HAPPY ENDINGS 08

Crossed Sabers Stable

The Mountain State Horse School and Second Wind Adoption Program, Inc.

Crossed Sabers International Life School, Inc.

Mailing/Physical Address: Rt 2 Box 24A Jockey Camp Road, West Union, WV 26456

Office Phone: 304-873-3532 Fax: 304-873-1867 (call before faxing)

Email for Second Wind Adoption Program: SecondWindAdopt@aol.com

Visiting Hours: Daily 9 to 4 (eastern time) by appointment

Pick Up and Delivery of Horses: 9am to 8pm by appointment

Office Hours: 9 to 4 (eastern time) Monday through Friday

Driving Directions: Click here for directions to the Headquarters farm
Flying In: Fly into Pittsburgh Airport (PIT) and rent a car or call us to pick you up (its about 2.5 hours from the farm) or fly into Clarksburg Airport (CKB) or Parkersburg Airport (PKB) and we can pick you up, both CKB and PKB are less than an hour away.

volunteers, interns needing college credit for independent studies, visit for a weekend, a week or a semester, get a badly needed break from your daily grind and help horses that need YOU!

Click the picture above to see the details about the St. Pats Day, Luck of the Irish Adoption Special, we're making it even easier to get the horse of your dreams!!

Saturday has become our regular volunteer day, we've had so many people wanting to help we had to set aside a day for all to come at the same time. YEA!!

Click the SWAP Shopping picture to see details about the Cape Cod Cottage auction and fund raiser going on right now!

click here, sign up and shop at over 750 stores, every time you shop, SWAP gets a donation of up to 26% of your purchase. ISearch at IGive gives money every time you do a search.

Services to keep you and horse safe from fraud, fake horses, dishonesty with sellers and buyers. Safe Selling services include marketing, mediation, background checks on buyers/sellers, purchase/lease agreements, expert witness for contracts, leases and sales gone wrong, guidance for fixing sales and lease issues, research and PI services.

Safe Sharing is a program to allow horse owners to keep their horses by sharing costs with another person. Safe Sharing is available to all horse owners.

I shall wear diamonds and a wide brimmed straw hat with ribbons and flowers on it

And I shall spend my social security on white wine and carrots

And sit in the alley of my barn and listen to my horses breathe.

I will sneak out in the middle of a summer's night And ride the dappled mare across the moonstruck meadow, if my old bones will allow. and when people come to call, I will smile and nod, As I walk them past the gardens to the barn And show, instead, the flowers growing there

In stalls fresh-lined with straw. I will shovel and sweat and wear hay in my hair as if it were a jewel. And I will be an embarrassment of all who look down on me Who have not yet found the peace in being free To love a horse as a friend, a friend who waits at midnight hour

With muzzle and nicker and patient eyes For the Woman I will be when I am old.

A young boy was walking along the beach

as high tide came in.

With every crash of the waves

he noticed that dozens of seahorses were being cast onto the beach,

where they lay gasping and squirming.

Hurriedly, he ran to each seahorse he could find

and gently tossed them back into the surf.

A man watching all this approached the boy and said;

"Son, what you are doing won't make a difference",

to which the boy replied,

A 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud man, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with his hair fashionably combed and shaved perfectly, even though he is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today. His wife of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary. After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, he smiled sweetly when told his room was ready.

As he maneuvered his walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of his tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on his window.

'I love it,' he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy.

'Mr. Jones, you haven't seen the room; just wait.'

'That doesn't have anything to do with it,' he replied.

'Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged .. it's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it. 'It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do.

Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away. Just for this time in my life.

Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw from what you've put in.

So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories!

Thank you for your part in filling my Memory bank.

I am still depositing.' Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

1. Free your heart from hatred.

2. Free your mind from worries.

5. Expect less.

Our lives with horses...

