Makatoh Reconciliation and Healing Horse-Ride arrives

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - The Makatoh Reconciliation and Healing Horse-Ride arrived in the Key City on Friday as the 330 mile route from South Dakota to Minnesota concluded. They were joined by the Dakota Exiles who traveled 290 miles from Santee Nebraska, and the Dakota 38 Memorial Runners who departed from Fort Snelling in Saint Paul. Among those in attendance was John Guy a Native American from the Devils Lake North Dakota area which is a seven hour drive from Mankato. John arrived in Mankato Christmas day and spent the night so he could get to the ceremony early and not miss anything. For John it’s a day to both rejoice and heal as he remembers his ancestors. Andrew Shepherd, a young rider from Sisseton, South Dakota talked about his horse Stanley, and shared the healing nature of riding with an animal. Horses are good therapy and good on your heart he explains, and talked about how the animal can feel everything you’re feeling so the rider has to be good mentally and in your heart. “Me and the boys are from the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Tribe” he said with a smile.

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