wonderful services18:43 Knowing what healthy vs unhealthy relationships look like... before unhealthy becomes dangerous20:49 How to talk to teens about dating violence, effectively 24:08 How to help someone you’re worried about26:21 How to help end domestic violence in your community 31:29 You are not alone 31:44 Conclusion 32:42 End of episode About our Guest: Lisa of Willow Domestic Violence CenterWillow is the licensed residential and non-residential Domestic Violence Provider in Monroe County, New York. Services include a 24/7 hotline/textline, shelter, advocacy services, counseling, prevention education, etc. Willow is focused on being survivor centered and using a trauma informed approach.For 13 years prior to being at Willow I worked in Higher Education in Monroe County. I talked with students every day about things like substance use/abuse, vandalism, assault, arson, rape, dating violence, stalking, disruptive community behavior, etc. When the position became open at Willow, I jumped at the chance to be on the other end of the spectrum of the issue!Willow Domestic Violence Center Website Willow on Facebook Willow on Instagram Willow on Twitter  Willow’s help numbers (call from anywhere!):     Hotline 585-222-7233     Text line 585-348-7233 Other domestic violence resources:National Domestic Violence Hotline or call 1−800−799−7233  What it is, and even more ways to get help  Follow Our Adventure:Ride Route and Schedule Blog Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube  Support This Podcast:Books Store Patreon Sponsor inquires welcome!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/havehorsewilltravel)

Apollo and I encounter dangerous, rude, and hostile drivers every single day.  Whether we’re riding though a city or in the country, on a busy highway or a quiet dirt road, bad drivers are everywhere.  The five types of worst drivers are people who honk, people who yell, people who are impatient, people who drive too fast, and people who drive too close.  Here are stories of the very worst of each of these five types of bad drivers that we have dealt with during the last 8,200 miles. Plus, the worst pedestrian!Then we’ll talk about one of my favorite things… Zumba! Mary of Rhythms Fitness Studio joins us to talk about why Zumba is great for everyone, and to share a few fun travel stories of her own.Listen weekly as Meredith and Apollo share about their multi-year 48-state journey (The Centauride), talk with interesting guests, and discuss the realities of domestic abuse.  What to Listen For:00:25 Introduction to the episode01:21 The worst of the people who honk  04:27 The worst of the people who yell 08:10 The worst of the people who are impatient15:44 The worst of the people who drive too fast 19:01 Bonus! The worst pedestrian22:32 The very worst of the worst27:43 Guest Mary talks about Zumba38:54 Closing statements 40:19 End of episodeAbout our Guest: Mary of Rhythms Fitness StudioAfter decades working as a manager within the California Community College system, I retired and decided to dance into my golden years! I had been in the Peace Corps in my youth and always loved Latin music and dance. So when Zumba came along I was immediately hooked. I have owned or taught at Rhythms for nearly a decade and love the movement and the joy it brings all of us.Rhythms Fitness Studio Rhythms Fitness Studio Facebook YouTube channel “Rhythms Fitness at the Cedar Ridge Y” Zumba International – and find a class near you!  Follow Our Adventure:Blog Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube  Support This Podcast:Books Store Patreon Sponsor inquires welcome! Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/havehorsewilltravel)

Whether you are 1 or 100 years old, if you’re young at heart, this episode is for you!  Guest Francine of Pixie Dust Fan joins us to talk about Disney horses, from Major in Cinderella to the real-life horses at the Disney parks that you can meet (and ride!). Then stick around for story time, when Meredith reads “Apollo’s Alphabet.”Listen weekly as Meredith and Apollo share about their multi-year 48-state journey (The Centauride), talk with interesting guests, and discuss the realities of domestic abuse.  What to Listen For:00:25 Introduction to the episode00:45 Guest Francine of Pixie Dust Fan02:42 Disney animated horses have changed through the years04:23 Major and the three mice-turned-horses05:22 Cinderella’s carriage was pulled by a unicorn07:40 Disney pays attention to the details…09:39 …while still making it fun for people who don’t care about those details!10:32 The amazing live horses that work at the Disney parks11:52 Are the live horses named for Disney characters?12:30 The Headless Horseman’s horse at the Disney Halloween party14:13 You can visit the horses at Circle D Ranch, next to Disney World!16:19 Are the horses considered to be ‘cast members’ like other employees?17:03 Disney pony rides, wagon rides, and more, at Fort Wilderness19:03 About Apollo’s first book, “Apollo’s Alphabet”19:52 Storytime! Meredith reads “Apollo’s Alphabet”23:43 Find a coloring page, crossword puzzle, and more on www.centauride.org24:49 Closing statements 25:22 End of episode About our Guest: Francine of Pixie Dust FanI started my Pixie Dust Fan website to be able to share my love of all things Disney. The podcast was launched last year because I needed a way to bring MORE of that 'Disney Joy' in to my every day life. I share tips and tricks for planning the best vacation but I also help keep that magic alive for people in between visits!Pixie Dust Fan's Website Disney Chat With Pixie Dust Fan Podcast Pixie Dust Fan's Facebook Pixie Dust Fan's Instagram  Resources:Apollo’s Alphabet Coloring book page Crossword puzzle  Follow Our Adventure:Blog Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube  Support This Podcast:Books Store Patreon Sponsor inquires welcome!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/havehorsewilltravel)

