Man Battles Thunderstorms and Rain on ‘Faithful Steed’ as He Tackles 3,500-Mile Horse Ride Across the US in Memory of a Friend

A Scottish man recently went viral on social media for his incredible tribute to a deceased friend. Peter Steel is a resident of Aberdeen who has dedicated his life to fundraising for people suffering from cystic fibrosis. The terminal disease stole a dear friend from the man. He participates in fundraising challenges to honor his friend’s memory and help others.

35-year-old Steel has recently made headlines with his “mad idea” to cover 3500 miles between Maryland and California on horseback. His trusted partner in this attempt is his horse, Ringo. The preparation for this daunting journey has not been easy for him. It took him nearly four years to save the necessary funds.

Peter Steel’s Heroic Tribute To The Lost Friend

A profound personal loss inspires Peter’s journey. It is a tribute to his friend Hannah Dyson who lost the battle against CF on May 1, 2005. She was just sixteen when she died, and since then, Peter hasn’t been able to shake her memories from his mind. He started preparing for this journey in 2019 and managed to save £10,000 to fund this challenge and used the money to buy camping equipment, a comfy saddle, saddle bags, and more. He made sure that Ringo was cleared for the trip by the vet.

Peter started the journey on June 10 from Maryland. About two weeks into his expedition, his steed, Ringo, tumbled down an 8ft embankment and sustained injuries. The injury later became infected, and Peter contemplated whether he should continue or turn back. He did turn back, but only for 50 miles, where he found a vet to treat Ringo.

On the way back, he also faced a thunderstorm which he overcame by humming Beatles songs. The loyal friend wants to raise £1,000 and donate it to fund research into CF. He said, “I hope that by raising more money, we will hopefully find better treatments.” He is not oblivious to the fact that he could have just donated the money instead of going to all this trouble.

However, Peter clarified that this is a personal challenge for him and a way to drive awareness. According to an online source Irish News, Hannah’s parents are overwhelmed by this kind gesture and said, “We are completely overwhelmed that Peter should undertake such an incredible journey across America on horseback in memory of our dear Hannah and to raise funds for her charity”.

Many people on the internet have commented criticizing his decision to do this on horseback. Some have even cried “animal abuse” and recommended that he use a bicycle instead.

Peter’s Bold Reply To Online Criticism

Peter spoke about how he likes to prove people wrong when they say something can’t be done. He clarified that he had taken all the necessary precautions to ensure the horse’s well-being. Besides, Peter is also an equine physiotherapist and has worked with horses all his adult life. The £10,000 primarily covered Ringo’s veterinary bills, vaccinations, and equipment costs.

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Peter and Hannah first met when they were both twelve years old. They were inseparable for the last four years of Hannah’s life. Peter still remembers her as a cheerful girl who never let a bad day take her down. Hannah, too used to raise money for CF treatments in her own way. She was a creative girl and used her skills to make cards and trinkets to sell at the local shops. Peter is trying to carry forward Hannah’s mission and do his bit for CF victims.

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