Our lives with horses are rich with feeling. You know this if you've ever.... choked back tears watching a new foal wobble to his feet for the First time ...or watched your good horse wobble to his feet after surgery.... or seen the ends of the reins float straight out as a reining horse spins beneath them . . or chuckled to yourself as you watched a tiny tot on a patient pony trot through a barrel pattern at a saddle club payday ... or felt the building tremble as an eight-up hitch of feather-legged giants towed a hand-carved beer wagon into the arena ... or had your heart stop when you saw your horse lying motionless in the pasture on a sunny day and waited breathlessly for an ear to flick ... or cheered at the screen when 'The Man From Snowy River' slid Dennie down the mountainside, .. or when Seabiscuit made his final surge to beat War Admiral ... or cruised along the highway and seen a horse in a pasture and wondered what he's like to ride or pictured him as a prospect ... or sucked in your breath as a horse and rider approached a six-foot wall ... or sworn a solemn oath to your horse that together you would triumph ... or flipped through the TV channels and stopped when you saw a horse even when it was a commercial ... or laughed aloud when you rubbed your horse's face and he rubbed back ... or gotten chills hearing Dave Johnson's 'and DOWN THE STRETCH THEY COME!' (or 'Run for the Roses' circa 1980 ish?)
... or stood in awe at your horse in morning play as he sprinted around the pasture, then stopped, head erect, and snorted defiance at the rest of the world
... or been thankful to see wild horses grazing casually at the foot of a hill ... or felt calmed by the sleekness of a silky
haircoat beneath your hand ... or felt your jaw drop as you watched a Lipazzan
perform a capriole ... or if you've ever seen someone in the grocery store wearing a certain kind of hat, or boots, or buckle, or have a certain cut and length to their jeans, and felt some remote kind of connection ... or felt warmed by a soft nicker greeting as you entered the barn ... or slid your hand under your horse's blanket to straighten it out, only to pause in the glowing feeling that you get when you touch the
warmth of his coat... or riding on a trail with your horse, thinking how that trail over there looks nice and almost without asking, your horse has sensed your slightest movement in the saddle and he's now taking you there. ... or pulled up to your barn where you board and only your horse greets you with a welcoming hello from the sound of your car or your voice.

HEROES AND HORSES

SOME NOTABLE HEROES AND THEIR HORSES ARE MENTIONED AND WE KNOW YOUR HORSE IS YOUR HERO AND VICE VERSA.

1. Kanthaka - Buddha's horse, the one he used when he was still Siddhartha the prince, to escape from his father's palace and begin his journey toward enlightenment. Kanthaka's hooves made no sounds as they fled together and he is often depicted being lifted on his four feet by benign spirits.

2. Pegasus - the mythical winged horse parented by Neptune and Medusa and ridden by Bellerophon to rid the world of Chimera, the monster. Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, was able to capture and train Pegasus when he allowed her to place her golden bit in his mouth.

3. Phosphorus (Light Bearer) - the great Roman racehorse immortalized by the 4th century Roman poet Ausonius (at the emperor's request) in a beautiful eulogy: Fly with haste to join the wing-footed horses of Elysium; may Pegasus gallop on your right and Arion as your left-wheeler, and let Castor find a fourth horse for the team.

4. Babieca - famed white gelding of El Cid, Rodrigo Diaz of Bivar, the Spanish hero who united Christians and Muslims against a Moorish onslaught from Africa. Babieca lived to be 30 years old and carried El Cid into all his battles. Babieca means "crazy" as Rodrigo made a crazy choice since the colt was the runt of the herd.

5. Bucephalus (Ox-head) - beloved horse of Alexander the Great who bore the Macedonian hero on his back from Greece to India. Odds against a horse living past 20 in that era were great, but Bucephalus, in his 20s, endured until he fell in battle in India.

6. Sleipnir - the eight-legged war horse of Odin, the Norse god, was able to fly without wings and shape-shift.

7. Balios and Xanthos - a grey and bay, both sired by Zephyros, the West Wind, who together pulled Achilles' chariot.

8. Vivasat - a Hindu sun-god who often took the form of a stallion.

9. Al Burak - Mohammed's horse, on whose back he ascended to heaven, was brought to him by the archangel Gabriel

10. Chiron - the centaur who taught Achilles, Jason and the first physician, Ascelpius, all he knew.

11. Rakhsh - blue-eyed and dappled red horse of the legendary Persian warrior, Rustam. Rakhsh was highly intelligent and saved his sleeping master from a lion's attack, killing the predator.