 Confession time: I travel to eat.  Sure, I have plenty of other good reasons for this ride, too.  Food tourism, though, is a daily pursuit when I’m on the road with Apollo.  In this episode, I share some of my favorite foods and food experiences from our travels, what Apollo likes for treats, and some surprising regional delights. Plus, Emily Davis, author of Damsel No More, talks about her inspiring story of healing from trauma with the help of horses.   Listen weekly as Meredith and Apollo share about their multi-year 48-state journey (The Centauride), talk with interesting guests, and discuss the realities of domestic abuse.  What to Listen For:00:25 Introduction to the episode00:57 Interview with Emily Davis10:50 Traveling to eat12:09 Snack bars13:01 Donuts16:30 Ice cream18:40 New Mexican cuisine20:32 Seattle-style biscuits and gravy21:45 New York City, foodie heaven 23:00 My food hobby23:59 Hot dish24:32 Lefse 26:14 Fried okra26:32 Elephant ears27:02 Idaho-style snow cones27:59 All-you-can-eat fundraisers reflect the region: crab, rocky mountain oysters, lutefisk, spaghetti30:19 Where is Apollo when I’m eating these things?32:28 Apollo’s favorite foods33:04 Recipes34:16 Closing statements 35:04 End of episode About our Guest: Emily DavisAfter leaving an abusive relationship, I spent three years reconnecting with my power through connecting with horses as a trail guide in the mountains of Lake Tahoe. It was also a huge step for me to reconnect with my intuitive gifts that were blocked by all the trauma of the abuse I suffered.  I spent many years learning how to clear my trauma, heal, and re-learn my magic and then documented part of that process in my book Damsel No More - download a free copy on my website!Website Instagram Facebook Podcast: Perceptionists Anonymous        On Apple Podcasts         On Spotify  Resources:Snack Bar review Butler County Donut Trail Amish Crack New York City “5 Best Foods” Scotchies recipe  Follow Our Adventure:Blog Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube  Support This Podcast:Books Store Patreon Sponsor inquires welcome! Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/havehorsewilltravel)

Sleep is for the weak. Apollo and I ride all day and all night.Just kidding. After riding for ten or fifteen miles each day, Apollo and I both need somewhere safe (and hopefully comfortable too) where we can rest at night.  Every night. For all three years and 8,200 miles we’ve traveled so far.  We’ve stayed with a lot of strangers, and in some pretty strange places. This week’s guest Amy talks about (the not so strange time) when we stayed with her in West Virginia, and about why you should put French fries on your salad.Listen weekly as Meredith and Apollo share about their multi-year 48-state journey (The Centauride), talk with interesting guests, and discuss the realities of domestic abuse.  What to Listen For:00:25 Introduction to the episode01:07 The minimum requirements for overnight: a fence, grass (or hay), and water02:19 The kinds of places we stay (spoiler: it’s not always horse property!)03:47 Strange but true problems from places we’ve stayed06:09 Why I don’t camp or “just stop” on the side of the road07:28 How I find places to stay09:21 That awkward moment when a horse and rider ring your doorbell10:53 What happens when I can’t find somewhere to stay?11:44 The difficult lesson of learning to trust 13:30 How does Apollo the adventure horse feel about this?15:46 The key elements to finding safe stops for 8,200 miles (so far…)16:25 Guest Amy VanHorn28:06 Closing statements 28:46 End of episode About our Guest: Amy VanHornWe (Meredith and Apollo) stayed with Amy and her family when we rode through West Virginia in July 2019.  Due to a dangerous heat wave, we were forced to take shelter there for a week.  Amy was a wonderful host, and kindly agreed to share on Have Horse Will Travel what it was like to have us as guests. Resources:How to be a hosting helper  Follow Our Adventure:Blog Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube  Support This Podcast:Books Store Patreon Sponsor inquires welcome! Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/havehorsewilltravel)

