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...

To the readers,

6/22/10

My hopes are high that this isn't going to be anything too serious. Soj's swelling is down a bit again today. We are driving to the 4 6's ranch now.

It has made me feel so much better to get your comments and emails stating similar cases with your horses. It gives me hope that like your horses, Soj will be able to continue on. And thank you for crossing your fingers and toes!

I can't tell you much it helps to hear you all say you are thinking about him and that it will be okay. Sometimes you need that to keep from throwing your hands in the air and crawling under a rock for a while.

Sometimes you just want home when things go wrong and I think that is one of the biggest challenges for us, not having home to run to...

But...we are not at all alone here. I have told myself I have to keep my energy up where everyone else's is. We have been given a lot of support and options so I need to be able to process those and keep everything in perspective. Do you know what I mean? Sometimes others can be giving you a hundred percent and you're only available for fifty because you're starting to check out.

Walter and I have managed to stay positive for the most part though with your help and have been able to enjoy the people we are with. That's the nice thing about getting held up a bit. We get so close to the people we are with and that is what this is all about.

Other than the swelling, Soj looks great. He's quite the horse, that Sojourner.

I'll check in a little later. I hope I hope I hope with good.news..
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2 comments:

  1. WendyJune 22, 2010 at 1:08 PM

    Sending lots of Love to you, Walter and Soj.
    Love Mom

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  2. JackieBJune 22, 2010 at 1:31 PM

    Thanks for the update, Linny. I am optimistic that the vet at the 4 6's will deliver good news on Sojourner. And regardless of the diagnosis/prognosis, Sojourner is doing pretty well right now. He's comfortable, able to walk, eating, etc.

    My perspective on soundness has always been that my relationship with Buster does not depend at all on his abilty to carry me around on his back. We do that A LOT now, but If he is no longer able to carry me around beginning tomorrow or 10 years from tomorrow, it doesn't really matter. We'll find some other way to enjoy each other's company.

    I guess what I'm saying is that it appears that Sojourner is doing pretty well and not in pain (lots to be thankful for there) and the three of you have plenty of options.

    At times when I feel myself becoming attached to a particular outcome (you may recall that I subsribe to the Buddha's position that desire is at the root of human suffering), I will sometimes sing Cat Stevens's song "Moonshadow" in my mind. Sort of the ultimate "Roll with the What Live Gives You" song.

    Moon Shadow
    Cat Stevens

    I'm being followed by a moon shadow
    moon shadow-moon shadow
    leaping and hopping on a moon shadow
    moon shadow-moon shadow

    and if I ever lose my hands
    lose my plough, lose my land
    oh, if I ever lose my hands
    oh, well...
    I won’t have to work no more

    and if I ever lose my eyes
    If my colours all run dry
    yes, if I ever lose my eyes
    oh well …
    I won't have to cry no more.

    yes, I'm being followed by a moon shadow
    moon shadow - moon shadow
    leaping and hopping on a moon shadow
    moon shadow - moon shadow

    and if I ever lose my legs
    I won't moan and I won't beg
    oh if I ever lose my legs
    oh well...
    I won't have to walk no more

    And if I ever lose my mouth
    all my teeth, north and south
    yes, if I ever lose my mouth
    oh well...
    I won't have to talk...

    Did it take long to find me
    I ask the faithful light
    Ooh did it take long to find me
    And are you going to stay the night

    I'm being followed by a moon shadow
    moon shadow - moon shadow
    leaping and hopping on a moon shadow
    moon shadow - moon shadow
    moon shadow - moon shadow
    moon shadow - moon shadow

    Anyway, we'll be looking forward to hearing from you after you visit the vet. Thanks again for the update.

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