The Walking with Winnie Trip Journal

Eight on the Eighth!

2014-04-10T02:11:00.000-04:00

Greetings to All Loyal Winnie Fans!

Winnie celebrated her eighth birthday on April 8! Born wild in the Wheeler Pass area of Southern Nevada, we can't be certain of the exact date Winnie arrived. So we give her a party on her namesake's birthday (she is named after my mother, Winnie, who loved horses). If my mom were alive today, she would be 101!

Mister Albino, President of Winnie's Fan Club, sent Winnie her favorite treats, Stud Muffins--and a special present that he created just for her. She sees the silver wrapping and wonders what is inside.

I helped her open her card and gift. Inside we found a beautiful framed photo of Winnie, along with a sentiment written by Mister Albino, "So God Made Winnie." The prose was so sweet, we were both in tears!

Winnie's party guests included Little T, who liked wearing the party hat if it meant he got to eat stud muffins,

Josie the mule said the hat would look stupid with her gorgeous long ears and she wasn't going to entertain that silly idea. Still, she hoped for a stud muffin, or two (or three, or four) if we would be generous enough to share!

Shakti preferred to wear party ribbons in her mane and kept licking her bowl, savoring the taste of the party treats! BTW, if you haven't heard about Shakti, she's a Mustang entered in the Extreme Rescue Makeover Contest sponsored by Horse Plus Humane.
Please visit the Team Shakti facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Team-Shakti/520283804747093?fref=ts
to see how Shakti's training is progressing. I started her under saddle this week. The contest will be held at Camelot Equestrian Park in Butte Valley, CA, on June 22, 2014.

If you wish to sponsor our efforts, you can do so for just $15 a month at: http://horsehumane.org/erm/bolo.html One third of your donation will go to Horse Plus Humane and two thirds will help pay Shakti's vet, feed, and farrier bills which have already topped $700. I am training her without compensation in hopes of finding a good home for her.

We wish all of you could have joined Winnie's birthday celebration. Thank you for supporting the rescue of Mustangs and all equines everywhere!

Love,
Ann and Winnie

2013 What a Year!

2013-12-31T00:23:00.000-05:00

Winnie Surveys her Home from Up Top

Greetings Winnie Fans!

Sorry I haven't posted in some time. Winnie and I left Ohio on June 2nd to return to Northern California. My son, Darshan, with help from his dad, had purchased a horse property where we both could live!

We adopted a miniature horse, Little Thunder, from the Wyandot County Equine Rescue, so he could have a home, too. He proved to be a great traveler, all the way from Ohio to CA!

Little Thunder at KB Stables in Lincoln, NE

Along the way, we stayed overnight at horse stabling facilities in Illinois and Iowa. On our third day out, Flossie the old Ford truck, had a breakdown in Lincoln, Nebraska. Luckily, we found a friendly place to stay at the KB Stables there. After being stranded a week, I hired a professional hauler to take our rig over the Rockies to Reno.

The repaired Flossie carried me back to the West. All cares vanished by the time I reached Cheyenne, Wyoming, and felt the dry air on the evening breeze!

The Depot Plaza in Cheyanne, WY

In Reno, the horses stayed at the Long Ears, Long Walk Ranch, where both animals received great care until I picked them up in mid-June.

Back in California, I set to work getting the new place in shape. First, brush clearing and fence work needed to be done. While working on that, Winnie and Little Thunder stayed at my daughter's place, Lightfoot Horse Farm, in Magalia. My grandsons had fun grooming him and taking him for evening walks. Everyone fell in love with "Li'l T"!

Jaya Made a New Rope Halter for Li'l T

In September, a neighbor began building my barn in exchange for taking a wild mule off his hands. Josie went from impossible to catch to a mule who leads, picks up her feet, and walks into a horse trailer. Now she ponies and carries a pack saddle, too. She's fifteen and requires a lot of patience to train, but she's really starting to like me now. As for Winnie, she adores her--and Little Thunder is her pasture playmate!

Josie the Molly Mule

The walkingwithwinnie web pages have undergone some changes. We are now using google (blogger) for our host, so our new web address is blog.walkingwithwinnie.com
Also, Winnie has a facebook page, so news from her can be found there. If you're on facebook, just search for "wild winnie" and please LIKE her page when it comes up!

Darshan plants trees on his land

Thanks again to all who have helped us on the road, with special thanks to my son and his dad for giving the equines and me a place to rest from the road this year.

May your 2014 be as blessed with happiness as 2013 was for me!

Love,
Ann

May Activities at the Rescue

2013-05-15T22:57:00.001-04:00

Hi Fans!

The month of May kicked off with an exciting visit from clinician Hannah Campbell. Volunteer Ashley got some tips on working with that Appaloosa mare, Bopper.

