Why Can't Horses Walk the Appalachian Trail?

Winnie and I could be safer if we were allowed to use the Appalachian Trail and other American trails that my horse's ancestors blazed--instead we are forced to use roads where drivers rarely obey the speed limit. This is a pet peeve of mine, that we are not allowed on so many American trails, including many rail trails and portions of the American Discovery Trail, too. We are not allowed to camp in National Parks and most areas of the State Parks are off limits to us, too. We've heard the ecology arguments, and I've educated myself on "leave no trace" principles; I am willing to feed my horse weed-free pelleted food, and I am willing to clean up after my animal, what's the deal here? I worked for years and years and paid taxes but most of the parks and trails are closed to my horse and therefore closed to me when I need them most. I thought the trails and parks were open to all Americans and also to visitors from other countries. Somebody explain this to me, please!

Walking Across America is Tiring Work

Hi, Fans,
I'm sorry it's been so long since I reported in. We've been very busy walking across America. It can be very tiring. Mom sometimes goes in the wrong direction, and she doesn't count any better than Mister Albino. She tells me on Tuesday we are walking 15 miles, but we end up walking 18. On Wednesday 6 miles turns into 13. You see what I mean. Thursday wasn't too bad a hike, but I was too busy calorie loading to write.


On Friday I was still exhausted, but Mom made me get up early and go on the road right after breakfast. I didn't feel like moving a muscle after all the good food I ate at the Collins place. AGAIN Mom couldn't figure out her GPS and got all smiley for a minute when we entered Orange County. She thought we had found a shortcut to California. It turned out it was Orange County, New York, not Orange County, California. We had to keep on going until we had walked 16 miles, all the way to New Jersey!

By the way, they have crazy weather here in Sussex County. As soon as we crossed the state line, the sky got dark, we heard big thunderclaps and down came the rain. Mom was a wreck after that one. Maybe that's why she decided not to walk this weekend. We finally get to take it easy! I met some new horses, Chip and Jewel, at MaryAnn's place, and they are filling me in on all the gossip. I might let you in on all that horse news tomorrow, but for now, I'm in dreamland. Love, Winnie

Adventures June 23 through June 27

On Tuesday, June 23, Winnie and I set out to conquer Mt. Craigsmor, taking Route 52 over the hill to Pine Bush, NY. Before we began the ascent, Joyce Anderson surprised us at the Ellenville Park with fortifying sandwiches and plenty of water. Winnie had a great attitude about the climb and enjoyed the views of the Hudson Valley below. At one scenic overlook, we met Correctional Officer George Paradise, who smiled when he heard that our ultimate destination is Paradise, CA.

On the downhill side, we met the Schuberts, Ralph Senior and Jr., who brought a bucket of water for Winnie and ran to the local store for ice to cool our drinks (yes, Winnie prefers her water iced on a hot day).
Later on, we met Lucy Muller near an ice cream parlor, who got teary-eyed when she saw how pretty Winnie looked, black coat shining in the sun. She thanked me for rescuing Winnie, and I explained how Winnie has rescued me, not the other way around. All these people and others along the way gave us monetary gifts and encouragement to boost us on. A good thing, because we thought we were doing 15 miles that day, but it turned out to be 18, not to mention the climb over the big hill in the heat of the day (Sorry New York! I have trouble calling the hills in the East "mountains" because I'm from out West, where we have the Rockies and Sierras). Still, we arrived at Roy Czop's place before dark, and he proved a most gracious host for Miss Winnie, who by then was ready to enjoy his lawn and bed down for the night in a comfortable stall. We also want to thank Dr. Gill and his grandson, Andrew Quintana at Gill Standardbred Farm, for providing hay and bedding for Winnie to enjoy that night.

The next day we headed out from Roy's to Redgate Farm in Bloomingburg, NY, which we thought was only 6.5 miles away, but proved to be twice that distance! Winnie's major accomplishment that day was to bravely venture forth into an Interstate 84 underpass with rumbling truck noise overhead. She earned a fat stud muffin on the other side, where we took a break at the Quikway Diner, owned by Redgate Farm's Teek Prasad. Our host was found by fan Cheryl Wolf, who saw us on the road the day before and made numerous calls on our behalf.

