29th October - Pensacola, Florida
"I was very pleased to read about Gene Glasscock and his travels to the 48 State Capitals on The Long Riders' Guild website. We have received one check for the Philips Fund so far. I trust that many more will come in so that the desires of Mr. Glasscock for the education of students from Paraguay will soon be realized. It was great to see Gene's pictures, along with his horses, and to read the letters from the Governors. I look forward to following the future progress of this Long Rider's travels."
Joe Rammel, Vice-President,
10 October
"The Florida Wild Horse and Burro Association (www.flwildhorse.org) are looking forward to Gene's arrival at our state capitol! We are following your journey south, and planning for your arrival.
Be well, stay safe, we'll see you in December!"
Gwilda Byrd
7th January, Tallahassee, FL
"I was so excited to finally get to meet Gene. He was saddled up on George and had Frank in pack saddle. I went up and introduced myself. I have been in touch and following his trip since he was in Delaware. He knew who I was when I told him. We had talked on the phone and had messages exchanged via e-mail. Thanks so much to Basha. He said " Well you’re going to ride with me today, aren't you?" I said I didn't bring a horse. He asked me if I brought a saddle? No! I hadn't. Then he said “You can ride bareback right?” By this time I was so excited I said "Sure"! I couldn't believe it. He got off his horse and started taking the pack saddle off Frank! I'm getting nervous, but I don't see anyway I can say no, and pass up this opportunity! ( yes I'm a crazy old woman!) Jessie is there and she just keeps saying, " But Gwilda can't ride bareback, she never has" So I try old Frank out, this 6 year old TWH, riding on top of a pad with a lead rope, we go around some cars, out on the lawn a little, and he trots back to his buddy. Gee I didn't fall off! I know I can do this! I'm riding with the Long Rider, also an 85 year old endurance rider that had done the Travis Cup 9 times! And some other very experienced riders! What am I thinking?? The adrenaline is pumping through my veins! Those endurance riders are going at a good clip, gee they are getting way ahead of me, Gene is next, but heck! He's way up there too?? All of a sudden Frank realizes his buddies are way away from him, so he decides to catch up! real quick! We went from a walk to a canter, this was not a rack! I'm grabbing the mane, hollering Whoa! The next think I know there is this very young cute cop, setting me up, from where I was sprawled out on the pavement (they said I was sprawled, I don't think so). I look up and see Bob the Travis cup, 85 yr. old man and he says; " The best thing you can do right now is get up and get back on that horse." The cop and Gene are picking me up, and Gene, the gentleman that he is, says, “No, she will ride the saddled one and I'll ride bareback.” When I finally got off the horse I learned that my helmet was cracked in two places! Our Governor, Jeb Bush did come out and greet Gene, and presented him with a very nice letter. So – please always wear a helmet, and count your blessings every day. And if you have a couple of extra bucks, please help Gene out with his cause. This is one remarkable man."
Gwilda Byrd
15th January, Havana, FL
"I want to wish Gene the best. I work for the local newspaper in Havana, Florida, near Tallahassee. I had the pleasure to interview Gene. We spent over three hours together and I enjoyed every second of it. Gene, I hope the lady farrier near Dothan Ala did a good job for Frank and George."
Billy Blackman, Editor, Havana Herald
Please click
here
to read Billy's story in the Havana Herald
17th January, Marianna, FL
After riding with Gene to my state capitol, Tallahassee on Jan. 7th, I was able to help find accommodations for Gene and the boys as we headed west on his way to Alabama. Tim Trott would meet us at the court house in Marianna Fl. and trailer the horses to Farrens Ranch for the remainder of the weekend, where Gene and steeds would be guests. Genes first concern is the horses, making sure they have feed and a safe place to stay. Sunday morning I picked him up to go to church, what a humble man this is. As I was holding the hymel, I noticed he was singing without reading a word. I'm sure a stranger would have though him a regular at this small country church. After church we went to my wonderful neighbors, that had planned a great dinner. We stopped to look at my horses, Mustangs, and talked about their strength and trust. After dinner and great fellowship, he went to meet a special little Mustang. He held a carrot in his mouth, for her to take. In the short time I was able to spend with this wonderful man, he showed me so much. Courage, kindness, faith, caring, trust, wisdom, character, and how easy it is to give. Monday morning Dr. Renigors wife Marie, picked him and the horses up at fareens Ranch, and took them back to the court house in Marianna, where he would continue his ride to the 26th capitol. On Monday night, he was in Campbellton, Florida, where 77 years, four months and 17 days before him, Frank Heath had spent the night, on his trip to all 48 states! I have been blessed to have met this inspiring and amazing man. God Bless you Gene, as you have others.
Be safe, be well.... You are one of a kind!
Gwilda
18th January, Tallahassee, FL
"We had the honor of meeting Gene in Tallahassee. On his way to Alabama, we caught up with him and he came to our church and shared a meal at our home. What a delightful man, what a wonderful cause he is riding for. All we can say is Happy Trails, Gene. Godspeed. Come see us again."
Frank, Terri, Frankie, and Shirley Albritton