Ashley also got Zippy to go into the horse trailer.

Faith said, "You want me to do WHAT!?!" but with encouragement from Hannah and Dave, she eventually went inside.

Max, like Faith, is one of those hot-wired Arabians, but Hannah got him to settle down. Then Mom rode him.

Yesterday the Dentist came to fix Choctaw's bad teeth. Her parrot mouth is WAY worse than mine, poor girl!

P.J. stood by, wondering if he would have to see the dentist, too. Nope, you're as cool as your pajamas, fella, no worries.

Chris came to send Shotgun for a workout in the round pen before riding him. Cocoa got a turn, too.

I still have evening babysitting duty. Thank goodness Penny takes over during the day, so I can get a break from those rambunctious youngsters. We're always busy at the Wyandot County Equine Rescue!

Love,
Winnie

Birthdays Can Be Fun and Also Funny

2013-04-08T16:48:00.001-04:00

Hi Fans!

Mom made me some new pajamas. I felt a little silly in them, but wore them anyway.

Mr. Albino sent me a new fly bonnet, but I couldn't see past the fringe.

After the fashion show, I finally got down to breakfast.

Then I went on a trail ride by the river and saw a red-tailed hawk.

When I got back, Chenoa asked my age. I whispered the answer in her ear, but told her it really wasn't a polite question.

Wouldn't ya know it? That Arab-filly-Mom-likes-way-too-much overheard us talking. Sheesh!

Then word got around the barn that I had birthday treats and suddenly everyone wanted to be my BFF.

Zippy even left his pasture grass and walked up the hill, followed by that Appy mare, Bopper.

Mom scolded me for being a grump and I had to share my peppermints with everyone, plus double for skinny Max.

Luckily my stud muffins are locked up in Mom's truck and Flossie is in the shop again. No access!

Seriously, thanks for all the birthday wishes, everyone!

Love,

Winnie

Zippy and His Main Peep

2013-03-24T18:51:00.001-04:00

Hi Fans!

That good looking Quarter Horse at the Wyandot County Equine Rescue struts his stuff for Volunteer, Ashley V.

Mom mentors Ashley in natural horse training techniques in exchange for her help at the barn.

Ashley has got a knack for how to communicate in horse lingo and Zippy joins up in no time.

Every horse deserves their very own human to love and care for them!

Mom scolds me for getting jealous of the time she spends with other horses at the Rescue. Some new arrivals:

Demetri

Tommy

and Penny Pony, who is expecting.

I can't help getting a little jealous. It's hard to share your Main Peep!

Love,
Winnie

January Twenty Thirteen!

2013-01-10T20:09:00.001-05:00

Our first big event of 2013 came on January 2nd, when Fie went to her new adoptive home!

I know Magnum will miss her the most because they were BFFs.

Remember my donkey friend, Cotton? Rumor has it he and his pals are going to a home in North Carolina soon!

During the holidays, a new mare, Tess, came to the Wyandot County Equine Rescue. She was feeling nervous and cold, so Cocoa gave her his blanket and his friendship.

Speaking of the holidays, I got just what I wanted for Christmas--a singing box of stud muffins! Mom suggested I share with the other horses, so I began with Jazz.

Flicka stood there waiting for one, too. I suggested she resolve not to kick me anymore and then it wouldn't be so hard to share treats with her. Mom gave her one anyway.

Chessie is happy because she's been getting extra special attention from one of the rescue volunteers. I heard Ashley has special plans for Chessie this year, but I'll save those details for another blog!

Happy New Year!

Love,

Winnie

We Had Fun on Thanksgiving Day

2012-11-24T19:28:00.000-05:00

HI FANS!

On Thanksgiving Day, the horses at the rescue decided to play in the mud. Mom wasn't too thrilled about it, but later she declared Prince the winner of the Dirtiest Horse Contest. He was very proud of himself, because usually Cowboy wins that one. The prize was a complete curry and brush grooming session.

After the mud contest, Hershey pigged out on the round bale.

Rio and Rosie played in the field.

Dave, the very busy Director at Wyandot County Equine Rescue, finally got a chance to ride Shiloh, his personal steed.

Mom and I went for a bareback ride down to the Richey-Crawford Cemetery and looked at old gravestones. The whole thing made me feel a bit spooky, especially when I saw my shadow!

When we got back, we thought of all the things we were thankful for this week. Bridget said she's thankful she got adopted!

Three of the miniature donkeys found a home, too! They said they are thankful they won't be separated from one another.

Meanwhile, back in Connecticut, Mister Albino invited a bunch of stuffed animals over for dinner. One of the animals in this picture is a real live furry creature. Can you tell which one?

