Winnie to be Examined at Ohio State

This morning Winnie and I practiced a few ground exercises, to keep her limber and alleviate boredom. Before we returned from the barn, Dr. Margaret Mudge from Ohio State University returned a call I made earlier and listened to my concerns about Winnie. She said a team of veterinarians could examine Winnie next week.

Courtesy of Dave Balz of the Wyandot County Equine Rescue, Winnie will trailer to the Daniel M. Galbreath Equine Trauma Research Center for a kinetic gait analysis. This test will better determine if her lameness is due to a musculoskeletal problem or a neurological problem or a combination of both. Hopefully, the team of doctors there will be able to isolate the area that is troubling her and recommend a treatment program. Alicia L. Bertone, DVM, PhD, has conducted interesting research in this area. See the article written by Stacey Oke, DVM, at www.thehorse.com "Lame or Ataxic? Kinetic Gait Analysis Can Tell"

We hope to put Winnie on a trailer headed toward California by the end of next week. We are able to do this, thanks to the fund-raising efforts of our good friend and former host, Joyce Anderson, of Kerhonkson, New York. She and her family and friends have made it possible for us to hire a professional hauler to take Winnie across country.

This evening Winnie enjoyed a dinner of grain and hay, and Mister Albino made sure she and her injured neighbor, Blake, had fresh water to keep them cool tonight. Over the weekend I will exercise her more in preparation for her test on Tuesday.

Vet Prescribes Rest for Winnie

Winnie and I started our Monday early, so she could enjoy a breakfast of grass and I could enjoy another bareback ride before taking her for her afternoon appointment with the vet. Winnie didn't seem to mind me on her back at a walk or a trot. Her lameness might not be noticed except by a trained eye, but I could tell it was still there by the slight wobble in her step.

Dixieland Drummer, a race horse recuperating at Wyandot County Equine Rescue from a fractured cannon bone, rode in the trailer with Winnie to the University of Findlay campus. Big-hearted "Dixie" won his first race, but sacrificed his leg in the effort, and was sent to equally big-hearted Dave Balz at the rescue facility, in hopes of saving his life. Dave wanted x-rays taken of Dixie's leg, to see how well the horse has healed since the accident on May 30.



After the horses were unloaded at University Equine Veterinary Services, Dave introduced us to veterinarian Rick Henninger, who would examine both horses. Winnie went first.

I discussed Winnie's case with Dr. Henninger, who gave Winnie a flex test and watched her trot back and forth on a hard surface, and then on the lunge line in the softer arena. Back on the concrete flooring, Dr. Henninger grabbed Winnie's tail to pull her off balance a couple of times, to see how well she would recover when thrown off her stance. He also had his assistant turn her in tight circles while he watched how she handled her feet. He could see the slight drag and stiffness in the hind end, particularly on the right side. She had a bit of clumsiness on her left side, too, and asked me if Winnie has shown any signs of illness. Since she hasn't had any fever or gone off her feed since I adopted her, Dr. Henninger did not think a test for EPM or herpes was warranted. He explained that if she were diseased, her lameness would progress in spite of rest. In Winnie's case, rest improves her condition, which means it is more likely the lameness is caused by soft tissue wear and tear.



The vet suspects that the repetitive task of walking several hours and days in a row, for long distances, could be the reason for Winnie's lameness, even though we trained and prepared for the walk from March through May. We discussed the possibility of giving Winnie bute and resting her for two or three weeks, then putting her to the task again, to see if the lameness returns.

I then asked the vet about the possibility that Winnie is too young for the job I am asking her to do, and he said that this might be true.

Certainly I do not want to risk causing further pain, injury, or permanent damage to my horse, and after giving it some more thought on the way home from the exam, I decided it would be in Winnie's best interest to discontinue the walk altogether. I fear the lameness will return if I resume the same schedule of work. It would be better to trailer Winnie the distance west, and let her recover over a six-month period.

This is what I must do for my horse, in spite of the disappointment it brings. I expect Winnie's fans will remain loyal, even though she only achieved ten percent of her intended miles across the USA. At least we made it over the Pennsylvania line, met and heard from many wonderful people, and hopefully, brought attention to the plight of the mustang horse, America's National Treasure.

Thanks to all those folks who have helped us on our way, hosted us, raised money for our effort, and cheered us on. We are sorry we will miss meeting those who agreed to host us along the American Discovery Trail from Cincinnati to Dodge City, and from the Santa Fe Trail to points further west. I am especially disappointed to miss this part of the trip, where we would spend less time in traffic and more time on trail, enjoying the view across the Western horizon.

