Equitrekking Season 1

In Vermont, we explore Green Mountain trails and country roads on horseback, learning about Morgan horses, Icelandic horses and Vermont history and culture. We visit the Mountain Top Inn outside of Killington to explore the area's trails and learn the art of driving with two large Clydesdales. You don't have to travel all the way to Iceland to experience the smooth gait of the Icelandic horse. We'll take a multi-day inn to inn ride through meadows, woods and old farm lands on Icelandic horses. Next, we visit the University of Vermont's Morgan Horse Farm to learn about Vermont's state animal and UVM's historic breeding program, which dates back to 1878. We also enjoy some time out of the saddle to visit Shelburne Museum, a Vermont Country Store and downtown Burlington.

We travel from the beaches to the mountains of North and South Carolina in this episode, exploring the Biltmore Estate on horseback, Daufuskie Island and riding with Cherokee Tribal Members in the Great Smoky Mountains. There are over 100 miles of Appalachian trails surrounding the Biltmore Estate which we explore on horseback, much as guests of George Vanderbilt would have during the Gilded Age. The Biltmore Equestrian Center focuses on natural horsemanship, which helps riders learn how to communicate with their equine partners. We see some resident horses in training and learn why natural horsemanship is a powerful method of understanding horses. Next we check out the thriving arts scene in downtown Asheville, before taking a lesson in rock climbing at Chimney Rock Park. We travel further West to meet up with Cherokee tribal members and examine the history of horses in Cherokee culture. We ride Tennessee Walking horses and fish for trout in the Great Smoky Mountains. Finally, we step back in time to a small barrier island full of Southern charm and only accessible via ferry. Cantering along the wide, pristine beaches of Daufuskie Island is the perfect way to explore this small island off of Hilton Head Island, S.C. We learn about the islands original inhabitants, the Cusabo Indians, on a ride down dirt roads towards a maritime forest that was inhabited thousands of years ago by the Cusabo.

On Georgia's Coast, we experience the thrill of beach riding on Sea Island, the wild horses of Cumberland Island, the hauntingly beautiful beaches of Jekyll Island and historic Savannah in an imported Viennese carriage. On Sea Island, we experience many people's dream of riding horses on the beach, take a nature ride with naturalist Stacia Hendricks and try what the island natives call swim riding. On secluded Cumberland Island, we observe wild horses with naturalist Fred Whitehead. Whitehead has been living on Cumberland Island for over 25 years and has an intimate knowledge of herd dynamics, the history of horses on the island and how they survive in the subtropical environment. We stay at the island's only lodging, the historic Greyfield Inn and learn about the Carnegie family's role in the island's history. Next we visit Jekyll Island, where we ride through the remnants of an ancient maritime forest on Driftwood Beach. We stroll through the historic district to delve deeper into Jekyll's unique past.

We ride championship cutting horses at a working cattle ranch in the rolling plains of Northern Colorado and explore the high mountain peaks of Durango. At the Colorado Cattle Company in Northern Colorado, we participate in “Dream Week,” learning to ride championship cutting horses with cutting horse expert Teddy Johnson. In Southern Colorado, we ride up to over 12,000 feet with native Anne Rapp, who has been leading riders through the San Juan National Forest for over 25 years. The ride to Engineer Mountain takes us through alpine meadows, steep mountain passes and open expanses where we can see all the way to New Mexico. We survive the changes in weather that come with high altitudes, including a hail storm, before heading back down the mountain. At Wilderness Trails Ranch, a family oriented dude ranch, we take trail rides to Vallecito Lake and learn more techniques for working with cattle. Finally, we ride the rails and experience the past on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Put on your cowboy boots, because in this episode, Equitrekking explores the rodeo, wild horses, fly fishing and historic ranches of Wyoming on horseback. Equitrekking begins at UXU Ranch for scenic and challenging riding on surefooted horses in the Shoshone National Forest. We ride by the majestic hoodoos and up to high elevations to take in views of colorful canyons, glaciers and mountain tops. We explore the wildlife and geology of Yellowstone National Park, before heading to the Cody rodeo. At nearby McCullough Peaks, we observe a melting pot of Mustangs and the descendants of horses who were once in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. We begin to understand how these horses survive in the wild by speaking with a local who has been observing the horses for many years. We visit the Buffalo Bill Historical Center's Whitney Gallery of Western Art before heading South past the Grand Tetons to Jackson Hole. There, we embark on a pack trip with two locals who have been leading riders into the backcountry for over 25 years. We see the beauty of nature as we ride to Willow Creek in the Bridger Teton National Forest. Finally we go fly fishing and explore dude ranch history at the T Cross Ranch, which has been family owned and operated since it was homesteaded in the early 1900's.