We were greeted at Redgate by Margie Sanchez, who paid for motel rooms for Mister Albino and me that night! Kris Klim, another boarder at Redgate, gave me a much appreciated bareback pad for Winnie.

On Thursday, we needed a short hike after two killer days. Luckily our next host lived only 6 miles from Redgate. Tracy and Peter Collins greeted us in Middletown, NY, with refreshing ice tea, followed by a fabulous vegetarian cookout.

Winnie gorged on grass, carrots and apples, while Mister Albino and I enjoyed veggie lasagna, salad, skewered vegetables, corn and the best homemade potato leek soup ever created, courtesy of Tracy's culinary skill!

Right before sunset, a storm started to brew, so we hurried Winnie across the street, where neighbors loaned Winnie their horse's paddock for the night. The next day we enjoyed a hearty breakfast sendoff, and Tracy packed a lunch for us of luscious fruit, salad and cheese.

Friday proved to be a real test of our endurance. Again we underestimated the distance, and 14 miles turned into 16. Before we reached our destination, we were caught in an incredible, thunderous downpour. Lightening streaked the sky and branches flew around us, but Winnie remained calm, which helped calm me down, too. I didn't want to proceed under any power lines during the downpour, so both horse and I stayed put and endured the drenching for at least fifteen or twenty minutes before moving on. I was soaked to the core.

Mister Albino watched helplessly from his position in the follow car and later got stuck himself, due to a fallen tree. After pulling it aside just enough to let Winnie and me through, he had to find another route for the car. He found us a few minutes later, trekking the final half mile toward our destination in Sussex, NJ.

Because Winnie worried Mom by acting reluctant to trek all day yesterday, we are taking a few days off. Winnie is hosted by the lovely MaryAnn Donegan. Today MaryAnn's farrier took a look at Winnie's feet, and evened her off a bit. Her hooves look good, but Winnie seems a bit sore in her back end, so MaryAnn's vet will examine her on Monday. Until then, we are parked and enjoying a much needed rest.

Best Organic Vegeys in the Hudson Valley!

Today Winnie and I made our way back to John and Christy Adams' organic farm in Wawarsing and enjoyed a delicious meal of home grown organic vegeys, lentil soup, and strawberry shortcake! Winnie is having her own feast outside the tent tonight. I really enjoy hearing her munch the grass. I'll keep this short, as we have a 15 mile day planned for tomorrow, with lots of hill climbing. Hope I can manage it. If Winnie keeps eating all night, she may find she can't get up the mountain either!

Winnie Admires the View on Dunn Farm Road

This morning we had a break from rain and I rode Winnie bareback down Dunn Hill Farm Road. She seemed to enjoy the sights. When we got to Boice Mill Road, I had to dismount to lead her past the raging river and falls there. A nice gent out walking with a friend gave me a boost back onto her back--gone are the days when I could vault up without a stirrup (sigh!). We continued down Boice Mill Road until it met a busier street, then turned back the way we came. This time Winnie walked right by the noisy river and earned a stud muffin for bravery.

Tomorrow we plan to set out again on our walk, and will head back toward Ellenville on Berme Road. Tuesday we expect to make it to Pine Bush, NY, where we have a host, and then on to Sussex, NJ, if all goes well. Winnie gets to walk naked and I may ride her bareback on the quiet roads, to save my feet. Mister Albino will drive the chase car with our gear, because of Winnie's saddle sore.

After Sussex, NJ, we will be looking for hosts along Route 209 through Pennsylvania. If you have a barn, field, or paddock for Winnie, she needs a place to rest at night and has her health certificate in order. She has no vices, but for the record, she has a million dollar liability policy, too, courtesy of Mister Albino.


Thanks to all of you that are helping us make our way forward. I can't say enough about the generosity of Myron at Loosestrife Farm, who took care of Winnie and special thanks, too, to Joyce Anderson, who put me up for days at her home. That darling little pony, is her mini, Dakota! Isn't she precious?!