As for Dixie, his future is uncertain, and after looking at his x-rays, Dr. Henninger recommended six additional weeks of rest. Dave also told the doctor about the horse that injured himself over the weekend (see last Saturday's blog entry), and his future is also uncertain. For now, he remains in the stall next to Winnie, and they have become friends.

At present I am working on making arrangements for Winnie's trailer ride from Carey, Ohio to Reno, Nevada, where my daughter can pick us up with her friend's trailer. I will continue to blog about our journey until we arrive in Paradise, and from there, I hope to network with local folk who want to protect horses, rescue abused animals, and save the Mustangs. While I cannot know what is in store for Winnie and me, I still have faith that God knows what he is doing with us. We must surrender to the circumstances as they are presented, and try to make the best choice for Winnie.

97 Years Young

Yesterday and today Winnie got worked in preparation for her exam tomorrow. This is because her lameness only shows up after consecutive days of exercise, and disappears with rest. Yesterday we walked 7.5 miles together. Today we started with some free lunging at a trot, followed by a five mile bareback ride at a walk. While we were out, Winnie and I enjoyed the big vistas and the Ohio farmland scenery.



After my ride, Mister Albino drove me 63 miles south for a visit with my father and his wife, Ginny. At my dad's house, a letter was waiting for me, sent by former host, Joyce Anderson. Inside I found a very generous money order to help pay for Winnie's trailer ride to California, which I expect the vet will recommend. Please see our Thank You page for a list of contributors.

In the evening Mister Albino and I were treated to a dinner out, courtesy of Dad and Ginny, and Ginny's grown children and grandchildren.

Blake Cuts His Leg Open

This morning Mister Albino went to say hello to the horses in the back paddock at Wyandot County Equine Rescue and noticed that one of them had a bloody leg. He called me to take a look at it and I immediately phoned the office to let them know a horse had been injured. While waiting for Dave, the Director, and his assistant, Laura, to arrive, I managed to get a halter on the paint horse and separate him from the rest of the herd. No one knows how he did it, but "Blake" had severed a tendon! After he was sedated, Laura and I walked the very sleepy fellow to the upper barn, where Dave sewed him up and wrapped his wound.

After that excitement, I needed a cup of Red Rose tea to settle me down. Mister Albino made lunch, and then we took Winnie on a walk past the corn fields, up to the Point Drive-In, where all three of us enjoyed softie cones. By the time we got back, Blake, in the stall next to Winnie's, looked much better. Winnie gave him a nose kiss and told him to get well soon!

Setting a New Fashion Trend in the Herd

Today I decided to make a fashion statement to impress the other horses here at Wyandot County Equine Rescue. I've always thought the key to fashion is accessorize, accessorize, accessorize. I needed something to go with my extremely chic fly mask, and I thought, "Wouldn't fly repelling bracelets be perfect?!" Luckily I had some saved for a special occasion. They were a gift from one of my young fans, Little Lisa of Montague, New Jersey. Mom put them on and the effect was stunning. Mr. Albino was so impressed that he's going to look for a Gucci set in red!

Oh! OHIO! Albino Returns!

Hi Fans!

Today, thanks to Tammy and her trailer, I got a ride all the way to Ohio! It was raining when we left, but the sun came out by the time Mom unloaded me in Upper Sandusky. Someone please explain to me why Upper Sandusky is below Sandusky. Tammy couldn't explain it. Mom couldn't explain it. Even Mister Albino, who was born in the state of Ohio, couldn't explain it.

Speaking of Mister Albino, today he drove all the way from Connecticut to be with me while I take my vet exam. He went home to take care of Fan Club duties while I traveled through Pennsylvania, but today he came back! I was so happy to see him.



Mom and I have fine accommodations here at Wyandot County Equine Rescue Facility thanks to the Director David Balz. He gave us a warm greeting and introduced us to his helper Laura, and the 30 rescue horses here. I am getting to know them and they are quite friendly.



I earned three stud muffins today for walking nicely into the trailer for Mom. Tomorrow Mom will go to see her Daddy who lives about an hour from here. He is 97 years young and Mom told me he once knew a mustang named Billy that he loved a lot. No surprise there, we mustangs are very lovable when you get to know us.

Tonight I enjoyed some hay and a beautiful sunset. You can see more sky here, and it helps me feel at home. It reminds me of the wide horizons out west, where I used to run with my herd.

