Distant Skies: An American Journey on Horseback

“In Melissa Chapman’s debut memoir, we meet characters that are always interesting, and almost without fail, kind. We read writing that is succinct and evocative. The author’s relationship with her animals and love for the land does what Steinbeck’s Travels with Charley in Search of America did for me--it inspires both thoughtfulness and action—and that is my favorite kind of book.xa0This girl, riding bravely across the continent, reminds us to appreciate the journey—for the end comes all too soon. Distant Skies will move you, guaranteed.” — Tik Maynard, Author of In the Middle Are the Horsemen "Distant Skies is the perfect read in a normal year—it’s uplifting, inspiring, poignant, and poetic at times. But after 2020, in particular, it is just the right medicine. An epic, cross-country journey from the back of a horse (in 1982—no cell phones or GPS) takes us back to simpler and kinder times. It’s a story about connection—between complete strangers, as well as the more personal connections that you might form with animals, if you’re lucky and deserving. It’s a story about disconnecting, too, becoming one with nature and saying goodbye to life as you once knew it. Disconnecting from technology, media, and material things is perhaps more important today than it was then. For animal lovers, this book will truly resonate. I felt a touch of envy at the depth of the author’s bond with her four-legged partners; a desire for the knowledge and wisdom gained from living and traveling with her animals, 24/7, for seven months and 2600 miles. I know I’ll never complete a journey like that, but I’d like to think I could have. Reading the book is like taking the journey yourself: you get the feeling of the gravity of embarking, the jubilation of completion, and everything in between. I highly recommend Distant Skies , but be forewarned—you will shed many tears! Rest assured they will be tears of laughter and love, with a reminder of the goodness of people and the true character of this vast country." — Julie Goodnight, Horse Trainer, Influencer & TV Personality “Chapman’s tale is part American road trip, part coming-of-agenvoyage, and part travelogue. She paints a vivid picture of the amazingnlandscape she encountered and reveals the deep devotion she experienced betweennherself and the animals that accompanied here. Distant Skies isninteresting, touching, and well-written.” — Cowgirl Magazine “Missy Chapmanntakes us on a courageous journey across the heartland of America–on horseback,nno less! Accompanied by three loveable four-legged companions, Missy encountersna gallery of colorful and comical folk, all of whom are willing to lend a hand innher unusual quest. More importantly, Missy reminds the reader time and again tonpause and pay attention to the ‘beautiful little forgotten things out in thenworld.’xa0A lovely read, on so many levels.” — Kevin O’Hara, author of Lastnof the Donkey Pilgrims “ Distant Skies is a story about courage, adventure, and the beauty of America. You’ll fall in love with ‘Missy’ Chapman as you travel along with her and her animal companions while they discover the soul of our nation.” —Audrey Pavia, Author of Horses for Dummies and Hollywood Hoofbeats "This cross country adventure between NY and CA of a 23 year old gal, her horse and her dog with no support team, cell phone or GPS tells a tale of the kindness of strangers, the wealth of beauty of the landscape and the challenges this huge country can present. An easy read that shares the ups and downs of life on the road with a special kind of horse power and a lot of courage."xa0— Catskill Horse “I found this book to be extraordinarily hard to put down.nMelissa has told of her remarkable journey in a brief anecdotal format thatnleaves you hungry for the next page; wondering what is over the next hill, ornaround the next bend in the road.xa0 Herntales of the bond she forged with her traveling companions is relatable to anynequestrian.xa0 But beyond that, the friendsnshe made, the people who helped her, protected her, welcomed her, and lookednout for her, are a profoundly heart-warming reminder of the true nature ofnpeople.xa0 Bravo Melissa!” — JeannAbernethy, creator of Fergus the Horse Melissa A. Priblo Chapman is a freelance writer who has had work published in magazines including The Western Horse, Good Dog! , and Doggone . Her story “Gypsy, Cross-Country Dog” appears in the book Traveler’s Tales: A Dog’s World alongside the work of such renowned authors as John Steinbeck and Gary Paulson. Chapman has been a paid speaker to over 100 organizations in regard to her solo cross-country trip and is a member of the Long Riders Guild, a worldwide league of equestrian adventurers. Chapman is a married mother of four and lives in Upstate New York. She rides every day and continues to share life with her horses and dogs.