Another day with Horse's feet then back to the Fort

I spent another day working with the horses feet.  Got Midnight trimmed, and discovered that his hooves have changed in size from the last time I shod him.  We're transitioning to the Eponashoes and this time his feet are a little different.  So I'll be making another trip back to the farrier supply to trade in the shoes I have for a slightly wider size.

Magic was missing a shoe, so I replaced that one - his shoes should be good for another couple of weeks I hope.  

After completing all of that and rearranging some gear, it was time to head for Fort Collins again.  I signed up to work a 6 hour shift in the ER at the McKee Medical Center in Loveland.  I'll be working a few shifts as a per diem employee here and there this summer before I leave in October.  Here's a photo of me heading north out of Denver.

I arrived at my good friend Carolina's house about 10 last night.  This morning, Wiley enjoyed a little sunshine by the lake in her backyard.  Lot's to do here to gear up for my trip  to Conundrum Hot Springs in the Maroon Bells Wilderness.

Here's Wiley in Carolina's backyard.

Horseshoing Day

Dr. Ashleigh Olds, Awesome Equine Vet

Today was spent preparing the horses for travel.  New Eponashoes and a visit to the vet.    The morning started with a trip to the Large Animal Vet, Dr. Ashleigh Olds, at her clinic in Conifer.  All three horses received Coggins tests, rabies shots, and a friendly exam. 

Maggie had her sharp teeth filed (floated) on the cheek side so she can eat better.  I learned that an electric disc is more efficient and effective than the old method of using a rasp.  I got to see inside her mouth with a light while she was sedated and opened with that crazy looking device that covers the front teeth and cranks her jaw open.  Wow - I had no idea.  That's a lot of teeth!  Anyhow, it was a very informative experience and we completed our first Vet visit "on the road".  Thanks to Dr. Olds for getting us in to the clinic with only one day notice!

When I got back to Kelly's, it was time to get started on Maggie's shoes.  4 hours later, after a lot of sweat, blood, and swearing (sorry but it's true), Maggie has a new set of Eponashoes.  These polycarbonate horse shoes are made by Monique and John of Paso Robles, CA.  They have engineered an amazing athletic shoe for horses, and I'm so thankful to have them as a sponsor of my ride.  Today, I could actually feel the new shoes while riding!  Maggie has a spring in her step, and we can gallop over gravel without problems.  Check out their website if you have an interest in these shoes.  I plan to write frequently about their performance on the road.  So far, they are the best shoes I've ever had on my horses, but my farrier skills are still under development.  I have a lot to learn - but my darling Maggie stood there for four hours without complaint.  Hopefully this will get easier as I get more practice.

Ouch.  My back!  Ouch.  My finger!

          Shoeing horses is the thirstiest work I've ever done!

I used a hoof jack device for the first time today.  See the blood?  Next photo - the new shoes. 

Once the shoes were on, Kelly and I rode 6 miles or so into town to share a dinner at the local tavern.  The photo on the left is Kelly on her sweet horse "Buttercup". 

About 3/4 of the way there, I realized that the $100 bill that was in my pocket, wrapped around my debit card, was no longer there.  ARRRRGH!  I rode back the six miles at a gallop.  Maggie was happy to head home.  She bulleted so fast, I had to slow her down at one point.  I was keeping an eye out for the bill, but no luck.  Until I got back to Kelly's and found it laying next to the road, in the ditch grass.  I couldn't believe it!  No debit card anywhere though, but that's an easier fix than losing the $$$.

I drove to the tavern, ordered a saphire gin martini, (up dry with 3 olives please), and guess what? It was "STEAK NIGHT". Kelly and I both enjoyed a fine meal, and headed home, happy with the outcome.

                 (Photos below are Buttercup, after her bath this morning and Maggie, ready to go).

Now it's time to hit the sack.  Tomorrow, it's Midnight's turn for new shoes, and I'm going to need a good night's rest!  Maybe I can cut the time to 3 hours???

First update "On the Road"

Whew.  It's been a whirlwind these past 6 weeks!  I worked my last shift as a trauma nurse after 36 years in the nursing profession on June 28.  While finishing that up, I moved all my possessions out of the Estes Park cabin into my girlfriend's garage.  Two garage sales and a shipment to the second hand store later, I now can fit all my possessions into my truck and horse trailer, including my three horses and Wiley (of course). 