Fun Day in Amish Country

These are Tammy's baby goats. Aren't they darling?

Today we went to an Amish feed and harness shop and got Winnie's rigging attached to the new adjustable tree, purchased from Outfitter's Supply. If Winnie's lameness proves minor, she might wear her new pack saddle before long and get to continue her walk across America. Her saddle sore has healed up.

After returning from the harness shop, Winnie and I walked part way behind Tammy (on Joe) and Cricket (on Stitch), as they set out for a lengthy trail ride. The bugs in the field were bothering Winnie, so we only followed them about a mile and then turned back toward the barn.



Tomorrow, with God's blessing, Tammy will drive us out to Wyandot County in Ohio, 175 miles from New Wilmington, so we can find out what is wrong with Winnie's leg. I've really enjoyed my visit with her, her husband Mark, and their son Andrew, who celebrated his 22nd birthday today. Happy Birthday Andrew!

Will We Find a Ride to Reno?

That's Winnie, looking a bit melancholy when she realized it was time to leave her boyfriend, Bo, and travel to New Wilmington, PA. The Miller Family drove Winnie to her new destination: Tammy Perkins' place. Soon after we arrived, she perked up and made friends with the goats and horses here, sampled the hay, and decided all would be all right.

We are wondering if anyone is traveling from Ohio to the Western States Mustang and Burro Expo that takes place in Reno, Nevada from August 21-23? After Winnie's examination next Monday, if the vet declares her unfit to finish the walk across the USA, we will be looking for a ride west. We can contribute our fair share to gas and expenses along the way. Contact ann@walkingwithwinnie.com if you will be going that way around the middle of August.

My daughter, Isha JayaMae, lives in Paradise, CA, about 3 hours from Reno. She can come with a trailer and pick us up from there. Thanks again, everyone, for all your help!

Goats Would Be Goners If Not For Jodi

Hi Fans!

Here are three of my new friends. I am so glad Jodi Miller, our host, rescued them from someone who wanted to shoot them. She raised them on a bottle because they were taken from their momma when only two days old. Now they have a happy life here with Jodi and her family. I love goats.



That's me the other day, meeting Mandy's new goat. Goats are very clean and very friendly and should be allowed to live happily, just like horses should be allowed to live happily.



Speaking of horses, I am really crazy about that big red Walker, Bo. That's him in the picture with Jodi. He's my current heart-throb. What a hunk! He likes me, too. We will be sad to part ways tomorrow, but Mom says I have to go further west. Jodi is driving us to Tammy Perkin's farm in Mercer, PA. On Thursday, Tammy will take me to the Wyandot Equine Rescue Facility in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. My right hip and leg have been giving me some trouble and Mom wants to find out why. I don't mind the veterinarians much. They're usually very nice. I am going next Monday for a thorough exam. Dave Balz, the Director, arranged everything for us. Mom and Mister Albino will be there so I don't get worried about anything. Mom says lots of people are praying for me to get better.

As for us, we are still praying for our friend Eunice, the rail trail guide back in High Falls, NY, to get well quick. About a month ago, she fell from a horse and hit her head on the pavement. I remember her. She put sugar out with the ice tea and didn't get upset when I helped myself to it and dumped over the lemon bowl in the process. She's a nice lady.

Casey and Her Trick Pony

Today Casey showed me some of the tricks she trained her pony to perform. Prince is a stallion who refuses to let anyone but Casey ride him. Casey, only 14, has a secure seat, natural style, and lots of talent!

Casey's sister Michaela is also completely comfortable with her pony. Here she is relaxing on her pony's rump under mom Mandy's watchful eye.

This afternoon Winnie and I traveled further west, to Emlenton, PA, courtesy of Cynthia Seigworth, who made a special trip out to Corsica to fetch us! BIG THANKS go out to Cindy for helping us today!

4H Fun Show/Madera to Corsica to Emlenton, PA

Yesterday I had tons of fun watching my host's daughter, Emily, and her black pony, Gypsy, compete in the 4H Fun Show. I tried to help out at the concession stand, and when not busy there, I got to watch the classes. Many talented young riders, including Emily's friend, Lydia, participated in a series of gymkhana games.

After the show was over, Sonya helped me load a reluctant Winnie into her trailer for a ride to Mandy's place in Corsica. Mandy's girls, Michaela and Casey, are good riders, too. This afternoon, I'll be off to Emlenton, PA.

