After 5 long months on the road my ride through Brazil came to an end. I managed to raise more than $20,000 reais for the Barretos Cancer Hospital and speak about the importance of early diagnosis in childhood cancer to many school children, parents, and media outlets.
With 2,200 kilometres ridden in my home country, I can’t even begin to thank the amazing people who helped me along the way. Every night I was given a bed to sleep in, feed for my mares and a reception fit for a king. Barbecues, Beer,
cakes… My ride through Brazil was one big party.
I was also given many presents! Two horses, a knife, a poncho, a rooster… the list goes on. The hospitality was truly overwhelming.
My childhood friend Mark Maw, who drove the support vehicle from Barretos to Rio Grande do Sul was also of tremendous help! I will never be able to thank him for his friendship and commitment to this project. His contribution to this journey ensured that Life and Doll always had water, feed and hay. The most important thing for me! Finally, I must talk about these heroins. My girls. Life and Doll.
When I met Life and Doll for the first time in Barretos, 10 days prior to my departure I must admit I was worried. Both of the mares were much smaller than Frenchie, Bruiser and Dude – the horses I used on my first journey from Canada to Brazil.
“I don’t know if these mares will be able to do this,” I remember saying to my dad.
But wow did these fiery girls prove me wrong. Life and Doll took on this challenge with grace. They learned to trust me and together we faced off against mountains, rain, cities, heavy traffic, wind storms… We became a family – a herd.
When we left they were skinny little mares with little experience but by the time we arrived at the Uruguayan border they were fit, defined with large muscles, and extremely confident. They looked majestic, glowing under the sunshine.
I will never forget these girls and can’t wait to see them again soon. I am extremely sad that I won’t be able to continue on with them, but I’m proud to have met and known these majestic animals. I feel truly blessed!
