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March 2007
I have a great idea that I’m excited about, but don’t want to tell anyone yet - till I get things sorted out. It’ll have something to do with a charity horse ride. Not sure where (other than within Canada) or for how long, but I want it to be big.
March 9 - Ken brought me a book home tonight that he thought I’d like. It’s called ‘Ride the Rising Winds’ by Barbara Kingscote. It’s about a woman who rode her horse from Mascouche, Quebec to Vancouver, B.C. in 1949. WOW! Ken had no idea what he just gave me. He just thought I’d like the story.
March 10 - I can’t put the book down. It’s answering every question that I had in my mind about the trip that I’m planning.
March 12 - I told Ken and Lona about my idea. Ken’s surprised but very supportive and Lona’s excited and wants to be a big part of the planning and perhaps some involvement in the riding.
This idea sounds soo big so I don’t want to tell too many people yet until I solidify some plans.
Told my family and everyone’s excited and surprised, though they should know me and my grandiose ideas by now. Ha ha!
I plan on using Coco, Daisy and Prize, but Prize needs some training first.
July 2007
Prize has come up lame.
September 2007
It’s September now and plans are rolling right along. Support is coming in. A little discouraged about Prize’s lameness.
November 2007
November and things are really happening. I can’t believe I’m only 4 ½ months away from leaving for Ottawa!
November 7 – Wow! Rhonda and Ed Turco just donated a horse for me to ride (they heard about my lame horse). We’ll be able to auction her off – raising more money for the Foundation. She’s a beautiful palomino.
November 10 - I’m putting the word out and looking for another good horse for the ride. It’s too bad I can’t use my other mare, K.J., but she’s in foal.
Nov. 19 - Sad news today, Prize has been diagnosed with a cyst on his navicular bone. I guess this means he's definitely out of the ride(s).
December 2007
December 10 - Just received news that the Big Hill West Light Horse 4-H Club has agreed to assist with GUFW. That's great for us and them
December 13 - The Bearspaw Lions Club has agreed to partner with GUFW. This is exciting!
December 14 - Went to Bar T5 today to look at the horse trailer that they are donating. It's a very nice trailer and will serve us so well on this trip. They are a great group of people and very helpful and supportive.
January 2008
January 5, 2008 - Lona and I went on a cattle drive today. What a great day - nice weather. I took Daisy and then tried out a new horse that was donated for the ride by Chris and Karen Reinhardt. She is an 11 year old Quarter/Arab sorrel mare named Socks. She was great and I know she’ll do wonderful for the trek. I’ll also be trying out a grey ¼ horse gelding named Sage donated by Pascal DelGuercio and another paint gelding named Rapper donated by Bates Bar J Ranch. Good to have a few fresh horses back in case we need to switch any out along the way.
January 22, 2008 - Tamille made a Facebook Group for Giddy Up for Wishes and there were 160 hits on the site today!
January 30, 2008 - Spoke with Children's Wish Foundation in Ottawa and they are planning an incredible event on March 30th that will be a Guinness Book of World Records entry as the biggest wish ever made. The wish will be for world peace. I
will carry this across Canada. This is soooo exciting.
February 2008
February 3, 2008 - Had a great photo shoot done with Kim Taylor as the photographer. I am so honored to have someone so talented as her to take photos. It was a great day, great weather and the kids were wonderful.
Februry 4,2008 - First publication of GUFW is in the FCSS newsletter in the
mail today. I'm very grateful to FCSS - they did a nice job. Also had a
phone interview with Cochrane Eagle today.
Februry 5, 2008 - Met with Tara Robinson from CTV News regarding the details
of the Gala. She will be emceeing it. She seems very excited about this
whole ride.
February 6, 2008 - Article about GUFW in the Cochrane Eagle today. Went to
the Bearspaw Community hall this morning as they were hosting CBC radio's - 'The Breakfast Show'. Met with CBC's Angela Knight. She was quite interested in GUFW and will get back to me closer to the ride start date. There were some other great contacts made as well. This sure is getting exciting.
February 13, 2008 - Met with Dan Kroffat today and he has agreed to join our committee. What an asset he will be. Met with Kurt today and Pascal, Lona,Kurt and I put some thoughts together about a poster. Kurt will do the artwork for it. He's a phenomenal artist and I can't wait to see his piece of work.
February 15, 2008 - So much great news today. This ride was truly meant to be happening due to everything that is falling so nicely into place. Have had approval that Dan Kroffat has jumped on board with us. That's great news.
The horses are sure conditioning well. Champagne is a really great addition to the equine team. The four horses confirmed are Coco, Daisy, Rapper and Champagne. I will be leaving Sage and Sox behind as back up horses.
