The Long Riders' Guild

Though The Long Riders' Guild has assisted dozens of equestrian expeditions, it  provided an unprecedented amount of emotional, logistical, financial and equestrian support to Australian Long Rider Tim Cope.  During the course of this three and a half year journey, Guild HQ and Long Riders from a variety of countries pooled their resources, shared their wisdom and offered their help so as to ensure the successful completion of this journey. In order to demonstrate to would-be equestrian travellers the difficulties often encountered on a extended international expedition, we are providing excerpts from the Guild files setting out the chronology, and problems, associated with this ride.

In early 2004 The Long Riders' Guild was contacted by a young Australian named Tim Cope.  He had previously travelled with bicycles and kayaks, but lacked any equestrian experience.  In his first message to The Guild, Tim explained how he wished to ride 6,000 miles from Mongolia to Hungary in the hoof prints of Genghis Khan's mounted warriors. 

15th March, 2004

To Whom it May Concern,

I came across the Long Riders Guild website several months ago during some initial planning for my upcoming adventure - to ride horses from Mongolia to Hungary, right across the traditional heartland of Steppe Nomads. I was fascinated and excited to read how passionately this website has been put together. As someone who is organising this rather whimsical trip - and has no real experience with horses - it is a great resource and inspiration. I would love to link my site to yours and vice versa. And I would also like to know who I could write to, to ask questions about pack-horse travel. Without further writing, I hope you receive this email and look forward to hearing from you,

Best wishes,

Tim Cope

**************

15th March, 2004

Hello Tim

Great to hear from you, and to learn about your wonderful forthcoming adventure!  Although we are very busy at the moment with our own plans for the World Ride, we are never too busy to help a fellow equestrian traveller. By all means ask us any questions you like! Have you read the page with The Guild advice on preparing for an equestrian journey?  It's here: www.thelongridersguild.com/preparation.htm. In the meantime, lob any specific questions our way and we will be pleased to help you in any way we can.

Kind regards

Basha

***********

In addition to offering Tim every type of tactical and equestrian wisdom available to The Guild and its Members, the organisation also ensured that he was outfitted with the finest pack-saddle money could buy and placed him in direct contact with Long Riders around the world who had first-hand knowledge of the terrain, culture and problems he was likely to encounter.

18th March, 2004

Dear Tim,

A very harried CuChullaine here. I am trying to fit your expedition in between various other Long Rider projects which we are juggling. Haven't had time to send you that long email yet, but hope to do so within the next few days. Meanwhile, I called Custom Pack Rigging, up in Canada, on your behalf. Kelly De Stark makes what The Long Riders' Guild considers to be the best pack saddle in the world.  The Guild does not, under any circumstances take any advertising revenue. Nor do we endorse anything which other Long Riders have not thoroughly tested. But the consensus is that Kelly's piece of equipment is the best in the world. If you contact him, and tell him you are a would-be Long Rider, he will give you 10% off the price. Here is Kelly's website - http://www.custompackrigging.com/ Tell him that you are the Australian whom CuChullaine called and recommended.

best wishes Saddle Pal,

CuChullaine

*******************

20th March, 2004

Dear CuChullaine,

Thank you so much for contacting Custom Pack rigging for me. I have had a look at their website and the various models, and also read recommendations from your site, but I am still not sure which model would be most suitable for me. I assume that they themselves would be the best people to ask? I will order them ASAP. Can you then suggest a maker of saddlebags and accessories?

best wishes,

Tim

**********************

28th March, 2004

Dear Tim,

This email will give you a long list of possible contacts and Long Rider allies. And be sure that you tell the Australian press, and anyone else who listens, that The Long Riders' Guild is endorsing you 110%.

best wishes,

CuChullaine

********************

After having begun his journey, Tim shared these feelings about the assistance offered by the Members of The Long Riders' Guild.