Catskill Animal Sanctuary

Today Joyce Anderson took me to visit the Catskill Animal Sanctuary, where I met the Director, Kathy Stevens, and her dedicated staff. At CAS, abused and neglected livestock are rescued, nursed back to health, showered with love, and some find forever homes. Today I met blind horses, horses that had survived incredible neglect, and horses that were rescued from abuse. I also met goats, pigs, cows, chickens, turkeys, and geese, among other wonderful animals. The suffering these animals endured before rescue left me wondering about their owners. I do not understand how some humans can be so devoid of feeling that they allow their animals to stay penned in filthy stalls for years, how they can allow them to starve to death, or why they mistreat them in any way at all. With the loving efforts of CAS staff and volunteers, most of the animals at the sanctuary come back to a measure of health and learn to trust humans again.

Before visiting the Sanctuary, I visited my Winnie. After doctoring her saddle sore, she gave me a bare back ride down Krum Road to Dunn Farm Road and back again. We met fans Carol and Bob along the way, who gave carrots to Winnie. Winnie's host, Myron of Loosestrife Farm, also passed us on the road. Winnie enjoys all the attention and got very excited when Joyce brought the local Ellenville paper to her and said, "You're on the front page!" I think she likes being a celebrity.

Winnie Backtracks

Winnie and I had to retrace our steps and return to Norwegian Wood Farm in Kerhonkson. We had a lovely stay at John and Christie Adams place, but I needed a secure paddock for Winnie until I could figure out what to do about a saddle sore on her left whither. Today I woke up to steady rain, and decided she needed a stall to help her sore dry out, so I backtracked further, to Loosestrife Farm, where soft-hearted Myron had a stall waiting for her AGAIN. I rode Winnie bareback part of the way, and was met by my host, Joyce Anderson, at the barn. Joyce prepared a lovely pasta dinner tonight and I met her friends Carol and Bob. Joyce is very involved with the Catskill Animal Sanctuary in Saugerties and we may visit there tomorrow. Rain is expected to continue all weekend, so we will rest and wait for the return of "Mister Albino" on Monday, who is busy with the fan club mailings in CT. He has been drafted to drive a chase car with our gear, so Winnie can walk naked and heal. I contacted Outfitter's Supply today and will be ordering a different tree for Winnie, too. We need to get the girl comfortable for packing! A BIG THANK YOU goes out to all the folks in Kerhonkson who are helping us here, so Winnie can get better and we can continue walking.

From the Tent, From the Field

Last night Winnie stayed at Norwegian Wood Farm, courtesy of Wally and Cori Nichols. Today we packed up and headed down Berme Road. A kind man named Erik, looking for two red hogs that had escaped from his farm, stopped his car and asked about us. He then introduced Winnie and me to John and Christie Adams, who let us camp in their field tonight. We enjoyed a great dinner from John's organic garden and now I am writing this blog from my tent. Winnie is outside munching grass, sideline hobbled. We are on battery so this blog will be short.

Lovely Loosestrife Farm

After Mary and Sundae left to return to Massachusetts, Winnie settled in to graze the yummy pasture grass at Loosestrife Farm. Kind Myron showed me around the barn and let me put Winnie's tack in his tack room. After a much needed bath, I enjoyed a delicious dinner prepared by Myron's sweet wife, Jean. I was tired that night and slept a full eight hours on a very comfortable bed in their lovely home.

In the morning, Jean made eggs and bagels for breakfast. Then I went out to the barn to start packing up Winnie, thinking to head toward Ellenville. Myron gave me three phone numbers and told me to call him if I got stuck en route.