HR 1018 PASSES! OFF TO MADERA, PA

Today we heard that HR 1018 passed, which is good news for our free-roaming horses! Winnie says "Thank You" to all those who called or emailed their representatives.

Today Winnie and I left Gail and her beautiful Tennessee Walkers and traveled by trailer to Madera, PA, to meet our new friends Sonya, Emily, Cody, Dave and their wonderful animals. Emily will enter her trusty pony in a 4-H show tomorrow and her Mom, Sonya, will help us trailer on to our next destination!

Tonight Winnie and the other horses here enjoyed stud muffins while I got to try the best tasting pizza and salad dinner in all of Pennsylvania! Thanks to everyone helping us here and across the map, and thank you especially for your prayers. We hope to get to Ohio and find help for Winnie by next week.

First Fan Club Members Come to Visit Me!

Hi Fans!
Yesterday afternoon, Jane and her grand-daughter came to the Fronhert Farm to visit me! Mom groomed me and brought me out of the pasture to say hello. I was so happy to have visitors. Now that I'm not able to do the walk, I worry that my fans will think I've let them down. I wish I could continue, because even though I like to eat a lot, I'm getting a bit bored. Mom is so busy trying to get trailer rides for me, she doesn't spend as many hours per day at my side. I'm getting lonely.

Jane and her husband Joe were the first folks to sign up for my fan club, other than Mom's colt, Darshan, who wanted to test the fan club button when he designed the web site. He likes to say he is my Number One Fan because of this, but Jane and Joe were the first non-family folks to sign up. They didn't know me back in April, but they believed Mom and I could walk and wanted to help us.

Joe was still at work so I didn't get to meet him, but Jane and Ilyssa brought me a fabulous bath sponge as a gift, so I wouldn't feel too sad about not meeting him. They told me all about the horses at their farm: three gaited horses and Ilyssa's quarter horse, who has to trot to keep up with the others. The gaited horses span the breeds: a Tennessee Walker, a Missouri Fox Trotter, and a Saddlebred!

Tomorrow we are going to Madera, PA, via trailer, and on Saturday we are going to entertain some girls at a 4H club event. I hope they make a big fuss over me.

Here at Gail's house, I enjoyed the grass and flirted with the cute boys in the next pasture. Mom had fun chatting with Gail about her animals: five Tennessee Walkers, several cats and dogs, five birds, two miniature horses and a burro--there's even a pot-bellied pig kept as a pet!

Looking for Trailer Ride from Duncannon to Madera, PA

Yesterday afternoon Lynn and I spent time with Jack Meagher's book, "Beating Muscle Injuries for Horses," and tried to isolate the areas that are bothering Winnie. Sharran Warran, an equine and medical massage therapist, wrote in and suggested I take a look at the book and put pressure on some key points on Winnie's frame. She definitely reacted on the right side, especially to pressure in the area of the gastrocnemius muscle.

Today, courtesy of Lynn's generosity, we will trailer to another host in Duncannon, PA. From there we will be looking for a trailer ride to Madera, PA, as we try to move closer to Ohio. In Ohio, we can get Winnie re-evaluated during our layover near Columbus.

A BIG THANK YOU goes out to my friend and former host in New York, who has already raised $600 to help us get from Columbus, OH to Paradise, CA. Thanks to everyone who has donated to help Winnie and me make our way to family out west.

Sunday report

Today my host, Lynn Harleman, let me ride her beautiful horse, Rainsweeper, while Winnie grazed happily in the pasture. At least there is nothing wrong with Winnie's appetite!

Thank you to everyone writing in and offering advice and help. Lynn offered to get us to the Harrisburg, PA area. From there we need to get to Stuebensville, OH. If we can get to Stuebensville, or to East Liverpool or Canton, Ohio, Dave from the Wyandot County Equine Rescue can pick us up and house us while we have Winnie examined and plan our next step. The Wyandot County Equine Rescue is located near my dad's home, which means I can visit my 97-year-old father, too. I haven't seen him for three years, and it would mean a lot to both of us if I could spend some time with him.

WINNIE COMES UP LAME

On Friday, after only five miles of walking, I noticed Winnie seemed to be dragging a foot. This is not the first time that I've noticed a slight drag in gait. In New Jersey I sensed a problem after we had walked 63 miles in a single week. When I arrived at my host's place that Friday, I asked her to call a vet for me. The vet could not come to examine Winnie until Monday. By then, she had rested two days and seemed better. Still, he did a flex test and thought the problem might be in her right stifle. He administered a cortisone shot and also took blood for a Lyme test, which came up negative.

