The Women Who Ride
Part 2

Since the Ride began Women and Girls rode alongside the men, they too were honoring the 38 + 2 who were hung, Now I want to honour them.

I am sorry to say that I don't know all of their names, but I have photos of them, on their trusty steeds, or without. There have been Dakota women of course, but not only that women have come from different Tribes and different Counties to honor the 38 + 2. Here are some more of them.

2019

Some of the children riding this year 2019

At Reconciliation Park, Mankato 2013

Beatrice Jackson 2013

The streets of Mankato 2018

Young woman leading the Spirit Horse. 2019
I was asked yesterday to explain what the Spirit Horse is. Well it is riderless, it is for the Spirits to use, (we know that both Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse have used one on the Ride in years passed.) It sometimes carries, prayer ties, the prayer pouch, and/or various Spiritual items. It is always lead by the Rider who is in the front of the Ride each time one goes out. It is not always the same horse. It is an honor to lead one. It is a Prayer Horse.

Dakota 38 Memorial Run
December 28th 2019:
I have an addition to this page of a Dakota 38 Runner.

The Memorial Run has been going on since 1988, much longer than the Ride has been going on. The Runners run from Fort Snelling on Christmas day night at 11:30 pm, to meet up with the Ride at Reconciliation Park at 10 am.

It is usually the young men who do this run, each running a mile or so in the dead of night so they can be in Mankato at the correct time. The runners pray all the time they are running for their ancestors.

This year I found out about this young woman runner. Her name is Trisha CaxSep GuWiga Etringer, it was her first year of running but she wants to come back next year and do it again. Well done Trisha.

January 8th 2020:
Another young woman runner is Marilyn Allen, who is Dakota from the Flandreau Santee Sioux tribe in South Dakota, she is doing the run to keep the memories alive of the 38.
An article about her is HERE

Day 10, December 19th 2019

Prayer for Today

Blessings relatives, Creator we thank you for the love, support, safety, and strength of our riders, staff, voluteers, and horse nation. Please surround everyone on this journey with a day of respect and honor. Give them all they need, help ease the pains, the sorrow, and the weight. They are traveling their first day in the state where many more are gathered with support. Help them feel that. May Grandfather Sun warm all bodies with enough energy to carry them through their cold nights. May Grandmother moon watch over them in their slumber, and the star nation be their messengers, until the new light shines again.
Mitakuye Oyasin A'ho
Mo

Route for Today

From Russell the Ride heads off to Vestal, (33 miles) where they will stay the night in the SW Minn State University dorms in Marshall. There is a note that goes along with this. 'Space limited this year so get a bunk buddy. Bring in your sleeping gear this time and pillows'

Breakfast will be by the Russell Community, Lunch will be by the Living Word Church, riders will be at a scheduled stop. Dinner will be supplied by the SW Minn State Univ, Oyate Club.

The horses will be at a farm corral in Vesta.

From our Members:

Toni N Francis
-6 degrees during my walk to work...
Creator sir; I am grateful for the choice to walk in all weather to honor your creation. Not all ancestors of the past had that choice and they endured hardships only you understand as well as those who feel/hear the tears of the ancient.
Hear the cries for healing from the brothers and sisters braving the cold upon horseback or walking to honor their relatives of the past. May you Bless the Ancestors hearts of brokenness with healing. May the relative riding in honor of that ancestor sing songs of joy and tears of healing as their hearts join in moving forward past the things they cannot change.
Creator please bless the horses as they share the burden on physical hardships and spiritual hardships of both worlds. May the horses strength merge with rider in unity as they travel in remembrance.
Blessings to all involved with the Dakota 38 +2
AHO

Cece Walter
Prayers up for a good day as the 38+2 ride continues into Pipestone. Hoping for fair weather and bright sunshine to light your way and keep you warm. Prayers for your safety as you continue this amazing journey. Much love and respect for everyone and for all the horses working hard each day to carry the riders on this prayerful journey. Many blessings for you all.

Photos from the Ride
Copyright of the photos belongs to the photographer. A list of those who supply the photos will be given on a page on the website at the end of the Ride.

Inside the Little Feather Center in Pipestone, MN 18th December

Photographer, Nina Fox in Flandreau.

For the Women who Endured.