Have Horse Will Travel

By special request! (Yes, we take requests!!) Meredith reads some short stories from her book series "Have Horse Will Travel" and adds some unscripted hilarity, er, commentary. 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

What is your favorite season for horseback riding? Apollo and I love to ride all year long, but when traveling across the country the weather can get in the way without some careful planning. In this episode, we discuss the strategies and limits of year-round horse travel.Also, a training update! 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

Just like any pet (or a car, or your own self), horses need routine care to keep them in top physical health. For an adventure horse like Apollo, though, taking care of his veterinary needs - whether routine or emergency - while traveling can get a bit tricky.  In this episode, Meredith and Apollo discuss the basics of horse health care and the special needs of an adventure horse.  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

Apollo loves kids, and the feeling is mutual.  We have lots of adorable stories to share with you in this episode! 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

What does it take to prepare your horse for a big adventure? In this week's episode, Apollo and Meredith share about their training journey together. 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

Apollo and his buddy Maverick have moved to a new pasture! They take host Meredith and special guest Dad on a tour of their new digs.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

Apollo has met thousands of horses across the country. Sometimes he makes a new best friend, and sometimes things don't go so great. Meredith talks about herd dynamics and how to introduce horses safely, and shares the story of Apollo's great escape..  Watch on YouTube Here  Follow Our Adventure:Blog Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube  Support This Podcast:Books Store Patreon Support the show

Hollywood loves a horse (and so do I, obvs). Is there anything more majestic than a horse running across the big screen?  But in film after film, there are so many things that annoy any horseperson watching. Here are a few of my pet peeves (get it? because horses are ... nevermind). Plus, a scene from trail riding with Apollo, meet friend of the show Rex, and an update on Meredith and Apollo's plans to continue their cross-country journey. Watch the YouTube version here  Follow Our Adventure:Blog Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube Support This Podcast:Books Store Patreon Support the show

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 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