This week we only walked three days in a row, and no more than 9 miles in a single day, but the problem has reappeared. This time the drag is more evident, and the left side seems as affected as the right. Today Winnie rested and seems better this evening, but I believe the lameness will continue to show up with work, particularly if we walk on consecutive days. I am not sure whether we are aggravating a previous injury, or if Winnie has a back problem, or if she has something akin to hip dysplasia. In any case, I have to face the fact that Winnie is not up to walking long miles, day after day, this summer.

Our host, Lynn Harleman, in Kresgeville, has offered to trailer us about 100 miles west of our current location. From there we are looking to hitch rides if anyone can help us, until we reach a horse rescue operation near Powell, Ohio, where my father lives with his wife, Ginny.

Sorry to report this bad news. So many people have been rooting for us and praying for us and believed that we could make this walk. I hate to disappoint anyone, but I cannot, in good conscience, ask Winnie to continue. I don't believe in pumping her full of bute and prodding her on, when I know something just isn't right in her back end. She is certainly up to light work, but not this kind of endurance test. If I get x-rays done, and nothing shows up, perhaps chiropractics can help. I feel it is best if we try to reach my dad's place and not walk Winnie further until I can get to the bottom of this. She can rest, be assessed, and if I am told she is fit for the job, we will continue on from there.

Thanks to all of you out there that have helped us so far, and to all of you who have prayed for our safety. Both Winnie and I can feel the love of the Universe embracing us.

MOM COMES UP LAME

Hi Fans,
Mom has been limping along beside me, and it seems to be getting worse. She has a bad left foot. I've known something was wrong for some time. Before we left Massachusetts, she would mount and dismount from the off side. That would confuse some horses, but not me. I knew she was trying to keep the pressure more on the right. Then she would ride with no stirrups, or only put the right foot in, and let the left foot dangle.

After we walked our first two days, she had to go to the podiatrist and get another cortisone shot, even though she got one two weeks before we left.

Lately I've been helping her up the hills. She drapes her right arm around my neck and I pull her along. That's when I know she's really hurting from the plantar fasciitis. I know this because I am a very smart mustang. Mom says I'm smarter than most of the drivers on the road. Mister Albino says I'm smarter than Trigger. For example, I spelled all the big words in this blog all by myself. Okay, okay, I admit I had to look up 'fasciitis' in the medical dictionary, but how many horses do you know that can do that?

So today, I decided, for her own good, that we should find some other way to get to California. Air Force One would be nice, but I think President Obama might be using it at the moment. So I am open to suggestions from all of my fans out there.
Love,
Winnie

A Busy News Day

Hi, Fans,
The weather in eastern Pennsylvania was beautiful today. Not too hot, Not too cool. A nice breeze. And it didn't rain.

I spent last night at Wendy Cronshey's beautiful farm in Kresgeville. I had a beautiful, roomy stall with a window where I could stick my head out and see the fields and paddocks. A room with a view, if you will. Our friend Kathy Romano came over this morning to visit with Wendy and see me off. Before leaving, we took some pictures of Wendy and her family and thanked them for their kind and generous hospitality.

As soon as Mom arrived she started grooming me because I was going to be interviewed on the TV news. Ethan from Channel 69 taped me being groomed, eating grass and walking. He also seemed interested in what Mom had to say.

Mom and I headed north on Rte. 209 for a very short distance and then merged into traffic and waited in line to turn onto Rte. 534. As soon as we turned around the corner Mom led me into the parking lot of Jeker's General Store. Mom had seen a sign that said Books Around the Corner and wanted to investigate. Mom and I like to read. Sometimes I have to help her with the hard words.

While Mr. Albino was taking our picture in front of the sign we met Steve and the owner of Jeker's. They wanted to meet me and were interested in hearing about my trip. Then we met Eva Martin. Eva is the owner of Books Around the Corner. Eva gave us a wonderful present, a copy of "The Walk West." It's the story of two people who walked across America. They didn't walk with a horse though. I wonder what they did for excitement. Books Around the Corner in Jeker's General Store is having their grand opening on Saturday, July 11.

Then we headed toward our hosts for tonight, Lynn and Dennis Harleman in Kunkletown. Along the route a newspaper reporter stopped to take my picture and find out about our trip. She's going to write a story for the local paper. As we were approaching our destination, Lynn saw us on the road and told us we were almost at her house. When we walked up driveway her horses ran to the fence to see me. One of them looks very much like me.

