We’re back! Did you miss us? After an unscheduled break (because, 2020) your favorite horse travel podcast returns with another exciting interview… this time with Cathleen from “A Strange Request,” who has a lot of funny and interesting stories to share from her horseback journeys through England and Ireland. 

About our Guest: Cathleen Leonard

I travel on horseback. It became a dream from the moment I first sat on a horse. In 2017 I rode 1000 miles from Scotland to Cornwall alone with one of my rescued horses. In 2018 I rode with my partner, Vlad, from Cornwall to Wales and all around Ireland on my other two rescued horses and my violin. Half way round we picked up a one-eyed mule near Limerick. I've written two books, one for each journey. We're currently stuck in Portugal with all our equines. We were due to set off in March to ride 3,000 miles across Europe to Romania but Spain went into lockdown and closed the borders the day we were due to set off. It's now too hot to travel on horseback and grass and water are scarce so we're staying in Portugal until the spring when we'll try to set off again.

Book “Before Winter Comes” 

Book “Fiddler on the Hoof” 

Facebook 

Other resources:

Workaway 

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Keeping Apollo healthy is my number one priority.  Careful considering is necessary for everything he eats, everywhere he sleeps, every step he takes. Of course, accidents still happen – sometimes they are unpreventable – and this, too, requires a unique strategy when you’re traveling the backroads of America by horse! 

What do I love as much as horses? Reading about horses! It’s a rare day that doesn’t include time with my nose in a book.  Let’s talk about a few of my recent (and Apollo approved!) favorites.

What to Listen For:

00:25 Introduction to the episode

13:38 Eating for travel health

09:03 Playtime is the most dangerous part of the day

14:01 Safety on the road (keep off the grass!)

18:25 Social distancing before it was cool

21:19 The unavoidable 

22:46 Horse books you should read

29:16 …and a bonus book review

32:44 Closing statements 

33:25 End of episode

Resources:

Cavallo hoof boots

Trick Training for Horses by Bea Borelle 

A Good Horse is Never a Bad Color by Mark Rashid

The Faraway Horses by Buck Brannaman 

Strange Planet by Nathan W. Pyle

Stranger Planet by Nathan W. Pyle

All above resources are Amazon.com affiliate links to products mentioned in this episode.

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Over 8000 miles of walking is enough to get any horse in shape!

Of course, there is more to getting a horse in shape to do this kind of adventure, and keeping him that way for so many days (and years) and miles. In this episode, I’ll share with you Apollo’s fitness routine for getting ready and staying ready to accomplish this adventure.

Plus, we’ll hear from Karen of Equine Unlimited talks about her horseback journey through the Scottish isles with her rescue mare Connie.

What to Listen For:

00:25 Introduction to the episode

01:41 Preparing the equine athlete to perform safely

02:20 The biggest fitness challenge 

05:04 Work hard, play hard, take a break

06:30 Spring training

09:16 Daily warm up and schedule

15:40 Differences from competitive endurance riding

18:06 Our 2020 fitness plan

20:54 Guest Karen Inkster talks about riding in Scotland

42:54 Closing statements 

44:30 End of episode

About our Guest: Karen Inkster 

After a 25 year gap in horse ownership I got a rescue mare Connie. She ended up having major behavioural issues, hence the reason I went on a 300km unsupported journey with her and my rescue collie Pip. Since then I got another horse, a Spanish Mustang who also has major behavioural issues which I am working through. I am passionate about being barefoot and bitless and I am currently setting up my own natural equine centre in Scotland where I will also offer long distance trail rides, camping in the hills. 

My two rescue horses have taught me so much, I now have such a better understanding of equine behaviour and I am passionate about rehabilitating "problem" horses.

Equine Unlimited 

The Deaf the Daft and The Ditsy 

Resources:

Compact portable electric fence 

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Feeding a horse is simple, right? They eat grass.

Well, yes.  But also, no.  There are many, many things to know about horse nutrition, and especially when you’re feeding an adventure horse.  

Rule #1: Don’t forget to pack some apples.

Listen weekly as Meredith and Apollo share about their multi-year 48-state journey (The Centauride), talk with interesting guests, and discuss the realities of domestic abuse. 

What to Listen For:

00:25 Introduction to the episode

01:25 Horses eat grass, how complicated could it be?

02:56 Proper horse nutrition is very important

04:52 The big problem of feeding Apollo during our journey

06:50 Why horses (usually) can’t change their diet from day to day…

14:32 … except Apollo does! (and why he’s just fine)

20:50 Apollo’s breakfast and dinner recipe

27:33 Treat time (do you know what a carrot sounds like?)

29:52 Adventure horses cannot be picky eaters

31:47 Closing statements 

32:51 End of episode

Resources:

Cool Calories (affiliate link) 

Horse electrolytes (affiliate link) 

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Happy belated birthday, Apollo!

Let’s celebrate Apollo’s safe return home, and his birthday too! He turned 12 in April.  Do you know what age that would be in human years? In this “Apollosode” (get it? Apollo + episode!), we’ll talk about this and other interesting horse birthday stuff.

