Onward We Go!
Posted by shyannetla, Nov 2 2009, 01:35 PM
Well plans continue, and I have been working on contacts for over night stops and layovers. A woman who is heavily involved in endurance riding and who may be joining the ride has raised some good issues about our route through TX, NM and AZ. So we are looking into addressing that and possibly altering the route to go a bit more north, is hard to say at this point lol. Winter will be coming and too far north will involve SNOW YUCK..
One lady said what I am planning on doing is going to be real tough, she didn't seem to think the idea was do-able. Lol, she don't know me!! I realize that areas we will be crossing will be difficult to put it mildly. There will be days of solitude with nothing to look at but dust and tumbleweeds.
Doing without alot of creature comforts for a few days is one thing but in this day and age to imagine doing without for months scares the heck out of most folk. What I have going for me is survivor skills lol. I have been a loner most of my life, spent countless hours driving truck cross country alone, with just the company of my dog. I was in the Army for a while, and was raised camping in primitive locations. Somehow I find that nearly every aspect of my life has prepared me for this journey. I suppose my feelings are even if no one comes out to ride with me, I am still going!!
I know in my heart this is something I have to do, was meant to do, and the powers that be will make sure I have what I need when I need it!! Faith!!
Back to my endurance friend, she also provided me with great advice on meals during the ride, hydration for me and my horse and several other tidbits of info. I was so impressed with her wealth of information I asked her to write them down so I can post them on the website. This will allow anyone contemplating coming out to ride for more then just a couple days to know what to expect and how to prepare not only themselves, but their horses as well.
So the quest continues onward!!
A Dream Coming True
Posted by shyannetla, Oct 27 2009, 05:13 PM
Last November while watching my Mustang Shyanne graze I remembered a dream I have had for many years, and in that moment I decided that if I did not try, I would never see that dream become a reality. So many people have dreams and so very few ever see those dreams come true. I know for me at least I have always allowed the people who said it cant be done, for what ever reason to stop me dead in my tracks. This time I have closed my ears to all those who say it is impossible, and I choose to believe in the impossible.
While driving truck cross country I was going across Wyoming in the winter when up ahead I noticed a black horse walking towards the east his head down against the wind and snow, drudging steadily forward. I strained my eyes looking for a fence line, and as I became closer I realized this horse was indeed "free" outside of any fences or barriers. I wondered immediately gee who's horse is this I wonder? Wow I wonder if he is a Mustang I knew roamed in the area I was traveling through. My heart yearned for this solitary horse, and I wondered what his fate might be as I quickly drove out of his sight. I thought about that horse much of the rest of that day, and my dream was born.
Now I realize the horse I seen that day most likely was not a Mustang, but rather just someones horse who had gotten loose and wandered off. But nonetheless, for the impact of seeing that horse in that way touched my heart and I decided that one day I would own a Mustang, but my dream didn't end there, but rather that desire lead to a higher purpose.
The mustang horse one of the last remaining vestiges of our Western history, have become living legends. So much media attention has been attracted these last couple years between the efforts of the Mustang Heritage Foundation, and the media blitz of Madeline Pickins.
The mustang horse has had a negative reputation that largely is undeserved. Mustangs have been proving themselves tough competitors in all areas of equine sports, from Dressage, Driving and Western Pleasure, and plain old trail riding.
I knew that day that I wanted to do something to help the Mustang Horses, to help save them, and promote their use, and the BLM Adoption program. So last November my journey to realize a dream began.
I searched out a Mustang organization and quickly came across the American Mustang and Burro Association, in addition to the Mustang Heritage Foundation.
I contacted the AMBA first, and began corresponding with Mark Davis their CEO. I began organizing a Charity Trail ride across America. In fact from Greenville NC to Twenty Nine Palms CA. The ride will leave Greenville NC area on June 1st of 2011 and depending on weather and other unforeseen delays we will arrive in Twenty Nine Palms CA around Jan 1st 2012. I do not know if posting the web address for the ride would be allowed here but anyone can Google mustangsofamericaride and find us.
Shyanne is a titled BLM Mustang who is currently 7 yrs old and undergoing training for the event. She is being schooled in trails, some reining and some dressage and driving.
on A Dream Coming True