So, the other day, while I was trying to get my horse to tölt across a lava field in Iceland...
OK, so maybe I don't get to say things like that on a regular (or even an irregular) basis. Darley Newman, however, does. Newman is the host of Equitrekking, a PBS television series about equestrian travel.
I'll admit; when I first heard the name of the series, I was ready to write it off. Though I've always enjoyed horseback riding on my own, I have suffered through many smelly, boring, tourist-oriented trail rides in my lifetime, and I certainly have no desire to watch a television series about them. After watching a few promo videos, checking out the show's website, and exchanging e-mails with Newman, however, I think I will be tuning in to the new season come May.
OK, so maybe I don't get to say things like that on a regular (or even an irregular) basis. Darley Newman, however, does. Newman is the host of Equitrekking, a PBS television series about equestrian travel. I'll admit; when I first heard the name of the series, I was ready to write it off. Though I've always enjoyed horseback riding on my own, I have suffered through many smelly, boring, tourist-oriented trail rides in my lifetime, and I certainly have no desire to watch a television series about them. After watching a few promo videos, checking out the show's website, and exchanging e-mails with Newman, however, I think I will be tuning in to the new season come May.
The series follows Newman as she embarks on various adventures around
the world - Costa Rica, Alaska, central Turkey, the Scottish Highlands
- all on horseback. Newman rides with local guides, on local horses,
using regional techniques. It's a way for her to connect with the
cultures and the landscapes she is traveling through.
Learning to coax horses to tölt (the smooth, characteristic gait of Icelandic horses) across lava fields is just one example.
"I did a horse drive with local farmers in Iceland, where we drove about 50 horses to Gullfoss, this giant waterfall. An Icelandic farmer that we were riding with demonstrated the smoothness of the tölt by riding with a pint of beer in his hand and not spilling a drop," she says "When you explore a place on horseback, like we do in our series, you ride with local people, who show you the best of their area, without the conventional limitations of roads, paths or most importantly, distance."
And she does cover great distances (without having to worry about miles per gallon and carbon offsets!), often riding to places that are far from the beaten path. Sound like something you'd be interested in? Good news: if the show inspires you to take up our own equitrekking hobby, you can actually visit the places Newman and her film crew take you in the show.
"The rides that we do on our show are rides that viewers can recreate," says Newman. "We ride with local ranches, guides, tour operators and outfitters who specialize in taking people out riding on their horses, so people watching the show could book with the same people and experience the same adventure. This is a practical travel show where I am not an omniscient host, but rather a traveler learning from the locals."
And you need not be a pro to participate. Most have options for all riding levels - pack trips, inn-to-inn rides, hour-long rides on the beach, and so on. To find horseback vacation options around the world, check out the Equitrekking travel planner.
Whether you are looking for practical vacation options or a new armchair travel obsession, tune in to PBS in May for a full season of new episodes.
Read More:
-The Washington Post: Making it
-Ralph Lauren Magazine: Riding High
-Hawaii Tribune Herald: Horsing around on the Big Island
Photo courtesy of www.equitrekking.com
Learning to coax horses to tölt (the smooth, characteristic gait of Icelandic horses) across lava fields is just one example.
"I did a horse drive with local farmers in Iceland, where we drove about 50 horses to Gullfoss, this giant waterfall. An Icelandic farmer that we were riding with demonstrated the smoothness of the tölt by riding with a pint of beer in his hand and not spilling a drop," she says "When you explore a place on horseback, like we do in our series, you ride with local people, who show you the best of their area, without the conventional limitations of roads, paths or most importantly, distance."
And she does cover great distances (without having to worry about miles per gallon and carbon offsets!), often riding to places that are far from the beaten path. Sound like something you'd be interested in? Good news: if the show inspires you to take up our own equitrekking hobby, you can actually visit the places Newman and her film crew take you in the show.
"The rides that we do on our show are rides that viewers can recreate," says Newman. "We ride with local ranches, guides, tour operators and outfitters who specialize in taking people out riding on their horses, so people watching the show could book with the same people and experience the same adventure. This is a practical travel show where I am not an omniscient host, but rather a traveler learning from the locals."
And you need not be a pro to participate. Most have options for all riding levels - pack trips, inn-to-inn rides, hour-long rides on the beach, and so on. To find horseback vacation options around the world, check out the Equitrekking travel planner.
Whether you are looking for practical vacation options or a new armchair travel obsession, tune in to PBS in May for a full season of new episodes.
Read More:
-The Washington Post: Making it
-Ralph Lauren Magazine: Riding High
-Hawaii Tribune Herald: Horsing around on the Big Island
Photo courtesy of www.equitrekking.com
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Great to see you on Nat Geo, I never miss the show.
Sounds like a fascinating series, it's a shame we don't get that channel in the UK.
I was on my bike when I was last in Iceland, so didn't try the horses, but maybe next time!
What a beautiful show -- Darley really brings these places alive! Keep 'em coming!
Fantastic series - Darley brings the adventures to life. I look forward to each show and never miss one!
Way to go National Geo! I've been watching Equitrekking since just about the beginning. I never tire of Darley and her travels. It's romantic and adventuresome. NG, Equitrekking and I know that the world is huge with many interesting and unknown places and people. Horses can go where no car can and they are better than riding in a convertible. Ride On!
I have enjoyed Equitrekking from the beginning. Darley's adventures are inspiring, and as a rider myself, each place she visits makes me want to plan a vacation there! I look forward to seeing where the new season takes her - keep up the good work!
I tuned in to Equitrekking just this winter season and I was very surprised by the show. I enjoyed it very much and was disappointed when the season stopped. I am looking forward to enjoying it again this season. I was raised on a farm and got to ride every day with my girlfriend.
This show brings back a lot of very happy memories.I watch it on Create in my Albany,NY area. I gave up ridding when I had my family. Now I am retired and enjoy watching the show. I had back surgery 12 years agao and the first thing I asked the doctor was if I could ride again, his answer was "if I break it he will fix it"! Good enough. Keep up the good work.
regards,
Joan
I receive the Equitrekking newsletter, but unfortunately here in the UK cannot watch the show. I am particularly interested in Darley's adventures, as in a months time I am beginning a horse ride from London to Tokyo, in aid of the World's largest orphan charity, SOS Children. Its always great to hear of other intrepid horse travellers!
www.expeditionequus.com