Marianne du Toit
Encyclopedia
Marianne du Toit is a South African adventuress and photographer, notable for her epic journey on horseback and foot from Argentina
to New York
over a period of 21 months.
After graduating from Stellenbosch University
in 1992 with a BA degree in political science and psychology, she spent three years exploring and cycling through Europe before finally settling in Dublin, where she currently lives.
Inspired by the Swiss adventurer Aimé Félix Tschiffely
, who from 1925 to 1928 traveled from Buenos Aires to Washington DC with two Criollo horses, Marianne resolved to follow in his footsteps. She decided to use the journey to promote and raise money in support of therapeutic riding facilities in Ireland.
“I remember, since I was about 17 I would always read these articles about independent daring women who had done these amazing journeys. There was always something deep down driving me to these adventurous things. I just loved the adrenaline and the excitement.”
She spoke no Spanish and knew little about horses and horse riding, but set off in May 2002 from Ireland for South America where her two Criollo’s, Mise and Tusa, were acquired. Six months into her journey, Tusa was found to be suffering from anaemia and had to be put down. Marianne considered admitting defeat; however despite numerous other hardships she persevered and completed the journey, joining in the St Patrick’s Day parade through the streets of New York in 2004. Marianne's adventures are related in her book Crying with Cockroaches.
Supporting the Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
, Marianne rescues stray dogs from Dublin streets. The foie gras industry, factory farming, testing on animals, the fur trade and use of animals in the circus are some of the issues she chooses to highlight.
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
to New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
over a period of 21 months.
After graduating from Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch University is a public research university situated in the town of Stellenbosch, South Africa. Other nearby universities are the University of Cape Town and University of the Western Cape....
in 1992 with a BA degree in political science and psychology, she spent three years exploring and cycling through Europe before finally settling in Dublin, where she currently lives.
Inspired by the Swiss adventurer Aimé Félix Tschiffely
Aimé Félix Tschiffely
Aimé Félix Tschiffely was a Swiss-born, Argentine professor, writer, and adventurer. A.F. Tschiffely wrote a number of books, most famously Tschiffely's Ride in which he recounts his solo journey on horseback from Argentina to Washington DC, an epic adventure that still marks one of the greatest...
, who from 1925 to 1928 traveled from Buenos Aires to Washington DC with two Criollo horses, Marianne resolved to follow in his footsteps. She decided to use the journey to promote and raise money in support of therapeutic riding facilities in Ireland.
“I remember, since I was about 17 I would always read these articles about independent daring women who had done these amazing journeys. There was always something deep down driving me to these adventurous things. I just loved the adrenaline and the excitement.”
She spoke no Spanish and knew little about horses and horse riding, but set off in May 2002 from Ireland for South America where her two Criollo’s, Mise and Tusa, were acquired. Six months into her journey, Tusa was found to be suffering from anaemia and had to be put down. Marianne considered admitting defeat; however despite numerous other hardships she persevered and completed the journey, joining in the St Patrick’s Day parade through the streets of New York in 2004. Marianne's adventures are related in her book Crying with Cockroaches.
Supporting the Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
DSPCA
The Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a registered charity, established in 1840 to prevent cruelty to animals and is now Ireland's largest animal welfare organisation.-Activity:...
, Marianne rescues stray dogs from Dublin streets. The foie gras industry, factory farming, testing on animals, the fur trade and use of animals in the circus are some of the issues she chooses to highlight.