20th July 2004
"Just read an article about Gene in the latest issue of Country Woman and, since I am also a very active 69 year old, I want to commend him for what he is doing. There are oldsters that just sit at home, when they could be contributing to a cause. Activity helps to keep us young and healthy. We are never too old to contribute. There is always someone out there who can use our advice and/or expertise. I wish I had known about Gene when he came through Denver. I would have liked to shake his hand."
PJ Malavasic
25th July 2004
"I don't know when you'll get home to read this message, but I really enjoyed meeting you at Jake's Corner, Arizona (July 23rd, 2004). I was the writer (ex-farmer) you met... you, me, and 3-4 others sat at a pick-nick type bench under a canvas top (outside) in a driving rainstorm (lightning popping all around). If you'll remember, you kept refusing that persistent gal's offer for free antibiotics (just in case)... and we all listened to a man recite his cowboy poem. You also sang one of your songs for us. It was all real enjoyable. Sorry all I could offer was a bed-roll and a place on my floor but luckily a real bed was later offered by someone else. I won't forget you... you're a wonderful inspiration for anyone. God Bless!"
28th July 2004
"I had the pleasure of meeting Gene and his 'crew' this morning at my favorite destination, Tortilla Flats, Arizona. I usually encounter other riders ( motorcycle) there, but out of the pass came Gene riding.. his horse! And looking like a star from a John Wayne movie, .. maybe a bit dustier! He told me his story as we shared breakfast, and I feel honored to have been in his presence. If you see this, Gene, I tried to call the number you gave me and it was no longer working. I know you were close to Apace Junction, and the rest you needed! As you told me, you have someone watching over you.. so I'm sure all is well. God bless you and your mission."
Dave
2nd August 2004
"I stopped to talk to Gene at the street light of Mckellips an the 101 freeway between Mesa and Scottsdale AZ. at 5:00 pm on Wednesday July 28th.. I believe the Temperature at that time was about 110 degrees. Gene was looking for Scottsdale road and I told him he was going in the right direction. In the heat and the hubbub of the traffic he was able to hand me a card and tell me very quickly what he was doing. My family and I had seen Gene a week earlier on state route 260 between Heber and Christopher Creek AZ. From his home page I understand that one of his horses is a BLM Mustang. I wonder how much training this took and at what age this training started?"
Terry Dyer
2dn August 2004
"My family and I had the great opportunity of unexpectedly meeting Gene riding though our small town of Overgaard, AZ yesterday. My daughter, Madison who absolutely loves horses begged us to "ask the man with all the horses" if she could just pet one. Well, not only did she get to pet them, he gave her a short ride. It made her whole month. He had given us his card with the website printed on it. What a surprise when my daughter went on the website to show all her friends that she rode one of his horses! We only wish we knew sooner of his arrival so we could have accommodated him for the night with his beautiful big boys. Please wish him well, and good luck. He will be in our thoughts and prayers always. You don't see kindness like that everyday anymore, he's setting a new trend."
The Gradys
6th August 2004
"My brother, Dave, and I met Gene in the early morning dark along the Bumblebee road just outside the Bumblebee Ranch north of Black Canyon City, Arizona. As his horses nuzzled my arm, he told us who he was, his mission, and asked some directions. What a great smile from a man so obviously at peace with himself and the world. We were very impressed with this brief encounter. Just a hundred yards up the road from him, we chased a nasty blacktail rattlesnake off the road and out of his way. Good luck, Gene, and best from the Todd men!!!"
Jeff and Dave
