Trail Ride Trouble

A group of trail riders, led by Steven Hawke, is attempting to travel across the United States on horseback to promote American history and hospitality.  Sounds like a good idea, right?  Maybe not.

From Amanda:

On December 10, 2013 the group’s horses were seized in Muskogee, Oklahoma.  The full story can be found here as reported by the Muskogee Phoenix.

After that ordeal, the horses were brought to Tyler, Texas where the trouble continued.  “They arrested me— charging me with animal cruelty. It’s mind-numbing to me,” says Hawke to KLTV.

The Lindale police are currently heading the investigation, meanwhile not allowing any of the trail riding group to view their horses.  There are rumors, reports KLTV, that at least one horse is now dead.

There is little to no information on the Great American Trail Ride webpage, about the horses or the riders involved.

Steven Hawke is, however, quite active on Youtube.  You can find all of his videos here.

These images from his video posted 2 months ago show horses of a healthy weight that appear relatively happy.  I probably have a few qualms with their saddle fit and lack of rider safety (helmets!), but nothing appears “abusive” to me.

What do you think Horse Nation?