I hope your holiday was as much fun as ours!

Love from your friend,

WINNIE

Winnie Greets New Additions to the Rescue

2012-11-15T19:28:00.002-05:00

At Wyandot County Equine Rescue, we've had some new horses join the herd. Here is Cocoa, a Thoroughbred who came in about a month ago, needing to add weight. Cocoa has gained several pounds by chowing down generous helpings of Maxi-Glo and Equine Senior with his regular grain. He is enjoying the company of another new horse, a registered Quarter Horse we call "Zippy," who is out of the famous stallion, Impressive.

A beautiful palomino mare came in as a horse with no name, so I chose "Buttercup." Unlike Cocoa, she's a bit on the buttery side, having stood in a stall since last April. With training and room to play with other horses, her figure will improve in no time!

Jazz got her feet trimmed today, along with several of the Rescue horses. Jazz behaved well for the farrier, but Alex had help from Lee, a dedicated volunteer, just in case Jazz went into "hyper-mode." That's Dave, the Director, under that cowboy hat, looking on.

As for Winnie, she's been learning how to collect at the canter. She and I took a long ride down the Ohio country roads today. We found a swell grazing spot, where the grass is still green. Winnie's appetite has increased with the snappy fall weather. She can't wait to find out what extra treats she'll be getting for Thanksgiving!

We hope you have a wonderful holiday!

Love, Ann

Riding With Friends When School is Out

2012-10-24T21:20:00.001-04:00

Hi Fans!

Sunny weather brightened the barn on Sunday and Monday. Our helpers at Wyandot County Equine Rescue were in the mood for riding. Lee rode Chessie, Amy rode Fi, Alex rode Chica, and Mom rode me.

Cowboy's mood failed to match the weather and he ended up in TIME OUT for bucking Mom off on Sunday afternoon.

Tuesday it rained, but Jazz wanted to play ball, so we had a one-on-one in the round pen.

Today I taught Rio how to pony and he didn't bite my neck, even though he wants to be a vampire for Halloween.

Speaking of Halloween, someone told me I might get to walk in a Costume Parade tomorrow night! Everyone loves a parade, especially me. I get to see so many fans!

Love, Winnie

Whoa! Easy Now. Hang Loose. Chill Out.

2012-10-14T19:04:00.000-04:00

Hi Fans!

This week Mom decided I should teach some of our herd members the meaning of the word, "Whoa." She likes horses to know "Whoa" before they are tied for the first time to the high line or the inner tube hanging in the tree. "Whoa" is the word she'll use if they start to get nervous.

Rio asked me if pulling back on the tie rope is a way to get loose. I said, "No, pulling back is NOT a good idea, trust me! Been there, done that. Try a deep yogic breath and surrender to the pressure. Later you'll find out 'Whoa' is a fun trick to do. You get to hang out and relax. No worries. No need to panic."

So here I am with that peppy pony, Jazz. She's a GO-GO Girl, super hyper! This is how we started out, me demonstrating "Whoa," and her trotting off.

Finally she got it. No need to run around crazy when Mom is fluttering the flag or swinging the rope. Believe me, Mom is lousy with the rope. She never catches anything, even if it's standing still. So just hang loose and enjoy the scenery.

Mister T had an altercation with the gate this week. I explained to him, if he'd just chill out and wait for a human to help him, all would be okay. But he's a Thoroughbred, you know, they're not too good at "Whoa." They're good at GO-AH and churning up the dust!

Anyway, he's okay. The gate doesn't look too good, though.

During the day, when I'm not teaching class, I'm babysitting Chenoa. Mom says I should enjoy it while I can because I will never be bread. What the heck does she mean by that? Of course I won't be bread because I'm already a horse. And what does bread have to do with babysitting unless you're earning some dough? She hasn't been paying me, that's for sure!

On Tuesday, Dave Balz, the Director at Wyandot County Equine Rescue, helped Mom retrieve Flossie the Truck from Pennsylvania. Flossie purred for over 300 miles until she saw a big piece of farm machinery near the farm in Carey, Ohio. I bet Flossie thought she'd be asked to tow it because she started steaming again. So she's headed to another repair shop to see why she can't chill out. Maybe she needs to come to class with the other hot bloods. What do you think?

Love, Winnie

Monday is Open House at the Rescue

2012-10-06T21:37:00.000-04:00

Hi Fans!

All the horses at Wyandot County Equine Rescue are excited about Open House on Monday, October 8.

Jazz, one of the ponies housed with me, had her third lesson with Mom today. She is learning how to follow directions while being led in hand. Jazz is very peppy and smart and wants a family to give her a home and a job.

The minis have put together a little circus act in hopes someone will adopt them. They were gelded earlier in the week and are ready to strut their stuff.

