The Long Riders’ Guild has recognized Emma’s tremendous contribution to this historic Long Ride, naming her “A Friend of the Guild.” I’m so happy for this announcement! It is such a prestigious title only given to those who help further Long Riding.

Without Emma’s support I don’t know if I would have had the emotional power to pull this Long Ride off. Two years alone in the middle of nowhere can start to drive the most stable man mad. Especially when he has to take care of three horses, film a documentary, take photos, write blogs…

When I first told Emma about my plan to ride horseback from Canada to Brazil she was sad.

“How are we going to make our relationship work?” she asked as her eyes filled with tears.

Together we cried and hugged each other tightly. But that night we spent hours talking about this dream I had and how important it was for me to follow my destiny. We even discussed the possibility of meeting along the way and how we would make it all work out.

From that moment on Emma took on the project as if it was her very own dream. In the initial planning stages she was right there by my side writing out sticky notes of everything that needed to be done.

“Do not die,” one of the sticky notes read on our massive Journey America board.

On July 8, 2012 there she was by my side again, taking photos and helping me with the horses in the midst of the Calgary Stampede’s chaos. Far away from the limelight she ensured the horses were safe and had enough water whilst I spoke to the media.

I will never forget riding out of Calgary. With tears running down both our faces I hugged Emma and simply apologized. I felt like I had failed her… Like I had failed our relationship. I felt like the most selfish man in the world at that moment. Leaving my beautiful girlfriend behind… and for what?

“I love you so much,” I said to her as we kissed one last time and I mounted Bruiser.

As I rode off at my horses walking pace, I looked back at her standing there, crying uncontrollably. We couldn’t have been moving slower. After fifteen minutes riding I could still see her in the tall grass wiping her tears. This image will never be wiped from my mind. I can see it so vividly, even today. I can still remember the fear I felt, the urge to turn my horses around and not embark on this insane endeavor. But I continued on for months, alone, only with my thoughts and my horses.

“My uncle lent me a truck and I’m coming down to help you,” Emma said after she graduated from Ryerson.

This was one of the happiest days of my life! Not only had I been suffering immensely due to the extreme drought the US had been facing, I was also missing my girlfriend more than anything. After a three-day drive Emma and her father Kevin met me on the road. It was such an amazing feeling to hold her again. I missed her smell, I missed her touch, I missed her everything.

“Kevin thank you so much for taking the time to travel with Emma down here,” I said to her father before he flew back to Toronto.

Together we discovered the mountains of New Mexico, the streets of Santa Fe, the oil fields of Texas and the beauty of southern Colorado. This trip brought us so much closer together. It was an unforgettable experience. Unfortunately, it all came to an end as 2012 transitioned into 2013. After New Years Emma flew back to Toronto and I entered Mexico.

“After I get through these dangerous areas we will be back together,” I said as once again we were forced to say goodbye.

After entering Nicaragua, more than seven months later, Emma quit her job and rejoined Journey America.

With the extreme heat and humidity in Central America, Emma’s presence became essential for the horses health. She went ahead by bus and would take the packsaddle and sometimes even a bag of horse feed along. This allowed the horses to travel lighter and to eat well every night.

It was her planning skills and support that also insured that the ride continued once we were stopped from entering Panama. We spent months tangled in Latin America’s disgusting bureaucratic web trying to get into South America.

Emma’s selflessness is remarkable and her devotion to this Long Ride insured its success! I can never thank her enough for what she has done not only for myself but most importantly my kids, Frenchie, Bruiser and Dude.

A few words from CuChullaine O’Reilly…

“While Emma’s emotional support is apparent and is rightfully commended, I believe the public needs to understand the historical significance of what she has accomplished in her own right.

In the forthcoming Encyclopedia of Equestrian Exploration, I caution would-be Long Riders about how quickly the enthusiasm shown by well-meaning friends rapidly evaporates once the
hardships of the road become apparent.

Case in point is the first modern equestrian journey, which was attempted across Indonesia earlier this month. Even though the Long Rider had planned carefully for more than a year, his
companion quit after only ten days, forcing the premature conclusion of that important journey.

The record for people asked to provide logistical assistance is even worse.

On average people asked to drive support vehicles for Long Riders usually leave, quit or desert in less than thirty days. There is no known record of anyone in modern equestrian travel having providing tactical assistance for as long as Emma did for Filipe.

Though the Guild has documented the travels of nearly a thousand Long Riders, both past and present, there have only ever been less than two-dozen people ever listed under the special category known as ‘Friends of the Guild.’

That is why Emma, with her extraordinary display of love, courage, grit, determination, practicality and ingenuity has been granted this special privilege.

It is also why Emma will receive special recognition in the Encyclopedia of Equestrian Exploration for her extraordinary effort.”

CuChullaine O’Reilly – The Long Riders’ Guild