Roads are not a safe place to ride a horse, but sometimes doing so is necessary. With a little preparation, though, road riding can be a (relatively) safe and enjoyable way to expand your riding horizons… without getting squished by a bad driver! Listen weekly as Meredith and Apollo share about their multi-year 48-state journey (The Centauride), talk with interesting guests, and discuss the realities of domestic abuse. What to Listen For:00:25 Introduction to the episode01:20 Why would anyone ride a horse on the road?04:51 How do you choose a good road for riding?06:20 Preparing with safety gear09:48 Be able to call for help10:34 Hoof safety for road riding13:46 Training your horse to think and to trust16:04 “Scary things are going to happen.”16:51 A list of scary things Apollo and I have encountered18:02 That one mailbox…19:37 The time we were buzzed by a helicopter22:21 The (first) time we rode next to a train25:46 Scary dogs and scary people31:18 “It’s a big game of chicken, and I’m stuck in the middle”: dealing with bad drivers34:14 Closing statements 35:16 End of episode Resources:Yellow/reflective safety vestColorful quarter sheetColorful helmet coverEquestriSafe: reflective tape and other safety gear Clip-on red flashing lights Helmet (Meredith’s favorite) Mirror for helmet (Meredith’s favorite)Leg holster for phone Cavallo ELB hoof boots (Apollo’s favorite) *all product links are affiliate or sponsor, and help support the podcast Follow Our Adventure:Blog Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube  Support This Podcast:Books Store Patreon Sponsor inquires welcome!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/havehorsewilltravel)

One woman, one horse, and all the stuff we both need to journey on, day after day, in every kind of weather, through 48 states... What do we carry and how does it all fit?!From pack weight and how to attach it all to the saddle, to what exactly is in each saddle bag and why, this episode will give you the answers to all your questions about our travel supplies. Listen weekly as Meredith and Apollo share about their multi-year 48-state journey (The Centauride), talk with interesting guests, and discuss the realities of domestic abuse.  What to Listen For:00:25 Introduction to the episode00:25 Intro00:35 It all has to fit on Apollo01:26 How much weight can one horse carry?03:47 How much volume can one horse carry?04:51 Why don’t I use a pack horse?10:05 An overview of my saddle bags and supplies10:52 Bag #1 - emergency and daily ride supplies14:25 Water for me, water for Apollo15:48 Bag #2 - Apollo’s feed supplements17:55 Bag #3 - my layers bag19:04 Bag #4 - camping and horse supplies23:17 Bag #5 - my personal supplies including maps29:19 My riding vest - all the stuff I can fit in my pockets33:52 My PSA about carrying phones when riding34:39 How do I keep my phone charged?35:46 Closing statements36:36 End of episode Resources:YouTube: What Apollo wearsYouTube: The Road Horse's Guide to SaddlingSome of our tack and gear:The  following affiliate links help to support this podcast:BridleSaddle padCinch Bug sheetHobblesBell bootsDry bagsSaddle bags Riding glovesUltralight tentAir padDown sleeping bagPortable phone chargerElectrolytes (for humans)Equine Weight SupplementFollow Our Adventure:Blog Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube  Support This Podcast:Books Store Patreon Sponsor inquires welcome! Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/havehorsewilltravel)