Shortly after we left Loosestrife, Mark, aka "Mister Albino" (President of Winnie's Fan Club) found us walking down the road toward Route 209. He had a new phone for me, clean laundry, and cards from family in honor of my 57th birthday (Saturday, June 13). Mark, Winnie and I spent most of the afternoon hanging around the CITGO station at the corner of Route 209 and Queen's Highway, trying to arrange for hosts further down the road. Winnie and I hadn't found one by 4:30, so Mister Albino decided to rent a room for us at the Colonial Motel. He drove back to Loosestrife and asked Myron if Winnie could stay another day or two, while we searched for hosts in the area. Without hesitation, Myron welcomed Winnie back into his beautiful barn.
As Winnie and I were walking back to Loosestrife, we were stopped on the road by a woman who linked us up with Joyce Anderson. By the time we reached the barn, Joyce was there to meet us and offer any help we needed. She turned out to be another of my angels, arranging a farrier to check Winnie's feet, where a heel rub had developed. Joyce, who spends much of her time rescuing animals, also contacted some reporters in hopes of getting Winnie's story out. I had two interviews today, so perhaps we can get the word out about the worth of the American Mustang, and how important it is to save these beautiful horses. We also hope to get some hosts further down the road, once people learn about us. We are still looking for places to stay in the towns along New York Route 209, between Kerhonkson and Port Jervis.
Let me backtrack to my birthday for a moment. While waiting at the CITGO station that day, several friendly folks stopped to ask about Winnie. One family across the street (Greg, his wife Susan and their daughter) offered Winnie a bucket of water and let her graze on their lawn. Another man, Gary, posed for a photo with her. Darling little Maddie stopped with her mom and her grandma, who got teary-eyed admiring Winnie's beauty, and gave me $10. We immediately spent it on juice, coffee, tea, Coke and cake at the CITGO station, a funny lunch! Later, Mark treated me to a proper and very tasty birthday dinner at the local Candle Light Restaurant, followed by New York cheesecake.
Today we left Loosestrife, but not before Nurse Robin, who helps around the barn in exchange for riding privileges, made Winnie a donut lift to keep the pressure off her sore spot. It seems every time we need help with something, the right person appears to cure the problem. Myron also gave Winnie a new fly hat in his barn's yellow color, since Winnie lost hers somewhere on the road. Speaking of road losses, on Friday I lost my eyeglasses and on my birthday, Mark found them, but I'll let him tell you about that miracle in his own post!

Crossing the Hudson Courtesy of Mary Hatt

On Thursday, June 11, Mary Hatt from Rock Creek Farm in Pelham, MA, drove out to North Egremont to trailer Winnie over the Hudson. She brought along Winnie's BFF, Sundae, so the two mares could catch up on barn gossip and munch grass together.

Just as we were loaded and about to leave for the Hudson Crossing, Mary noticed one of the trailer tires had gone flat. Out came the horses. We called for help and a wonderful fellow came with the right size tire to replace the bad one. We reloaded the mares and off we went, intent upon crossing via the Rip Van Winkle bridge. That done, we headed down Route 32 toward High Falls, NY, to Duchess Farm, where we were graciously hosted by Debbie and Michael Warren and their two daughters, Misha and Chantal. The barn, pasture, and arena at Duchess Farm could not have been more posh; I'm sure our horses thought they'd landed at the Ritz! Debbie and her daughters then proceeded to feed Mary and me the most delicious assortment of fresh fruit, cheeses and breads that you can imagine. A big thank you goes out to them for this, and for all the help they gave us the following day while we tried to find our route down the rail trail.
On Friday, Misha saddled up to get us started, and later, when we found the trail blocked due to a missing bridge, another angel appeared--Eunice of the Rail Trail Committee. We met Eunice out there, busy clearing brush, and she left her work to become our second guide that day. She invited us to her house for the most refreshing ice tea I ever tasted, and another spread of fruit. Then she saddled up her beautiful Tennessee Walker, Blue Solitaire, and led us past the blocked area, across some challenging water crossings.

After Eunice turned toward home, Mary and I dismounted to walk down busy Lucas Turnpike and Route 209 to Loosestrife Farm in Kerhonkson. Misha had driven the trailer there, so Mary could load Sundae without riding all the way back to Duchess Farm. With our trail and directional problems, we covered 13 miles that day, so a big thank you goes out to Misha and her mom, Debbie for moving the trailer and taking care of Mary's dogs, too!
Please see our Picassa Album on Our Photos page for more pictures from our adventures on Thursday and Friday, June 11 and 12.

