Meet a Globetrotter: Terry Wightman
Glenorchy Back Country Ride, New Zealand , Howqua River Ride, Australia , The Kimberley Ride, Australia , The Okavango Delta Ride, Botswana ...
Terry Wightman is a globetrotter through and through. Alongside her husband, Kyle, they have completed many of our Australian rides (some a couple of times), our ride in the South Island of New Zealand and travelled to the emerald green water meadows of the Okavango Delta, Botswana.
This is her story.
What is your day job?
I am now retired after nursing for 47 years and now looking after my dogs, Lagottos, Sofia and Yoshi, simply adorable, and my partner Kyle, simply exhausting!
How have horses influenced or changed your life?
I have an inner peace when I ride. Horses are so trusting to allow you to ride them and it is such a joy when you become as one.
What is your earliest memory of horses?
Coming home from school and scooting straight up to the paddock to the horses. Mum not always happy as I was frequently late home and smelling very horsey!!
What was your childhood pony called?
A Shetland pony called Betty whose main aim was to extricate me from her back by scratching frantically at the nearest hedge. I rode her bareback and still think she was one of my greatest challenges. She taught me well.
What does riding or being with horses mean to you?
I am a passionate animal lover, especially dogs and horses. I am able to share this passion with other people on the rides.
What have horses taught you the most:
Loyalty, trust and that mankind can learn so much from these beautiful animals, and animals in general.
What was your first Globetrotting ride?
Bush and Beach ride, Sunshine Coast with Alex and Beck Watson [sadly no longer available].
What made you take the plunge and sign up for a Globetrotting holiday?
After a lengthy spell away from horses it was time to rekindle my love for horse riding. Life can slip away so quickly. I did not want to be the one who said ‘if only, if only, I wish I had done that!!’
Was this ride celebrating or marking a significant moment/milestone/achievement in your life? And if so, would you mind sharing?
My husband was in the bad books. He organised the ride and certainly amassed millions of brownie points.
What Globetrotting rides have you since completed?
The Noosa Bush and Beach Ride five times, the Tassie Tiger Trail [sadly no longer available], The Howqua River Ride three times – and the Okavango Delta, Botswana.
We will be doing the Kimberley Ride in June 2016 and many more to come.
What is your most memorable Globetrotting moment?
Impossible to answer, so so many, every moment.
Why choose this type of travel? As in exploring a new country from the back of a horse?
Doing an activity you are passionate about and sharing this with people from other countries. Being with all those beautiful horses and seeing country up close and personal that others have not the privilege to do.
Who is your favourite safari horse of all time and why?
Another question difficult to answer. Love them all!!
A tip that every globetrotter should know before going on a ride.
Research the country and areas that you are going to. Pack wisely and do get in touch with Kate for any queries that you may have.
Finish this sentence – Don’t leave home without….
Your GoPro.