A Walk Across America for Horses

The Walk crew is taking a few days off as we are very close to our ending point now. Eric is having surgery to take out the pins placed in his fall this spring and another memeber was in a horse related accident and is still currently in the hospital. We still hope to finish on our projected date of October 30th. The contacts made recently with the abandoned horses in all areas has made us wonder what the next step to exposing the horrible abuse to the non-horsey people of this country. We need everyones support to stop the abuse not just the rescues. Thank you to all that have stuck with us. More updates to follow as we now have some signal back to the lap top.

Testing Testing Testing!!!!!

The Walk is in the final state California. Thank you again for all the loyal supporters.

RAIN RAIN RAIN. GETTING TIRED OF THE RAIN. WILL NEED SNORKLE AND FINS AGAIN FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS. THEN THERE IS TALK OF HEAT INDEX IN THE HUNDRED DEGREE AREA ON THURS. AND FRI. UGH HOPE JONATHAN SAYS YES. WILL BE A GOOD START LOL LOL LOL. HAD A GOOD MEETING THIS MORNING. SPREADING THE NEWS. HOPE WE HAVE INFO FROM THE MEETING IN WASHINGTON D.C. SOON. HOPE BETTER NEWS THEN WE ARE EXPECTING.

June 13th and 14th

The Equine Barn Affair went well. Got the info out to a lot of people. I say this every damn time. No one seems to know what is going on with the possibility of horse slaughter coming back and that is still going on across the borders. The majority of these people were horsey people and really didn't know much and the ones that did new the pro-slaughter B%^&S^&%$. SAD SAD SAD. That has to be the most depressing part of this walk. How the hell do I get the info to the people who need it and to the people who will care and make a difference??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? It is such a sad time. I had alot of stories of dumped abused horses in this area and in trailers at sales ect. Then several that were taking horses to sales that don't want to now but wondering how they will sell the horses.

This is for the week of June 9th thru June 12th

This week was a long wet week in the heat and humidity. Gave me plenty of time to think thou. The more info that gets presented to me the more I have become disgusted with the people that are in powerful places of influence. I was given a list of drugs that are commonly given to horses. Then spent several hours with a vet going over which drug does what and if there are any set with-drawl times and how it is absorbed into the system. Horses hold toxins different than cows sheep ect. so we spent a lot of time looking at the research and asking questions. This vet does mostly small animal and had not really thought about the horse slaughter issue, she took lots of notes because she has family in Montana and was very interested in the environmental info and the moral issue of the drugs being in the horse meat. A lot more questions about testing and safety.. All great points just hadn't fully explored those issues in my own mind.

Another call from (anonymous). Good news is people on pro-slaughter side are beginning to worry about the transport ban being passed. But the turn side is lots holding onto crippled and lesser quality meat horses are looking for an out for these horses. Not cost effective to hold any longer. Talking of dumping or ?????????? Don't know how valid this is but was brought to my attention and makes sense.

Then the pro-slaughter talking about trailers with rounded corners and peacefully walking horses into the plants with flags. Honestly do they really think something walks into its death peacefully. That was crazy to read about. Do they really think people will believe that. The bad part is I guess some people will believe that and think that it is true. UGH They need to go to a plant and watch but not only watch but hear and smell and feel. It changes of some of the hardest in the business.

I asked on old slaughter transporter why he quit hauling livestock and went to hauling oil field products?!?!? His answer surprised me. He said he hauled cows for many many years and always unloaded at the dock and left. He had a great offer to haul horses to the plant in Kaufman, TX. His first load he had to get paperwork and made the mistake of walking inside the wrong door and witnessed the knock box and the killing of a horse. He said he got his paperwork and left. Laid down for a nap a few miles down the road and awoke with a terrible nightmare of what he witnessed. It has been many years since that night and he turned in the keys and quit hauling livestock that very next day. He still remembers what he saw and he could never be part of it again. He was in his 50's and a seasoned hauler and one of the last people I would expect to hear that from. He said his boss wouldn't haul into them personally because of moral reasons and fear he may actually have to witness it. Pretty bad to hear. It really is very cruel even to seasoned people with little emotional ties to horses. I have seen it with my 2 eyes also and feel very strong about the cruelness of the process as it was at the time the plants were shut down here.