Listen weekly as Meredith and Apollo share about their multi-year 48-state journey (The Centauride), talk with interesting guests, and discuss the realities of domestic abuse. 

What to Listen For:

00:25 Introduction to the episode

00:32 He’s baaaaack

02:32 Celebrating Apollo’s 12th birthday

03:00 How does 12-horse-years compare to human age?

06:12 Apollo’s age through his training and the ride

11:48 Choosing an adventure horse (revisited) – the age factor

15:03 How a horse’s teeth reveal their age

18:23 Why horses need dentists, too

27:42 Closing statements 

30:30 End of episode

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It’s not easy finding the perfect adventure horse to be your travel partner! 

Season two is all about Apollo, and to kick it off, let’s talk about what qualities a good adventure horse requires.  

Speaking of things that aren’t easy, stick around for the second half of the episode, when guest Angela Accomando talks about her journey to change the laws of New York state to make them better for domestic violence victims! She’s already succeeded to get one terrible law changed, and will be sharing just how she – an average citizen – was able to accomplish this! 

Listen weekly as Meredith and Apollo share about their multi-year 48-state journey (The Centauride), talk with interesting guests, and discuss the realities of domestic abuse. 

What to Listen For:

00:25 Introduction to the episode (and the season!)

01:30 Apollo’s big news

03:37 Why Apollo?

04:44 How did I find Apollo?

05:48 What qualities does an adventure horse require?

07:08 Young… but not too young

07:33 Training level

08:12 Healthy as a horse!

09:29 Size matters

10:35 Conformation

12:20 Personal preference

13:11 Apollo wants to be everybody’s friend

15:11 Never “buy pretty”

15:42 Why I love to “drive” a mustang

17:54 Welcome guest Angela Accomando

38:52 Closing statements 

39:55 End of episode

About our Guest: Angela Accomando

Hi! I'm Angela an Anxiety Coach & Certified Meditation Teacher I help Women calm anxiety so they can live a peaceful, happy life. I do this work because I want to help others manage their anxiety so they can move forward with their dreams. I came into this work myself when I suffered from debilitating anxiety for many years. After leaving an abusive marriage & almost losing a child, these tools are what have been my saving grace. I want to help others get through tough times and thrive.

Angela’s Coaching Website 

Angela on Facebook 

Angela on Instagram 

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The big question of the moment – and, honestly, at any point in the ride – is where have we been and where are we going? (Yes, I know that’s two questions).  With the uncertainties of travel restrictions and safety during this COVID-19 epidemic, that question is more relevant than ever. 

Plus, special guest Lisa of Willow Domestic Violence Center joins us for a very informative conversation about domestic violence, including useful advice on talking with teens, helping victims, and fun ways you can help end DV in your community.

What to Listen For:

00:25 Introduction

02:29 The original 2020 plan and how Coronavirus has affected this 

03:41 Where we have been

04:45 Where we still have left to ride

06:02 How Apollo and I will get home at the end and what we’ll do next

07:27 Where I’m most looking forward to riding

10:01 Spread the word, help me find local hosts and helpers!

11:17 Welcome guest Lisa

12:09 Willow’s many wonderful services

18:43 Knowing what healthy vs unhealthy relationships look like... before unhealthy becomes dangerous

20:49 How to talk to teens about dating violence, effectively 

24:08 How to help someone you’re worried about

26:21 How to help end domestic violence in your community 

31:29 You are not alone 

31:44 Conclusion 

32:42 End of episode

About our Guest: Lisa of Willow Domestic Violence Center

Willow is the licensed residential and non-residential Domestic Violence Provider in Monroe County, New York. Services include a 24/7 hotline/textline, shelter, advocacy services, counseling, prevention education, etc. Willow is focused on being survivor centered and using a trauma informed approach.

For 13 years prior to being at Willow I worked in Higher Education in Monroe County. I talked with students every day about things like substance use/abuse, vandalism, assault, arson, rape, dating violence, stalking, disruptive community behavior, etc. When the position became open at Willow, I jumped at the chance to be on the other end of the spectrum of the issue!

Willow Domestic Violence Center Website 

Willow on Facebook 

Willow on Instagram 

Willow on Twitter 

 Willow’s help numbers (call from anywhere!):

     Hotline 585-222-7233

     Text line 585-348-7233

Other domestic violence resources:

National Domestic Violence Hotline or call 1−800−799−7233  

What it is, and even more ways to get help 

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Apollo and I encounter dangerous, rude, and hostile drivers every single day.  Whether we’re riding though a city or in the country, on a busy highway or a quiet dirt road, bad drivers are everywhere.  

The five types of worst drivers are people who honk, people who yell, people who are impatient, people who drive too fast, and people who drive too close.  Here are stories of the very worst of each of these five types of bad drivers that we have dealt with during the last 8,200 miles. Plus, the worst pedestrian!

Then we’ll talk about one of my favorite things… Zumba! Mary of Rhythms Fitness Studio joins us to talk about why Zumba is great for everyone, and to share a few fun travel stories of her own.