Shortly after we arrived Channel 13 came to do an interview with Mom and Me.I think Mom did a pretty good job of answering the reporter's questions. After the interview I enjoyed some hay and Lynn and Dennis prepared a nice dinner for Mom and Mister Albino. Now I'm going to tun in and get some sleep.
Love,
Winnie

Kunkeltown to Kresgeville

Winnie spent the full moon night munching grass outside my tent and then wanted to sleep in the morning! Before heading for the center of Kunkeltown, we had to wake up Winnie so she could say good-bye to our hosts Kathy and Guy Romano.

Winnie, Mister Albino and I stopped for sandwiches and refreshments at Amy's General Store in Kunkeltown. Amy gave us a big bag of pretzels to enjoy during the day. Mister Albino took this shot of Winnie and me with Amy in front of her store.

Because my feet hurt a lot today, I rode Winnie the last 2 miles up to Wendy's beautiful farm in Kresgeville. Winnie's stall was ready for her, with a soft bed of shavings, plus hay and water. I gave her a linament rub, her bucket of grain and a kiss good-night.

From the Tent

Here's a quick little blog from my tent, which is parked right next to Winnie's paddock at Wind in the Thistle Farm, where we are hosted by delightful Kathy Romano and her helpful husband Guy. Mister Albino will rejoin Winnie and me tomorrow to provide follow-car support. He had to return to Connecticut for a couple of days to take care of fan club duties and get the "Winnie Mobile" fixed. The brakes were squeaking.

Winnie and I left our friends the Garretts and found our way here down Kunkeltown Road. Crazy as the name sounds, the road had no shoulders, and lots of traffic. Although we are in the country, big dump trucks and 18 wheelers use this road, along with the locals. God sent an angel by the name of Kelly, who offered to follow us the last couple of miles in her vehicle. She heard about us from a friend who stopped by to visit when we took an ice cream break. Can you believe it? A musical truck pulled over at our bidding, so I got to enjoy a giant ice cream sandwich while Winnie sampled the grass!

Those of you who have been following our blog since we were in High Falls, New York, may remember the lovely lady we met on the Rail Trail, Eunice Shumalski. On the day I met her, she guided me beyond a washed out section of the trail, and put me back on the track to Kerhonkson. Shortly after we left New York state, we heard from Eunice's husband that she had fallen and injured her head in a bad riding accident. Although she is now conscious, she still cannot breathe on her own, and needs prayers for her complete recovery. Those of you who belong to a prayer chain, please add a thought for my friend Eunice, a very sweet lady, much loved by her family and friends. Thank you.

Winnie Hits the Trail with Moonstone and Ashby

This morning Winnie and I rode with Taylor and her pony Moonstone up the back trail. Taylor handles her pony well--she's quite the young horsewoman and loves to help with all the barn chores, too.

Taylor's Mom, Melissa, led the way on old Ashby, and he seemed glad to get out for a ride. Winnie was pleased to have other horses around, and later enjoyed the pasture turn-out.

Rosey, the mini, made friends with Winnie in the afternoon, and all the horses ran around the field bucking for joy. I'm sure Winnie will be sad to leave here tomorrow.

Taylor made me a beautiful friendship bracelet, which I am wearing on my left wrist. Taylor also helped her mom make dinner: appetizers, an assortment of grilled vegetables, meatless burgers, and parfait dessert, which we enjoyed on the deck built by a very talented dad, Ed Garrett. Little brother Ryan entertained us all evening, talking about his favorite movies.

Tomorrow morning we have a radio interview scheduled with Doug Stephan, and after that, we'll be packing up and heading for Kunkeltown, PA!

Planning our Route through Pennsylvania

Winnie and I have been camping out in Saylorsville, PA, courtesy of the charming Garrett Family. Last night I enjoyed a delicious supper of garden vegetables, thanks to neighbors Bruce and Karen.

By Wednesday, we will be heading out toward Kresgeville and Lehighton, PA. From there, we are looking for hosts in or near the towns of Rossland, Parryville, Jim Thorpe, Nesquehoning, Coaldale, Mahanoy City, Frackville, Gordon, Valley View, Gratz, Berrysburg, and Millersburg.

Today I rode bareback up the hill behind our camp to enjoy the view of a beautiful field. Winnie found a new trail through the woods and we went exploring for a bit. Tomorrow I might go trail riding with Melissa and her daughter, Taylor. Winnie will enjoy having friends along!