A piece of good news. Eric's friends are now becoming more involved with the walk and I am hoping will come walk for me and give me a little break to visit family and get clothes that fit ect. I want this walk to continue to move forward and get the points to many many people. I had questions of letting someone fill in for a hundred miles but need clothes not falling off hips and contacts and a few small things like hugging my kids. I am determined to make it the whole way across the country myself so even if Jonathan fills in for me for a week I know I will come back and walk the section myself just to prove to myself I really did walk across the country for the horses. Every step from Atlantic to Pacific for the humane treatment of every horse. None thru the cracks and holes. I will keep all updated and hope he does.

Can't wait for the Equine Barn Affair this weekend. Getting the word out!!!!!!!!!!

Ballwin, MO to Lake St. Louis, MO

Today was one of those days you just wanted to go back to bed and get up on the other side. It was my closest to dying I think. Lightning and hail and a tornado siren warning going of like a half block from me. Ears still ringing. LOL LOL Got my miles done but it sure wasn't fun. Had 6 calls for people wanting to know what to do with there horses that they can't support anymore. Running out of even comments to help them keep positive. Hope I come up with some soon. Another writer talked to me today, cross fingers for good publicity.

St. Louis, MO to Ballwin, MO

Back to walking. I am west of the Mississippi River, YEA!!!! What a feeling. A pretty good day to start off with but then the weather changed and the rain and thiunder started. Ugh!! Walking in the rain is sucky but I am pretty scared of thunder and lightning so when it started to crack around close I was looking for cover. Had about 4 wait out the lightning breaks. Long day. Met a couple who just took on 2 TB's from a breeder going out of business, while I was waiting out a storm at a local hay barn. There excitement on owning there first horses was pretty catching. Does anyone else remember the feeling of getting their first horse and how it changed them????? I told them a little about what I am walking for and how they can help protect there horses. Wish more people were that way. Made my day and put a smile on my face. Spend just a minute thinking about the first horse or ride or story you heard about a horse.

Had a wonderful couple of days visiting people and horses. I hadn't seen my brother and his family in many years. They didn't have any clue what was going on in the horse industry. Spent many hours rattling their ears off talking about the horse issues. They have turned into the biggest help. Sending out press releases to the local stations and just giving me ideas. Helped with the homesick feeling too!! Thank you very much John Jill Brittany and family. It was a wonderful day. Visited the drafties. Thank you Monica. It was wonderful and you do a wonderful job.

East St. Louis, IL to St. Louis, MO

Today was one of many goals accomplished. Just before reaching the Bridge to cross into Missouri the 1000th mile of the walk was accomplished. A third of the way down. Crossed into Missouri, another state down. YEA and crossed the Mississippi River. That was a big personal goal of mine. Feels good to be back towards the west. I was so excited to be making the progress.. Short walk time today so passed out info at the Arch and along the Riverfront. Talked to alot of out of town tourist and had alot of people ask about how this was effecting there state. Crossing fingers every step of the way. Can't wait to visit the horses and family the next 2 days.

June 2nd and 3rd Blog Addieville, IL to East St. Louis, IL

WALKING WALKING WALKING across Illinois. Flat and good walking. I have been trying to figure out how to keep getting the info. out. I keep walking and talking to anyone and everyone. I am serious about finding the way to help the good rescues and families that are trying to do the right things. It's so hard so keep getting the calls and seeing the pain and all I can do is walk hoping that is enough.

Today was spent in DeKalb, IL talking to newspaper and sanitation district ect. on the old Cavel Plant. I knew the horse violations but not as much on the environmental and food related violations. And how the local communities felt about the plants and talk of re-opening. Got LOTS LOTS LOTS of great info that should help us in this fight. Thank you to everyone for your kindnes and time to help put this together. Picture of sign at old Cavel. All is legit at this company and hopefully horses won't be slaughtered again at that location. The current people have it very well maintained. Then back to Addievile, IL to be ready to walk tomorrow.

Snickers and Willie Visit

Dawn was the most wonderful host for the weekend. Her love of Snickers and Willie was so contagious. I have seen very spoiled animals in my travels but these lucky horses are over the top. For those of you that don’t know, Snickers and Willie are 2 horses saved off the slaughter house floor. Snicker is a blind mare that was pregnant with Willie at the time of rescue. They closed the plant down and these are the few that walked out alive. The Miracle Horses!!!!!! She has an OTTB named Joes that is great too. He is gentle and took us all for rides around the property. Pictures to follow. It was nice to see loved spoiled horses, and talking to people from yet another area. She had her farrier over and he had a brand new baby that was just born. We got to go see and play with the little one. I know we don’t need any more babies on the ground but OMG it was the cutest thing. Have to stay away from the babies. Want to love them all and take them home. LOL