26th July, 2004 - Tim Cope website - http://www.timcopejourneys.com:80/index.pl?page=1494

A year ago I was not sure how this journey would be at all possible. It seemed that I had to become an expert in everything from horsemanship and history to marketing and electronics. For starters I had to learn about pack-horse travel. What kind of saddle should I use? How far could I travel? What equipment did I need? Was this idea even remotely feasible? Could I even get visas for these countries, let alone the money and resources to make it happen? After my route plans had been set and I had settled on the idea, one of my first ports of call after much web browsing was The Long Riders Guild (www.thelongridersguild.com).  CuChullaine O’Reilly who set up the Guild originally was excited to hear about my plans but at the same time he was very frank and realistic. ‘This is going to be very, very tough. Remember that these animals can turn your bones to dust in an instant….but if you could do it, you would be setting a new route. Ask yourself, do you really want to do this?’ I wrote back immediately. Of course I wanted to. Over the next few weeks he bombarded me with a wealth of contacts and information. Many resources were also available on the website, including the world’s largest equestrian travel book collection that the Long Riders Guild press publishes. Many phone calls and emails, and readings later I was beginning to get my head around the basics, and break into this other world that I had never been a part of. Thanks to the many people associated with this Guild that offered many valuable insights.

**********************

8th August, 2004

Dear Tim,

......And now, speaking of your latest story. Let me say right up front that Basha and I know that you are trying to entice people to subscribe to your website. That's fine. And we want to help you. That is why I worked up an email, explained who you are, attached your photo and recent story, and then sent the entire package off to a dozen trusted Long Riders scattered all over the world. My thought was to see if, even though all these people had great adventures of their own in the saddle, they will think your trip was enough to get them excited. I gave all of them your website address.....

best wishes,

CuChullaine

*********************

In the first part of 2005, The Long Riders' Guild hosted the most respected equestrian explorers from five continents in a special meeting held in London, England.  In a sign of solidarity, Tim was invited to attend this meeting where he was also elected to be a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, an honour bestowed upon him thanks to the renowned Scottish Long Rider, Gordon Naysmith, FRGS.

3rd March, 2005

Dear Tim,

Spoke to Judith Thomsen at the RGS soon after I talked to you. She confirmed that thanks to the nomination put forward by the legendary Scottish Long Rider, Gordon Naysmith, you have now been elected to be a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, the first equestrian explorer in history to be awarded this honour while in the saddle ! We are now arranging for some suitable dignitary to present you with your RGS certificate at the London Long Riders meeting.

best wishes,

CuChullaine

*************

Though Tim had ridden across Mongolia and Kazakhstan, disaster struck his journey in the winter of 2005 when the Russian authorities refused to allow him to enter their country on horseback.  To add to his troubles, his Kazakh visa was due to expire, thereby making it impossible for the traveller to go forward or return.  With the clock ticking, and his expedition about to be ruined, Tim enlisted the aid of The Long Riders' Guild and requested the organisation to lend its voice to an effort to sway the Russians into an act of diplomatic leniency. 

9th November, 2005

Hi CuChullaine,

Thanks for your detailed letter and attachments. It is of course very reassuring to know that you can appreciate my position here on the Kazakh border, and I can't thank you enough for your help and support. Your stories and hindsight feelings are a lesson. ... I know that I am very lucky to have this communication,  to have this support, and to be on a journey such as this......

best wishes,

Tim

**********************

5th December, 2005

Dear Tim,

Sorry to learn about your troubles on the border. There are so many things going on that we're working from five a.m. till nine p.m. seven days a week. It's just insane here. But, with that said, I have managed to write up what I hope is a powerful letter of support to the Russian government on your behalf. You probably  won't recognize the brave, handsome, courageous, Sunday School teacher named Tim whom I describe in my letter.  But that's ok. So just print off the letter and pass it over to the proper authorities. I don't know if it will help, but I have my fingers crossed.

Hang in there Saddle Pal,

CuChullaine

"............It has come to the attention of The Long Riders’ Guild that Tim Cope is now under going some difficulty in terms of receiving proper clearance for him and his horses to proceed across Russia on their way towards Hungary. On behalf of all the equestrian explorers, represented by the international Long Riders’ Guild, we are writing to urge your government to do everything it can to speed Tim on his way. Allowing this courageous young man to ride across Russia will not only bring international recognition to all of your country’s Long Riders, past and present, it will also strengthen the sense of equestrian brotherhood which all horsemen, regardless of their country, share in common. It is the hope of The Long Riders' Guild that Russia, that celebrated home of great equestrian explorers, will open her doors and allow this fine young man to ride across your beautiful country at the earliest opportunity.  CuChullaine O'Reilly, FRGS."

