Curious Worldview Tim Cope | In The Shadow Of Genghis Khan - 10,000km & 3 Years On Horseback Across The Mongol Empire's Eurasian Steppe
Dec 22, 2025
Tim Cope, an Australian adventurer and author, shares his remarkable journey across the Eurasian steppe on horseback. He discusses the profound sense of freedom he experienced, along with the historical misconceptions about nomadic cultures. Cope recounts heartwarming and harrowing moments, like gaining a loyal dog during his travels and facing social challenges tied to alcohol. He also reflects on the emotional impact of his father's passing and the lessons learned about resilience, trust, and the future of nomadism in a changing world.
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Freedom Of The Open Steppe
- The Eurasian steppe gives a near-total sense of freedom through unbroken horizons and self-reliance.
- Tim Cope says that vanishing preconceptions and zero fences created an indescribable liberation he still values.
Learning Horses The Hard Way
- Tim learned horsemanship quickly after months of prep but still feared for his horses constantly.
- He depended on locals' knowledge and their acceptance to protect and feed his animals daily.
Horse Theft Teaches Trust
- On night five three of Tim's horses were stolen but returned by a nomad who taught him a proverb about friendship.
- The episode forced him to prioritize relationships and responsibility for his animals.