May 28th

Ended a day like all the others this past week or so. Wondering what I have to do to really help the horses. You know like a giant publicity stunt to get the horses noticed. Not good at that stuff so ideas are welcome. LOL LOL LOL!!!!! Glad to be heading north for a few days of visiting and collecting much needed info. Hoping to have a better outlook once I get back from my visits. Had a nice lady bring me coffee this morning. She had read about the walk and made a nice appreciated gesture. We talked for a little while but she is seeing way too much of the suffering close to her. People seem to want solutions NOW!!!!! We have ideas but to make a difference we need to make bills or physical actions to back up the talk. Next step!!!!!!!!!! I can walk but not very good at the politics and putting the right words on a plan. Again ideas??????

Headed north from where I ended today in Addieville, IL to Bloomington, IL for an interview in the morning. Thunderstorms again!!!!!!

A big thank you to the people of The Chateau in Bloomington, IL. VERY VERY classy place. I felt a little guilty going in to register after walking all day but the staff made me feel right at home. www.chateauhotel.biz 309-662-2020 Remember elegance when you think of this unbelievable place. Here are 2 pictures from inside and the front!!!!!!!! Located at 1601 Jumer Dr. Bloomington, IL 61704

Kristiina's Blog for the Indiana portion (as sent to Lynn)

THIS WEEK HAS BEEN A WEEK OF WALKING AND FIGURING OUT HOW THIS WALK CAN HELP THE HORSES TODAY WHILE STILL WORKING FOR THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF NO SLAUGHTER. I CAN’T SEEM TO GO MORE THAN A FEW HOURS WITHOUT A CALL ASKING FOR HELP. SOME TIMES IT’S NOT A MONITARY NEED JUST WHERE TO SEEK ASSISTANCE. I HAVE REALIZED THAT THERE ARE LITTLE CRACKS AND BIG GAPING HOLES FOR THE NEEDY HORSES TO FALL THRU AND HAVE SPENT 11 HOURS A DAY TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW THIS WALK CAN MAKE A BETTER LIFE FOR THE HORSES EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. CAN WE COME UP WITH FEASABNLE SOLUTIONS FOR TODAYS CRISIS TO LEAD TO NO SLAUGHTER AND TURN MORE PEOPLE AWAY FROM THE FEELING OF NEEDING SLAUGHTER OUT OF NECESSITY? I HEAR THAT EVERYDAY. BUT IF WE DON’T SLAUGHTER WHAT DO WE DO WITH ALL THESE HORSES STARVING IN OUR COUNTY OR STATE. AGAIN WHY WOULD SLAUGHTER BE A SOLUTION FOR SKINNY STARVING HORSES? YOU SLAUGHTER FOR MEAT NOT BECAUSE THEY ARE SKINNY AND HAVE NO MEAT. MOST DON’T KNOW WHAT TO SAY WHEN I COME BACK WITH THAT STATEMENT.

THIS AREA IS BEAUTIFUL. WALKING OFF THE MAIN ROADS AND THRU THESE SMALLERS RURAL AREAS HAS BEEN WONDERFUL AND THE PEOPLE I HAVE MET ARE GREAT TOO. A LOT OF BUSINESSES UP FOR RENT AND VACANT HOUSES AS YOU WALK THRU THE TOWNS. LOTS OF FARMS AND AG BUSINESS STILL WORKING. WISH THE RAIN WOULD GIVE ME A BREAK SOME DAYS LOL LOL LOL!!!!

Just a walking!!!! Across Indiana. It has been a wonderful day with good weather and good people. If everyday could be this easy. Made good miles had a wonderful lady Joanna bring me a Subway sandwhich for lunch and ask if I could talk to her 4-H group about horses in danger. We will play it by ear but hopefully the early part of next week. The more people that know!!!!! The biggest down side to the walk is the constant calls to help horses. I am not a rich person and at times just barely getting by with the number of horses and animals at our rescue. I want to help each and everyone so badly. Today was another lady who drove up and ask me what to do with her horses. Her house is being forclosed on June 1st and what can she do with 3 kids horses that have been around for 17 yrs. She doesn't want anything bad to happen to them but she is moving to an apartment 2000 miles away. She called the sale company and rescues and neighbors. She asked me how hard to could be to just give away a horse. What do you tell these people? Where do you tell them to turn? Even if euthanasia is a option how can we tell them to afford it? I know they are responsible but I really don't think most of these people meant to loose everything they had and move to the streets. I think the economy is really hurting alot of people.