******************

9th December, 2005

Dear CuChullaine

Well, just in the nick of time I will tell you. Feel like I have aged by about ten years in the last few weeks, most of that in the last five days! No sleep, constantly playing the mysterious game of bureaucracy, like clutching at straws in the night. Finally some common sense prevailed it seems though and you can see the two permits attached. Anyway hope all is well. Breathing a lot easier tonight but I know there is a long way to go along the bureaucratic path to Hungary. Hopefully though I have laid the groundwork for horse documents and have very good advice for anyone travelling to Russia from Kazakhstan at least.

All the best.

Tim.

****************

After having ridden from Mongolia into Europe, Tim contacted The Guild, asking if its Members could provide additional information and services to him and his horses.  This included asking for logistical advice from Dutch Long Rider Wendy Hofstee, contact with The Guild's media sources, and a special request by Founding Member of The Guild, Basha O'Reilly, to the Chief Veterinarian of the European Union petitioning that organisation to allow Cope's Asian horses the right to enter into Hungary.

30th January, 2006

Dear Tim,

Just a note to let you know that I have placed a phone call through to Wendy Hofstee, the owner of Unicorn Trails, to discuss your forthcoming arrival in Hungary. Wendy is due to call me on Tuesday 31-1-06, at which time I will discuss with her your planned arrival at Hungary. I will ask her who she might know in Hungary, how Unicorn Trails and The Guild can help plan a big equestrian celebration at the conclusion of your historic 6,000 mile journey from Mongolia, etc. Why don't you try to call me on your satellite telephone at the end of this week, by which time Wendy and I should have had a chance to discuss everything.

best wishes Saddle Pal,

CuChullaine

***********************

6th February, 2006

Dear Wendy,

I am writing to you from the Crimea in Ukraine regards a journey that I began 20 months ago: to ride on the trail of Genghis Khan, 10,000km from Mongolia to Hungary by horse. I have been in close contact with CuChullaine O’Reilly of the Long Riders’ Guild ever since setting off. CuChullaine has been of great support, and it is through his recommendation that I am contacting you. I am requesting assistance and advice in a variety of areas as listed below.

Clearance of animals into Hungary -  The final challenge will be to get the animals into Hungary. To do this I need to establish contact with the relevant authorities in Hungary, and begin finding out what is required for entry, and how to go about it. If you can help me with advice, support, or contacts in this area it would be extremely helpful.

Historical Route, and a final end-point - If you could help advise me on a historically significant end point and general advice on my route, it would be much appreciated.

Support with logistics - Having contacts during the journey in Hungary will be crucial for me to better understand the country and make it logistically possible. 

Media/Support from Administration/Ministry of Culture contacts - Maybe a press conference of some description could be organised for the completion of the journey including TV and paper journalists. It is generally very helpful too to have a letter of support to carry with me during my journey from administration, or a national organisation.

There are many other questions I have, but for now I believe I have taxed you with enough!  Looking forward to hearing from you.

Yours Sincerely,

Timothy Cope

FRGS (Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society)

*****************

5th September, 2006

Dear Mr. van Goethem

I am writing to you now, as the chief veterinarian of the European Union stationed at Brussels, about a very urgent matter.  The most famous Australian explorer, Timothy Cope, has already travelled almost 9.000 kilometres from Mongolia to the Ukraine.  He has had the same horses since Kazakhstan.  These horses have been an essential part of the journey, helping Timothy learn more about the nomadic way of life. The horses (all geldings) have been quarantined and tested at each border (Kazakhstan into Russia, Russia into the Ukraine). But it seems now that the authorities will not allow these geldings into the EU! They have tested negative for everything you can think of. Timothy is not only writing a book (he has already published a book about his previous journey across Russia, which is selling very well), but he is also making a film about this journey. It would be a catastrophe if these perfectly healthy horses were not allowed into the EU, so if there is anything you can do to help this brave young man and his heroic horses, we would be very, very grateful. Below my signature is a letter from Timothy which explains everything very clearly.

With kind regards

Basha O'Reilly FRGS

***********************

5th September, 2006

Hi Basha,

Thanks greatly for your support.

best wishes,

Tim

****************

With Tim in Europe and the journey coming to a conclusion, he asked The Guild for advice in regards to finding a permanent and safe home for his horses.  Such an act of equestrian camaraderie was offered by Founding Member of The Guild, Robin Hanbury-Tenison.

