Where in the Sand Hill Are We?

Hi, Fans,

Today I took a thirteen mile training walk with Mom and Mister Albino. They are coming along nicely. They were both much improved over our last walk.

While Mom was packing me for the walk Mister Albino horsemetized me. I almost fell asleep. The next thing I knew Mom was finished loading me up and we were ready to go. Mom loaded me with only 100 pounds today. Since today was thirty degrees cooler than yesterday I was full of energy and ready for an adventure.

We left around lunch time. Our first stop was neighbor Terry's house where I ate the yummy spring grass while Mom and Mister Albino had a snack. After our snack we headed north from Pelham toward Leverett. Walking was easy today because there weren't many hills on the route. We walked on a nice dirt road that didn't have much traffic. Mom let me stop and eat grass along the way for ten minutes every hour.

We met some new fans along the way. A very nice couple came out on their front porch to talk to us and some friendly people in a car stopped to talk. We also talked to a man who was repairing his roof. People who see us walking are always curious about us. Everyone wishes us the best.

We walked all the way to Sand Hill Road in Shutesbury, MA. We were going to walk even further, but it was getting late. Mom said we had to get home so I could have dinner. We took a picture by the road sign and then turned around and headed home.

On the way home I was prancing and dancing in anticipation of getting dinner. Mom said I was quite a handful. I tried to be quiet but I couldn't help myself. Back at the barn Mom tied me to the high line and let me eat hay while she and Mister Albino prepared my grain mix.

It was another fun day!

Talk to you soon.

Your friend,
Winnie

More Details Regarding Our Route MA to OH

Winnie and I will be walking through or near the following towns this summer:

• Great Barrington, MA
• Leeds, NY
• Kerhonkson, NY
• East Stroudsberg, PA
• Shenandoah, PA
• Sunbury, PA
• State College, PA
• Philipsburg, PA
• Punxsutawney, PA
• Lisbon, OH (North Country Trail)
• Zoar, OH (North Country Trail)
• Mt. Vernon, OH
• Powell, OH (rest for 5-6 days)
• Fort Hill, OH (North Country Trail)
• Bantam, OH

We are looking for hosts in or near these towns. Thank you for thinking of us!

Mister Albino Wears a Hat

Hi Fans! Today was a big day for Mr. Albino, two big firsts in his training. Today marks the first time he wore a collarless shirt on the street and the first time he appeared in public in a cowboy hat. He seemed nervous at first but with my encouragement he relaxed and started to chew.

He even agreed to have his picture taken dressed like that and without a tie. As for me, I practiced grazing while wearing a sideline hobble. Mr. Albino and I both earned our stud muffins today. Mom was very proud of us.

Trying Out the High Line

Today I carried Mom through the woods and around the neighborhood streets. I got a lot of brushing first and a sponge bath, too, because we had warm weather today. Mom said she wanted the dust out before she put the saddle on. I stood quietly the whole time, for my foot cleaning and boots, too.

In the woods we trotted and cantered a little, but mostly we walked. After we came back, Mom tied me in a new spot to a rope she rigged up between two trees. She called it a high line and told me to "Whoa" there. In a couple of minutes she came back with an old hay bag borrowed from Mary and put it on the high line with me, so I decided to have a snack. Mom said I was a good girl and gave me a nice rub down and a stud muffin for being quiet on the line. I hung out there for about an hour while Mom put my stuff away and cleaned my paddock. After the high line, I went in my paddock and took a nice roll.

When Mom came back to feed me tonight she was excited to find a brand new fancy hay bag in our tack room. Mary bought us one to use on our trip across America! It's black like me and brand spanking new! That means there must be a plan for good food on our trip. You know me, I love to eat!

Spring Camp Out

Hi Fans!

Guess what! Last night Mom took me camping. I packed Mom's tent and her stuff, hay, grain, my collapsible bucket, feed bag, and my portable paddock. That's me sampling the grass before Mom unloaded me. It was very yummy Spring grass. It's finally getting ripe!

From Spring Camp Out

I slept outside in my portable paddock and only zapped myself once. Mom slept inside the tent, all cozy in her sleeping bag and didn't get zapped when she came out in the morning.

Mom hung the feed bag on my face. Last year I didn't like that but now I know the goodies are inside. I am getting really good at cleaning up every bit of grain inside the sack.

In the morning we broke camp and Mom took me back to the barn for more breakfast. It's the most important meal of the day, I'm told, so kids, eat your beet pulp!

Safety Tips for Approaching Horses on the Road

Many vehicle operators do not know that laws in most states require they stop when they encounter a horse on the road, then wait for the rider or handler to signal that it is okay to pass. Personally, I am happy if the driver slows down and gives us plenty of room when they pass us.

Bicycle riders also don't know what to do when they encounter a horse on the street, and they need to learn how to behave when coming from behind. This week I was leading Winnie down a quiet country lane when a silent bike rider came up behind us--we didn't even hear any wheel spinning or gear clicking. Winnie ordinarily doesn't spook at bikes but this rider didn't let us know he was there. Surprised, she veered sideways into me, I fell and she stepped on my thigh. It is better for cyclists to announce their presence by calling out "bike behind!" or by ringing a bike bell. Had this cyclist done so, my horse would have realized it was a human on a vehicle, and not spooked. Ironically, the cyclist probably thought he was doing the right thing, since many people believe it is best to be absolutely quiet around horses. That's a mistaken notion, especially if you are approaching a horse from the rear.