Save the mustangs, save the cows!

Hi Fans,
Sorry for the grim blog today. A dear friend, who lives near my former home in Massachusetts, wrote Mom about a government plan to do away with thousands of my wild friends and relatives. These are fellow mustangs that are currently held in holding pens out West. I am bringing this to the attention of my fans and hope you will take some action to prevent the killing of horses whose only crime is munching forage on the range where cattle come first. Well, not exactly. It's the people who want to make money off the sale of beef that come first. The cattle get slaughtered, quartered, and pressed into packages sold at the grocery market.

Personally, I like cows a lot, and I know ranchers need to make a living, but maybe they could raise sheep or lamas for wool instead of raising animals to eat. I wish Americans would refuse to eat cows. They give us milk for our coffee, and there are other nice foods to eat, like grain. As for me, I get along fine on that, plus hay, grass, carrots and stud muffins. Okay, enough said, here is my friend's letter. She tells you what you can do to help the American Mustang, your country's National Treasure.

Love, Winnie
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Ann,

You might like to know about (well, you WON'T like this!) a new plan by Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar to slaughter 30,000 wild Western horses and, if I understand correctly, burros.

The horses and maybe the burros are already penned up, at huge taxpayer expense, ready to be rounded up in August -- next month -- for slaughter.

Apparently Secretary Salazar thinks that they've been eating too much grass on the plains they've roamed for goodness knows how many thousands of years.

A lovely woman named Madeleine Pickens, President of the National Wild Horse Foundation, http://www.madeleinepickens.com/sanctuary-qa/, is organizing to stop this.

Being a genuine American Mustang, and all, perhaps you'd like to help.

Here's a link (or will be, if Mr. Albino will kindly intervene) to a 4 July 2009 article about this, entitled, Wildhorse Mass Extermination Planned by Secretary [of] Interior Salazar; Stop This: http://oxdown.firedoglake.com/diary/6125.

Ms. Pickens and the Foundation propose instead the use of horse birth control to limit the size of the herds (this works in the East), and a large Wild Horse Sanctuary.

There's a petition to Secretary Salazar that people can sign if they support saving the wild horses. It's at http://capwiz.com/madeleinepic.....38;type=AN

And of course they can contact their Senators and Member of Congress. A change in the law will require the Secretary of the Interior to protect the wild horses.

H.R. 1018 was introduced into the House on 02/12/2009 to protect our wild horses and burros. Bill Sponsors are Representatives Nick Rahall (D-WV) and Raul Grijalva (D-AZ); Legislative Status: In Session.

About H.R. 1018, the website (www.hus.org) of the Humane Society of the United States says:

"In addition to preventing the commercial sale and slaughter of wild horses, H.R. 1018 prevents wholesale killing of healthy wild horses, prioritizes on-the-range management over roundups (including immunocontraception as a population control strategy that will save tax dollars), and prohibits particularly cruel round up methods, such as the use of helicopters and other airborne devices."

So our Senators and Members of Congress need to hear from those of us who use phones and computers! Passing this legislation would be a win for wild horses and for taxpayers alike.

And people can tell Secretary Salazar directly at the Department of the Interior what they think of his wholesale slaughter plan.

Just click on www.doi.gov and click on the 'Contact Us' link near the top of the homepage.

People may also phone Secretary Salazar at 1.202.208.3100; email him at feedback@ios.doi.gov; or scroll down that page to the form for sending questions or comments.

Or, of course, they may do all of the above!
I knew that you, Mr. Albino, Winnie, and the wonderful people and horses you are meeting would want to do everything you could to help.

Now I'm off to tell the compassionate people at www.firedoglake.com (click on the Oxdown Diaries button), who informed me about the wild horses, about y'all and your and Winnie's trek!

Happy trails and best wishes,

Your friend Sarah

Fourth of July Greetings from the Road

My fellow Americans. Happy Fourth of July!

I am celebrating the birth of our country this Fourth of July relaxing in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania at Melissa and Ed Garrett's beautiful Wayside Farm. Mom and I arrived here by trailer today through the kind generosity of Toni-Lu Martin and her friend Matt. It was a very enjoyable trip. Toni-Lu has a very luxurious trailer. Matt put pine shavings in the trailer to cushion my feet and I ate hay for the entire ride. After I unloaded Mom groomed me with the wonderful brush that Little Lisa and her mom, Lisa made for me. They also gave me fancy anklets to put on my legs to scare the flies away.


