Where’s the Rider for the Third Horse? And other Questions for the Cowgirls
My last blog was about our daily routine so I thought I would follow it up with some of my favorite questions and conversation we have daily.
What happened to the guy riding the other horse?
We have three horses. Two to ride and one to carry the pack. Sometimes our hosts drive our pack to the next station so one of the horses can just walk along without carrying any weight. It’s has been particularly helpful in allowing Clyde to build muscle without burning too many calories. It’s also a great opportunity to make a joke about what happens to people who mess with Cowgirls ; )
Isn’t it too hard for the horses to walk all the way to England?
Horses are designed to walk. Their bodies and their minds function best when they are allowed to move and function in a group. Three horses walking together, eating together and sleeping together is much easier than those same three horses standing in a box, separated by bars and only being allowed to move for work.
How old are you?
Really! Really? We are riding horses across Europe, traveling like modern day vagabonds never knowing where we’re going, where we will sleep on horses we bought from the butcher and the most important question is my age.
Shouldn’t your horses be a little fatter?
We use a body conditioning score designed by the University of Kentucky to ensure our horses are in good working condition. Because long slow walking burns fat not sugar our horses do not carry a lot of extra fat on their bodies. Clyde was underweight when we began and he has built muscle and stored fat letting us know that our conditioning program is working. Lapo and Lollipop were overweight to begin with and have lost weight and added muscle, again exactly what we wanted to see happen. As the days warm and the availability of green grass increases we should see all of the horses begin to store a little extra fat. Most horses we have seen have been overfed and under exercised which has caused people to think if a horse isn’t obese it’s too thin. Like humans being to fat or to thin is not good for your overall health so although you may like the looks of a “fleshy” horse you just may be killing them with kindness.
Who’s paying for this?
We are not sponsored or affiliated with anyone. We have been generously hosted and supported by friends, strangers and family but at the end of the day all costs are our responsibility. We are not a non-profit or charitable organization we are just two cowgirls who felt the need to do something for the animals we love so much. However anyone can support Journey Europe by making a donation on our website here, by hosting us at your farm or ranch, by sharing our story on Facebook, Twitter or any other social media, by contacting the press or simply by letting us know you’re out there and believe horses deserve better than they are getting in our disposable society.
No really, how old are you and shouldn’t Olivia be in school?
Olivia is finished with High School and will be attending New Mexico State University this fall. Her desire is to become an Equine Veterinarian. And I’m old enough to be Olivia’s mother.
Why aren’t you riding in the US?
We are trying to gain attention for horses and two American cowgirls riding alongside the road in Europe certainly gets people’s attention. We want people to ask questions and become involved in the conversations regarding horses lives, deaths and their role in today’s society. We could have ridden across Africa or Asia but Europe fit our time and distance needs the best. Besides most of Europe was built using horses and horses were commonly ridden across Europe in the past.
Where’s your husband and how did you get him to let you leave for six months?
He’s at home feeding the horses, walking the dogs and paying the bills. He supported our journey from the start and would never consider keeping us from doing something we are this passionate about. Journey Europe has required an amazing level of commitment and sacrifice from our entire family. Although it is Olivia and me riding it really takes our entire family, a lot of friends and a few strangers to make this journey possible.
Seriously, how old are you and do you dye your hair?
Honestly! I don’t dye my hair, my oldest daughter will be twenty in June and I’m old enough to vote and drive.
What happens to the horses at the end of the ride?
All three horses will be sold to pre-approved homes and the proceeds given to horse charities throughout the EU. You can read their stories and learn how to add one of these lovely boys to your herd here.
Do you have a job?
Yes, my occupation is Cowgirl. I make my living working with, training, riding, driving and rehabilitating horses. I own twenty horses and live on a ranch in New Mexico with them my husband, two children and four dogs.
So you’re forty……?
Okay, I will be forty five in July! I have lied about my age for years but on this trip I met a woman who explained that the only thing better than a forty year old woman is a fifty year old woman so in July I will be half way between good and perfect.
Category: Charity, Features, International, News