I pulled out of Fort Collins yesterday, feeling excited and free.

I'm currently visiting my neice, Kelly, at her home in Indian Hills, Colorado.  A few days here, a quick trip back to Fort Collins on Tuesday, and then let the travels begin!

Here are my plans for the immediate future:

1).  July 20, depart for Aspen, CO to the Maroon Bells Wilderness area.  A couple of friends will ride with me to "Conundrum" a hot springs above treeline.  9 miles in, two or three nights soaking in the mountaintop pools, and 9 miles out.

2).  Drive with Patty, my buddy, to Pagosa Springs.  More Hot Springs seeking - plan to check out Rainbow Hot Springs.  Also the home of Pat Parelli, horse trainer extraordinaire.

3).  August 1, arrive at the trailhead for the Colorado Trail, and spend the month riding 500 miles from Durango to Denver.  By myself this time, for the first time keeping a long distance pace of 25 miles a day, 125 miles/week, 500 per month.  I will be testing gear, trying to work the blog, and updating my website - hopefully!  I'll be crossing several high mountain ranges on this trip, so it might take a little longer - I'm allowing an extra two weeks because I don't want to rush.

4).  September 17, allow the horses to rest on pasture while I attend the Telluride Blues and Brews festival with friends from work.

5). September/October, public speaking to schools and community groups, prepare for departure date.

6). 10/10/10 - Host a departure/fundraiser (place to be determined, but I'm hoping for CSU Equine Picket Center).  Ride away on the adventure of a lifetime!  Anyone who would like to see me off on horseback is welcome to ride along as far as you like.

For now, it's a great feeling to be free and on the road.  Horses are fit and ready for travel.  Well, almost.  It's time again to trim and shoe with the special Eponashoes.  A polycarbonate shoe that I first put on about 8 weeks ago.  They have worked out so well so far!  Great traction - like putting Nike's on my horses' feet!  I love these shoes!  More on this topic later.

So join the fun and come along!  I'm so happy to have you "out there" so please send your comments, questions, suggestions, etc.  I love hearing from you!

Trish Wild
The Equine Nomad

Sisco comes to play!

Sisco, a 5 year old Spotted Saddlehorse, comes to Horsedancing Ranch for training.

Are you a follower?

OK, so I'm trying to figure out this whole blog thing. If you haven't already signed up, it would be really great to see you on the sidebar as a "follower".  As of today, there are 15 people brave enough to come on board.  It's easy - just click on the link. Part of the reason I'm blogging is to stay in touch, but also, to earn money.  If my blog grabs attention for being visited frequently, google will begin to post ads that will pay per click and maybe pay for my trip!  Or at least help..Plus, I like knowing who's out there, so I can keep in touch better...So pass the link to anyone you think might like to travel along with me, and come back often! 

Brush and Bottle Class

My friends Lou and Greg invited me to their cool coffee shop in downtown Estes Park (the big one on the River).  They are hosting these cool art classes every other Friday.  I took an oil painting class called Brush and Bottle - (or was it Bottle and Brush?) and this painting was the result of drinking wine while painting on canvas.  This is actually my abstraction of a photo taken of the draft horse who pulls the carriage down Elk Horn Ave in Estes Park.  I love painting and plan to do it a lot more...Anybody want to buy this one?

What's a Remuda?

So here's a cool thing about horses.  The females rule!  (Stallions are for fighting, breeding, and protecting the herd - also important).  In a herd, the females decide where and when the herd moves.  And how about this?  They often lead together, shoulder to shoulder, in a line called a "Remuda".  Here's a cool photo of a Remuda that a friend of mine took a long time ago.

Home is: 2978 Lory Lane, Estes Park, Colorado

This is where we live in Estes Park.  On top of a beautiful mountain, in the snow at this time of year...  Notice Magic and Midnight watching me drive away to work.  Hopefully they won't have to watch me leave them for much longer.

A Morning Beach Race in Mal Pais, Costa Rica.

It's time to catch up...

