What wisdom and self-knowledge do you acquire after 25,000 kilometers and 8 years on horseback, crossing the Americas? Setting out in 2012 from the world-famous Calgary Stampede, Filipe Masetti Leite already had an ambitious goal: a 16,000 kilometer journey on horseback through 12 countries to get to his native homeland of Brazil. Throughout, he would have to rely on the kindness of strangers to help care for his horses and himself at the end of every day’s 30 KM segment. In the end, his planned 2-year journey became a record-setting odyssey through some of the world’s most challenging physical and emotional terrain.

Special thanks to the Calgary Stampede, Cowley’s Rafter Six Ranch and Kateri Cowley, and to Filipe's filming companion, Pearl. A big shout-out to Ben Auteur for his volunteer editing support. ------

Filipe Masetti Leite is a Long Rider, journalist, best-selling author, and award winning film-maker. A fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, he is only the fourth person in the world (and the youngest) to cross the Americas on horseback. Starting in 2012, the third generation cowboy rode more than 25,000 KM, over 8 years from Alaska to Ushuaia, Argentina. Learn more about Filipe and his extraordinary adventures by reading his best-sellers Long Ride Home and Long Ride to the End of the World, and through his feature documentary The Long Rider. For more information visit   / filipemasetti   This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx