True to the honorable image portrayed by the Guild's website, founder CuChullaine O'Reilly replied to my initial inquiry in less than a day. Though he was traveling between meetings in Europe, his message was both gracious and full of promised guidance.
I've spent a great deal of time on the aforementioned website, and would recommend it to anyone. The quote below sums up the Guild well:
As Long Riders we categorically believe equestrian travel has no frontiers, political or otherwise. It is the heritage of every nation. Though we individually originate in every imaginable country, we as a group represent no specific nation. We will not be simplified by categories into sex, creed, allegiance to one horse breed, or lines drawn on a map. We are comrades of the saddle whose agreed upon international language is "horse." We believe the only valid definition of a Long Rider should be courage in the face of danger, resolve in the presence of hardship, and continual compassion for our horses.
Further, we acknowledge the inherent bodily perils involved in equestrian travel to both horse and rider. Yet we in no way condone or sponsor any expedition that knowingly subjects its mounts to needless suffering. The Long Riders' Guild has no obsession with mileage. Though our members have set an assortment of world records during the course of their equestrian travels, we do not encourage a needless quest for kilometers, nor the lightning flash crossing of continents. We encourage our members instead to undertake a life-changing equestrian journey that explores not only the unknown portions of the world, but their own souls as well. Indeed, being a Long Rider is more than just a matter of miles. It is a question of honour, dignity and behaviour.
Ah. That is the sort of creed to which I can subscribe. It's nice to know there remain such people on this earth; I expect this journey will reveal many more.And, methinks Chief Joseph would approve.