The romance and history of Spain comes alive as we explore the beaches of Southern Spain, historic farms outside of Segovia and Seville, a performance of dancing horses at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art and nightlife in Seville. We begin our adventures at Cortijo El Esparragal, an estate and working farm outside of Seville that dates back to the Bronze Age. We ride prize-winning Andalusians on the farm to learn about the purpose and history of the Spanish Vaquera style of riding. Next we enjoy a sunset ride outside of Segovia and visit the castles and Roman aqueducts in the central region of Segovia. In the Southern town of Jerez de la Frontera, viewers learn about Andalusian horses through a performance at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. We visited Yeguada Real Tesoro, a premier sherry bodega, which also breeds rare black Andalusian Horses. Next we head to Doñana National Park, a diverse National Heritage Site. We explore the park's varied landscapes and wildlife. Riding along the pristine beaches and onto the trails that pilgrims take to the shrine of El Rocio, viewers begin to understand why horses are a national treasure in Spain.

(Part 1- Northern half of the Republic of Ireland): We ride the mountains of the Cooley Peninsula and discover the medieval town of Carlingford.  We ride the Smuggler’s Road and go beach riding and surfing in Donegal.  In Connemara, we ride to mythical Omey Island, check out Galway and see the running herds of Connemara Ponies. On the Cooley Peninsula, local Niall Connolly, takes us through Ravensdale Forest to discover ancient stone circles and a scenic spot where you can see eight out of the thirty-two Irish counties. We visit castles in the medieval town of Carlingford and an ancient burial tomb. Next we head to the Northwest to beach ride and surf in a top European surfing area in Donegal.  We learn about the history of conflict in Ireland on a ride on Smuggler’s Road. In Connemara, we meet up with Willie Leahy, one of the largest breeders of Connemara Ponies, and watch herds of ponies run amid lush green fields.  With local Siobhan Reynolds, we ride over a sand bridge to a remote tidal island of Omey Island.  In the 7th century Saint Feichin, who is known for spreading Christianity throughout Western Ireland and was believed by many to have healing abilities, established a monastery on Omey Island. We visit ancient sights and make an offering at the holy well, before riding home before the sea swallows the bridge back.

We ride with paniolos, Hawaiian cowboys, at Parker Ranch and Kahua Ranch, both working cattle ranches in Waimea, the Big Island’s cowboy country.  Next we venture down into Waipio, the Valley of the Kings, one of the most remote and sacred spots on the Big Island and home to a unique breed of wild horses. With a cattle ranching history predating mainland American ranches by a generation, the people of Hawaii have strong ties to horses.  We explore this tradition, beginning at Parker Ranch, one of the oldest and largest ranches in the United States. To experience life as a Hawaiian paniolo (cowboy), we join a modern day paniolo on a ride through rolling green hillsides with majestic Mauna Kea as a backdrop. We learn about cowboy culture in Waimea, the Big Island’s ranching area. Next we ride at Kahua Ranch, a working cattle ranch in Waimea.  We take in stunning views of the ocean and Kona coastline as we gallop through the lush, green hills.  On the way back down the coast, we stop for Kona coffee in the funky, artists town of Holualoa and leave our mark with environmentally friendly graffiti in a decades old Kona tradition.  We explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and attend a luau. Finally, we venture to one of the most remote and sacred parts of the Big Island, Waipio- the Valley of the Kings.  It is here that King Kamehameha, Hawaii’s first king who also united the Hawaiian islands, spent his childhood.  It is also here that a wild herd of Hawaiian horses roam, left over from a 1940’s tsunami that devastated the valley.  We travel to black sand beaches and ride among fields of taro, a traditional Hawaiian staple, with Maile, who was born and raised in the valley.  Riding Hawaiian horses, we learn about this unique breed, while munching on avocado, papaya, and star fruit grown on trees in the valley.  Only a small number of people live in this valley, surrounded by 1000 foot cliffs lined with waterfalls. We learn about life “off the grid,” as we explore the rivers and natural wonders of this sacred place.

From hot pots to horse drives, we experience the smooth gait of the Icelandic horses on rides with farmers and Iceland’s top rider, traveling to lava fields, lakes and waterfalls. Riding through the varied landscapes of Iceland is truly an otherworldly experience. We begin our journey with a short lesson in how to ride the small, but mighty Icelandic horse, before trekking on horseback through the lava fields and over the diverse terrain that the Icelandic horse is bred to conquer. Viewers learn about the history and personality of this intelligent, good-natured horse, upon which Icelanders have depended throughout history.  We explore the special five gaits that these pure-bred Viking Horses can master, including the smooth, glide of the tolt.  Traveling with local farmers, we experience the thrill of the fast-paced horse drive, as we drive a herd of fifty horses to Gullfloss, Iceland’s “Golden Waterfalls.” Next, we ride through Raudholar or the Red Hills with Iceland’s most famous rider, nicknamed Diddi or the Golden Rider.  The deep red color of these pseudocraters that are more than 4600 years old stands out as Diddi conveys the history and his passion for this pure breed of Viking horse. Finally, we check out the thriving nightlife in colorful, downtown Reykjavik. Rich history and wonderful culture are all part of the adventures in Iceland, the Pearl of the North.

