“We are ready to ride with you to Brazil,” my host Froilan joked as a worker arrived with his horse tacked up.
I laughed and told him I would love the company! After eating breakfast, I went to get my horses ready. As I started leading the three out of the pasture my heart sank, Bruiser’s back right leg was sore. When one of my ponies are hurting, it is like I can feel their pain. It breaks my heart.
I led the three to Froilan’s house and told my new friend that Bruiser was lame. He immediately called a friend who owns a truck and trailer and set up transport for my pony to be transported to my next resting place. Worried but relieved that Bruise would not have to walk, I began to tack up Dude.
Accompanied by over 30 cowboys from La Zona and nearby villages, we began making our way to Sula. Having lived in the area their entire lives, they led me through dirt roads and ranches. It proved to be a beautiful ride through the backcountry.
“We are saving you at least 10 kms coming this way,” Will, a rancher told me.
At 12:30pm, having ridden more than halfway to Sula, my new friends had lunch delivered to the trail. BBQ, beans, fried bananas and cheese were all on the menu – accompanied by beers of course. We let our ponies rest in the shade as we scarfed down the delicious meal.
After lunch we continue our ride south. One of the horses in the group was exhausted from the day. A Peruvian Passofino, the stallion did not want to keep walking and kept trying to lay down from pain. I have seen this a few times when people join me for the day. It helps show just how strong my horses are and that this type of trip is not meant for every horse.
Luckily we arrived at Will Ramirez’ place, where I would spend the night, just after 2pm. The peruvian pony needed to rest badly as he was suffering from exhaustion. Frenchie and Dude looked like they had been resting all day – unfazed by the day’s 30 kms.
After saying goodbye to all of my friends and thanking them, it was time to take care of my ponies. Bruiser had arrived earlier by trailer and was grazing out in the field where the horses would rest. I now have to see how I will continue with Bruiser’s sore leg. Out here, the problems never stop coming.
