The Encyclopaedia of Equestrian Exploration Volume 1 - A Study of the Geographic and Spiritual Equestrian Journey, Based Upon the Philosophy of Harmonious Horsemanship

For thousands of years we have travelled on horseback but until now no one has shown us the way.

The three-volume Encyclopaedia of Equestrian Exploration is the most extensive study of equestrian travel ever created.

Former generations of horse travellers took the basis of their equestrian knowledge for granted. For centuries they passed on wisdom in an oral tradition, never foreseeing the day when horses would be replaced as the primary mode of transportation.

The result was the loss of humanity’s collective equestrian travel wisdom. A treasure trove representing more than 6,000 years of cumulative human-horse travel experience was lost in less than 100 years due to global apathy. Thus as the 20th century came to a conclusion mankind knew more about the surface of the moon than it did about the once vital topic of horse travel.

The Encyclopaedia of Equestrian Exploration offers every conceivable type of advice about equestrian travel such as how to plan a route, how to choose a travelling companion, how to find a road horse, how to load a pack saddle, how many miles to travel per day, how to feed and shoe your horse, how to cross rivers, how to negotiate borders, how to survive in traffic, how to deter horse thieves, etc.

Enriched by nearly a thousand images, the books contain the wisdom of more than 400 Long Riders. The Bibliography includes knowledge gained from more than 200 titles dating back hundreds of years.

This volume consists of The Preparation, The Horses and The Equipment. It counsels travellers on how to overcome hostility aimed by critics, plan a route and choose a companion. Finances and insurance are examined. Extensive chapters teach travellers how to locate, inspect and purchase suitable horses. The role of the pack horse is documented. A special study of Long Rider horsemanship provides surprising historical revelations. Feeding, watering, grooming and shoeing are carefully explained. Other chapters examine riding saddles, pack saddles, personal equipment and the use of support vehicles.

Created after decades of study by CuChullaine O’Reilly, the Founder of the Long Riders' Guild, this comprehensive series of books is filled with the indispensable knowledge needed to resolve problems, overcome hardships and avoid dangers while travelling. Just as importantly, it empowers readers to turn their dream into a life-changing equestrian journey.

“CuChullaine O’Reilly is unquestionably the most gifted equestrian writer of the 21st century. Except for his abbreviated version – The Horse Travel Handbook, there has never been a guide written that is in any way comparable to this unusual tour de force.

Canadian Long Rider Bonnie Folkins

“If the Encyclopaedia of Equestrian Exploration isn’t a Magnum Opus, then nothing counts. I believe CuChullaine O’Reilly has written the most astounding book in equestrian historical literature. CuChullaine, you’ve joined the Immortals.”

Welsh Long Rider Jeremy James

“The Encyclopaedia of Equestrian Exploration was authored by CuChullaine O’Reilly, the foremost expert, scholar and gentleman of horse back travel and exploration. It represents a vast collection of wisdom brought together for the first time.”

New Zealand Long Rider Ian Robinson

“CuChullaine O’Reilly is the lore-master of the Long Riders’ tribe. After decades of amazing research, his wonderfully written Encyclopaedia of Equestrian Exploration represents a literary landmark in the study of horse travel.”

Russian Long Rider Vladimir Fissenko

“CuChullaine O'Reilly is a phenomenon. In these magnificent volumes all the great equestrian experiences throughout history are recorded and, above all, the love that can exist between humans and horses is revealed.”

English Long Rider Robin Hanbury-Tenison

“The Encyclopaedia of Equestrian Exploration is not about one nation. It represents the collective wisdom of humanity’s travel on horseback. This is a book of marvels that includes precious stories, valuable ideas, forgotten history and endangered practical knowledge.”

Lithuanian Long Rider Gintaras Kaltenis

“No one has written about equestrian travel as CuChullaine O’Reilly has. The author misses nothing. His breadth of knowledge is astonishing. I was amazed at the skill of the writing. This book is not only vital to equestrian travelers, it is essential to our human history.”

American Long Rider Lucy Leaf

“The Encyclopaedia of Equestrian Exploration is the Bible for Long Riders. These books will guide you, inspire you, and show you right from wrong.”

Argentine Long Rider Benjamin Reynal