It's been a month since I created my blog, and it's time now, to get going.  I just returned from Costa Rica, where I had a fabulous time on the beach and in the rain forest with my good buddy (let's just call him C) who shall remain nameless.  Sorry for the mystery, but he's just that way, and that's the way it shall be.  Thanks by the way, for all the fun! 

I was motivated and shot from the cannon to get back and get busy, for there is much to do.

Here's my current list:

1.  Make a reservation (flight) to attend Epona Research Institute Clinic on the polycarbonate shoes I would like my steeds to wear all the way to Argentina.  I have been graciously invited by Monique, the owner of the company to come and learn how to trim and shoe the Epona way.  More on that later.  That event takes place April 2-4, in Pasa Robles, California.  Can't wait.

2.  Get my financial house in order.  That means, I need to seek funding STAT.  I will write and send one hundred letters to potential supporters via Email before April 1st.  I am hoping for corporate sponsorship because I have no desire to tap my friendships for money.  In exchange for sponsorship in goods, services, or money, I will be happy to post ads on this website of various prominence.  Anyone who has suggestions of companies that may be interested in sponsoring my endeavors to bring peace, provide entertainment, and bring joy to children along the path, please send em my way!

For those of you that just HAVE TO give me money in spite of me saying right now that I don't expect and will never ask my friends to contribute, I am currently developing a way for you wonderful people to "buy a mile".  Stay tuned, but really, I don't expect it, and will never ask you to do it.  It's just that there are some people that want to help and can, so I won't say no.  But really, this only applies to those people who have extra cash laying around that they want to give away for the fun of it.  Most people I am friends with are not in that position, and this DOES NOT APPLY TO YOU.  So just read on and enjoy!   (Friends will be tapped frequently instead for moral, emotional, and spiritual support).

3.  Create a new blog written by Wiley Coyote and his 3 comrades, Midnight, Magic, and the most wonderful Maggie.  It is my hope that gradeschoolers (and others?) might like to read about our travels from the point of view of my furry family.  As I ride, I plan to stop and talk to interested parties at schools, prisons, and community gatherings along the way. 
4.  Liquidate all my possessions.  I originally thought I would hang on to some "stuff", but I now believe it will be most freeing if I let go of EVERYTHING.  So I'm making a plan to have a sale.  An auction of my worldly possessions, except for what I need to take on my trip.

5.  Create costumes for the ride.  Yes, I know, it sounds crazy, but it is my desire to entertain along the way, so I am teaming up with some talented folks who have offered to help me come up with something original (and of course wild) to ride in.  Maybe a few outfits...you know, so people will see me coming....I'm thinking on the order of Avatar like fashion (but NO I will not paint my face blue or tattoo on a costume as some of you have suggested...I saw Alice in Wonderland tonight.  She had some great outfits - oh yes, for sure I need some armor with a cute skirt!  And a great HAT!  yes yes.  And a cool sword.  To slay my own jabberwockies....OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!  And check out the outfit on the white queen's horse - I think Miss Maggie will look fabulous in one of those....

OK, so that's it for today.  There's a lot more to do, including quitting my job, but not quite yet....

Thanks for checking in, and really, pass the word!  I really am going to do this thing, and I would feel so much better to know there are people "out there" cheering me on.  Love to all, and to all a goodnight.

The Wild Nomad

UPDATE:  July 16, 2010
Good progress on all fronts!

1).  Attended the seminar in California in April - learned about Eponashoes and received instruction on how to apply them to my horses feet.  Confirmed the company as a sponsor for my trip.  Monique and John, engineers and inventors of the polycarbonate horseshoe, have made the generous offer to send me shoes for all three horses.  In exchange I will report back on their performance over varied terrain and 10,000 miles. 

2).  Funding still pending - built my website and blog, but technical difficulties have kept me from seeking the funding I had hoped for.  Still under construction.  Help?

3).  Nothing in print yet, but Wiley is getting his thoughts together.....

4).  Great progress here!  I am now free of all possessions, except what I carry in my truck and trailer.  I still need to "let go" of more things.  Too much to fit on one pack horse....