It’s the episode you’ve been waiting for… where I answer all your biggest questions! From what Apollo and I like to eat to how we pick the route, it’s all in here.  Plus, learn about my favorite hobby – mermaiding! – with special guest Mermaid Liberty.Listen weekly as Meredith and Apollo share about their multi-year 48-state journey (The Centauride), talk with interesting guests, and discuss the realities of domestic abuse.  What to Listen For:00:25 Introduction to the episode01:08 Diane asks: How is Apollo?02:13 Pam asks: How do you pick your exact route?04:31 Shelley asks: Where will you go this year, approximately? Do you need places to stay?06:43 Laurie asks: How much trouble or ease have you had making contacts for places to stay?08:07 Anonymous asks: What do you do in the winter? 09:58 Interview with Mermaid Liberty11:26 What does it mean to be a mermaid?12:53 How mermaiding can help with riding horses16:13 When Mermaid Liberty swam with alligators18:50 Mermaids help the environment21:23 Mermaiding is for everybody!23:44 How to become a mermaid28:51 Casey asks: What has been your favorite local food you've tried on the ride?32:55 Destiny asks: I know you have been able to attend a few fairs during your travels. Which has been your favorite and why?35:36 Anonymous asks: Are you rich? How can you afford to do this?36:59 Closing statements 37:50 End of episode About our Guest, Mermaid Liberty:My name is Davina Liberty and I am a professional Mermaid and founder of the school Mermaid Magick, as well as the Non-profit beach cleanup ground, Mendocino Mermaids. We enjoy the opportunity to allow artistic expression and imaginative play, while also promoting exercise and community involvement. Mermaid Resources:Mermaid Magick websiteMermaid Magick on Facebook  Mermaid Liberty on YouTube  Follow Our Adventure:Blog Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube  Support This Podcast:Books Store Patreon Sponsor inquires welcome! Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/havehorsewilltravel)

Step One: Ask Apollo!Riding over 10,000 miles through all the lower 48 states is not a simple matter of hopping in the saddle and riding off into the sunset(s).  It took years of planning, daily flexibility, and a bit of magic to make it work.  Oh, and of course a horse with excellent map reading skills.Listen weekly as Meredith and Apollo share about their multi-year 48-state journey (The Centauride), talk with interesting guests, and discuss the realities of domestic abuse.  What to Listen For:00:25 Introduction to the episode01:23 Pre-ride planning with maps 02:28 Why roads and not trails?03:36 Looking at previous 48 state ride maps07:00 Throwing out all my maps08:14 Geographical distribution of resources 11:05 Finding places to stay each night, and how it has changed since I started14:00 Step one: the big picture 15:03 Step two: mapping the end point for each day 17:09 Step three: choosing the roads to get there20:35 The types of maps I use22:56 Local advice23:39 That time I rode Apollo on an interstate28:21 Guest Peggy with the Bridge Network31:14 Human trafficking victims - who are they and why?36:17 What can be done to end human trafficking?38:30 Where does trafficking happen?38:42 How do you recognize a trafficking victim?39:38 What can YOU can do to help end trafficking?42:29 Closing statements43:07 End of episode About our Guest: Peggy Delgado FavaI am the founder and Executive Director for Bridge Network Corporation, a nonprofit organization established in 2011 to provide resources for at-risk and Commercially Sexually Exploited Children/Teens (CSECT) out of the Sacramento County Juvenile Detention Facility and in the greater Sacramento region. Bridge Network’s vision is to be a connecting conduit “or the bridge” between mentors, advocates, other service provider agencies and local community organizations. Our organization's key programs are centered around fostering positive and healthy relationships. Our goal is to motivate and inspire by offering hope and an optimistic approach to sexually exploited children and teens.Bridge Network website Facebook Twitter YouTube  Resources:Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888  What is Human Trafficking?  YouTube video: How I plan our route  Follow Our Adventure:Blog Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube  Support This Podcast:Books Store Patreon Sponsor inquires welcome! Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/havehorsewilltravel)

Riding a horse around the country is pretty weird, I have to admit, but believe it or not,  I’m not the first weirdo to attempt such a journey.  Learn about the previous 48 state rides, and a few other “trailblazers” in long distance horse travel that inspired and informed me when I was preparing to do my ride. Listen weekly as Meredith and Apollo share about their multi-year 48-state journey (The Centauride), talk with interesting guests, and discuss the realities of domestic abuse.  What to Listen For:00:25 Introduction to the episode: What is a trailblazer?1:07 LD endurance riding and backcountry outfitting, and why they’re different than long distance horse travel2:22 What is long distance horse travel?3:25 When horses were the only way to travel4:40 The Oregon trail10:10 The Oregon Trail by Rinker Buck13:34 The US Cavalry handbook 16:56 The Overland Westerners20:40 Frank Heath25:15 Messanie Wilkins30:58 The Three Mules31:53 Unbranded 34:52 Closing statements 36:19 End of episode  Resources:Bainbridge Island Historical Museum - The Overland Westerners The Three Mules The following are affiliate links, which help support this podcast :The Oregon Trail by Rinker Buck The U.S. Cavalry Horse 40 Million Hoofbeats by Frank Heath The Last of the Saddle Tramps by Messanie Wilkins Unbranded film  Follow Our Adventure:Blog Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube  Support This Podcast:Books Store Patreon Sponsor inquires welcome! Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/havehorsewilltravel)

