When I first started planning this Long Ride, almost 4 years ago, I had nothing. No saddle, no horses, no cameras. Fortunately, I had one thing – the strong belief that in the end everything works out.

With positivity on my side and enough drive to fuel an airplane, I began capturing sponsorship. It was an extremely hard period as most people thought I was crazy! Companies would hang up on my face or simply start laughing when I told them about my idea. Luckily, with the help of a few friends and a handful of sponsors I managed to get everything I needed to leave.

From day one, Journey America has been fueled 100 percent by the kindness of others. It was OutWildTV that allowed me to film this project. It was Copper Spring Ranch and Stan Weaver who allowed me to ride out of the Calgary Stampede on Frenchie and Bruiser. It was thanks to the Long Riders Guild and Custom Pack Rigging that I got the much needed pack saddle for my trip! And the list goes on…

Along my route south, this kindness and generosity never stopped! So, I have decided to put together a list of presents Journey America acquired along the way.

In Wyoming I was given a third horse by the name of Texas. He was an amazing companion but very early on I realized he didn’t have the grit Frenchie and Bruiser had to pull off this Long Ride. So, when I got to the Southern United States, I found a great home for my friend and was given another horse – Taos Dude. Reigning from the Taos Pueblo in New Mexico, Dude is an Indian Mustang with a lot of heart! Dude has walked all the way to Brazil alongside his quarter horse brothers.

In Mexico, while my dad was riding with me, I was given a Mule by the name of General Cuencame. This little guy was about to be sent to a slaughter house before he joined the team and helped us travel to Mexico City. Today the general is resting in Mexico City with my good friend Vidal, who gave me his family’s sword to carry along the trip!

While crossing Mexico I was also given two other very special gifts, a saddle and a pair of spurs. Tono Aldeco, a famous television host and avid horseman has his own line of western products. When he heard about my trip he gave me a beautiful saddle from his Bridon line. The spurs were given to my father and I by a family in Rio Grande, Zacatecas. Both the saddle and spurs have made it all the way to Brasil.

Another riding saddle was made especially for my Long Ride by Circulo R Selas in Brazil! Alongside Raul Martinez designed a lightweight saddle that is comfortable for both horse and rider. I told him the basic style I wanted and he ran free with his imagination and experience.

Since I arrived in Brasil the presents have not stopped pouring in! Shirts, hats, pants, boots, belt buckles, food – everyday we are given something new from the Brazilian people. But before leaving Campo Grande we received the cutest present of the entire journey – a Border Collie puppy.

When we arrived at the Nevada Ranch, where we rested for a week, we met the pup. A brown and white, 2 month old border collie, this little girl won our hearts.

“She’s too cute,” Emma said as she held her during our arrival party.

After the owners of the ranch, Ju and Cicero, saw how much the two kicked it off, they offered to give us Lady under one condition.

“You have to call her Nevada,” Cicero said as Emma opened a smile bigger than life.

Just like that, Nevada became Journey America’s newest gift and companion.