Cowboy tried on a snaffle bit for the first time and practiced giving to pressure with rubber reins snapped to his girth. He likes carrying Mom around on his back, and she says he's very sweet. So, okay, maybe I didn't need to pin my ears back when I ponied him the other day.

After his lesson under saddle, Rio tried out the tire tie for the very first time. That's him, tied to the tree, waiting for Mom to snap his photo. He's such a ham!

As for me, on Thursday the weather was nice, so I took a ride down to the river.

After mailing some letters to my fans, I sampled the grass behind the post office and thought about how lucky I am. I have a place to stay, work to do, play time with friends, good food, and people who love me. I wish every horse could have it so good!

Love, Winnie

Busy Sunday

2012-09-30T20:35:00.000-04:00

Hi Fans!

I had a full day, starting with grain in my paddock. After Mom finished feeding all the other horses and donkeys, she took me down to her place to mow the grass.

Phantom, the Tennessee Walker, brought a friend over to say hello. We chatted until Mom said it was time to muck stalls and clean water troughs.

At the main barn, I stopped in to see my best friend, Donna, in the infirmary. She has a swollen hock and can't put weight on her left hind foot. Mom gave her bute and a cold soak.

Mom then said it was time for boys to attend class. Rio, the piebald, got an "A" for learning to back up while she sat in the saddle. Here he is afterward, all proud of himself.

After lunch Mom had more horses to train, so she asked me to babysit little Chenoa, who was missing Donna and feeling lonely.

Both Hershey and Prince came into the round pen for Mom's "two-for-one special." Hershey learned to pony alongside his pal and then posed for a photo.

Prince got to be the lead pony, since he's top of the class under saddle. I sure hope it doesn't go to his head.

Cowboy got the day off. I taught him how to pony yesterday and Mom gave him an A+ for never trying to bite my neck. I got upset when Mom said she was giving me a C- for pinning my ears back during Cowboy's lesson. Doesn't she understand that's WHY he didn't try to bite my neck?

At five Mom had to feed everyone again and said she was too tired to take me out for a ride. I was glad, because Chenoa wore me out and I wanted to blog anyway. Those youngsters sure have a lot of energy!

Love, Winnie

School Boys

2012-09-19T20:42:00.000-04:00

Hershey and Prince came running up to my whistle today, eager to attend class. This was Day 4 for Prince (on right) under saddle. He found out he can walk, turn, stop and back with me on board. Hershey is still getting used to the full-cheek snaffle, but he let me lean my weight on his back today.

Big success on Monday with BIG THUNDER, the mini-stallion who has never been handled and didn't know how to lead. Dave Balz, the Director at the Wyandot County Equine Rescue, came before nine and set up a second round pen so I could work with him. In twenty minutes he was leading like a pro! He sure does love those back scratches for a reward.

Rio, the piebald Tennessee Walker gelding, got an A today, for side-passing in hand and trying on the bitless bridle for the first time. When I climbed up on the fence, Rio lined up next to me, standing quietly while I touched his sides and hindquarters from my position above.

COWBOY, the Appaloosa, topped Rio's grade by a hair with an A+ for giving me his feet today and even stretching one front hoof out to rest on the hoof jack! He's another fellow left wild in a field prior to coming to the rescue and he's got some trust issues. We are hoping he won't have to go into the stocks for his first farrier visit tomorrow.

As for Winnie, she suffered a puncture wound on her foreleg yesterday and although she isn't lame, she got today off. Winnie kept a stiff upper lip when the wound was irrigated and earned a stud muffin for bravery.

That's our news from Ohio! -Ann

Well, I've Had Quite the Adventure This Month!

2012-09-15T23:20:00.001-04:00

Hi Fans!

September has been a little crazy so far. Right after Labor Day, someone came to Andover, CT and took my friend, Chance, back to Beech Brook Farm in Mystic. Mom told me she was ready for adoption, now that she was safe enough for Mister Albino to ride on the trail. Here's a photo of her taken when we first met back in February.

A couple of days later Mom loaded me onto the Winnieliner and said she would be taking me back to California before wintertime. First day on the road and we didn't get past the truck stop in Kylertown, PA. Flossie-the-truck overheated and caught fire. A big-rig driver got the fire out before Mom could get me unloaded from the back. Here I am later, parked right alongside his big rig, no big deal. Mom was worked up about it for two days, though.

There was a horse motel near the truck stop,so I helped take our overnight bags there. My accommodations were great--a big stall with cushy shavings (and no giant Fox Trotter hogging the bed)plus a breakfast of Pennsylvania grass,some of the best green I've ever tasted! Mom said her room was swell, too, with a breakfast of French toast and strawberries.

