Our Journey

In 2019, I rode 4,485km East to West across Australia with my two horses. In 2024, I rode nearly 2,500km East to West through the Eastern Provinces of Canada as part of a Trans-Canada expedition. In 2026, I plan to finish that undertaking. This is our journey and some of what I have learnt along the way.

 

Background

Growing up with horses as I child, I always loved the outdoors and adventure. I have worked in the outdoor guiding industry in Tasmania for over a decade, heading off overseas during the southern winters to explore new horizons and experience new adventures. In the beginning of 2018, I decided the coming year would be the perfect opportunity to set out on the Bicentennial National Trail, riding North to South through eastern Australia with my trusty 17 year old Arabian, Mr Richard. However, with the country gripped by drought and large sections of the trail closed to horses, I realised come September that my BNT plans were over. Before I could mourn the loss too severely, I had a dream one night that I was riding Mr Richard across the Nullarbor Plain, the large dry section of country between South Australia and Western Australia. So instead of giving up on an epic horseback journey, I decided to head East to West instead of North to South. Leaving in April 2019 and picking up a second horse, Micky, a few weeks into the trip, it took us seven and a half months to travel from the mouth of the Snowy River in Victoria to Margaret River, WA. This cemented my love of long riding, and in 2024 I headed off East to West across Canada. Unfortunately, due to illness and death of a close family member, that journey was interrupted and paused early. I came back to Australia in the beginning of October 2024, leaving my horses in Sault Ste Marie. In April 2025, I flew one of my Canadian horses, Jack, home to Australia to retire. I intend to continue our expedition in May 2026.

This the story of our journey, the insights into long distance horse travel I gained from it, and a place to celebrate the community that is growing around equestrian travel.

Stef Gebbie, Jack, and Wilson riding through Quebec in 2024

 

On this site you will find:

  • News, updates and blog posts from our 2024 ride East to West across Canada.

  • Past blog entries from our 2019 journey East to West across Australia.

  • Links to social media accounts.

  • Information on sponsors and how to get involved.

  • Insights into the psychology of long distance travel.

  • Caring for your horse on the road.

  • Gear and equipment discussions.

  • Planning an equestrian expedition

79244451_1417418545083444_9029929067779981312_o.jpg

About the Human: Stef Gebbie

Growing up in Tasmania with a passion for the outdoors and adventure, I work as a professional tour guide in the Tassie summer and head off overseas seeking adventure and challenge during the southern winter

Meet the Team

  • Mr Richard

    The OG.

    Bay Egyptian Arab. I’ve had him since he was two, and we grew up together. Now 23, he crossed Australia with me and has the most heart and a sensitive soul.

  • Micky

    The Extrovert

    Paint Australian stockhorse. I got him when he was three and a half when we headed across Australia. Now 10, he his a funny, involved horse who loves people.

  • Jack

    The Marshmallow

    Tobiano paint horse. I got Jack in Canada for our East to West ride. With a complex history, Jack is stoic and introverted, and was my rock through the Eastern Provences. He is now loving semi-retirement in Tasmania with Mr Richard and Micky.

  • Wilson

    The Caramel Slice

    Chestnut cross, possibly around 15 years old. The packhorse for our Canadian journey, Wilson can be sweet, but he is also a prickly character with a complex past, meaning he’s slow to trust and quick to bite! He thrived on life on the road, and I hope we have another successful 3500km together in 2026.