Back

 

 Homer Benedict sitting on Frank in New York. Homer is 103! "I think about it and I tingle," Gene told Donna Moxley of the Rutland Herald. "And I think I start to sparkle a little bit because I'm so proud of him, getting on the horse

Gene on Frank b.jpg (60537 bytes)

Gene heads towards Albany, New York

Gene2.jpg (27346 bytes)

Gene stops for a chat in New York.
Many thanks to John Nugent for this photograph and the two above.
Gene's fame is spreading!

Vickey 078.jpg (38228 bytes)

Gene is, as usual, taking care of his horses first. He was in Hobart, New York when this photograph was taken by Vicky Nodine of Bloomville.

"My adventure with Gene made me realize that we have to slow down and enjoy life more. My time with Gene seemed so short, but Gene and his horses, Frank and George, will be in my heart forever," said Barry Bonesteel in New York.

homer1.jpg

"Dear Long Riders,

Gene met Homer Benedict (age 103) in NY in June this year and Homer wants to thank him and asked me to contact you so he could show you the hand carving of Gene on Frank. Homer's carvings are being classified as a lost folk art and the subject of a book that is being written about him. He wanted to do one especially for Gene.

Thank you so much, Homer will never forget the meeting with Gene.

John Nugent"

homer2.jpg

 

7th June, Walton, NY
"I met Gene on June 7th in Walton, New York. It was pouring rain and he was riding down the road. I saw him again later on and he gave me his card. I give him so much credit for what he is doing...it is absolutely amazing."

Michelle

11th June, Stamford, NY
"Greetings Long Riders...Gene (34...x2) rode thru our area, Hobart, Stamford, Gilboa (NY) on June 11th and 12th. All who came in contact with Gene say the same...true gentleman, remarkable, friend, American legend, someone to admire and so much more. But I would like to tell you about one man's life Gene changed. Homer Benedict. Homer is 103 yrs old. Homer was disappointed that he missed Gene while he was riding thru the area. So I asked Homer if I could locate Gene, would he like to meet him. His face lit up like a 10 year old. I did locate Gene and he said he would be honored to meet Homer. Before Gene left our area, he let Homer sit atop Frank. Homer is still talking about this. I will be forwarding some of the photos. Gene, this is John, meeting you was special, Homer and I will never forget these two days. God bless your journey.

John Nugent

P.S. If you see Gene on the road, ask him how old he is...
his answered is sure to be...(34............x2)"


 
11th June, Gilboa, NY
"I had the pleasure of meeting Gene at Hacienda de la Roca, Judy Wyckoff's Paso Fino Farm in Gilboa, New York where he was going to stay overnight on route to Albany. Gene and I share similar views and he recommended some books. I must say that I found him to be very serious and articulate concerning his chosen path. Happy Trails."

Josué Perez

16th June, Watervliet, NY
"I have a lot of pleasure from just knowing that Gene had graced my town with some historical traces. I didn't have the pleasure of meeting Gene and his horses but the glimpse from my third floor apartment that I did have gives me joy and brings me back to memories of a child being raised with horses. I applaud Gene for giving the western heritage a page in today's society and for allowing people like myself to remember past times while attending rodeos and trail rides. Hats off to you Gene and I am glad that the sportsmanship of horseback riding still lives on =)

Colleen


16th June, Troy, NY
"I met Gene today at the sub shop I work at in Troy, NY. At first I couldn't believe my eyes when I seen someone ride into the parking lot on a horse. My co-workers thought I was seeing things, but I proved them wrong. When I commented to Gene about it, he gave me his card and told me what he was doing. Gene, if you ever read this, know that I think you are an incredible individual to take on this type of journey. I wish you all the luck in the world in finishing your task that you set for yourself. You definitely brightened up my day when you step foot in my sub shop. Good luck and God Bless You!"

Adesta Porta


16th June, Hoosick Falls, NY
"I met Gene about ten miles outside Troy NY on his way to Vermont. I invited him home for dinner, he accepted. I picked his brain while we ate dinner. I brought him back, and told him I would bring him breakfast in the morning. I showed up in the morning with breakfast, and a horse. I got to ride 15 miles to the VT border to my friend Mark Klebbes house who agreed to put him and his horses up for the night. The next morning, I went to Mark's to see Gene off. Mark said he and his son Kevin were going to ride just a little ways with Gene, and asked me if I wanted to go. Well he didn't have to ask me twice. We ended up riding three miles to the outskirts of Bennington, Vt. We looked awesome going down the road. So I had the pleasure of riding 18 miles alongside a living legend, Gene Glasscock!
My adventure with Gene made me realize that we have to slow down and enjoy life more. My time with Gene seemed so short, but Gene and his horses, Frank and George, will be in my heart forever. Keep your face to the wind, and enjoy the ride.
Cowboy up! "
 

Barry Bonesteel


16th June, Albany, NY
"It was a pleasure to have Gene as a guest at my house overnight on June 16th . He had just left Albany, New York after meeting the governor on his way to Bennington, Vermont. It was inspiring to see what a man of his age can accomplish. With today's fast paced life and all of the technology that is available, it was nice to see someone enjoy the peace and tranquility of the country . I wish him the best of luck on the rest of his journey."