5).  Excellent progress here too!  I discovered a wonderful leathersmith in Loveland Colorado, Jennifer, who owns a little business called "Phoenix Nest".  She constructed a custom fit set of leather armor for me.  I wore it in a parade in Estes Park, and it's comfortable, protective, and super cool.

Maggie in Training

A LIFELONG DREAM

I have been horse crazy since I was a child.  My earliest memories are of desires to be with horses.  Summer trips to my Uncle Bill's farm near the Peace Gardens in North Dakota were filled with days on a big black mare's back.  I was in the woods, in the fields, anywhere I could be on horseback.  I was 7 years old.  I dreamed of having my own horse, and wished for it every time I saw the first evening star.  I rode a broomstick horse and in my mind, it was a galloping palomino, just like Roy Rogers.  Later, I inherited a bike from my brother, and it became my horse - galloping down the street - my hair and the mane of my imaginary horse blowing in the wind.  I spent all my allowance and all my time on gathering and playing with little horse statues.  All of the named - all of them with personalities.

Years later, when I was 12, I got my first horse.  My Uncle Bill helped me find her, and when my father and I went to pick her up, she was a scraggly little yellow horse, scrounging for feed all by herself in a field.  I named her Shawnee and during the next five years, we grew up together riding the fields of the Peace Gardens.  I spent long days on her back - riding alone or with friends.  I learned to ride bareback and it was heaven to me.  My father Harvey and I talked about what it would be like to ride the Grand Canyon.

From those days to these, I have never stopped imagining what it would be like to ride long distance.

I have since owned and ridden many other horses, many miles.  I've learned to pack with sawbucks, and have spent many nights alone in beautiful national forest settings - riding in after dark at times, trusting my horses and their superior night vision.  I've helped hunters carry in their camps and haul out their elk meat. I've guided tourists on trails, and taken many beginners for their first rides.

But still, in the back of my mind, I never stopped imagining what it would be like to ride long distance.

I took dressage lessons and learned to jump.  I taught my horses to drive and pull carriages and carts. I've been in parades and carried flags.

But always, my big dream was to ride long distance.  To ride away with only what I could carry with me.  To live simply in the open.  To meet people and experience cultures along the way.  But most especially, to live with my horses day in and day out.  This has always been my dream.

So finally, the time has come.  My three sons are now on their own, living their dreams and taking care of themselves.  They make me proud.  It's time for me to finally follow my dreams and make them reality.

I have decided that I will ride from my home in Colorado to Buenos Aires, Argentina.  It's a rather arbitrary choice.  It's really all about living with my horses 24/7 and letting the wind blow us in the direction of the day. I want to head south, because I've spent time in Mexico, Central, and South America, and I love the culture, the people, and have always felt welcome there.  These places are horse oriented, and have a long history of horsemanship and horse culture.  I dream of who I will meet along the way and what adventures this lifestyle might bring.  One day, I would like to ride into Buenos Aires, having ridden the 10,000 miles it takes to get there.  I have set a departure date of 10/10/10, because it seems like a good date to leave.  An auspicious date.

I'm starting this blog because I want to keep my family, friends, sponsors, and interested parties up to date on my plans, preparations, and training rides.  Eventually, I'll be using this as a way to record my adventures along the way.  I'm not sure how often I'll be able to update when I'm riding, but I plan to keep a daily log of my travels and enter them here when I find an internet cafe or a way to access the internet along the way.

My real reason for doing this is simply because I wish to live a simple life with my horses on the road. It doesn't really matter where I go, except that I'm interested in adventure and exploring cultures that are different than mine.  I'm aware of the hazards I may encounter, and I will do my best to keep my horses, my dog, and myself, healthy and safe.  I believe that good people along the way will help me and teach me, and I dream of all the new friendships and experiences I will have along the way.

My greatest hope is that by living my dream, I will inspire others to live theirs.

You are invited to comment and to offer any input, reaction, advice, or suggestions you might have.  I don't know why I've always been so obsessed with horses.  Perhaps it's a genetic defect, but I can tell you it's always been part of who I am, and I am thrilled that I now will be able to live as a nomad on horseback.

It has always been my dream.

Welcome to my blog!  I hope you'll come back to visit often, and let me know you're out there....