It took Mom a couple of days to get someone to haul the Winnieliner and us to Ohio and the truck to a repair shop. That's Patti from Mountain View Farms Bed and Breakfast in Kylertown, who came to say Good-bye to me. Her husband Gene was nice, too.

I was really happy when I found out I was going to Ohio to stay at my favorite equine rescue while Flossie gets repaired. I remembered my donkey friends from last November and invited them over for breakfast the next morning.

One of them, Cotton, had a sore foot so I lent him some Sol-Pak from my first aid kit. His leg also had an Ow-ie, so there went my vet wrap, too, but that's okay 'cuz now he's not limping around anymore.

He sure was a big baby about it all, braying and holding up his foot every time Mom looked at him. He wouldn't keep his foot in the Epsom salt soak unless Mom fed him the whole time from MY box of stud muffins!

Mom's been keeping busy starting some colts under saddle for the Wyandot County Equine Rescue. She's working with four boys: Rio, Prince, Hershey, and Cowboy. Cowboy was really curious about the camera, so I took his picture and showed it to him.

For lunch these days, I just stick my nose through the Winnieliner drive-thru window and order whatever I want. Yesterday I had a peanut butter and honey sandwich, but when I told Mom to add some fries on the side, she said "86." I said, "Eighty-six fries would be just fine," but she told me that's restaurant lingo for "we're out."

So yesterday afternoon I volunteered to go to the IGA in downtown Carey and bring back some groceries for our kitchen. I met many fans along the way and did some tricks for the kids. They love it when I shake hands, pick up something they drop, and smile my gorgeous grin for them. The best thing about kids is they just love to feed me carrots and peppermint candy. Life is good in Ohio! Love, Winnie

Truck Fire Gives Me a Scare on I-80 !

2012-09-10T20:37:00.017-04:00

Last Thursday my truck Flossie overheated while pulling the Winnieliner over the highest eastern point on I-80. Winnie and I were heading to Cook's Forest in Pennsylvania, our first overnight destination on our journey back to California.

I'd just seen a sign for a truck stop at the next exit, less than a mile away, and prayed that I'd make it. I didn't want to be off-loading a horse on the Interstate! Good ol' Flossie, she kept running and I got her there. Then I got out of the cab and opened the hood.

Whoosh! Flames shot up from underneath the engine! I ran to the 18 wheeler parked next to me and screamed for help. A trucker grabbed his fire extinguisher and hurried to my F250 pick-up. With two or three good squirts, he had the flames out.

Sure gave me a scare with my precious Winnie loaded in the back. She stayed cool as a cucumber through the whole thing, though, even when I took her out of the trailer in the middle of that busy truck stop. She packed us both out of there, carrying her food and my overnight necessities to the nearest horse motel, which turned out to be only a half mile away!

It took a couple of days to get someone to haul my rig to Winnie's favorite equine rescue in Wyandot County, Ohio, and to get my truck hauled to a repair shop. We don't have a diagnosis on Flossie yet, or why she got hot enough to burn. Mister Albino will be following up on that.

We never made it to Cook's Forest, but the kind folks there referred me to others who helped organize the 300 mile trip to Ohio. Jim Howard, who drove us there, entertained me the whole way with amazing horse stories. We were greeted by a beautiful sunset our first night here (Saturday).

Today I rode Winnie three or four miles into town to pick up some groceries and toothpaste at the local IGA in Carey. Nothing on the road seems to bother this horse, and just like in 2009, Winnie made friends with the locals, young and old alike. She enjoys being a celebrity.

Many thanks to all those who helped us in Pennsylvania and special thanks to Dave Balz of the Wyandot County Equine Rescue, who is letting me park my rig here in Ohio until the truck is repaired. Winnie is happy to see some of her donkey friends from our visit last November, and is making herself at home.

Chance Crosses the Bridge

2012-07-31T19:36:00.000-04:00

My apologies, everyone! I have failed to blog in many months. Should I blame my failure to write on the sadness I feel about the space between here and California, where my grown children live--or should I blame it on the New England climate, which often gets me down? For now, Mister Albino and I remain in Connecticut because his family home keeps us covered from rain and snow in winter and provides a rent-free refuge from the heat of summer, too.

Winnie stays a few miles away, in Andover, where she has five acres of pasture to graze and a friend to play with, a rescue horse named "Second Chance." At six months of age, Chance and her Missouri Fox Trotter mom were taken off a kill truck by Deb of Beech Brook Farm Rescue in Mystic, CT. Although a home was found for Chance's mom, no one seemed to have any interest in adopting her baby, and she'd been waiting for a home for three years. Mister Albino agreed to foster her and I told Deborah I'd get Chance started under saddle. That was back in February and her training has continued since. Chance will make someone an awesome trail horse; she's gaited, with a stride that really covers ground! Here is a photo of this beautiful mare, taken today, as she bravely crossed a covered bridge over Rte. 316 in Andover.