Horses are prey animals that react to silent approaches from behind as if it were a mountain lion stalking them. A cat is quiet, then pounces after a furious burst of speed. If a horse doesn't hear anything but catches a glimpse of movement, they will bolt first, identify later. So please, if you are a bike rider, or a jogger, call out if you are approaching us from behind. That identifies you as NOT a lion. Thanks!

Today I Signed Autographs

Hi, Fans!

There was definitely a touch of spring in the air in Massachusetts today. It was so nice that Mom didn't wear a jacket. Mister Albino almost didn't wear a jacket.

From Winnie Signing Autographs for Her Fans

My big activity today was signing autographs for my fans. As you can see from the picture Mom was very helpful during the autograph signing. Mom and I will be handing out my autograph to fans who host us on our trip. I have a lot of great fans so I'm signing lots of autographs. I found out today that I'm left hoofed. I sign more naturally with my left hoof. Mister Albino is left handed. I wonder if we're related.

Talk to you soon.

Love,
Winnie

I Conquer Water

Hi, Fans!

Today was a great day! Mom, Mister Albino and I went for a three mile training walk. Unbeknownst to me, the purpose of the walk was get me used to crossing water. I've had some minor water crossing issues. I don't do it. Water is scary. I should say water was scary. I'm not afraid of it anymore. I faced my fears and conquered them.

We were walking through the woods and came to what I would call big water. It was so big that Mom put on her tall rubber boots, stared death in the face and stepped in. Mom and Mister Albino tried to convince me to step into the water. I didn't want to do it. Mom showed me a Stud Muffin. The water still looked pretty scary but the Stud Muffin smelled good. One thing led to another. I slowly took a step toward the water. Then another. And then another. When I was at the edge of the water I sniffed it. Then, I wanted to show Mister Albino there was nothing to be afraid of so I walked right in. I stood in the water for a minute. It was up to my knees! It was the biggest water I've ever been in. Then I walked out.

Mom gave me a Stud Muffin and a big hug and kiss. I was very proud of myself. Water isn't so scary after all.

After my treat and a couple of photos to immortalize the event we started home. And guess what happened. We saw a moose on the trail. He was on the other side of a small pond. We looked at each other but he was too far away to play with. We said good bye and continued on our way.

While we were walking Mr. Albino told me a hilarious joke. I'll share it with you. Here it is. A horse goes into a bar. The bartender says "Why the long face?" Get it? I've been laughing all day.

I've posted pictures of today's adventure on the Photo section of the web site. I hope you enjoy them.

Winnie

Today's Training

Monday afternoon Mom took me out for a ride on the Norwottic Trail. I've learned to walk, not run, downhill. Mom says she's getting older and it's easier for her to stay on if I go slowly on the steep downgrades. I wore my Old Mac hiking boots, which I really like.

We lost the trail at one point but I helped Mom find it again. I have a very good sense of direction.

Mom said she was proud of me because I went through a stream today with very little urging. She didn't have to dismount; I just walked right through it! She said I was very brave to do that all by myself, without any horse to follow. Then she gave me a horse cookie and told me I could earn a stud muffin next time if we came upon deeper water and I didn't balk at crossing it.

On the way home, I got scolded a little for dragging my feet. She said I was pouting. I wanted to stay out longer, that's all.

The weather is supposed to be sunny and nice all week, so I expect we will practice packing up a load most days. Mom's getting better with the knots and hitches. Maybe she should get a cookie too, hmmm?

Winnie's Cart for Auction

Winnie's Horse Carriage is up for auction on eBay!

It is available for pickup only from the barn in Pelham, MA.

Please view the item on eBay by clicking the link: Sturdy Horse Carriage or Cob Size Cart



Thank you,
Darshan

Winnie's Third Birthday

Hi, Fans!

Today was a great day! We kicked off my web site, there was an article about me in the newspaper and it was my birthday on top of it all.

Mom, Mister Albino, Darshan, Mary and my horse friends had a surprise birthday party for me. I wasn't expecting anything. This afternoon when I came back from turn out everyone was there wearing party hats. They all yelled and whinnied "Surprise!" Mom put a party hat on my head. When it wouldn't stay on she put it on my ear.

We all posed for pictures. Mr. Albino gave me three balloons. One for each year I've been alive. The balloons seemed to be alive and they made me nervous at first. Mom told me they were filled with helium and that's why they were bobbing in the wind like they were alive. She assured me they were not horse eating balloons. When I got a closer look at them I realized they were harmless and they added a festive touch to my party.

After I got acquainted with the balloons we had birthday cake. My cake was in the shape of the biggest Stud Muffin I've ever seen. Mom made it from a secret recipe that she invented this morning. My cake had three candles on it. I found out for future reference that you don't eat candles.

The other horses wanted to play a party game called "Stampede Toward Mr. Albino and Veer Away at the Last Possible Minute." I didn't want to play that game because Mr. Albino gives great presents. Instead, we played "Let the Humans Rub Our Noses."

All of the horses got party favors. We didn't have goody bags because we ate everything.

After the party Mom read the newspaper story to me. A few weeks ago a reporter and photographer came to the barn. They talked to Mom and took pictures of me. They chose some nice pictures for the article. I look great. Mom doesn't look bad either. The story is about how Mom adopted me from the BLM.

Finally, we kicked off our new web site today. This is my first blog. Thanks for stopping by and keep checking back. I will be writing more.

Your friend,
Winnie

Website Launch

Today we celebrate the launch of our website! Congratulations to Ann Byrns and Winnie the Wild Mustang for completing their first step of their long journey to come!

Please help support Ann Byrns walk across America by spreading the news and Joining the Winnie Fan Club!

Thank you,
Darshan Ahluwalia