Meet a Globetrotter: Rebecca Clemmey
The Patagonia Trail, Argentina , The Kimberley Ride, Australia , Howqua River Ride, Australia , Wilderness Expedition, Iceland ...
Rebecca Clemmey could easily be described as an archetypal globetrotter: she’s adventurous, horse-loving, eager to discover far-flung lands, and she embraces the unexpected delights and thrills that come with seeing the world on horseback. After easing herself into the world of horse riding holidays with no less than three trips within her homeland of Australia, Rebecca took off to Argentina and Iceland to explore some of the most remote landscapes on earth. What’s got her so addicted, and where are her sights set now? Read on to find out!
What is your day job?
I’m an environmental engineer – I assess the environmental impacts of developments. On Saturdays I coach at a riding for the disabled centre.
How have horses influenced or changed your life?
Horses give me balance. You can’t be stressed around a horse, because they feed off your energy. From that first riding lesson my parents gave me as a child, horses have taught me self confidence and independence, and reminded me to breathe.
What is your earliest memory of horses?
I’m not sure really. I know I was the stereotypical horse mad tween, but was far to terrified to go near them. My parents decided to give me a horse riding lesson for a birthday, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
What was your childhood pony called?
I’ve never had a pony of my own – my parents were smart and told me I’d have to pay for it and look after it myself, including the less glamorous jobs. So instead I was able to ride a huge variety of school horses, who each taught me so much.
What does riding or being with horses mean to you?
Having the time to myself to just chill and breathe. Sometimes it’s not a very relaxing ride, but I always feel better afterwards!
What have horses taught you the most?
Patience and confidence.
What was your first Globetrotting ride?
The ‘Man from Snowy River’ Howqua River Ride.
What made you take the plunge and sign up for a Globetrotting holiday?
I guess I was looking for a holiday with a difference. When I finished uni, I celebrated with a week at a jillaroo school, which I really enjoyed. The descriptions of all the Globetrotting rides are very tempting, and I guess in my case the timing was right. I’d also previously seen articles about riding in country Victoria (Australia) and Africa – I thought I could start small and work my way up!
Were any of your Globetrotting rides celebrating or marking a significant moment/milestone/achievement in your life? And if so, would you mind sharing?
The Wilderness Expedition in Iceland was a gift to myself for my 30th birthday, and I’m so glad I treated myself.
The Patagonia Trail was meant to just be a short summer holiday, but I’d just left a job and had nothing to come back to. So I extended my South America trip by another month. It ended up being the start of a trip that helped me reconnect with myself and build my confidence again.
What Globetrotting rides have you completed/planned/dreamed about?
I’ve completed the Howqua River Ride, The Kimberley Ride, the Tassie Tiger Trail [sadly no longer available], The Patagonia Trail and the Icelandic Wilderness Expedition.
I’ve promised myself I will get to Africa one day and I would like to go somewhere in mainland Europe – so many places to go!
Why choose this type of travel? As in exploring a new country from the back of a horse?
There really is no other way to travel. You get to see places that are only accessible by horse, and you have time to soak it all in as you ride along.
What is your most memorable Globetrotting moment?
So many! The pass of tears in Patagonia. Sleeping in a swag under the stars as it started to rain in the Kimberley. Galloping along a beach in Tasmania. My first smooth-as-silk tölt.
Who is your favourite trail horse of all time and why?
That’s a tough one. I love the fact that Globetrotting’s rides give you the opportunity to ride so many amazing horses. If I had to pick, I might go with Wasp – she got me through the Pass of Tears in Patagonia.
A tip that every globetrotter should know before going on a ride…
Just go with the flow; remember that things don’t always go to plan, but that’s part of the adventure.
Finish this sentence: Don’t leave home without…
Layers! (And comfy undies.)
Our biggest thanks go out to Rebecca for taking the time to share her Globetrotting story with us! We can’t wait to see where her horseback adventures take her next.