Travel Archives ⋆ The Whoa Podcast

Horse Travel Adventures

May 9, 2023 by John Leave a Comment

Horse Travel Adventures with Keith Swenson of Stone Horse Expeditions

Are you looking for a unique Horse travel adventure? Have you ever dreamed of traveling the world on horseback? If so, then you need to check out Stone Horse Expeditions. This company offers horseback riding adventures in some of the most beautiful and remote places on Earth. Perhaps you are looking for an expedition to the Khentii Mountains where you will follow ancient trails in one of the most spiritual places on earth. Or, you would like to help with conservation efforts at Gorki Tereli National Park with its wide open valleys and forested passes. If your bucket list includes crossing the Gobi desert, Keith Swenson would love to help.

Keith Swenson is the founder and owner of Stone Horse Expeditions. He is an American who grew up around horses and has been traveling the world for over 20 years. Keith has a deep passion for horses and the outdoors, and he loves sharing his love of these things with others.

Stone Horse Expeditions offers a variety of horseback riding adventures, from short day trips to multi-week expeditions.

No matter what your experience level or budget, Stone Horse Expeditions has an adventure for you. Keith and his team of experienced guides will make sure that you have an unforgettable experience.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable horseback riding adventure, then you need to check out Stone Horse Expeditions. Contact Keith today to learn more about his company and to book your next adventure.

Join the Journey

Whether you’re a seasoned horse owner or just starting out, we invite you to join us on this journey. Share your challenges, triumphs, and everyday experiences with others. We believe these stories can help others in their horse journey.

If you have a story, you would like to share, you can reach out to us through our Facebook or Instagram page. Alternatively, you can email John@WhoaPodcast.com to be a part of the show.

Thanks for listening.

John & Ranae

Episode #216

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Horseman Domenico Sumonte

April 5, 2022 by John Leave a Comment

Horseman Domenico Sumonte

Domenico Sumonte considers himself more of a horse-Man than a horse trainer. I’m lucky enough to have an arena at the End of The Road Ranch where I can work my horses. One trainer that works out of this barn is Domenico Sumonte. In between working our horses, Dom and I struck up a friendship. In our casual conversations, I quickly learned Dom has experienced an exciting life with horses. I wanted to learn more about his life and philosophy.

Dom is a self-taught horseman. He builds a relationship with a horse first. One technique Dom uses is to get the horses out on the trail first. The ag fields around the ranch provide a great working area. There is farm equipment, trash, and other things that help him “sack out” his horse.

Riding is an adventure for Dom. Dom has ridden horses on the ancient roads of Rome. He has ridden in the mountains of Chile. One of Dom’s favorite rides was the Pacific Crest Trail between Los Angeles and the Mojave Desert.

I really love these conversations with interesting horsemen. Thanks Dom.

Join Us on this Journey

We want you to be a part of the show. Tell us about your horse. Share your challenges, triumphs, or just everyday items that make horse ownership unique. Create an audio file using the memo app on your phone. Or contact me and we’ll set up a time to talk on Skype or phone. Perhaps what you have to share can help someone in THEIR horse journey.

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at John@WhoaPodcast.com

Thanks for listening.

John & Ranae

Episode #198

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Globetrotting Horse Adventures With Kate Pilcher

November 30, 2021 by John Leave a Comment

Globetrotting Horse Adventures With Kate Pilcher

We could all use a little vacation. Wouldn’t a horseback adventure be great? Sometimes it seems the civilized world has taken a temporary leave of common sense. But over the last 18 months, if you have a horse, you know there is one sure place to escape, the saddle. Kate Pilcher found her happy place when she escaped to Kenya. It was such a life-changing experience; she wanted to share it with others. Then she found a great adventure ride in South America, another one in France, and Ireland. People were having horseback adventures around the globe. Kate put all these trips and more together and started a business called Globetrotting. She puts people and horseback adventures together.