The reason I came by trailer is that I'm not allowed to walk on the Appalachian Trail and the National Park Service wouldn't let me walk on Route 209 where it passes through the Delaware Water Gap. I don't understand. Why would a protected national treasure like me, an American Mustang, be prohibited from walking through a National Park on Fourth of July weekend? What could be more American than me? Mustangs were around blazing trails, plowing fields, delivering mail, carrying cavalry troops and shaping America long before anyone ever thought of inventing the hot dog or the picnic. It's a good thing Gettysburg wasn't a national park 143 years ago. If it had been, Mr. Lincoln would have had to dismount at the gate and walk in to deliver his Gettysburg Address.

I apologize to Carol Phillips and the nice folks at the historic Dingman Bridge who were looking forward to my visit.

I'm not letting it get me down though. I'm having a great time celebrating the birth of our country. This afternoon I ate watermelon with Mom and Mister Albino. Right now as I'm writing this blog I can hear fireworks exploding in the distance. Tomorrow I'm having a picnic with Mom and Mister Albino. I'm going to enjoy that big bag of carrots Val gave me.

I hope you all have a great Fourth of July holiday! Talk to you soon.
Love,
Winnie

Winnie Banned from the Public Highway

This afternoon I received a phone call from National Park Official, Michelle Kuna, who informed me that I would not be allowed to lead Winnie in hand on the shoulder of Pennsylvania Highway 209. Excuse me? Isn't that a public highway? I asked. "The National Park Service has jurisdiction over the section of Highway 209 that runs through the Delaware Water Gap," she replied, "and you can't walk there."

"Is that right?" I said, "So, let me understand this. I'm not allowed to use the Appalachian Trail to get to my destination in Stroudsburg, PA, and I'm not allowed to use Highway 209. Just how am I supposed to get there?"

She replied, "That's not my problem," and repeated her directive that I would not be allowed to lead my horse along the shoulder, through the National Park. That's what I get for stopping into the ranger station and asking for information. No explanation, just a "You can't do that." Well, why not?

Are people allowed to walk on the shoulder with their dogs? I often describe Winnie as "my big lap dog," and she's on a lead, calm as can be, trained to move over to the right whenever she hears a car or truck approach from behind. As far as I am concerned, Winnie is my assistance animal, helping me get from East to West, carrying my food and survival gear.

I suppose it would be too much to ask the rangers to enforce the speeding limit, which would make us safer. I suppose it would be too much to grant us special permission for a one-time use of the Appalachian Trail to get from here to there. In the middle of this dilemma, I called my next host, Toni-Lu Martin, of Galloping Dreams Farm in Montague, NJ, and told her I'd be walking there tomorrow, but I could not walk out of there; instead I'd need a trailer to Stroudsburg, and did she know anyone who could help me?

Bless her, she doesn't even know me, but has promised a ride on Friday, to get me out of New Jersey and into Pennsylvania, beyond the National Park's Jurisdiction. Part of me wants to boldly disobey and walk the Appalachian Trail in defiance of the no horse rule, but if I get arrested will they separate me from Winnie? That I could not bear.

Other news today: Documentary Video Producers John Sanders and Julie Donegal, drove all the way from Pittsburgh to get the scoop on why I am walking with Winnie across the USA. They have a terrific website The Hardest Year. Spend a little time there, reading about other Americans down on their luck. BTW, Julie asked me how folks had been receiving Winnie and me out there, and I got choked up and told her I couldn't get over how good everyone has been, always giving us much more than we ask. It seems whenever we need something, an angel appears to provide help to us, and that really keeps my faith strong.

Now we say our good-byes to angel host MaryAnn Donegan and her handsome son, Scott, who made a "God's Eye" for me to carry along for safety. Scott, a senior boy scout and outdoorsman, also gave me a lot of good advice about hiking gear, nutrition, and clothing. His mom, MaryAnn, called in her farrier to give Winnie a trim, and called in her vet to examine Winnie and float her teeth. MaryAnn also let Winnie stay extra days so we could receive the new saddle tree shipped by Outfitter's Supply. Winnie's sore is better, thanks to advice from long rider Andi Mills, who recommended Blue Lotion, but she will walk naked another week or so before I try to pack her up again.
A big Thank You from Winnie and me, to all the kind people helping us. Please forgive us for tardy email replies and failure to update the Thanks page more often; there are not enough evening hours after walking to get all our thanks expressed!