Books in Equestrian Travel Classics series

This remarkable book recounts the extraordinary journey made by the most influential Long Rider of the 20th century. In 1925 Aimé Tschiffely set off to ride from Buenos Aires, Argentina, to New York City. The legendary 10,000 mile journey took him through mountains, jungles and swamps where he encountered rope bridges, vampire bats, sand storms, quicksand and hostile natives. After two harrowing years he was accorded a ticker-tape parade when he rode triumphantly through the streets of New York. This amazing story is narrated by the two equine heroes, Mancha and Gato, who accompanied the author. Though nearly a century has passed since the trio set off on their journey, their story has become a celebrated classic. Amply illustrated with drawings by the author, this is a book for all lovers of horses, for all lovers of travel and for all lovers of adventure.

Few books deserve the endorsement “forgotten gem.” Yet “California Coast Trails” is entitled to that accolade and more! An English immigrant, Smeaton Chase (1864-1923) came to California in 1890 where he pursued a career as one of the state’s earliest social workers. Yet he never allowed his career to interfere with the life-long pursuit of his twin passions, equestrian travel and botany. Though Chase made many various horse trips throughout the American West, this book describes his most famous journey, from Mexico to Oregon along the coast of California. The amateur scientist doesn’t merely ride along, he treats us to a treasure trove of observations, commenting on subjects as diverse as the architecture of the Spanish Missions, the hospitality of the people, and the beauties of a fabled countryside in the last days of its pristine natural glory. While Chase regales the reader with adventures, such as rescuing his horse from quicksand, the book is far more than a mere account of an equestrian exploration. It remains one of the most poetic and moving accounts ever written by a man in the saddle. “California Coast Trails” is thus not merely a “classic.” It is a blessing to any library and to every reader.

This remarkable book recounts the extraordinary journey made by the most influential Long Rider of the 20th century. In 1925 Aimé Tschiffely set off to ride from Buenos Aires, Argentina, to New York City. The legendary 10,000 mile journey took him through mountains, jungles and swamps where he encountered rope bridges, vampire bats, sand storms, quicksand and hostile natives. After two harrowing years he was accorded a ticker-tape parade when he rode triumphantly through the streets of New York. This amazing story is narrated by the two equine heroes, Mancha and Gato, who accompanied the author. Though nearly a century has passed since the trio set off on their journey, their story has become a celebrated classic. Amply illustrated with drawings by the author, this is a book for all lovers of horses, for all lovers of travel and for all lovers of adventure.

He was a giant in his day, in terms of physical strength and literary fame. Captain Frederick Burnaby not only stood over most men in the flesh, he towered over them when it came to cold courage. A case in point was his decision to explore Russia on horseback in 1875, a country which had just been declared off-limits to all foreigners by the Czar. That didn’t intimidate Burnaby. A famous swordsmen and notable linguist, the author set off determined to cross Russia during the height of winter. His goal? The forbidden Central Asian city of Khiva! The resultant tale is a classic of equestrian adventure travel. Burnaby fills every page with a memorable cast of characters, including hard-riding Cossacks, nomadic Tartars, vodka-guzzling sleigh-drivers and a legion of peasant ruffians. “A Ride to Khiva” remains one of the most thrilling tales of the Victorian Age.