Chance recently conquered her fear of water, too. If you've been following us on Facebook, you may have seen photos of her braving a stream.

I've also taught her to high-line, to stand quietly with hobbles on, to accept having her legs and bridle path clipped, and to pony another horse. She's not spooky and has never tried to buck with a rider on board!

As for Winnie, she's enjoying the freedom of a big pasture to play in, along with a paddock for napping when she's tired. When it rains, she shares the run-in shed with Chance.

Mister Albino's big news is that he's been taking formal riding lessons at the University of Connecticut in their Summer Riding Program. Most of the time he's been riding Statesman, a Morgan. Mister Albino practices what he's learned in class by accompanying me on trail rides astride Winnie.

Meeting Old Friends and Making New Ones Too!

2011-11-22T21:15:00.032-05:00

Hi Fans!!!

Mom wanted me to let everyone know that I arrived safely at my new home in Connecticut. We brought the sixty-five degree weather with us from California. The grass tasted pretty great, but the bugs were annoying on Sunday, so Mom had me wear my fly mask.

Back in Pennsylvania I asked Mom if I could stay there a bit longer because my cow fans had lined up along the fence line to get a look at me. That's me wearing the heavy blanket Donovan gave me as a good-bye gift. He knew the fall mornings would be cold in the East. I sure do miss him.

Mom said I had to get back on the trailer for another day of travel. Guess where we landed? At the New Jersey home of friends who put me up two years ago during my Walk Across America! I saw my old pals Chippy and Jewels and they introduced me to their new pasture-mate, Trixie, the pony.

Mom and Mister Albino got to chat with our host, Mary Ann, before we left the next morning.

On the last day of my journey, we stopped at the first and only toll gate encountered on our trip. Can you believe it? This crossing marks the third time I've rolled across the Hudson River in New York State!

When we got to our final destination in Ellington, CT, Flossie and the WinnieLiner got stuck in the mud! Luckily I was done traveling anyway.

Thank you, dearest fans, for your prayers and good wishes during my 22-day Trailer Trip Across America. Hope you have a happy Thanksgiving with lots of good grub. I don't know about you, but I'm hoping for a dozen Stud Muffins for dessert!

Love,
Winnie

Oh Hi O! Deja Vu

2011-11-18T21:18:00.035-05:00

Hi Fans!

On Thursday night we camped in familiar territory—at Wyandot County Equine Rescue in Carey, Ohio. I saw some of the horsie friends I met two years ago on my Walk Across America. I also saw the Director, Dave Balz, who helped me get to the vet after I had problems with my stifles. That's him on the big tractor!

While Mom and Mister Albino had dinner with Dave and his wife, Lynda, I caught up on barn gossip with the horses in the next paddock. They told me that Blake, who injured his leg when I was here before, recovered completely. Some very nice folks adopted him!

In the morning, some donkey fans came to watch me eat breakfast. Yes, guys, even though I'm a bit of a celebrity, I eat hay like all the other horses.

Mom said that Dave and his wife, Lynda and their staff of volunteers are working harder than ever to save animals from abuse and neglect. At the Wyandot County Humane Society in Upper Sandusky, many cats and dogs are cared for, along with other creatures—everything from goats to geese!

Friday morning we started out early for Pennsylvania. We stopped at Shetler’s Amish Shop in New Wilmington so I could get measured for a new harness. Tonight we are camping in Renoldsville, PA, and tomorrow we will head for New Jersey to visit another host from my walk across America!

In a couple of days I'll report on the final leg of my journey back to New England and tell you how I like my new home in Connecticut.

Love,
Winnie

Old Friends and Kentucky Horse Park

2011-11-16T21:37:00.033-05:00

Hi Winnie Fans!

Yesterday we braved the rain and ventured out to see Old Friends, a Race Horse Retirement and Rescue Farm founded by Michael Blowen.

We happened to catch him there, carrying in a bag of carrots donated by a local restaurant.

Thanks to our guide, Charlie Brown, we met several famous race horses, including Tinners Way, Gulch, Bull Inthe Heather, Leave Seattle, Max A Million, Ogygian, Siphonizer, Creator, and others.

Mister Albino shared a laugh with Popcorn Deelites, one of the horses that played Seabiscuit in the movie (left).

We also paused for a moment of silence at the grave sites of the greats that have passed since the farm opened.

Today Mister Albino and I visited the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. We met more great retired race horses--Go for Gin, Cigar, Da Hoss--and that's Funny Cide in the picture below!

