SURE, IT SOUNDS GOOD, BUT WOULD YOU ACTUALLY DO IT? WOULD YOU RIDE ACROSS THE COUNTRY FOR A NOBLE CAUSE (horses)?! LET’S CELEBRATE SOMEONE WHO IS DOING IT – RIGHT NOW!

I am always amazed at those who have a noble dream – a crusade – and they drop everything to make it happen.

How do they do it?

It just seems overwhelming to me… stop. everything. and ride across the country.

Wow!

Let me tell you about Robynne Catheron…

Robynne and her horse, George, all ready to depart for the epic journey!

RIDE FOR THEIR LIVES

Robynne Catheron is riding the American Discovery Trail from Cincinnati, Ohio to Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware on her TWH, George, and with her backup horse, Sampson – a former Big Lick performance TWH.

The ride is called, RIDE FOR THEIR LIVES (here is the updating daily FB page!) and the goal is to raise awareness for S.A.F.E. (Safeguard American Food Export) Act, to help get it signed into law. This bill has been stuck in Congress for almost a year. (#S541 and #HR1094)

and

Robynne wants to bring awareness to the practice of ‘soring’ in the TWH show circuit.

Robynne’s trailer. Would you take off 3 months to ride 1200 miles for your cause? I have to admire her.

Two messages on her trailer. Pass the SAFE ACT and End Soring.

ROBYNNE’S STATEMENT

RIDE FOR THEIR LIVES began several years ago as a frustrating and helpless feeling about America’s young and healthy horses being sent to slaughter. I needed to do something significant to spread the message that slaughter is never an option, whether in abbatoirs in Canada and Mexico, or in cattle rendering plants on American soil. I have extensive information to share about horse slaughter, sent to me by several experts in the field. Much of it is the result of undercover investigations.

I will be riding the American Discovery Trail from Cincinnati, Ohio to Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware starting April 20, 2014. The ride is 1150 miles and will take about three months. I am taking two horses; George is my own horse, Sampson is on loan to me from the woman who rescued him from a killpen awaiting slaughter. He was a Big Lick “Performance” horse, his lower legs sored, his hooves padded and chained, dumped at auction by an owner who no longer found him useful. Sampson is hoping to find his forever home during this ride. Those interested in meeting Sampson (or any of us) are encouraged to contact me here on Facebook.

My goal is to spread the word about the S.A.F.E. (Safeguard American Food Export) Act, to help get it signed into law. This bill has been stuck in Congress for almost a year. The S.A.F.E. Act can be viewed here:

https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hr1094/text

This is Robynne’s second horse, Sampson, who was rescued from a slaughter pen. He was a former BIG LICK show TWH. Sampson is looking for a forever home on this ride… Think of how trained he will be after 1200 miles!!!

Look at the fear in his eyes when he was in the slaughter pen. Thanks to Sarah Andrews for taking these pics and helping these horses with rescue!

A fairly gentle example of soring in Big Lick Tennessee Walking Horses. The idea is to put caustic chemicals on the horses’ feet so that they raise their legs high when showing – to gain more points, of course.

ROBYNNE UPDATES ON HER FACEBOOK AS OFTEN AS SHE CAN WHILE SHE’S RIDING!

Of course, weather and cell service make a difference to Robynne’s ability to update, but the goal is to speak to us as often as possible through FB.

And, of course, you can led support by liking her page and showing that you are riding along in spirit.

I’m sure it will get lonely for Robynne, riding for 3 months… maybe writing to her and chatting with her on FB would be the most wonderful support for Robynne as she does this ride for all who have the same viewpoint.

Click image to go to RIDE FOR THEIR LIVES FB page!

T SHIRTS FOR SUPPORT!

Robynne is selling t-shirts to help with her expenses…

Click here to look them over!

T-shirts are $17.99 and they support Robynne financially – and emotionally. Click image to go to tshirt page.

MENTION OF ROBYNNE’S SPONSORS…

These are the folks who have stepped up to sponsor Robynne. Thank you!

RoflexsUS portable electric fence, Kerrits, One Horse At A Time (OHAAT) ,HSUS “Now, THAT’S a Walking Horse!” program, and many silent players who have helped along the way!