For the Love of Animals and the Veterinary Profession
On Sunday, 31st July, if all goes well, vet Kate and her home-bred horse, Marilyn will arrive at Land’s End at the end of an awesome challenge. After 3 months, 1,300 miles, several sets of shoes for Marilyn but amazingly only one pair of shoes for Kate, they will end their journey, having smashed their charity target of £5,000!
Latest estimates put them well on the way to raising in excess of £12,000 for charities; Vet Life and Pets As Therapy.
Kate takes up the story “The hardest part was watching my horse in the first couple of weeks, coping with the routine of inconsistency. Horses like routine, they like their herd existence but each day was different and we were on our own, but thankfully Marilyn adapted well. We’ve had some scary moments, the traffic across Britain is concerning, the speeds fast and the roads much busier than I ever expected. In those early days, with endless wind and rain, and very difficult terrain and tracks, it would have been easy to give up.
But through the highs and the lows, I am hugely thankful for the opportunity to gain an even closer connection to my horse, Marilyn. Having spent this journey and time together, I really feel she is with me both mentally and physically. She follows me without a lead rope, she’ll simply fall into step behind me and we instinctively understand one another. It’s very special.”
“When I look back over the challenge and the ride, I don’t think I will ever forget the stunning landscapes, the mountains and hills, valleys and rivers, and the dramatic skies. And perhaps above all else, the kindness of strangers.
I have met SO many lovely people and I’ve discussed all sorts of subjects with people I have never met before. Basically, I found the world really is full of kind people, who will genuinely put themselves out to help you in all sorts of ways. Some have kindly delivered feed and water for Marilyn and occasionally and spontaneously cake and a G&T for me! Those people know who they are, who also gave Marilyn a field and me a bed for the night. As weary travellers we couldn’t have asked for more. So many kind individuals, far and wide, who stuck their hands in their pockets and made donations. It’s not an easy time for anyone at the moment, and I have been so incredibly touched by everyone’s generosity”
Kate is aware that arriving in Land’s End may be bitter sweet “Of course, I am going to be really excited to arrive and I am sure, heartily relived too that I have managed all 1,300 miles without serious incident. It will also be great to see my husband, Steve, and lots of friends who will be there to greet me but I’d be lying if I didn’t believe that I might also feel a little deflated, following such a unique experience over so many months. It’ll be strange fitting in again with everyday life and going back to work, but I know how fortunate I have been to be able to do this. It will be strange for Marilyn too, I am sure she will love being back with her field companions but she’s incredibly fit now, so I’ll need to continue to do some low level work with her, to settle her back gently into our old riding routine”.
Her journey here: Kate McMorris journey
You can still donate to her cause here: JustGiving for Kate McMorris
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