We experience the diverse beauty of Virginia Hunt Country by touring historic Middleburg, riding amid Longhorn Cattle at Marriott Ranch in the Blue Ridge Mountains, taking a polo lesson, experiencing Civil War history on horseback by riding through battlefields and meeting Civil War rein-actors, and experiencing the thrills and spills of one of Virginia’s top steeplechases. At Marriott Ranch, we trail ride where presidents and world leaders have found respite among the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains. The ranch and its inn have a quirky history. Built in 1814 by James Marshall, brother of the first Chief Justice of the United States, the inn today is believed to be haunted. After a jeep tour of the property, we rode through Paradise Valley among Longhorn Cattle, usually found in Texas, who have made their home in this scenic area. Next we discover how difficult 'the sport of kings' really is through a polo lesson at Great Meadow. Nearby, we attend the classic Virginia Gold Cup steeplechase and shop around in cute and quaint historic Middleburg. Virginia and U.S. history come alive, as we discover Civil War history on horseback by riding through battlefields at the Inn and Kelly’s Ford and by meeting the Black Horse Troop of Civil War Re-enactors.

We experience the diverse beauty of Sonoma, riding through Redwoods, a vineyard, crashing waves on Northern California beaches and the golden meadows of Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. With Pacific waves crashing on the shore, we fulfill many people’s dreams by taking a beach ride on Salmon Creek Beach on the dramatic Northern California Coast. We venture among “old souls” through the giant Redwoods of Armstrong Redwoods State Park on a ride with naturalist Laura Ayers, whose intimate knowledge comes from growing up among these trees and raising and training Quarter Horses. At a local vineyard known for equine history and award-winning Cabernets, we horseback ride through rows of grapes and learn about the art of wine making. We then see small-town Sonoma from two-wheels, on a bike tour. We end the episode with a sunset ride through the golden grasslands and colorful madrones of Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, with stunning views of Napa Valley and area vineyards.

We ride and drive the Ring of Kerry in County Kerry and to a Celtic tomb in County Clare.  We visit historic Mount Juliet Estate, the Irish National Stud to see award-winning Thoroughbreds, and the monastic settlement of Glendalough. We’re riding along the Ring of Kerry, but not on a traditional tour.  We’ll see the Ring of Kerry by horseback, the best way to take in spectacular views.  With bright blue Dingle Bay in the distance, we ride by area lakes and cottages abandoned during the potato famine as we climb to high elevations on an old mass road.  In County Clare, we stay at a 300-year-old farmhouse in one of the more rural parts of Ireland. We relax by the River Shannon, ride to an ancient Celtic tomb and hear traditional Irish music at the pub.  From rural bliss to sculpted decadence, we explore one of Ireland’s great sporting estates on horseback. We fish and ride at Mount Juliet estate, before heading to County Kildare for an insiders tour of the Irish National Stud. It’s here that many award-winning Thoroughbreds are bred. Outside of Dublin, we tour Glendalough, a monastic settlement dating back to the sixth century.

We ride from the summit to the floor of the crater of a volcano at Haleakala National Park, explore the cowboy town of Makawao and nearby Piiholo Ranch, ride in the remote rain forests of Kipahulu with natives of the region, and take a sunset ride in the West Maui Mountains. Where else can you ride into the crater of a volcano! On to the island of Maui, we explore the unique geologic features of Haleakala Crater, a recently dormant volcano 10,000 feet above sea level. We venture from the summit to the crater floor. Along the ride, we pass flora and fauna that have managed to thrive in this harsh environment, including the rare silversword, a flowering silver plant which stands out amid the deep red and brown cinders of the crater.  In the remote region of Kipahulu, accessed by the winding cliffside road to Hana, we ride with natives into the rainforest by the sacred sites where they grew up.  Kipahulu is untouched by modern society. It is a rare place of pristine nature. The land and values here are passed down to our Alaka’i or guides by their Kupuna or elders, who taught them how to survive and flourish off of the natural fruits of the land.  Medicine and food are still gathered from the forest.  After hearing the songs and prayers of our native guides, who ask for permission to enter the forest, we head up on the mountain trails.  We snack on mango and passion fruit, picked off of the trees, as we ride up the green trails, passing wild cows and beautiful waterfalls. Next we explore the cowboy town of Makawao in Maui’s Upcountry, before riding through deep gulches and green pastures with views of the ocean at Piiholo Ranch.  We take a zip line tour before a sunset ride in the West Maui Mountains.