I had a call about a couple of mustangs today. I have kinda tryed to stay out of that because everyone says they are a seperate issue from the horse slaughter. You know what I am saying about it now. They are horses, special horses and deserve the respect of every other horse in America. The mustangs are the decendants of the horses that helped settle our country. We need to protect every horse from abuse, starvation, abandonment, and slaughter. No matter if it is domestic or wild. They all go back to the same roots and should be protected as such. My feet will never discriminated by breed or location. They walk for all the horses. Now I just have to do my home work and catch up on the wild horse crisis more fully. The people who were going to put there 2 mustangs down are now going to hang onto them for placement. And promised pictures and updates. Crossing fingers for the mustang girls. Shawna you did the right thing and call if you need anything.

Transport for the ponies, Serenity and Firefly is in the works and hopefully they will be in there new home before there new people get out of school. Everyone is getting so excited. Thank you Faith and Burt and farrier for all the work done to save these girls. All the care effort housing and love given to the ponies. You all have changed their lives for ever. Thank you again Robin and Jennifer!!!!!!

Finally into Indiana. After yesterdays excitement today was just so boring LOL LOL. The weather was beautiful and sunny. Traffic was respectful and people have started to hear more about this walk. People honked that had seen me on the news and a few people walked for a bit. Had several people ask questions about the slaughter industry. Proud day at what we are all accomplishing. Thank you to Wallace Racing for all the support at Churchill Downs

WHAT A DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! One of the best days of my life. Started off with a walk into Louisville, KY pretty and had a group of 3 join me for a part of the way. Next was Churchill Downs. Pictures with Barbaro statue, absolutely amazing how many people were talking about him and of the horse crisis. Did an awesome interview at the statue. It was just an inspiration to be there next to the horse whos name is changing the world for horses. Mr Wallace had a horse in the first and second races. I had a chance to go through the barns and talk to people. Then got to ride for an interview at CD. WOW something I will never forget. With the walk t-shirt on was able to help saddle ect. It was just on OMG OMG OMG experience. Pictures to come soon.

Next it was back to walking. The reporter mentioned a fundraising walk for the Liver Foundation. I walked up and signed up as a walker for the Liver Life Walk in Louisville. What an inspiring walk, liver transplant survivers and fighters. Talked to a reporter on how the walks and fondations needed to work together. This is what both me and Eric had always done. Used our feet to do as much good as we could and get the word out. Thank you Natilie for the support.

Finally crossing the bridge very late in the day into Indiana. What a beautiful day that hopefully touched alot of people involved in horses and not. Felt v ery good to make that little bitty difference.

Rain Rain GO AWAY come back another day. LOL  I keep wondering how anyone can handle the amount of water that comes from the sky around here. I am used to near desert conditions at home. It seems to rain everyday, I know I shouldn't complain as I will be begging for a rain shower here in a few weeks. Thats always how it works. The walking in this area is still beautiful. Lots of horses and big farms still. A pasture with a little pony mare with twins. She wouldn't let me get a good picture. Boy did I try. It rained then thundered then hailed. The news interview was of course cut short due to a down poor. I am having issues finding where the interviews are being run. I seem to find them several days after they have been run and can't get the links pasted right.

Update to all. The Sugarcreek horses have all been adopted. The applications were checked and transport was finalized. All are on their way to new homes. All adopters have promised updates and pictures. For all the problems and grief the Sugarcreek Rescue caused. I have to admit that the people involved never lost sight of what the goal was. To rescue horses from slaughter and several that couldn't even be given to the killer buyers. With the determination of all parties involved it was accomplished. A THANK YOU to all that helped with and decided not to give up when the cards were down. It was an effort that crossed party lines and caused quite a stir. I probably learned more about the horse slaughter issue and people than I have in 20 years. I am so glad it is over and 8 horses are not in danger and will be loved in there forever homes.

Thank you to a nice waitress at the Flying J in Waddy, KY. There needs to be more people willing to learn about slaughter and fight. You will have to let us know which rescue you decided to volunteer at. You are an inspiration.

This area is full of history. It would take weeks just to visit the stuff close to the road. Horses in history everywhere.

