In Rio Preto, I rested the mares for a few days while I went to two rodeos nearby to promote the journey.
First I visited the city of Balsamo.
“Ladies and gentleman help me welcome Filipe Leite, the horseman of the Americas into the arena,” the announcer yelled into the microphone.
With the crowd cheering I spoke about my last Long Ride from Canada to Brazil and explained the new expedition. After leaving the arena I was swarmed by cowboys and cowgirls for selfies.
From Balsamo we traveled to the city of Ribeirao Preto to attend their renowned rodeo. On Saturday night I went into the arena on horseback and was interviewed by their announcer.
It’s important to go to these events because it gets more people following the journey and I get to meet my fans.
“When I grow up I want to be a cowboy just like you,” a little boy with a great big straw hat told me after we posed for a photo in Ribeirao Preto.
By the time I returned to my mares I was more tired than when I left. The day before I rode out again I slept for 16 straight hours. When I awoke I didn’t even know where I was.
From Rio Preto we will ride south towards the city of Presidente Prudente – the home of the Quarter Horse here in Brazil. It will be a 300 km ride through country roads and next to highways.