29th October, 2006

Dear Tim,

Great to talk to you the other day.... In the meantime, we will begin quietly working to see what we can arrange in terms of the long term safety of your horses when the journey is done. Robin Hanbury-Tenison (the famous equestrian explorer who gave the speech at the London Long Rider meeting) is considering giving your horses a good, safe home. I know you must have told us a hundred times in conversation about each of your three horses, but it would be very helpful if you could send us a short descriptive couple of sentences about each of them. Place of birth, age, colour, and a few words about their personalities. You may not be able to attach any photos, but if we match your descriptions to the photos on your website then we can probably come up with images and matching words.

best wishes,

CuChullaine

**************************

3rd July, 2007

Dear CuChullaine,

I am now in the real stage of preparing for Hungary – it’s not some fairy land teasing me from a distance – it’s right here! I have come all this way, and it’s important to make sure that I give Hungarians an idea of the real gravity of my journey, what I am doing it for, etc etc (especially because I can’t speak Hungarian and I might just get written off as some babbling tourist from Germany who has just lost his horse excursion group) so that I am given the support required to fulfil my final research and travels in Hungary. A letter which has been particularly helpful over the course of the last couple of years was one from the Russian Academy of Science that gave me the backing and respect that has in many ways helped me get this far. That letter  will no longer hold any respect in Hungary, and we need something Hungary focused. What I was hoping was that you could write me a letter based on the information I have typed in below (see below at end of this email) and your former letter about me for the Russian authorities. Your letter I think should be addressed to the Hungarian people in general and government authorities on the LRG letterhead. I will then give this to the consul, and with luck he will then use that for the basis of his own letter in Hungarian that will be on a Hungarian government letterhead. If not, then I will get it translated into Hungarian and have it remaining on your letter head (or both). I know you are extremely busy, but if you could work some of your magic and help give gravity to people who have no idea about where I have come from, then it will be one more step to a successful journey and a fitting finish. The one other letter that I might have you write if possible would be for the press release at the end, but then again I could probably just use excerpts from your coming letter to put in press releases.

best wishes,

Tim

*****************

28th July, 2007

Dear CuChullaine,

THANK YOU for the letter and for sending me the amazing book about the Englishman who rode with Genghis Khan's army! I have begun reading and taking notes. What he did, is what I am trying to reconstruct - riding into Europe as a Mongol. I am starting to gather press material for the big do at the end. Do you think you could give me a one or two liner that I could use in my press release about why this journey is such big news and deserves to be considered as a historical event?

best wishes,

Tim

******************

9th August, 2007

Dear Tim,

Well done !

Your last two emails contained a wealth of great news. We in turn have passed it along not only to various Long Riders, but also to the mounted archery community which has so many representatives in Hungary. You may be hearing from some of these mounted archers soon. And later today I will be composing an important document which will be sent to the international Explorers' Web. I will be speaking to them specifically about you and your ride. I'll also be discussing the Swedish Long Rider Mikael Strandberg as each of you are perfect examples of young adventure travellers who first did various serious travels, then made an equestrian journey, and afterwards might take up another form of travel, i.e. skiing across Siberia in winter, for example, as Mikael did. What I want to get across to the ExWeb people is that equestrian exploration should be granted the same amount of respect as mountain climbing, solo sailing, etc. So fingers crossed, your Mongolian trip will help to open that intellectual door. Our own plans are bringing us closer to leaving the US and departing on the World Ride. We have a meeting planned for the end of this month to discuss the financing for this 25,000 mile, four year jaunt. Because of that meeting and our other obligations we are most unhappily not going to be able to meet you in Hungary. However we are attempting to locate a suitable Long Rider ambassador who can greet you on behalf of The Guild. I'll keep you posted on this development. More news soon.

Best wishes and Well Done !!!

CuChullaine

*****************

Tim's final request to The Guild for assistance involved asking for one of the senior Long Riders to be present at the conclusion of his journey, where he was to be met by representatives of the Hungarian, Mongolian and Kazakh governments.  In response, Founding Member Gordon Naysmith journeyed across Europe and met Tim with a Long Riders' Guild flag.

