On March 1st, 2010, my friend Walter and I set off on an adventure with my Arabian horse, Sojourner. I rode Soj across America and Walter drove our little truck (with no trailer). The trip began in Los Angeles, California and successfully ended in Bath, New Hampshire 8 months and 14 days later. It was a 3,700 mile ride.

We rode in celebration of family and as an outreach to those dealing with divorce-related depression.

This ride tells a tale of love in many forms - through the people we meet along the way, our connection with the horse, with the land, and with each other.

As this blog goes on it gets more and more in depth with tons of photos and experiences. Snuggle in with a cup of tea and read this like a book. I have switched the blog around so it reads start to finish so you don't have to read backward (except the first entry).

Here is our story...

Sojourner in the city

2/19/10

I took Soj down into town yesterday at rush hour and crossed all of the big intersections, went under flapping Subway signs and passed convenient stores, hair dressers, supermarkets, etc. Like me, most people are excited to see a horse so Soj got a lot of practice stopping and letting people pet him with a lot of other things going on as well. He was a bit on edge and if anyone happens to come across us, you should stand next to me to pet him because he does have a tendency to swing around with no warning and knock into you. I learned this yesterday with three little kids that were jumping and laughing and having the best time with him. He was enjoying them and their grass as well, but the other noises would catch his attention and nearly took one of them out. Lesson learned. He didn't even hit the kid though-it was just close. The boy continued bouncing and laughing and playing. I think I need to take him down into town every day until we leave though. He was good, but his head was high and he was definitely interested in everything. He doesn't love waiting for the light to turn to cross the street either. He kind of paces and I have to keep bringing him back to the cross walk to try and wait.
A convenient store owner came out to say thank you because he loved seeing the horse where horses never are. I thought that was really cool. That's the thing with horses-they are so amazing that someone will actually say thank you for bringing one around. I like that a lot. That's what I was hoping for with this whole ride. I think just being with a horse for a minute can make you feel better.

Oh! And I basically turned Soj into a unicorn as well. I just finished making his bridle and the headstall part of it has a pre historic shark tooth on it that my mom got for me. It's on his forehead and it looks like a budding horn. He's magic!

5 comments:

  1. Amen sister. I truly believe that horses can heal the heart.

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  2. Oh me too...it's amazing, isn't it? I think it's because they have been partners with us for SO long-they have really helped us through everything we've gone through in history. So I think even if you don't ride or even if they scare you a little, there is a certain connection with them that we all have.

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  3. Just found your blog that was recommended to me from a fellow reader....loving it so far! :)

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  4. This is all great! You were going through my small town of Warriors Mark, Pa. and you stopped at my house and left me take a picture of you and Sojourner. Thank you so much for sharing your story. It's something that only a lot of people would dream about accomplishing! Your amazing!

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  5. Awh, thanks Sherry! I remember stopping...at the end of your driveway, right? We're here in NH now. Soj broke through his fence this morning to eat my sunflowers. I'm still mad at him. And Walter and I are getting married in about 6 weeks!!

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