Take her seriously about renting a horse
From Create Your Own Story
"Actually, I am in a bit of a rush, so it there really is somewhere I can get a hrose or something, I do need to get moving."
Gabriella looks surprised. "You are dedicated to your work, aren't you!" She scribbles down a few addresses. "I was kidding about renting a horse, but these people have buggies or carts, and might be willing to drive you."
The first house you try, no one answers the door. The second, they claim they're too busy. The third, turns out they were planning on going out of town soon anyways, and they ask for only a small price for the inconvenience of bumping their plans up. You trot out of town on the back of a cart. What a way to travel. It takes a few hours to get to the next town, but they are obviously better connected. You see a few actual cars, and a bus stop. You should be able to reconnect with your route here.