www.horsedigests.com Darley Newman talks with Equine VIP by Susan Ashbrook, owner Equine VIP bogs. Each horse's per- my book, Equitrekking: Travel Adventures on sonality is a lot of fun to Horseback, serve as a resource for travelers. discover when I'm travel- We help match travelers with a vacation or horse ing. I was recently in ride and because we've been there, we know Jordan. Arabians are all about it! known to be spirited, and You were featured in the book How'd You my Arabian in the desert of Score That Gig (a look at the coolest careers for Jordan was spirited, but twenty and thirty-somethings). Do you still think also so patient. He was you have the coolest career? forward going, but listened I sure do. Every trip that I take feels like a really well, and once in a lifetime adventure. I was so I went working in television and did t 0 Equitrekking enjoy that because I was is an Emmy-Award-winning learning something new equestrian travel series hosted by everyday, but I didn't Jordan feeling a little travel expert Darley Newman. The new, fifth love being in an Equitrekking® is the first travel television nervous to ride with season episodes on PBS this October take view- office. As the busi- series to explore the globe on horseback. the Bedouin in the ers on horseback riding adventures in Uruguay, ness owner as When/how did you realize you could combine open desert on an Jordan, Alberta, Turkey and the some National Parks well as the host your passion for horses with travel to create Arabian horse and in the USA. The popular travel series broadcasts in over and producer of Equitrekking? left with new con- 35 countries and features exciting locations in Belize, Equitrekking, I Many years ago while living in New York City fidence and a Costa Rica, Southern Quebec, Vermont, the Carolinas, still have to do of all places! I was working in television and future horse to the Georgia Coast, Wyoming, Colorado, Spain, Iceland, "business" stuff wanted to combine my passion for horses and import from the Ireland, Hawaii's Big Island, Maui, Virginia Hunt and office work, travel, do those things I love on a daily basis, and' Middle East. Country, Califomia Wine Country, Alaska, Wales, but it's all worth it Equitrekking just evolved naturally from there. Equitrekking is Scotland, Southern Spain, Quebec City & Beyond to be able to ride As a traveler, horses allow me to get to places broadcast on PBS and Central Turkey Equine VIP caught up with horses, travel the that are often inaccessible by other means. I stations across the Producer/Host Darley Newman to leam world and then share share each travel journey with a new equine nation, as well as, on more about her world travels. the adventure with oth- friend. It's a very special way to see the world and international networks in ers through Equitrekking experience life. over 40 countries including Italy, on TV, Equitrekking.com and You along with Equitrekking have traveled France, Japan, Russia, Turkey and my writing. the world to some amazing places! Do you have beyond. Are you still surprised at how many Last year Equitrekking was honored with any favorite locations you'd like to revisit? countries follow your travels? an Emmy win for Outstanding Photography, and I was just able to go back to Ireland, which is I am surprised, but also not. Horses have a you were nominated again this year fo~ a a perennial favorite. There are so many wonder- universal appeal to which all cultures can relate. Daytime Emmy at the 37th Annual Daytime ful Irish horses and destinations with beaches, Plus, in each episode I travel on horseback with Creative Arts and Entertainment Emmy Awards. mountains, castles, countryside, awesome peo- the locals, the true stars of Equitrekking. It's the Did you convince any of the celebrities to take a ple and pubs for the end of the day pint! I'd like locals who tell us the best natural areas to ride, trip with you? to go back to Costa Rica. The places you can best food and sights on and off the trail. If you live Just attending the Emmys was very cool. So travel on horseback in Costa Rica are exotic and in a place, you might not want to watch a travel many people and yes, lots of celebrities love beautiful and the horses were just awesome. I show about that area, unless the show is horses. We may reveal a few in some upcoming know that horses can't be totally bombproof, but Equitrekking. We find those hidden gems that seasons. my horse Pinata was just about there. I'd like to even many locals don't know about, because we Where can we follow your travels and learn go back and ride to more hot springs and just get off the beaten path and travel on horseback! more? have a good soak, maybe beside spewing Through the local people, we showcase insiders Equitrekking's new season starts on PBS in Arenal Volcano again at sunset, where you see information on the best places to travel mixed October with episodes from Uruguay, Jordan (2 a Technicolor lights show from the lava flow. with beautiful horses in stunning places. Who parts), Alberta, Turkey and two specials on My list could go on and on. The world is filled with can't enjoy that! "Great National Parks" and "Great North wonderful riding destinations. There's not enough Besides hosting and Producing Equitrekking American Ranches." Visit us at Equitrekking.com time in life! you wrote Equitrekking: Travel Adventures on to learn more about the new season, watch You ride different horses and all types of rid- Horseback and founded EquitrekkingTravel.com videos and read travel articles and my blog. You' ing styles on your show. Do you have a favorite Is Equitrekking just for experienced riders or can can learn about equestrian vacations you can . breed of horse or riding discipline? beginners explore the world on horseback? experience at EquitrekkingTravel.com. I've really enjoyed riding all of these different The great thing about Equitrekking is that breeds in their native settings. The Icelandics are anyone, whether you've never ridden before or Equine VIP is written by Producer/Host a lot of fun to ride, especially over Iceland's lava are an expert, can enjoy it. On Equitrekking, we Susan Ashbrook who is also developing a TV fields. They can tolt, which is similar to a running work to find the best horses and riding destina- series based on her interviews with celebrities walk, so they are very smooth. Plus, they're so tions that are open to the public, so if you're and top equestrians. For more information go to darn cute! Highland Ponies are another fun traveling in Hawaii and want to ride for a day, www.equineVIP.com ride-faster than I thought they could go- and we've showcased the best ranches and stables, Equine VIP interviews celebrities and eques- they are necessary in the Highlands, where the where a local guide will take you out. trian VIPs because "If It's About Horses, We beautiful heather sometimes hides treacherous Equitrekking.com, EquitrekkingTravel.com and Cover It". 38 August 2010 MIDvYEST HORSE DIGEST.