We enjoyed the museum exhibits and the Arabian Gallery . . .

and found out that famous TV star and Talking Horse "Mister Ed" was a Saddlebred.

Before we left, Mister Albino posed in front of the statue of Secretariat

and that's me in front of Man-O-War's grave site.

We also drove to Cincinnati during our stay here, and had a lovely dinner with Mister Albino's Aunt Pat and her oldest son, Chris, at the Sky Galley at Lunken Airport.

Tomorrow we're on the road again!

Ann

Feeling at Home in Old Kentucky

2011-11-14T22:01:00.021-05:00

Hi Fans!

Yesterday I crossed the Ohio River and caught a glimpse of Louisville out the side window of the WinnieLiner. That's when I knew we were going to be camping in Kentucky!

I couldn't wait to sample the Kentucky Bluegrass at the Eagle Creek Horse Motel in Sadieville.

This morning Mom got me up early for a ride across the creek.

We climbed up higher to the Dry Bones Trail. Then we took the Poison Ivy Trail. I didn't want to forage on that route!

Later Mom and Mister Albino told me they were going to Versailles to see the Woodford Reserve Distillery.

They said I couldn't go because I'm under 21, so I invited my new friends, Pancho and Gaucho, to lunch with me.

Mister Albino came back and showed me pictures of corn mash in big barrels. He said Kentucky Whiskey has to have at least 51% corn mash to qualify as Bourbon. I told him I'd like it, because I like corn, but he said I'm too young for Bourbon.

Then he showed me photos of the Ashford Stud Farm which is near the Distillery. I was hoping he had brought me a barrel of Stud Muffins, but nope.

I didn't get anything except a Kentucky magnet souvenir.

Now it has started to rain here, so I'm staying in the barn with three ducks. They waddle and quack, quack, quack. No sleep tonight!

Love,
Winnie

I Met a Missouri Mule and an Illinois Cop!

2011-11-12T21:40:00.026-05:00

Hi Fans!

On Thursday, we trucked from Paola, Kansas, to Bourbon, Missouri in the Ozarks and I met my first Missouri Mule! Mom said he was gaited, like his Meramec Farm fox-trotting relatives.

Rumor has it the Missouri gaited horses can amble, trot, fox-trot, pace, canter and gallop. Personally I prefer eating and sleeping to all that running around.

While we were in Bourbon, Mom arranged for Mister Albino to ride a Tennessee Walker because he misses Donovan so much.

I got to go along on the ride with five Missouri Fox Trotters plus Beauty, the black mare from Tennessee who likes to go at a running-walk. I don't get that either. Why the heck would anyone try to run at the same time they're walking?

We stopped at the Meramec River for a drink and I wanted to show the others how I learned to swim last summer in Quincy, California. Those trotters didn't seem impressed but Mom said that's because they don't know how a horse from the Nevada desert feels about seeing a big pond for the first time.

When I got back from our ride, I took a roll in the grass and asked Mom if rolling could be considered a gait. She rolled her eyes at me and didn't answer so I guess that means "No."

This morning I said Good-Bye to my friend the Mule, and Mister Albino said Good-bye to Beauty, who came up from the pasture to find him.

We got on the road early and crossed the Mississippi River into Illinois on I-64. Before we got out of the prairie state, a Trooper pulled over the WinnieLiner. He said we were going 42 MPH in a 45 MPH minimum zone. I told him it's a little hard for Flossie to speed up hill with me in the back and I'd be willing to get out and help pull. He wanted to know if I had a license to pull and I said, "No, but I have health papers."

He didn't want to see those, but he checked out Mom's California driver's license, then asked for Mister Albino's Connecticut driver's license, plus their marriage license, our car registration, our trailer registration, our insurance papers and my Certificate of Title from the BLM. We waited a long time by the road before he decided the truck wasn't stolen, the trailer wasn't stolen, I wasn't stolen, and that Mom and Mister Albino were married even though their names and addresses aren't the same.

Mom pulled off the Interstate at the next exit and headed for the Indiana line, where they don't seem to have any minimum speed rules at all. We decided we like Indiana and are staying at the Running Waters Ranch in Holland tonight!

Love,
Winnie

We Revisit Former Host in Wellsville, Kansas!

2011-11-11T17:19:00.011-05:00

Hi Winnie Fans!

After a windy, rainy drive from Russell, Kansas, on Tuesday, Winnie settled in at the S&S Stables in Paola. Paola turned out to be near the farm of a host family we met in 2009, so Mister Albino and I stopped by to say "Hello." Kristie was away at a work-related conference, but we managed to catch husband Randy at home in Wellsville on Wednesday.