Thomas Edison once said “genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.”I don’t know if our ride would be categorized as genius, but these two factors are the same.  The idea to do this journey was quick and easy; the preparations to make it happen, however, took three years of hard work.  The 3 keys to making my idea happen were research, maps, and training Apollo.  Listen weekly as Meredith and Apollo share about their multi-year 48-state journey (The Centauride), talk with interesting guests, and discuss the realities of domestic abuse.  What to Listen For:00:25 Introduction to the episode00:57 A recap of the idea for the ride01:20 Step One: Research. Is this ride possible, and how?01:55 Who has done this sort of thing before?04:22 The decision to ride on roads 05:30 Step Two: Mapping the 10,000 mile route10:48 Arriving in Seattle: Time to reassess11:37 Some things I learned on the way to Seattle13:36 Backpacker lessons15:09 Step Three: Training Apollo15:53 Preparing Apollo for the unknown: shopping carts, strollers, school buses, and more!18:52 Specificity and desensitization training20:21 Trust training 21:18 The “touch it” game23:21 The “look at it” game25:04 Guest Melissa Ellis about Harmony Horsemanship43:13 Apollo’s bonus verbal cues46:18 Reflections: did the preparations pay off?47:50 Closing statements48:21 End of episode  About our Guest:Melissa EllisI am a Level 3 Harmony Horsemanship Instructor and enjoy helping people develop an enriching partnership with their horses based on trust and communication. I own a farm in Southern Vermont and am the USA base for Lindsey Partridge’s Harmony Horsemanship. I enjoy every aspect of my relationship with horses but my heart is in Liberty and Bridleless work. I also enjoy Trick Training and Extreme Trail. I was Equine Affaires 2019 Reserve Champion in Versatile Horse and Rider Massachusetts and am looking forward to competing in the Trail Competition at Pennsylvania’s World Horse Expo and Equine Affaire Ohio’s International Liberty Horse Association ‘s competition. I absolutely love what our horses teach us on a daily basis and look forward to each and every moment I spend with them. Harmony Horsemanship Find events and clinics Resources:Unbranded film Frank Heath’s book “40 Million Hoofbeats” Mesannie Wilkins’ book “The Last of the Saddle Tramps” Follow Our Adventure:Blog Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube  Support This Podcast:Books Store Patreon Sponsor inquires welcome!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/havehorsewilltravel)

What kind of weirdo would think it’s a good idea to ride a horse all over the country?  And what kind of horse would be willing and able to go along with that idea?This episode seeks to answer these two frequently asked questions. Learn about Meredith’s horse life that prepared her for the journey, and her domestic violence story that motivated the journey. We’ll also discuss Apollo’s origin story, and how he found his way to Meredith. Listen weekly as Meredith and Apollo share about their multi-year 48-state journey (The Centauride), talk with interesting guests, and discuss the realities of domestic abuse. What to Listen For:00:25 Introduction to the episode01:27 My childhood as a horse-crazy city kid04:21 My parents finally admit that horses aren’t a phase05:43 I go to college to study horses09:35 I fall in love, and the early red flags10:46 Why I gave up horses for 9 years12:21 Teen dating violence, an interview with Nicole Rouhselang 23:24 My escape from abuse, and the decision to do this ride26:11 Horse shopping, and how NOT to do it31:29 Apollo’s parents and the story of his birth32:25 Apollo’s second home33:20 Apollo’s third home34:34 Apollo’s fourth home… with me!34:53 Initial training problems35:39 Celebrating the podcast launch with a giveaway 36:38 Closing statements 37:22 End of episode About our guest:In December of 2018, Nicole Rouhselang’s stepdaughter Breana was sexually assaulted and then murdered by a classmate, in a tragic case of teen dating violence. She was only 17.  Since then, Nicole has been speaking out about this all-too-common but little-discussed aspect of domestic violence.       Resources:Breana’s story Teen Dating Violence  Follow Breana’s Voice to Stop Teen Dating Violence:Facebook Twitter Instagram  Follow Our Adventure:Blog Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube  Support This Podcast:Books Store Patreon Sponsor inquires welcome!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/havehorsewilltravel)