Winnie Makes New Friends

From Monterey, MA, Winnie and I continued on our walk down Route 23 toward Great Barrington. At the entrance to the Appalachian Trail, we paused in the pouring rain for a photo of the sign. (The sign failed to mention that horses are not allowed on the Appalachian Trail.) Winnie behaved like a pro as we made our way through busy Great Barrington to take a break at the Berkshire Co-op. The kind manager there brought Winnie a bucket of water. Another kind woman brought tea and a cookie for Ann, much appreciated! Meanwhile, a reporter from the Berkshire Recorder interviewed Ann while Winnie entertained more fans and sampled the grass across the street from the Co-op.

We pushed on through town, and found ourselves in the country again. At one point a herd of more than a hundred young steers and heifers stampeded down a hill to get a look at Winnie. She stayed calm, and when we walked on, the whole herd followed us as far as the pasture fence would allow, mooing all the way. I told Winnie she'd achieved the rank of head mare for a whole herd of youngsters!

After 13 miles we arrived at our destination in North Egremont, to be hosted by sweet Elizabeth, her daughter and a barnyard full of new friends for Winnie. We thought she would like Belle the donkey best, but she seemed to take to Hazel the cow more, probably due to her earlier experience with the herd of youngsters. We had a lovely stay at Elizabeth's, helping Lila celebrate her 5th birthday with Elinor and her mom, Kristin. The next day, Anna from Blue Rider Stable stopped by to meet Winnie and I learned about the wonderful work they do there, using rescue horses for therapeutic riding.

Yesterday afternoon, Mister Albino came for a visit and took us to hunt down a front lift pad for Winnie's sawbuck. We got great service from Tim at Country Tack in Lanesboro, MA. Visit their web site at Country Tack.

Looking for hosts between Leeds and Kerhonkson, NY

Good news! Camera found and we will be doing a blog with photos later today, so everyone can get an update on our travel adventures! Winnie and I are currently looking for stabling for 2 horses (Winnie and her BFF Sundae) between Leeds and Kerhonkson, NY, for the night of June 11. Mary Hatt, who owns Sundae, will be trailering Winnie across the Hudson River tomorrow, so we won't have to use a police escort and hold up traffic across the bridge. We will start walking again on the other side of the river, with Mary and Sundae, if we can find a place to park Mary's trailer for a day or two. Our horses need a place to stay also, and we can pay for stabling if no host is found. It would be nice if someone could host the two human companions on June 11 and June 12. Alternately, we can camp with our horses, if someone will lend their field or tell us of campgrounds in the area that allow horse camping. Both horses are trained to highline. Thanks for your help NEW YORK!

Therapeutic Riding with Icelandic Horses!

Sorry we have no pictures to share this time. Our Lumanix camera went missing on Day Two (Tue, June 2) of the walk, somewhere between the Bay Rd/Rte 9 intersection and the end of our route. If you find it, please contact mark@walkingwithwinnie.com and he will arrange to have it returned to us. Thanks in advance for your help with this!

After the 13 miler we walked that day, I had to rest Winnie, due to a developing saddle sore, and Winnie had to rest me because I "came up lame." Winnie got bag balm and saddle adjusting; I got cortisone shots in both feet. Because of our lack of fitness, we stayed in Southampton from Tuesday night until Saturday afternoon. Barb surprised me with an offer to trail ride with her on our last morning there, she on her Tenn Walker, Sterling, and me on her husband's Appaloosa, Stetson. On Saturday evening, I accepted Barb's offer to trailer us beyond the Blanford ski slopes to the home of our next gracious host.

We enjoyed a party at our new location in Monterey, MA, courtesy of the vivacious Esther and her accommodating husband, John. Winnie settled into a little "guest paddock" in the backyard while neighbors and friends helped John and Esther put out a fabulous feast. We met Katheryn and Mark, who own the Icelandic horse farm on Art School Road, and next door neighbor, Beth, who teaches therapeutic riding there. We also met Johnny, Beth's nephew (quite the young horseman and a gentleman, too), who proves his worth daily by helping around the farm.