Kate tests every ride she offers on her website. Each posted adventure has most of the details you need to know to prepare for the trip. In the rides I looked at, I could see the breed of horse they trip used, the type of tack, the time in the saddle. Also, what riding ability, the accommodations, time in the saddle helps you choose the best ride for you. One feature I particularly liked was inclusions and exclusions for each trip. For example, one trip in France excluded alcoholic drinks, except for wine at lunch. It’s this attention to details that makes Globetrotting stand out in preparing for your horse adventure. There are always going to be surprises on any trip you take. It’s a part of travel. Globetrotting takes a lot of the guesswork out of planning a trip.

As an armchair traveller, I really enjoy talking to people about world travel experiences with horses.

Links heard on this Episode

Globetrotting Horse Holidays

Globetrotting Horse Holidays on Facebook

Join Us on this Journey

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at John@WhoaPodcast.com

Thanks for listening.

John & Ranae

Episode #194

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Competitive Trail Riding with NATRC

July 27, 2021 by John Leave a Comment

Competitive Trail Riding with North American Trail Ride Conference (NATRC)

Are you looking for a little adventure? Give competitive trail riding a try. The North American Trail Ride Conference is a governing body over competitive trail riding (CTR). In this episode, I talk to Sarah Rinne, NATRC’s Executive Director about the sport. Involved with the organization since 1988, Sarah is a wealth of knowledge.

The NATRC sets rules and has guidelines for trail rides. Sanctioned NATRC rides judge riders on horsemanship and horse care. Their competitions place an emphasis on rider and horse safety. The conference establishes levels so riders can compete with others of similar ability. All horses, including mules, are eligible to take part in every ride. A competitive trail ride is not a speed event. Riders have to manage the course and speed to arrive at checkpoints within a certain time frame. Horses have mandatory breaks and veterinary checks to insure they are fit to continue. Riders can also expect to be judged negotiating natural trail obstacles during a ride.

Links to Competitive Trail Riding Heard in this Episode

NATRC Event Calendar

Public Facebook Page for the NATRC

NATRC YouTube Page with lots of good information

Email for more information on the Old West CTR in Tehachapi September 4 & 5

OldwestCTR@gmail.com

Join Us on this Journey

You are an enormous part of why we do a podcast. We really love getting your feedback. Please let us know your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions for the show. Email us at John@WhoaPodcast.com

Thanks for listening.

John & Ranae

Episode #189

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Hansen Dam Group Ride ~ VIDEO

July 24, 2020 by John Leave a Comment

Working on my Video Channel

I’ve had a YouTube Channel for 12 years now. Back in 2008, I began shooting experiences with my mare Jessie. The very first video was of us working cows. A lesson my wife bought us for my birthday.

Through the years, I’ve chronicled many of our rides and adventures. Video editing software was difficult to use back then. I wasn’t very good at either shooting or editing. Over the last two years, I’ve studied video editing and production. I’ll admit, it’s still scary in front of the camera. But I have a desire to share our knowledge and experiences, and this is the best way.

My goal is to shoot quality videos of trail rides, travel, horse training, and things-you-should-know. As difficult as it is to be behind the camera and on top of a horse, I’m trying it. I hope you’ll subscribe to my channel and offer feedback and suggestions.

Hansen Dam Trail Ride

Several years ago we did an ETI Trail Trial at Hansen Dam Recreational Area in Lakeview Terrace, California. It was my first experience with an ETI trial and we had a lot of fun. Hansen Dam is easy to get to. Just off the 210 Freeway near Sylmar, there is ample parking for a group of trailers.

Gabrielino Equestrian Park is located there. A warm-up arena with good footing is next to the parking lot.

Different sections of the area offer different trail rides. In one section there is thick growth with many creek crossings. In other areas there is rocky, almost desert -like terrain. Our ride took us through both areas. We had an experienced guide, but if you’re good with directions, it would be difficult to get lost. The 210 freeway is visible from almost anywhere, and we use it as a landmark.

On one of our trail rides there, we rode under the freeway, up Little Tujunga Canyon, to a food truck is in the middle of a nursery. It’s called the Hideaway Cafe Food Truck. It serves good Mexican food and there is a place to tie up your horse.

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