My brother Ron, who lives in Southern Ontario (Niagara Peninsula) had the Giddy Up For Wishes logo put on his truck today. He will be driving the first week and wanted to help advertise the ride.
March 2008
March 1, 2008 - Things are sure getting busy as time approaches. 16 days away from the Gala and 17 days away from the departure. My girls are expressing their distress about me being gone. I assure them that time flies and that 3 months is not all that long. They're happy and supportive about what I'm doing and are pitching in and helping out a lot, they're just gonna miss me and I them. Gonna have to send them out to see me somewhere along the route.
March 3, 2008 - Been riding a lot with Deb Miller and Sarah, the horses are getting conditioned well. I'm pleased with all of them.
March 4, 2008 - The posters to the Gala are printed and are being distributed all over town. I sure hope we can sell all the tickets.
March 5, 2008 - Talked to my sister, Linda, in Welland, Ontario, and she tells me
that the weather is really bad there today. So I checked the online weather for Ottawa and it's looking pretty nasty there too. Sounds like they've got and are getting a lot of snow and ice. Talked to Lona and we're deciding on a plan 'B' to get the horses and units there, in case the weather doesn't let up in time. Maybe ship the horses and units out and Lona and I can fly and meet them there. I'll make some calls. Sure hope the white stuff melts so it doesn't delay the ride.
March 9, 2008 - Deb and I took Champagne, Daisy and Rapper to a bombproof clinic. It was great. Kathleen Winfield sure puts on a great clinic. Lots of new things and sounds that the horses were introduced to and they managed well.
March 10, 2008 - What a great day today. Weather is great and so are the horses.
Sarah, Lona, Deb and I rode the horses in the hills for some good conditioning and they all did so well. They're in such terrific shape. Afterwards we took the horses to the vet for a full check up. Dr. Rick Dalrymple from Big Hill Veterinary Services was so incredible with the horses. His time was donated as were the shots for the horses, dewormer, dental work and full checks. Rapper had to have his teeth floated, as did Daisy and Champagne. Champagne also had to have her wolf teeth pulled. Daisy was so sore to the touch on her cheeks/jaw prior to the vet's work. I'm so glad that we had this dealt with prior to heading out. After Dr. Dalrymple's thorough check he commented on the fact that the horses are in incredible, athletic shape and his words were.'These horses are in great shape and I have no problem with any of them taking on this trip'. His office will be calling to pick up a horse first aid kit that they are also donating. Click here to see some pictures.
From there, Lona and I headed to Lindsey Ecklund's for a saddle fitting. What a great man. So helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. He offered a lot of advice and expertise on saddles, pads and blankets. I'm glad that I went, as I will be making a couple changes with the saddles. There's a bit of a difference between pleasure riding and a 3 month enduring ride.
When I returned to the office there was a message from Alex Baum from Cochrane Dodge to say that the truck that he is donating came in. I ran over there to have a look and WOW it's a beauty. That truck and trailer are going to look great along the Trans Canada Highway.
I'm so amazed at the generosity of people. So very, very grateful. I feel so blessed.
March 6, 2008 - interview on camera with Global. It was on the news this evening, Daisy did so well.
March 7, 2008 - interview on camera with CBC Calgary. Will be on next week. Daisy didn't do as well, just wanted to head home and be with her buddies, she still looked great though.
March 10, 2008 - phone interview for the Welland Tribune paper
March 13, 2008 - interview on camera with CTV. Tara Robinson just loved Daisy and everything that there was about her. She'll contact me when it will be on.
Did an interview on the phone with the Ottawa Sun paper and an interview with CBC Edmonton Radio.
March 14, 2008 - Another incredibly busy day, today. I had to make a tough decision. Sadie, my dog won't be coming on the ride with me. She's going through a stage where she's not listening very well, so I'm concerned she may not stick with me beside the highway. I can't risk her getting hurt or causing an accident.
March 16, 2008 - A very exciting day!! I picked up the Dodge Dually truck from Pete's Signs and the after he put the decals on it. What a great job he did, it sure stands out. Also, celebrated Easter Sunday with my family today and it was wonderful. We were all able to watch CTV News and Tara Robinson put together a really good clip and info on Giddy Up For Wishes. It sure seems real now. Garry and Sandy Jacobs also agreed to drive one of the trucks to Ottawa. That terrific, so Lona and I can discuss things along the drive and I have a few things to figure out, with the MP3 recorder, GPS units, etc. Maybe we'll leave a day later now that we have more drivers. I think we'll make Friday (March 21st) the departure date. Weather still looks rough in Ottawa, and with this in mind, I bought some warmer clothes to help me out with that issue.M
Was in the Calgary Sun and the Ottawa Sun today.