This morning I hopped on Winnie's bare back and rode her the 3 mile distance to the Roberts Woods Farm. Winnie did not over-react to the pet pigs near the entrance, and soon became a bit of a pig herself--she got to gorge on pasture grass all day while I learned about the riding program. Beth introduced me to Robin, the assistant, and I studied their patient and positive way with young riders. Later I got to ride with T.J., a student who was ready to tackle the track. What a thrill! I soon figured out how to put my mare into the tolt, and wished my mom, Winnie, could see me riding an Icelandic horse like the one she rode during the years my father was posted in Reykjavik.

Tomorrow Winnie and I plan to hit the road again, where we will look for a host in Great Barrington or Egremont near to Highway 23, as we move closer to the New York border. Thanks go out again to all the kind people who are helping us along the way!

Winnie Walks and Makes the News!

While packing up Winnie for the first day of the walk, two t.v. news stations arrived at the barn to cover the story. One aired yesterday on ABC and you can see it by clicking on the title of today's blog or use this link:
http://www.abc40tv.com/Global/story.asp?s=10467316

Winnie, my daughter, and I walked about ten miles the first day, from Pelham to Hadley. Mary Hatt from Rock Creek Farm gave us quite the send off, inviting well-wishers to share a good-bye cake. Winnie's new pal, Chiquita, and her mom rode beside us part of the way. Other fans greeted us along our route. Our long time friends, Lori and Dr. Cornish, met us at the South Amherst Common, where we crossed over to Pomeroy Street and headed toward Moody Bridge Road. We met "Sparky," a Native American woman, who gave us gifts and offered us tips for fighting exhaustion. Four young girls alerted their dad to stop the car when they saw us and said they were Winnie fans. More well wishers waved as we passed through their neighborhoods, and one kind man offered Winnie a bucket of water, which she enjoyed.

Day two proved more difficult. We wanted to use the Norwottick Rail Trail to cross the Connecticut River, but our special use application was denied by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. Instead we had to cross on the main Coolidge Bridge with all the car traffic! Luckily the friendly Hadley Police Department provided an escort, thanks to the Police Chief, who sent one of his officers, Adam, to assist us. While waiting for the escort, Winnie enjoyed the grass at Long Radio on Route 9, and, due to their gracious hospitality, also got a cool bucket of water! Mister Albino, President of Winnie's Fan Club, and horse lover, Karin O'Brien and her daughter, served as road crew for the rest of the afternoon.

Once we got beyond the bridge, some kind fans on Ferry Street helped us determine the best route through downtown Northampton, offered restroom relief, and water. Winnie kept calm throughout the day, even in downtown NoHo during rush hour, except for one minor "spook" shortly before we conquered busy Route 10. Apparently the metallic fringe flags at a car dealership looked pretty scary to her, whipping in the wind. I was thankful for the breeze after a long, hot afternoon of hiking.

The last couple of miles challenged Winnie, my daughter (JayaMae) and me. Winnie asked to be unloaded, and Mister Albino and Karin O'Brien took her pack into their cars. JayaMae had to ride with Karin for a few blocks while she ate an energy bar, and once she recovered, I put her in charge of Winnie, so I could lag behind for the final mile. The ten miles we planned on had somehow turned into 13, due to my great math and routing skills. Winnie is thinking this is going to be a very long trip to California.

I have so many folks to thank for the help we received on our first two days of the walk--I want to say here how much the buckets, bottles of water, tea, energy bars, and kind words of encouragement have meant to us along our route. Thanks to all those drivers who patiently tolerated the backup created by our Coolidge Bridge crossing, motorcyclists who softened their engine noise, truckers who passed wide, and cars that slowed down.

Big thanks go to Karin O'Brien and to Mark McPartland, for serving like true heroes yesterday. Winnie wants to tell Nancy how much she is enjoying the space to roll at Carrier Farm. Thanks especially to Barb Macon and her husband, Jeff, who are hosting us with the most astonishing hospitality I've ever experienced, and who have given us additional days to rest and recover. We expect to resume travel on Friday or Saturday.

Today we were interviewed at Carrier Farm by Kala Rama of NBC.