14th August, 2007

Dear Tim,

CuChullaine here, writing with some exciting news. Long Rider legend, Gordon Naysmith, has kindly agreed to journey from his home near Warsaw, Poland, down to Hungary so as to officially greet you on behalf of all the Long Riders from 35 countries. Given the fact that Gordon survived the most difficult and dangerous equestrian journey of the 20th century, he is in many ways the perfect person to shake your hand at the conclusion of your own historic trip. Additionally, it was Gordon who, along with Basha and me, sponsored you to become the first equestrian explorer ever to be made a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society while still in the saddle. Thus, he is not only professionally qualified to speak to the media about the importance of your trip, additionally, Gordon has always been working in the background to help you succeed. Gordon will be coming to Hungary as the official representative of The Long Riders' Guild, i.e. he will be considered a mounted ambassador from the international brotherhood of equestrian explorers.

best wishes,

CuChullaine

****************

17th August, 2007

Dear Tim,

Good to learn that everything is moving smoothly on your side in terms of the Big Finish. As you may have gathered, I first sat down to write  the PR release about Gordon being on hand to officially greet you. But the moment I completed that document, it dawned on me that I should just go ahead and send it out to as many people as I could so as to give the editors, etc as much time as possible to respond and/or contact you. My first bit of news is that the massive international website, Horsetalk, headquartered in New Zealand, has just this instant published the press release. I've also already heard from Geoff Young, the publisher of the American magazine Horse Connection. He responded almost instantly, saying he wanted to run a story about you in their October issue. Likewise, I'll send you updates as and when other editors respond so that you can confirm the interviews and stories.

best wishes,

CuChullaine

***********************

9th September, 2007

Dear Tim,

Hope I catch you before you log off. Delighted to see your story on the Explorer's Web. I write to thank them for their support.  In the meantime, we're here if you get stuck or need help.

Yours in haste,

CuChullaine

With the journey completed, Tim flew to London where British Long Riders Jeremy James, Gary Davies, Vyv Wood-Gee and Wendy Hofstee attended a celebration in his honour.

********************** 

Shortly before the end of his journey, Tim Cope published on his website his views on the assistance of The Long Riders' Guild and Members of The Guild had provided to him: 

In early 2004 as I began to plan for the journey by horse from Mongolia to Hungary, I knew that doing the research, getting the right advice from the right people was going to be crucial. I had little experience with horses let alone travel with them, and most people who own horses in the Western world - although they arguably know volumes about these wonderful animals - were very little help.

Then I found the Long Riders Guild and began corresponding with CuChullaine and Basha O'Reilly, two extraordinary adventurers themselves, and Founders of this unique association. At first CuChullaine wrote something like: 'Well I hope you realise that this journey will test you to limits you could never imagine. Horses could turn your bones to dust at any given moment. Then there is the bureaucracy....have a long hard think Tim. Do you really want to do this? It would of course be one of the most important equestrian journeys of our time, and certainly of the early 21st century."

From that day on, Basha and CuChullaine have been with me every step of the way.

Their website as a starting reference drew together a huge number of fascinating adventurers and travellers. Having collated invaluable advice about equestrian travel from all corners of the globe it allowed me to intelligently plan and anticipate the long haul ahead. What’s more, CuChullaine and Basha had reprinted in excess of 100 equestrian travel books, (many of which had been long out of print - www.horsetravelbooks.com ). They make perfect background reading for inspiration, practical, and historical information.

It was Basha and CuChullaine who instigated the historic meeting in London of 'Long Riders' in March 2005 where I was accepted as a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. Throughout my toughest times, they have only been a satellite phone call away with a listening ear at any time of the day. They continue to energize and keep me positive with proactive support and an incredible network of people who continue to come to the party in times of need.

One instance when their support was invaluable, was when I was stuck on the border between Russia and Kazakhstan. They sent official letters from the Guild to the Russian authorities, and contacted all manner of people to help. This all contributed to my crossing in December 2005 on the last day of my visa! Without getting through that problem I would have been forced to abandon my horses and dog.

Quite simply, I wouldn't be where I am now without the Guild, and I believe that the ethos of equestrian explorers helps to keep a sense of fresh adventure in society. They also keep an eye on the equestrian world, exposing phoney adventurer claims, bad equestrian travel equipment, and have their finger on the pulse of all that happens in the genuine adventure travel society. What’s more, they do not accept any advertising money, and so all advice is 100 percent independent.

I would recommend all armchair, and active travellers to bookmark their website, and make regular checks for news. Of course for anyone remotely interested in equestrian assisted travel, The Long Riders' Guild should be your first port of call. 

Basha and CuChullaine, I cannot repay you for your immeasurable moral and logistical support. May your forthcoming equestrian World Ride be a lucky one!

Tim Cope Journeys.com - http://www.timcopejourneys.com/index.pl?page=2859

Back to Current Expeditions     Back to Tim's main page       Top of page           Home