March 17, 2008 - Happy St. Patrick's Day. I've been so busy that I even forgot to
wear green....I usually never forget and I'm always the who pinches those that don't. Oh well, I'm just glad that I didn't get pinched.
Picked up the horse blankets from Showcase Horse Products, they look amazing. I'm sure thankful for all that they did, they've been making these for a long time. Heidi has also been a great help with advice on hauling.
I also picked up a huge donation from Rafter Six. They just jumped on board and have supported and donated in a big way. People sure are giving.
March 18, 2008 - Live radio interview by 97.7 today.Went to the hall to decorate. I can’t believe how great the hall looks with all the decorations. The auction items were incredible and plentiful.
March 19, 2008 - Was on CBC radio at 1:00 today and will be on the rest of the week.
Had an interview with Ottawa Citizen paper today.
Went to the hall today to help decorate for the Gala. Wow, things look so great, Marva and her fundraising committee did a great job! Everything has sure come together nicely.
Kim Taylor came over this evening and took some pictures of the horses and then a few pics of Avery and Ryder, so I can take recent pictures of them with me. I look forward to John taking some pictures of the girls at the Gala tomorrow so that I can have them close by as well. I'm sure gonna miss my family. I'm sure grateful to Ken as he has also been incredibly supportive through all of the planning.
Busy day tying up loose ends. We couldn’t be more excited - as of today, the gala tickets are sold out.
Deb Miller bathed Daisy and Coco to get them ready for the Gala. Coco stayed at the trailer while Daisy and I rode along the Bow River behind the Al Azhar Shriner’s hall. Everyone was cheering and waving and Daisy was chomping at the bit to go. The infamous Joe Carvery commentated with his famous line, ‘And she’s off!’ and with that, Daisy and I went back to the trailer so I could get dressed for the gala.
The night far exceeded any of my expectations. The positive energy in the room was evident. Tara Robinson, from CTV news was our MC. Her bubbly personality and passion for Giddy Up for Wishes shone throughout the evening. Sydney Nydokus’s performances were heart warming. What a beautiful voice she has. I was in awe by Gary Fjellgaard’s talent. The auctions were great. April Walters of Big Hill West 4-H surprised us and presented a cheque from their club. The Bearpsaw Lions presented a cheque that will pay for our fuel for the whole trip.
The gala was a great success thanks to the huge efforts of Marva Debow, Linda Critchley, Odette Ries Bustin, Sarah Clark, Erika Stutz, Wanda Farran, Debbie Vandelaar and everyone else who jumped in to help. I have so much gratitude for the people who came to the gala and supported the ride with their donations. This world really is full of beautiful people.
March 20, 2008 - I did an interview with the Calgary Sun and Calgary Herald today. I had the reporter call Lona to interview her, which is a joke, because she said she didn’t want the spotlight with any of this. She was nervous, but she’ll have to get used to it.
Deb Miller and I went to the brand inspection office in Strathmore with the horses for hauling permits. Then I went home to pack while Deb and Lona went to Kerri Russell’s to bath the horses. I feel a bit overwhelmed today – tired and a little sad about leaving my wonderful family for 3 months.
March 21, 2008 - Got to the horses at 8 a.m. Deb Miller had been there since 6 a.m. Lona came with her family. Deb, Tamille and Robbie Beynon showed up to take pictures.
Got on the road by noon. I’m so thankful that Gary and Sandy are driving with us. I can’t believe that Gary and Sandy Jacobs have agreed to do this whole trip when they just returned from 4 ½ months in the Honduras. What great horse people. What great friends!
Our first stop was in Strathmore. A young girl ran up to Lona and I. She asked us if we knew where the lady was from the horse trailer with all the decals on it – the lady who was riding across the country. Lona pointed to me and the little girl got so excited. Shayla Gerencer, 11 years old, with her brother, Kyle, mom, Sandy and friend Denise were on their way home from Shayla’s riding lesson (she’s a trick rider) when they saw the truck and trailer. Shayla handed over her allowance to Giddy Up for Wishes. This gesture immediately set our hearts on fire and put tears in our eyes. This is what it’s all about. Thank you Shayla, you are our first road donation. P.S Shayla and Kyle, if you email lona@giddyupforwishes.com, she’ll email you a pledge form where you’ll have a chance to win a week at a horse camp.
Made it to Regina and stayed at Bruce Bilingsbrook’s place just east of Regina, called the Therapeutic Riding Club. Bruce had feed and water for the horses ready when we got there. We had a great visit with him and he had a couple of good contacts for overnights on our way back.
