You don’t often get the chance in life to do good by doing what you love. But in 1989, I did get that chance to combine my passion for horses and the environment in a ride across America. Beginning in May on a beach in California and using Original Easyboots, I rode a team of Arabian horses coast to coast to bring attention to the plight of the world’s rainforests. I have since documented this journey in a book, The Long Ride: The Record-setting Journey by Horse across the American Landscape.
With testimonials from actor Ted Danson, renowned Arabian breeder Bazy Tankersley of Al-Marah Arabians, and scientist Jane Goodall, the story is told from a rider’s perspective, from the saddle, on the back of a beautiful Arabian horse as we rode through small towns and big cities across America and negotiated the modern American landscape on our extraordinary journey together.
I hope that this book will instill in those who read it an appreciation for the horses and humans who worked together to make this event a success while at the same time create an awareness and appreciation of both the strength and fragility of these natural systems. I believe you will find our story and the numerous photographs I have included both entertaining and thought-provoking, and my hope is that this book will first inform and then motivate you to throw on a saddle and join this ride.
To learn more about the book, you can go to the website at www.thelongride.com, read excerpts from the book, and view videos which are actual clips from the 1989 ride.
If you would like to buy the book, you can go to http://www.thelongride.com/raa-buy-book.php. or go directly to Amazon and type in “The Long Ride” and “Lucian Spataro”, and you will be directed to the book page on Amazon.
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book are contributed to various environmental restoration efforts. If you have any questions, or would like to know more about the book, the ride or just talk about these issues, feel free to contact me directly.
So saddle up and let’s move on down the trail. I appreciate your interest in this issue and your support. I hope you enjoy this ride and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Lucian Spatarro
