Meet a Globetrotter: Julie Kerr - Horse Riding Holidays and Safaris

Meet a Globetrotter: Julie Kerr

The Maasai Mara Ride, Kenya

Globetrotting horse riding holiday Maasai Mara, Kenya

We were super fortunate to ride with globetrotter, Julie Kerr, on our guided ride to the Maasai Mara a few years back. You couldn’t wipe the smile of Julie’s face for the entire trip and her laugh is absolutely contagious. This is her Globetrotting story.

What is your day job?
For the last 17 years I have worked in a ‘dead end job’ at Rookwood Cemetery in Sydney.

How have horses influenced or changed your life?
I could not imagine my life without some type of interaction with horses. Even though we no longer have horses, the bond and memories that we shared will last a lifetime. Hopefully one day I will be able to re-live it all over again…

What is your earliest memory of horses?
My sisters and I were fortunate to have had ponies at our uncle’s farm since we were born, so it has been nearly a lifetime of great memories riding through the countryside.

What was your childhood pony called?
I enjoyed riding my mum’s old horse, Taffy, and then my sister’s ponies called Honey and Mr. Chips.

What does riding or being with horses mean to you?
Horses and riding for me is freedom. It is also the best form of stress relief, as you can forget everything that is on your mind.

What have horses taught you the most:

Respect, responsibility, commitment, freedom and most of all the love of all types of equines.

What was your first Globetrotting ride?
The Tassie Tiger Trail in 2014 [sadly no longer available].

What made you take the plunge and sign up for a Globetrotting holiday?
After picking up one of Kate’s brochures at Sydney Equitana in 2013, the array of amazing rides got me thinking of the possibilities out there! Everyone has a ‘Bucket List’ and this book was full of them.

Was this ride celebrating or marking a significant moment/milestone/achievement in your life? And if so, would you mind sharing?
I like to try and book the riding holidays close to my birthday, as a treat to myself.

Which Globetrotting rides have you since completed?
Last year was my second Globetrotting ride and I decided to go on the guided ride to the Maasai Mara in Kenya. As a solo traveller this was a huge step into the unknown and a massive tick off my Bucket List. Kate made this dream a reality.

What is your most memorable Globetrotting moment?
In Kenya on a night safari drive, we had a lioness running beside our vehicle using the headlights to catch a gizelle. It was a kill in the rawest form and an amazing experience to of been part of. On this ride, there are too many memorable moments to mention. A place that I will never forget.

Why choose this type of travel?
You experience so much more at a slower pace. You see, feel and smell more whilst on horseback, and knowing that the people you are with are there for the same reason makes it special.

What is your favourite safari horse of all time and why?
My safari horse in Kenya was a beautiful big grey gelding named Loldaiga. He made sure that my safari holiday was a safe and enjoyable one.

A tip that every globetrotter should know before going on a ride…
Being a solo traveller, I did plenty of research on my destination and asked Kate many questions. Also, the blogs and articles on the website provided me with great information. They are well worth a read before leaving home.

Finish this sentence: don’t leave home without…
A
camera and/or a GoPro to ensure your memories will stay with you forever.

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