Filipe and his three horses, Frenchie, Bruiser, and Dude, traverse ten countries on two continents at 4 km per hour, mostly alone, or with his father (who had his own demons) or his girlfriend, Emma, who stood at his side through thick and some pretty crappy thin, to fulfill his dream. Their journey details the dangers, risks, kindnesses and challenges of Long Riding in the modern age and Filipe saw up-close the devastating droughts, the threats of grizzlies and snakes and unpredictable weather, the deadly impact of the drug trade, the idiocy of bureaucracy, the kindness of people who have nothing, the amazing beauty of the earth and the indomitable spirit of his mounts. Along the way, his encounters with drug lords, petty bureaucrats, crafty politicians, prostitutes, stalwart ranchers, wise mountain men, victims, and heroes, demonstrate the very worst and very best of humankind.
His three horses were the glue that kept Filipe going because once they took their first stride, it was his utmost responsibility to get them home safe and sound. All three animals had major accidents and close brushes with death and many nights, in the middle of nowhere, they would go to sleep hungry and thirsty, which was emotionally devastating for Filipe since the animals very quickly became like children to him. But more than that, in so many situations, losing them meant certain death for himself. The actual journey details how the iconic and stalwart ranchers of America's majestic heartland pass him from ranch to ranch despite wild Nature's attempt to derail his trip.
What had happened to Filipe throughout the journey? Let's discover!
