17th November 2005
"Hi Gene I just want to say it was a real pleasure talking with you in the small town of Custar, Ohio. I was in the van who pulled next to you to offer you a cup of coffee. My little girl really enjoyed your horses. I want to say congratulation on your journey and good luck. Thank you."
Candy Fackler
2nd December 2005
"Hi Gene: I was so honored and blessed to participate in your ride into Columbus OH. I was born in Akron OH and returning to my home State to take ownership of George has made a complete circle in my life. We are also excited to receive Frank into the Horses with H.E.A.R.T. Inc. therapeutic riding program for people with special needs. Meeting Frank on December 1st and receiving a kiss from him, I know he is going to make our riders feel loved. Thank you again for the wonderful gift of Frank. I know both horses will enjoy their new AZ home. Gene, we will all be looking forward to seeing you in January 2006 in Dewey , Until then God Bless you and Happy Trails."
Trudy Chapman-Radley
March 13, 2006
Dear
Gene:
I want
to congratulate you, as many have done, on your recent
“Long Ride” and especially for your inspiration.
I had
been thinking about doing a long ride, but wasn’t sure
where to begin until I saw your article in our local
paper. That was the beginning of my plans for my own
long ride. My plan, which will be undertaken in about 5
years, (I will be 66 then) is to ride from Canton, OH to
Brownsville, TX then up the Rio Grande River to it’s
headwaters in Colorado and turn back east along the
American Discovery Trail back to Ohio. I have estimated
the trip to be 5400 miles in a time frame of about 18
months or so.
As I
have been working on my plans and my personal
preparations there are two major concerns I have that I
was hoping you could give me some direction/ input on.
These are:
-
Saddle and
most importantly saddle fitting.
-
Hoof care.
At the
moments I plan on riding Missouri Fox Trotters on a
western trail saddle. Yea or nea to this
and most importantly is
there a wise and knowable “saddle fitter” that you might
recommend
Hoof
care --- I am considering some personal training as a
Ferrier, but have been reading about going “barefooted”
or a modified bare footing. I have read about the boron
(sp) shoes, but there is some research that begins to
question metal shoeing. It seems that metal shoes might
put undo pressure on the hoof and cause more damage than
good. Either way I know it will be my “call”, but would
like to hear your opinion on this subject.
Last,
sorry I missed your recent presentation in Michigan. I
had plans to attend a Lenten retreat this past weekend
and found out about your presentation much too late to
change plans. Do you have any plans to be in the Ohio
or Western Pa area this year?
Once
again congratulation on such an inspiring ride!
In
advance I thank you for your response.
Sincerely,
Chuck
Stephens
Canton, OH