Kristie and Randy raise Kiger Mustangs and have rescued several other burros and horses to bring their current herd up to twelve. One mare had a serious abscess when we last visited. We were happy to learn that Isabella has completely recovered, due to their dedicated and loving care. Randy has studied hoof trimming and saved several horses and burros that farriers wouldn't touch and veterinarians suggested putting down. These were animals whose feet were neglected.

Bug, the Palomino, amused us with his efforts to reach the greener grass on the other side of the pasture.

Winnie and I enjoyed a ride to a nearby lake. Meanwhile, Mister Albino visited the old graveyard next to Winnie's camp. We camped near the Santa Fe Trail, which my Grandma took from Kansas to Estancia Valley, New Mexico, in the late 1800s. Most of the gravestones dated around 1875--the year she was born.

Tomorrow we will tell you about our exciting stay in the Show Me State!

Love,
Ann

Mister Albino Tows the WinnieLiner

2011-11-07T23:11:00.013-05:00

Hi Fans!

Today Mom insisted Mister Albino learn how to drive the truck with my WinnieLiner horse trailer hooked up behind. What more could I wish for than a STUDENT DRIVER up front when YOURS TRULY is loaded in the back?!

First he can barely get out of the driveway without getting stuck in the mud.

After he gets the rig up to 45 miles per hour on Route 30, he decides the right side mirror needs a bit of adjusting. As if that weren't scary enough, he decides to practice stopping when there are two big rigs on my tail!

Mom decides he better pull over and let her drive before the signs for the interstate appear, but he couldn't find the perfect spot. Before you could say "Giddyup," we were heading down the on-ramp for I-80 with Mister Albino at the wheel. Now I'm the one breathing into a paper bag!

After 50 miles of weaving down I-80 with him trying to find the weather report on the radio, Mister Albino runs out of gas and has to let our rig roll off the interstate into a Flying-J. Mom takes over the controls after he bumps the curb at the pump.

Somehow or other we made it to Russell, Kansas. I'm a wreck.

Love,
Winnie

Playing With the Nebraska Wind

2011-11-06T19:17:00.007-05:00

HI FANS!

I had such fun today! First, two of my young fans, Jason and Conner, stopped by to see me at the HQH Farm before they headed home to Denver. I got to show off a few of my tricks and Mom gave me a STUD MUFFIN!

Then Mom took me out for a ride in the Nebraska wind. I felt frisky and Mister Albino got some good shots of me trotting and galloping along Road 203.

I don't know what kind of horse he thought he was riding, but it wasn't much better than Flossie the Truck when it came to getting over hills.

I wanted to keep going and see where Road 203 ended, but Mom got cold and Mister Albino kept huffing and puffing so we turned around.

On the way home, Mister Albino got his second wind and managed to beat us back to the ranch. Of course, that's because he had a stretch of downhill grade and I had stopped to munch some grass.

May the wind be behind us as we head for KANSAS tomorrow!

Love,
Winnie

Flossie Makes It Over the Big Mountain

2011-11-05T22:19:00.012-04:00

Hi Winnie Fans!

Ann here, still in the driver's seat and hoping Mister Albino will brave the wheel now that we've made it to the flatter terrain of Nebraska. Yesterday my truck, Flossie, pulled the WinnieLiner over the highest point on Wyoming's Interstate 80, Sherman Hill Summit, a big mountain east of Laramie, Wyoming. Flossie crawled up the 8640 foot peak, puffing away at 15 MPH while Mister Albino hyperventilated into a paper bag.

At one point, Winnie called us on her cell phone and offered to get down from the trailer and help Flossie pull. I'm sure she was thinking, "I could walk up this mountain faster than this truck is moving!"

Mister Albino didn't think one more horsepower would make much difference, so Winnie stayed in the back.

Still, I think our Ford F250 did a great job of getting us over the top--she may have been slow, but she didn't overheat. I wonder if she could have made it with Donovan's 1100 pounds aboard?

We were glad to trade the stark beauty of frigid Wyoming for the balmy 50 degree weather that met us in Big Springs, Nebraska. Winnie frisked about in the round pen before bedding down in a comfy stall at the HQH Stables. She really loved the sweet, home-grown oat hay brought by Room Service.

As for Mister Albino and me, we enjoyed a pasta dinner and a good night's sleep. Today we went to Ogallala, 23 miles down the Old Lincoln Highway, to fetch groceries and postcards. We visited Front Street, rich in history from Ogallala's cattle drive days. Mister Albino managed to stay out of jail and he also avoided the tonsorial palace, where the barber's most recent customer looked like he got a real scalping!

Tonight we are glad to be inside the cozy WinnieLiner, out of the strong wind and rain currently assaulting our trailer. Better weather is predicted for tomorrow, and Winnie hopes to get out for a ride before we start the next leg of our trip.

Love,
Ann