Meet a Globetrotter: Kim Bourke

Kim Bourke is a repeat offender when it comes to Globetrotting. Since we wrote this Q&A, she has gone on to complete three more Aussie horse riding holidays. Read on to discover how her Globetrotting adventures began – and what kept her coming back for more!

How have horses influenced or changed your life?
As a mature rider, learning at a late stage in my life, horses have given me an interest without which I don’t know what I would have done with my life. Learning from them and about them has given me a better understanding of their stoic, giving nature and I can’t thank them enough. I can’t go a week without being near them.

What is your earliest memory of horses?
My earliest memory was at about five years of age having pony rides at the local school fete, that was it for me.

What was your childhood pony called?
Unfortunately I didn’t have a childhood pony but I constantly nagged Mum, Dad, and my siblings to please take me horse riding. I couldn’t understand why we couldn’t keep one in the backyard!

What does riding or being with horses mean to you?
Riding and being with horses makes my heart happy and I feel calm and have such love for them. I dread getting too old to ride but I hope I can still have something to do with horses, maybe be a horse rescue volunteer.

What have horses taught you the most?
My children taught me patience and horses have reinforced this – empathy and understanding for them, taking my time to just enjoy being. If you take the time to watch horses in a herd you can learn a lot about them and their personalities.

What was your first Globetrotting ride?
The Howqua River Ride last year, which was fantastic. We had wonderful, knowledgeable guides and the best group of people you could ask for. Also the food was pretty hard to beat, nourishing for the days of riding and plenty of it.

What made you take the plunge and sign up for a Globetrotting holiday?
I was continually looking for riding holidays and the Globetrotting holidays looked very well organised. All the questions were answered in the information sent to me before I booked. Airport transfers, any dietary requirements, what to pack and helpful info from Kate regarding hints for better photography, which toiletries to take, ideas for getting riding fit and ideas for comfy riding wear.

Was this ride celebrating or marking a significant moment/milestone/achievement in your life? And if so, would you mind sharing?
My ride didn’t mark anything significant but it was a personal challenge for me given my age (56).

What is your most memorable Globetrotting moment? 

My most memorable Globetrotting moment was cantering as a group through the river at Howqua Valley – pretty cool, and so much fun.

A tip that every globetrotter should know before going on a ride…
My tip for globetrotters would be to soak up every moment, take your sense of humour with you and be as riding fit as you can be.

Finish this sentence – Don’t leave home without…
Your sense of adventure.