Meet a Globetrotter: Stacey West
Khovsgol & Arhangay Rides, Mongolia , Craig’s Hut & High Country Ride, Australia , Glenorchy Back Country Ride, New Zealand
Meet Stacey West, a keen globetrotter with a yearning for the freedom and adventure that comes from exploring the world on horseback. Combining two of the things she loves most in life – horses and travel – Stacey’s first taste of the Globetrotting world came when she headed to Mongolia, and it’s safe to say she was well and truly bitten by the Globetrotting bug! Read on to hear about her journey so far…
What is your day job?
I manage clinical trials for a Parkinson’s Disease research group (which means I get to boss doctors around – yay!)
How have horses influenced or changed your life?
Where do I start? Without sounding too cliché, horses truly have changed me from the inside out by encouraging me to be a more patient and forgiving human. I would say without a doubt that being around them, being able to work with and ride them, makes horses the most impactful and beautiful part of my life. Having that kind of relationship with an animal allows for so many teachable moments (if you’re open to the lesson), as well as the opportunity to embrace the kind of mindfulness that only comes from riding.I’ve also been so lucky to connect with a bunch of wonderful horse people I now call friends, who share the same passion and philosophies I do – and that’s pretty special.
What is your earliest memory of horses?
When I was about eight I was allowed to plod around on an old grey gelding on my own, as he was safe and willing. This was my second ever time riding a horse and not a pony. One day he spooked and bolted straight towards a dam, and I clearly remember screaming bloody murder until my mother loudly reminded me that I had reins and I should use them. Well he did stop, about two inches from the edge of the dam!
What was your childhood pony called?
I was never so lucky!
What does riding or being with horses mean to you?
It means fresh air, bush bashing, snake spotting, finding new trails, taking the road less travelled. It means being able to be genuine and relaxed, being ever-present, learning how to compromise. It means escaping, seeing the world from a different perspective, and using all of your senses. It means quiet conversations, and flying up hills with a giant grin on your face, and laughing at attempts to avoid horse-eating plastic bags. And most of all, the sense of connection you only get with a nose-to-nose greeting or a whinny from the other side of the yard.
What have horses taught you the most?
Being with horses has taught me about gratitude, patience, mutual respect, and putting your trust in something larger than yourself. Horses still have the ability to completely floor me with their mentality and behaviour, but I am slowly learning how they work and how I can better work with them.
What was your first Globetrotting ride?
The Khovsgol Ride in Mongolia.
What made you take the plunge and sign up for a Globetrotting holiday?
Travel and horses – I could not think of a better way to spend my time! I get so bored with passive holidays. I had met Kate at Equitana many moons ago and was keen but unfit and anxious. Then one day I just thought ‘stuff it, why wait?’ So I booked. I don’t think I really knew what I was getting myself into, but I have zero regrets.
Which Globetrotting rides have you since completed/planned/dreamed about?
I have been able to notch up the Glenorchy Back Country Ride, and the Craig’s Hut & High Country Ride [pictured below]. I’ve also spent a day with the mob at Jester’s Flat in Western Australia and am very keen to return to do The Margaret River Ride.
What is your most memorable Globetrotting moment?
I think it would have to be galloping across endless grass plains without a thought or fear in the world. Being disconnected from technology and city living reminds you what the simple life could be like. In a country like Mongolia, I imagine it would be hard for many Westerners to feel at home. But on that bold little pony with his forelock flying high as he dodged bumps and ditches, I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. It felt like home.
Why choose this type of travel? As in exploring a new country from the back of a horse?
I love the sense of adventure that comes with being immersed in nature and getting to do fun activities in a new place. Horse riding is a ‘must do’ on all of my holidays, so it just made sense to me to have it as the focus of the holiday rather than just a side point.
Who is your favourite safari horse of all time and why?
I rode a few horses in Mongolia, but my favourite was a fat roan gelding I affectionately named ‘Fatty’ (Mongolians don’t name their horses). He was incredibly strong, steady, stoic, surefooted, and an unbelievably plucky ride. At one point he was about belly deep in mud and just kept trying different directions until he found one that worked for him. He even forgave me on the days when I was tired and had to literally haul myself into the saddle. A lovely quiet boy, sensitive to the leg, and I never felt unsure with him. I miss my Fatty!
A tip that every globetrotter should know before going on a ride…
Take a solar charger for your camera/GoPro. Also, pack a thousand pairs of undies – you do not want to have to go commando if your washing doesn’t dry!
Finish this sentence – Don’t leave home without…
Your wet wipes! Wet wipe showers are a luxury when travelling off the beaten track!
Stacey loved her time in Mongolia so much, she made a video of her trip! You can watch it here.
She also makes an appearance in Episode 3 of ‘I am a Globetrotter’, and she wrote this AMAZING article about globetrotting as a plus-sized rider.