The Journey On Podcast: Episode with Eric Cooper

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Journey On Podcast, host Warwick Schiller welcomes adventurer and equestrian extraordinaire Eric Cooper. The conversation delves deep into Eric's thrilling experiences, personal growth, and his profound connection with horses and nature. Throughout the episode, Eric shares his transformative journey from a small-town Missouri upbringing to becoming a pivotal figure in extreme horseback adventures worldwide.

Eric Cooper’s Background and Early Adventures

Eric begins by outlining his current ventures, managing Eric Cooper Adventures, which orchestrates extreme horseback trips in Mongolia and Argentina. He highlights activities such as hunting with eagles, riding reindeer with remote tribes, and leading cattle roundups in gaucho-style excursions. Additionally, Eric oversees operations, marketing, and training for prestigious horse races like the Mongol Derby.

Warwick reminisces about meeting Eric at the Gaucho Derby Academy in Argentina, noting, “It was serendipitous that we were recording this right now because it's exactly 12 months since the day I finished the Gaucho Derby in Argentina, which Eric Cooper did.”

Motivation to Join the Mongol Derby

When asked about his inspiration to compete in the Mongol Derby, Eric reflects on his deep-rooted love for horses and his desire to push his limits:

“I was born on a horse farm in the Midwest, and I'm just horse crazy. I love everything about horses...” [07:58]

Initially hesitant about leaving his comfort zone, Eric overcame fears and committed to the grueling 10-day race through Mongolia's rugged terrain. This decision marked a significant turning point, pushing him beyond his perceived limitations and fostering immense personal growth.

Challenges and Scary Moments in the Mongol Derby

Eric candidly shares some of the most harrowing moments from his first Mongol Derby:

“I felt like I was good on horses, and I could really understand the animals, but... I really needed that humbleness...” [11:44]

One particularly frightening incident involved his horse bolting in a storm, leaving him disoriented and struggling to regain control:

“He was slippering and sliding in the mud, but never once fell down. One of the crew trucks came up to me, was like, are you okay?” [12:52]

Another tragic moment was witnessing a fellow racer crash and suffer a broken neck, underscoring the race's inherent dangers:

“...another guy that broke his neck that was riding with us. He became a lawn dart and landed on his face...” [20:05]

These experiences not only tested Eric's resilience but also emphasized the importance of teamwork and self-reliance in extreme situations.

Personal Impact and Transition to Adventure Travel

Completing the Mongol Derby left Eric grappling with profound changes. He describes a period of depression and existential questioning:

“I was just in a weird zombie state... trying to figure out what just happened to me...” [32:30]

To navigate this challenging phase, Eric reevaluated his relationships and career path. He shifted towards adventure travel, focusing on authentic, culturally immersive experiences. This transition led him to establish his own travel company, enabling him to explore remote regions and form meaningful connections with indigenous communities.

Managing the Gaucho Derby and Rescue Operations

As the event manager for the Gaucho Derby, Eric recounts managing unexpected crises, such as a blizzard that endangered participants:

“We had a blizzard happen, like day two... everybody almost died of hypothermia...” [47:55]

In a heroic act, Eric rescued a fellow racer suffering from kidney failure, demonstrating his leadership and compassion under pressure. This incident reinforced his commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.

Immersing in Mongolian Culture: Eagle Hunters and Reindeer People

Eric provides an insightful exploration into Mongolian traditions, particularly focusing on eagle hunting and the lives of reindeer herders. He explains how he built trust with these communities, highlighting the blend of Islamic and shamanistic beliefs:

“Mongolia is gorgeous, but for me, travel is about personality. Like, who are the personalities I'm here for?” [54:09]

His adventures include training with traditional eagle hunters, participating in nomadic games, and living among reindeer herders. Eric emphasizes the cultural richness and spiritual depth of these experiences, which offer profound lessons in humility and respect for nature.

Future Endeavors and Reflecting on Personal Growth

Looking ahead, Eric discusses his plans to continue expanding his adventure travel offerings, incorporating wellness elements and further immersing participants in authentic cultural practices. He also touches on personal projects, such as writing a children's book titled “The Adventures of Nicholas the Ridiculous,” reflecting his desire to share his experiences creatively.

Warwick commends Eric’s dedication to personal and communal growth:

“Everyone's important at the end of the day. So this life pushes me to do that and try to be better at it...” [102:45]

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Eric sharing ways for listeners to connect with his adventures, primarily through his Instagram handle @ericcooperadventurous. Warwick praises Eric's unwavering spirit and positive energy, encouraging listeners to embrace their own journeys with curiosity and resilience.

“If you have Instagram, come over to my Instagram...” [109:22]

Notable Quotes

• "I was just in a weird zombie state... trying to figure out what just happened to me." — Eric Cooper [32:30]
• "This is his house. He knows where he's going. That's so, so, so hard for us to let go of control and trust something else." — Eric Cooper [15:28]
• "We ride across private land... building that trust to be able to get the best that we can get." — Eric Cooper [105:04]

Key Takeaways

• Resilience and Personal Growth: Eric's journey through extreme races and adventure travel underscores the importance of pushing one's limits and embracing vulnerability.
• Cultural Immersion: Deep engagement with Mongolian traditions offers valuable lessons in humility, respect, and the interconnectedness of humanity and nature.
• Authentic Leadership: Eric exemplifies compassionate leadership, prioritizing the well-being of others and fostering strong, trust-based relationships.
• Continuous Evolution: Embracing change and seeking new challenges are central to Eric's philosophy, encouraging listeners to pursue their passions relentlessly.

This episode is a testament to the transformative power of adventure and the profound impact of connecting deeply with both nature and diverse cultures. Whether you're an avid horse enthusiast or simply seeking inspiration for your own journey, Eric Cooper's story is both enlightening and motivating.