Equestrian Network Magazine

In September 2002, at the age of 69, Gene Glasscock set off.

Gene Glasscock and his granddaughter in Sacramento

Leaving Denver, Colorado, on a route that had not been attempted in nearly one-hundred years, Gene and two six-year-old, high-stepping Tennessee Walker geldings began a 20,000 plus miles ride on a continual journey to all 48 state capitals in the continental United States.

On December 3, 2006, his fans proclaimed:

"Well, HE DID IT!!!!!!!!!!"

The ride ended in Columbus, Ohio, where Governor and First Lady Taft came out to meet Gene. In fact, governors, dignitaries, newspaper reporters, and just plain folks met Gene at each capital along the way. Hosts of fans hosted Gene and the horses wherever they traveled.

Gene is well known for being the only person on record to have ridden from North to South America. The Long Rider accomplished that feat in the 1980s when he rode his Quarter Horse Cactus 12,000 miles from the Arctic Circle in Canada to the Equator in Ecuador.

"I depend on the goodness of others for places to stay," said Gene.

"And this has reinforced my faith in my fellow man. I can count the times I've had to stay in a motel on one hand. And I have only had to ride on Sundays twice. I usually stay over on Sundays, go to church with whomever my host happens to be, and give the horses a rest."

Gene named his two geldings "George" and "Frank," in homage to George Beck and Frank Heath, his equestrian predecessors. Heath, starting in 1925, traveled to all 48 states but did not reach the capitals.

George Beck, part-time Washington logger, sometimes visionary, and full-time horseman, explained to his three closest companions, fame and fortune lay in the saddle, not with the ax. He formed the "Overland Horsemen" in 1912.They reached Sacramento, their 48th and last state capital on May 24, 1915. They had been in the saddle for three years and one month, a record 1,127 days of that time spent riding. They had gone through 17 horses on the 20,352 mile trip. During this time they had spent just $9,000 between

them. After their photograph was taken with the governor of California, they set out for the last stop, the Panama Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco, arriving there on June 1, 1915,

What possesses a grandfather to spend four years on a horse? Several reasons impelled Gene.

The first was the cause: Glasscock, a Baptist Missionary, raised funds for the Philip Scholarship Fund at Pensacola Christian College, in Pensacola, Florida. The Scholarship Fund provides an education for under-privileged young Paraguayans to attend the college in Florida. In return, the students sign a contract stating that they will return to Paraguay to help their people and their country.

Photograph by Eric Gregory - The Lincoln Journal Star.

"I taught school [English and the Bible] in Paraguay for two years and really came to love those people," said Gene. "I'm doing this to help them better their lives."

Glasscock does not collect any money along the trip. He hands out information to people and asks they help only if they wish to do so. Donations are sent to the college and Glasscock never checks to see how he is doing.

Yet while his work for the future of Paraguay inspires him, Gene also has a message for an often overlooked portion of

America's population as well: its senior citizens.

"I know I'm older now. But I can still swing into that saddle. So even if I have to ride a little slower, I want older people to look at me and realize they don't have to just sit on the porch and do nothing. I'm proof positive that they can mount up, ride out, and still live life!," Gene told The Long Riders' Guild.

Glasscock is no stranger to The Long Riders' Guild and that, perhaps, is another reason for his equestrian journey. It's in his blood, and in his past.

Glasscock, with six children and 39 grandchildren, was born in Texas, but grew up in Prineville, Ore. He said he considers Paraguay his home, and intends to open a home for "street youth'' there in the future.

In his final diary entry, he writes "I know my calling from God is for the young people of Paraguay whom God gave me to love. Therefore I will follow my heart to Paraguay most likely leaving all else behind. Matthew 19:29 & Luke 18:29-30. I do hope that the woman I love will find the joy of serving the Lord and follow me and my mission work to Paraguay. Until next time take care of yourselves and God Bless you all. Gene."

About the Author: M. Y. Mim is a free-lance journalist based in Santa Barbara, Ca. She may be reached at mymim3@cox.net, or through her agent R. Almqvist, 805-705-5349.

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