Riding Into the Wild: How One Woman and Her Horse Conquered the Pacific Crest Trail—Three Times
Through thousands of miles and years of trust, one fearless mare taught her rider the meaning of courage—and the heartbreak of saying goodbye.
Story by Gillian Larson
Story by Tommy Corey
Sponsored by XYZ
I entered the equestrian world through my Mom, who competed in dressage. Even though I held that same love for horses, I knew my path as an equestrian was different. I was always more interested in the outdoors and exploring trails with my horses. Shorter rides turned into longer ones, and eventually, I went to complete my first thru-ride on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2014.
Thru-riding was co-opted from the term 'thru-hiking'; which means to complete a long-distance backcountry route in a single season - except I am completing these trails with my horses.
Traveling with horses is a unique way to recreate outdoors because it becomes more about the partnership and the obstacles you can overcome together. You must embolden them to be confident and secure in sometimes dangerous situations. There must be a lot of trust between the human and the horse - especially as a large prey animal. It can take a long time to get them to trust you with their life and safety, and in turn, you must trust them to make good decisions.
The most significant catalyst to start thru-riding was my first horse, Shyla. She was a remarkable athlete. During college, we would do 15-mile rides in between classes. I wouldn't have gotten into long-distance riding if it wasn't for her because I knew she loved to do it. She loved movement.
Shyla was fearless and trusting. Having such a strong relationship with her allowed me to dive into something I had no experience with growing up.
I grew up in Los Angeles and had no experience with spending the night outdoors. I had never even boiled water in the backcountry before deciding to try riding from Mexico to Canada with Shyla. There was so much security and trust in that partnership, allowing me to take on things outside my comfort zone. We always relied on each other - even when sometimes I was a novice at what we were undertaking.
I lost Shyla in the backcountry in 2019 to what I assume was an aneurysm. We were walking down the trail together, me in front of her, and suddenly I felt her lead rope go tight. She had collapsed and started seizing. She was gone in a matter of seconds.
I had Shyla for 14 years. We had ridden from Mexico to Canada together three times. The most challenging part of this was not just losing that partnership, but losing my friend. I relied on her a lot to take care of me, since I was still young and naive. I could never have been successful with the horses I have now and have been competent enough in the backcountry for them if it wasn't for Shyla having been such an equal partner to me. She really allowed me to grow to my fullest potential.
My love of the outdoors, my love for packing, and the leadership I have taken on with my less-experienced horses, are all because of Shyla.
I'll forever be indebted to her and the life she gave me.
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