Hi Li Jing,
I commend you for your endeavor with the support of your family and friends. I understand exactly what you mean when you feel it is the very best times in life to ride cross country with your horses. Before my English husband died (he was a biology proffesor and history buff)he knew of my desire to ride cross country (any country) and supported me in my selection of horses and my plans. He died suddenly and my dream drowned in despair but a month later a woman called me a asked me ,"When will you pick up the horse your husband bought you?" I was stunned to find that my husband (my husband loved me like no other and would have died for me and my children, I miss him so) had paid cash for a fine tall cheastnut gelding as a surprise for me. He so believed in me and my dream to ride cross country. I worked out and trained my horses and soon I had three fit horses that I rode 6 days a week. I selected areas to ride through San Diego County in California that cut across uninhabited areas from the mountians to the sea. I and my animals became so fit I could ride BAREBACK for 8 hours stopping only to drink and eat. I felt on top of the world when I could lope across vast rolling hills and through foothill forests and only hear the chewing and snuffling of the horses when we stopped to drink and eat.

I hurt my foot , on the job, and I have struggled through surgery and acute pain for over two years and have lost my fitness.I miss my husband every day. I gave my horses to those who would ride them and I struggle with pain every day. My daytimes are working at a desk for the State where I limp to cross the room but my dreams are to ride free again across whatever land God puts in front of me and to feel the strength of a strong fine horse as his bare hooves dig into the earth and his muscles bunch to climb the hills.Your story inspires me and creates a longing in my heart to face the setting sun again after a long day on horseback.
God Bless You and Your family,
Carrie Halliday, The One who was born in the wrong century.