32/ SEPTEMBER 2017 THE RIDER
Siblings 100+ Day Ride from Nova Scotia to Ontario
By Kelly Bowers To celebrate Canada’s beauty and
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150th birthday, 18 year old Jewel Keca wanted to ride her 5 year old appaloosa, Ora, on a cross country adventure this summer, while raising money for training Dog Guides. Originally thinking she would go alone, her plans changed last November. That was when she bought her sister, 24 year old Katie, a 12 year old QH/TB/Arab cross. Naturally, plan B emerged to ride together and the pair ex- citedly prepared for their big adventure. Then, a fews days before the ride, and not to be left out, their 25 year old brother, Joseph joined the expedition to film the experience and handle some of the logis- tics along the way. He accompanied his horseback sisters by pedalling his bicycle and carrying his video equipment, com- puter and essentials with him. On May 4th, while loaded down
with all the necessities like food, clothing, and camping gear including a tent, the three headed out from Mahone Bay in Nova Scotia on the 2,000+ km trek. The horses were outfitted with boots instead of horseshoes which would require less maintenance and were better suited for varied unknown surfaces. The riders wore yellow safety vests as Joseph peddled and the girls half walked and half rode their horses each day. Joseph would go on ahead to get groceries and interview spec- tators along the way. The three vegetari- ans subsisted on mostly beans, rice, fruit and granola bars. Fresh veggies and salad were welcome luxuries when available. Accommodations changed almost
nightly. There were no hotel reservations. Opportunities arose and beds emerged as word of mouth spread in the equestrian community and other residents. The Kecs were overwhelmed by the generosity of people who welcomed them into their homes along the way. Over and over, they
were fed, cared for and even loved by people who lived in the areas they passed through. On days off, they got to know many whom now consider them friends. They slept in campsites and trailer parks, in both front and backyards and even on a rooftop, in stables and barn lofts,whatever was available to them where they were. “I knew it was going to be hard, but you don’t
really know until you actually do it … hard, but amaz- ing, and I’ve learned more than I ever have.” reflected Jewel.
They finally dismounted for the last time in Sault
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Ste. Marie, ON on Thursday, August 24th when they reached their destination after more than 100 days and 20,000 km. Through regular Facebook postings and videos, many Canadians had been following the jour- ney and were happy to see the family home safe and sound although totally exhausted. In spite of the chal- lenges, their plan for next year is to continue their western trek, starting in Thunder Bay and heading west. I for one, suggest they take swim suits because I fully expect they’ll be dipping their toes in the ocean. The Keca’s ride raised awareness and money for
the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. This non-profit organization raises and trains dog guides which can be trained for vision help, autism assistance, diabetic alert, seizure response and as a service dog with the cost of training for just one dog at around $20,000. You can support their cause at www.go-
fundme.com/kecing-canada. For more about the Kecas’ journey, visit
facebook.com/KecingCanada or
patreon.com/kecingcanada.
For More Information Contact: A. L. Distributing Limited 1-888-345-2351
www.aldistributing.com info@aldistributing.com
or stop by your Tack Or Feed Store
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