Listen weekly as Meredith and Apollo share about their multi-year 48-state journey (The Centauride), talk with interesting guests, and discuss the realities of domestic abuse. 

What to Listen For:

00:25 Introduction to the episode

01:21 The worst of the people who honk  

04:27 The worst of the people who yell 

08:10 The worst of the people who are impatient

15:44 The worst of the people who drive too fast 

19:01 Bonus! The worst pedestrian

22:32 The very worst of the worst

27:43 Guest Mary talks about Zumba

38:54 Closing statements 

40:19 End of episode

About our Guest: Mary of Rhythms Fitness Studio

After decades working as a manager within the California Community College system, I retired and decided to dance into my golden years! I had been in the Peace Corps in my youth and always loved Latin music and dance. So when Zumba came along I was immediately hooked. I have owned or taught at Rhythms for nearly a decade and love the movement and the joy it brings all of us.

Rhythms Fitness Studio 

Rhythms Fitness Studio Facebook 

YouTube channel “Rhythms Fitness at the Cedar Ridge Y” 

Zumba International – and find a class near you! 

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Whether you are 1 or 100 years old, if you’re young at heart, this episode is for you!  Guest Francine of Pixie Dust Fan joins us to talk about Disney horses, from Major in Cinderella to the real-life horses at the Disney parks that you can meet (and ride!). Then stick around for story time, when Meredith reads “Apollo’s Alphabet.”

Listen weekly as Meredith and Apollo share about their multi-year 48-state journey (The Centauride), talk with interesting guests, and discuss the realities of domestic abuse. 

What to Listen For:

00:25 Introduction to the episode

00:45 Guest Francine of Pixie Dust Fan

02:42 Disney animated horses have changed through the years

04:23 Major and the three mice-turned-horses

05:22 Cinderella’s carriage was pulled by a unicorn

07:40 Disney pays attention to the details…

09:39 …while still making it fun for people who don’t care about those details!

10:32 The amazing live horses that work at the Disney parks

11:52 Are the live horses named for Disney characters?

12:30 The Headless Horseman’s horse at the Disney Halloween party

14:13 You can visit the horses at Circle D Ranch, next to Disney World!

16:19 Are the horses considered to be ‘cast members’ like other employees?

17:03 Disney pony rides, wagon rides, and more, at Fort Wilderness

19:03 About Apollo’s first book, “Apollo’s Alphabet”

19:52 Storytime! Meredith reads “Apollo’s Alphabet”

23:43 Find a coloring page, crossword puzzle, and more on www.centauride.org

24:49 Closing statements 

25:22 End of episode

About our Guest: Francine of Pixie Dust Fan

I started my Pixie Dust Fan website to be able to share my love of all things Disney. The podcast was launched last year because I needed a way to bring MORE of that 'Disney Joy' in to my every day life. I share tips and tricks for planning the best vacation but I also help keep that magic alive for people in between visits!

Pixie Dust Fan's Website 

Disney Chat With Pixie Dust Fan Podcast 

Pixie Dust Fan's Facebook 

Pixie Dust Fan's Instagram 

Resources:

Apollo’s Alphabet 

Coloring book page 

Crossword puzzle 

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 Confession time: I travel to eat.  Sure, I have plenty of other good reasons for this ride, too.  Food tourism, though, is a daily pursuit when I’m on the road with Apollo.  In this episode, I share some of my favorite foods and food experiences from our travels, what Apollo likes for treats, and some surprising regional delights. Plus, Emily Davis, author of Damsel No More, talks about her inspiring story of healing from trauma with the help of horses.   

Listen weekly as Meredith and Apollo share about their multi-year 48-state journey (The Centauride), talk with interesting guests, and discuss the realities of domestic abuse. 

What to Listen For:

00:25 Introduction to the episode

00:57 Interview with Emily Davis

10:50 Traveling to eat

12:09 Snack bars

13:01 Donuts

16:30 Ice cream

18:40 New Mexican cuisine

20:32 Seattle-style biscuits and gravy

21:45 New York City, foodie heaven 

23:00 My food hobby

23:59 Hot dish

24:32 Lefse 

26:14 Fried okra

26:32 Elephant ears

27:02 Idaho-style snow cones

27:59 All-you-can-eat fundraisers reflect the region: crab, rocky mountain oysters, lutefisk, spaghetti

30:19 Where is Apollo when I’m eating these things?

32:28 Apollo’s favorite foods

33:04 Recipes

34:16 Closing statements 

35:04 End of episode

About our Guest: Emily Davis

After leaving an abusive relationship, I spent three years reconnecting with my power through connecting with horses as a trail guide in the mountains of Lake Tahoe. It was also a huge step for me to reconnect with my intuitive gifts that were blocked by all the trauma of the abuse I suffered.  I spent many years learning how to clear my trauma, heal, and re-learn my magic and then documented part of that process in my book Damsel No More - download a free copy on my website!

Website 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Podcast: Perceptionists Anonymous 

       On Apple Podcasts  

       On Spotify 

Resources:

Snack Bar review 

Butler County Donut Trail 

Amish Crack 

New York City “5 Best Foods” 

Scotchies recipe 

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