John E Blizzard

Medusa, NY
"I live in Medusa NY which is an area you rode through; it was very exciting to learn the reason you came through our little town. In fact you had stopped and asked my mom directions to get to Westerlo NY, which is a neighboring town! Thank you for your time. It was a great pleasure to have you ride through our little village. Please visit us again someday!!!"

Dave

5th September, Somers, New York
"Hi just to let you know I had the pleasure of meeting Gene today. He stopped at my auto repair shop in Somers, Westchester County, NY and we spoke very briefly. He said he was on his way to York town to spend the night, he look well as did his mounts. Well good luck and God speed."

Frank Cimadomo


8th September, Bear Mountain State Park, New York
"Gene is “sleeping out” tonight in Bear Mountain State Park. He rode his horse across the Bear Mountain bridge into the Hamlet of Fort Montgomery, the first person in over thirty years to do so. He was offered a bed in town, but chose sleeping under the stars. I will be out to bring him some dinner, he is at the Silver Mine Lake section of the park. The rangers will check on him later. After that he has a beautiful stretch of Seven Lakes Drive ahead of him and contacts with some good people on the other side. The weather is nice and I’m sure I’ll see him again tomorrow when I am out in the park. Gene is a real nice guy and very interesting to listen to."

Salvatore Cuciti


"We were at the Bear Mountain State Park today, in New York State and I had the privilege to speak with Gene for a few very heartwarming moments. He told me about his mission, and I must say I was truly moved and most definitely in awe of the tremendous undertaking Gene has taken on. He seemed perfectly fine, was stopping for lunch and then moving on, he said another 3 or 4 miles, then to camp for the night. I wish I had the opportunity to listen to some more of Gene's stories, but unfortunately that was not to happen. Gene, much luck and God be with you on your journey!!!!"


9th September, Parsippany, New York
"I live in Essex County, New Jersey. I was visiting at one of my client's homes in Parsippany N.J. when I pulled up and parked next to two beautiful horses who were grazing in front of some apartments. I introduced myself to this stranger who called himself Gene Glasscock. He was a tall man wearing cowboy boots and a cowboy hat! I knew he wasn't from around here. He was asking for directions to Trenton, N.J. by horse trail. He was a very pleasant distraction from our very fast-paced busy morning. It was about 10.30 a.m. I asked to take some pictures and inquired if I could be of any assistance. We gave the horses some water. Mr. Glasscock was very friendly, and stated that he had just traveled from Denver, Colorado on horseback, and was trying to get to Trenton, N.J. to finish his quest for the Philips Fund for underprivileged young adults from Paraguay. I think the small crowd that was forming there was a bit taken by this great and brave effort for a worthy cause. I called the police department and asked for an escort to a safe route to Trenton for him. As Gene was leaving he said thank you to all of us. I told him he was a man who definitely believes in God and what this country stands for: truth, justice, and righteousness. Someone who will lay down his life for another. He just smiled and said "thank you." I will always remember that day. As a Christian, I thank God for people like this who are not afraid of the terror by night or what the world is saying, Psalm 91, but trust in God to keep him and see him through."

Sincerely, Tracy Bertone

12th May 2005
"I just wanted to drop you a note about someone that met Gene in N.Y. His name was Homer Benedict and at the time he was 103. He just celebrated his 105th birthday April 30th. He is very much interested in Gene's journey and I keep him updated on his progress thru the states. Homer wanted me to say hello to Gene and to tell him that he thinks about his journey all the time. Thank you..."
 

John Nugent

30th March 2006

Dear Gene-

    I just wanted to congratulate you on finishing your ride.  You stayed with us for a couple of days in June '03 in DeLancey, NY- while you were here Frank was recovering from a saddle sore, I set up for both horses to have their teeth floated, they got some nice turnout on grass and both got rabies vaccinations.  We were honored to meet you and have you stay .  I then kept track of your trip on the internet and wished to meet you at the end in Ohio- although farm chores kept me from coming.  You accomplished an amazing  trip- I hope the Scholarship fund has grown in proportion to your accomplishment.  Again Congratulations and if you are ever this way again in New York and need a place to stay you are always welcome here.

Sincerely,

Carol, Kevin, Mabel & Mandy Gutliph

Windswept Acres Appaloosas