Another rainy day in the morning and cleared off early again. Finished walking 1681 to Route 60 towards Frankfort. Just a beautiful area. As I came into Frankfort the road drops down a big hill into town. Quick left across the river that was registering on thefloud gauge. Some how I Knew I was going to have a big climb to get out the other side. Boy was I right. Narrow and winding for about a mile but a pretty scenic overlook that is right above the capital. I will get the pictures up soon. Went a few miles out of town. Hope that will make tomarrow a little easier. LOL The reporter that did the interview back at the Good Cheers Riding Center did an amazing article that was in the paper and on a couple of websites. She did a wonderful job of getting the info. across. Thank you!!!!

A big THANK YOU to Capital Plaza Hotel   405 Wilkinson Blvd.   Frankfort, KY  40601   502-227-5100

www.capitalplazaky.com   Thank you  Marie Murray  for the wonderful room after a long wet day!!!!!

The Terrace fresh seafood and steaks and they have a lounge. Very elegant place in downtown Frankfort, KY

JUST A HORSE!

From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a horse," or,

"that's a lot of money for "just a horse".

They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or

the costs involved for "just a horse." Some of my proudest moments

have come about with "just a horse."

Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a horse," but I did

not once feel slighted. Some of my saddest moments have been brought about

by "just a horse,' and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just

a horse" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it's "just a horse," then you will probably understand

phrases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise."

"Just a horse" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and

pure unbridled joy.

"Just a horse" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.

Because of "just a horse" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.

So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a horse" but an embodiment of all

the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the

pure joy of the moment.

"Just a horse" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away.

I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a horse"

but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a woman/man."

So the next time you hear the phrase "just a horse" just smile, because they

"just" don't understand

Diane please send me the author of this peom so I can give them credit. It fit how I have been feeling these past few weeks and wanted to include it.

This last few weeks I went through some ups and downs. I realized for the first time really how emotional this horse slaughter issue has become. I have spoke to many people and did alot of sole searching myself. I was in the middle of a dispute about my beliefs about horse slaughter without even knowing it. I will not dig up past issues but want to say again to anyone I may have offend "I am deeply SORRY"!!! I realize I will never get the support of everyone but want to make a plea to all that are in this horse slaughter war. We must quit harming one another. So many times in the last few weeks the names of groups were brought up to me and immediately

someone had an opinion on the group or a person in the group. Can't we look past these differences to focus on the ultimate goal of no horse slaughtered for human consumption. Every person or group has their own ideas of how to do this and which way is the best route to go. I don't always agree with the way people go about this but have come to realize that even if it isn't the way you would do it, we need to have every person spreading the word about horse slaughter and how to fight it. Knowledge of HORSE SLAUGHTER. No matter how they get it. They will look up the pictures and info. and many many many will decide how horrible it is and many will want to fight it or vote against it. I just want to be the voice for the horses. For the humane treatment of every horse this minute, this hour, this day, this week, this year, this decade. We must get the information to the people that will ultimately be the deciding factor in this war. THE PUBLIC!!!!!!! If they know it is happening and could be happening on our soil soon I think many families will decide against it. Every time a person asks me why I am walking it is TO END HORSE SLAUGHTER FOREVER AND HUMANE TREATMENT OF OUR HORSES THROUGH KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS. I don't know what the best way to do it is. All I do know is it has to be done and soon. Montana's law is way to close to doom for the horses. I tell every person that will listen to look up slaughter. Especially the pro-slaughter folks. Tell them to google Horse Slaughter. After the first 2-3 sites many are changing their mind on slaughter right then and there. I have seen it over and over. Most people have no idea about horse slaughter, many horse loving families that would be great advocates if they knew. We have to find a way to tell them. Please give me ideas of how to reach more people. How to make the difference, with each and every horse. Because to me they are "just a horse" and the most important thing in my world. I would not be here to do this walk if it was not for "just a horse". I would be hiding in my living room asking who was going to do something about this horrible mess not the one trying to make a small difference. I made a promise to that horse that I would not stop till horse slaughter was banned. He was "just a horse" a very special one just like all the other "just a horse"s out there. Eric reminded me of that. Even thou I was not the one planning on walking I was always finding a way to keep my promise to Tari and then Bentley. To make a difference in the lives of horses. Helping plan the walk, rescuing horses, writing letters, calling. Trying to help the abused and forgotten. All the horses running up to meet me as I walked by these past few days have had me crying and wishing I could do more to ensure their safety. They are so carefree running in their manicured pastures but what about next week or next year.