Olivia Cazes is on a daring quest to become the first female to journey solo on horseback along the transcontinental Pan-American Highway. This epic adventure covers approximately 26,000 kilometers, starting from Ushuaia, Argentina, and ending in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. So far, Cazes has completed 3,415 kilometers, reaching Chichinales, Argentina.
Spanning 14 countries, the route could be traversed by car in about a month or by plane in roughly 26 hours. However, on horseback, Cazes estimates the journey may span up to seven years due to the pace of four kilometers per hour.
Hailing from Armagh, Que., Cazes embarked on this expedition early last year, driven by her deep-seated desire to connect with diverse cultures, inspired by her upbringing on a horse farm. Only a few individuals in the history of long riding have accomplished this endurance test.
Cazes, now 30, shares that despite the slower pace, traveling on horseback provides a unique and detailed perspective of the surroundings. She emphasizes the profound bond she has developed with her three horses, rotating their roles daily between riding, carrying gear, and traveling unburdened.
Initially accompanied by a friend, health issues forced him to return home, leaving Cazes to continue the journey solo. After a break in Canada, she resumed the expedition in Argentina in January, joined by her mother, Esther Dandonneau, fulfilling her mother’s long-held dream of exploring different cultures on horseback.
Cazes adjusts her daily travel distance based on the well-being of her horses, prioritizing their comfort and needs. She values the solitude and perspective gained from traversing diverse terrains, appreciating the beauty of landscapes and the challenges of ensuring her horses have adequate sustenance.
Throughout her journey, Cazes has encountered overwhelming kindness from strangers, offering assistance ranging from shelter to food and supplies for her and the horses. She hopes her expedition challenges stereotypes about women in extreme adventure and endurance travel, encouraging others to push boundaries and believe in their capabilities.
The voyage not only symbolizes personal achievement but also serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of women in unconventional exploration and adventure pursuits.