March 22, 2008 – Got up to feed and water the horses but Bruce already had the job done. Great guy! Nice sunny day on the road to Winnipeg - arrived at our stopover east of Winnipeg at Don and Kathleen Rudko’s place. Don trains reining horses. What an incredible barn, arena and paddocks. Horses were well taken care of. So were we! They took us into their home - we had showers, were fed a phenomenal supper, enjoyed hot chocoloate by the wood stove and great conversations until midnight.
March 23, 2008 – Happy Easter!! Don came by the trailer to inform us that Kathleen had breakfast ready. We had a delicious breakfast – that Kathleen sure is a good cook. Don supplied us with some connections for potential stopovers on our way home. Another great stay with incredible hosts. Can’t wait to see them on our way back home.
It’s -12 here with lots of ice. Sure hope it’s not like this in Ottawa when we get there. Drove from Winnipeg and made a stop in Dryden for some fuel. A young couple approached us and mentioned that they were moving from Spruce Grove to Nova Scotia. She mentioned that she knew all about Giddy Up For Wishes and told her husband that she was hoping to meet us on the road and there we were at the Esso in Dryden. They went to the bank machine and made a generous donation to Giddy Up For Wishes. What a nice couple, best wishes on your move back 'home'. Another gentleman approached us and also gave us a donation, his name and his phone number as he would like us to contact him if we need help on the way. He stated that he had some children that had health challenges and felt overwhelmed with Giddy Up For Wishes. This is going to be a GREAT journey! Touching the lives of many. Got to Thunder Bay and stayed at Maureen and Clarence Downey's place - Thunder Bay Therapeutic Riding School. Great hospitality and that Maureen is an incredible artist especially with her wood carvings of rocking horses. Lots of ice and dipping down to -19 degrees celcius.
March 24, 2008 - Arrived at High Rail Stables in Heyden, Ontario - just outside of Sault Saint Marie. The horses were able to stretch their legs in the outdoor arena, then stayed in the indoor arena overnight. We keep hearing there's snow on the way - hope the weather man is wrong!
March 25, 2008 - Left Heyden at 8 a.m. and drove in a snow storm all the way to Massey. Tough, very slow driving. Paul, from Espanola Lions Club met us in Massey with Jim Waddell who is the father of Nancy Parks-Waddell, where we spent the night. Jim took us all for a great lunch in Massey. Such a beautiful place that Hughie and Nancy have, great for horses and once again, the hospitality was unbeatable. Nancy is a vet and horse talks/experiences filled the evening. Their kids Caleb and Kennedy had fun wrestling with Garry, our driver.
March 26, 2008 – Beautiful sunny day. So impressed with the horses – they are traveling so well. Caleb and Kennedy went to school with their Giddy Up for Wishes bandanas on. So cute. Roads are clean and dry.
Met 7 year old Emily, a Wish child, in Espanola. She will be in Toronto for a treatment when I ride through on the way back, so Paul Zahorec of the Espanola Lions Club arranged a special meet and greet with the horses. In one hand she hled her lucky unicorn while she pet Coco and giggled. I think she felt the magic of the horse. She’s a sweet, sweet girl. Wish upon a star, Emily!
Paul Zahorec and his wife are absolutely incredible with what they have prepared for fund raising in Espanola for Giddy Up for Wishes. I look forward to their meet and greet when I ride through in the middle of April.
Arrived at Cliff Anderson’s, Black Creek Sporthorses in Kemptville, just outside of Ottawa. What a beautiful facility. Glad to be here – so are the horses!
March 27, 2008 - Headed into Ottawa for some grocery shopping. The horses are doing very well and had a great time running around in the arena. Wendy Paradis, who works here, is an excellent horse woman and spent some time making them pretty for their debut on Ottawa A Channel tommorrow morning.
March 28, 2008 - Lona and I were on the road at 6 a.m. heading to downtown Ottawa with truck, trailer, Daisy and Coco. I was fairly worried about taking this unit downtown but Lona gave me a gold star for my parallel parking. Never thought I'd be driving this unit down Sussex drive! Looking forward to my brother Ronnie and his kids, Hannah, John and Bruce, coming today to help with the first week of driving.
We all headed into town with the four horses for a live interview with CTV at the Nepean Sportsplex. Sunday should be a great event at the Capital Parenting Kids Show.
March 29, 2008 - Busy getting things organized for the grand debut. Wendy, who takes care of Black Creek Showhorses Stable is sure a great horse woman. Lona and Wendy went for a ride while I went into town with Ronnie to get supplies.
We went to my cousin Leona’s for supper where all my family had driven up from southern Ontario to see me off. Had a great supper and they all gave me thoughtful gifts to keep me safe and warm along the way.
I’m excited for tomorrow to get things started.
Click here to read Martha's Journal - And she's off - March 30, 2008 and on
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