There are many more famous mythical and real horses and we will be adding to our list. Can you help us add to this list?. thank you Harmony Horse Works.

The question is not: "do you support horse slaughter."

The question is: "do you support the cruel, terrifying transport for days without food and water in their journey to death?"

The question is: "do you support the torture and abuse of the killer chutes, even for crippled horses, pregnant mares, wild horses, protective mares with foals by their sides?"

The question is: “Do you support the horse slaughter factories that lie to their consumers about the many chemicals that taint the horse meat, and call it Organic?

The question is: do you support the breeder who breeds hundreds of horses just to pick out the good ones and cash in the rest to the killer buyer?

The question is: Do you support the person who uses the horse its whole life and when it gets to an old age sends it to slaughter as a thank you?

The question is: “do you support the slaughter workers who cheer a horse on that struggles extra hard for its life?

The question is: Do you support the killer buyer who not only buys up the strong, fat and healthy horses and leaves the meek weak and unhealthy for society, but also bids against the good homes and horse rescues?

The question is: “Can you see though the lies of the ones who stand to loose a buck with the end of horse slaughter?

The question is: Do you support ripping the last of our wild horses away from their families and peaceful lives to be slaughtered?

The question is: As a nation, can we allow this to continue and still call ourselves a civilized country?

The question is: "Can you look at the footage of innocent horses with their eyes gouged out, hooves ripped off, legs broken, beaten by the workers, faces smashed in from being on the transport trucks, horses stabbed in their spines, horses conscious for the entire killing process and do nothing?

That is the question, so what is YOUR answer?

Resolve to make the world a better place for animals (credit: PETA)

	If you haven't already done so, have the companion animals who depend on you spayed or neutered. These simple procedures help protect your furry friends from many types of cancer and prevent thousands of animals from being born only to end up abandoned on the streets or dumped at severely crowded animal shelters.
	If you live with a dog, pledge to walk him or her every day, even when it's cold outside and you'd rather hide under a blanket. If you share your home with cats, set aside some "kitty (or horsey) quality time" every day to play with, brush, and bond with them. It's sometimes too easy to overlook our feline friends, but they can get bored and lonely too.
	If there is a lonely "backyard dog" in your neighborhood, try befriending his or her guardian. Start by politely talking to him or her about the dog's needs, such as companionship, daily portions of fresh food and water, and a weatherproof doghouse filled with straw. Many lucky dogs have had their lives changed because someone like you cared enough to intervene.
	If you're shopping for yourself or buying holidays gifts for your loved ones, stay away from fur, wool, leather, and companies that make or sell products made from the skins of animals.

NOTE: Crossed Sabers can not fully guarantee the accuracy of every page on this website which is huge (38,000 files and over 300 pages). We do not have the personnel or time to keep it up to date and accurate for every situation as this Stable and all its programs have always been a dynamic entity, ever changing and improving itself to meet the needs of horses and horse people. We do try to make sure each page is up to date and accurate but the best thing to do If you have a question, is email or call us. Additionally Crossed Sabers can not guarantee anything that anyone says about us on line, we have no control over other people and their websites, forums or ads, all we can tell people is if you do not know the person, their name, address and their experience, age or history/background/education and location do not trust what they say. That is true for everything on the internet. Some things said about us have been grossly inaccurate and did not come from CSS, some come from past employees we fired for cause (for hurting horses or stealing from us), people that are pro-slaughter and hate our mission and what we do for horses enjoy trying to make us look bad, some are horse traders that we've helped put out of business and some are people we helped put in jail on neglect cases. Again, if you have questions about us, our services, our company structure, how we are licensed, how we pay taxes, how we do things or anything at all, please feel free to contact us, just don't assume that all you read on another website is accurate because 99% of it is not true, especially if you read it on a forum, blog or chat room and don't assume that it came from us, just call 304-873-3532 or email us at secondwindadopt@aol.com, or better yet, come and see our operation and you will see how we do things. I can guarantee it's 1000 times better than what the liars and frauds say who are jealous of our work. All programs and services listed on this website, including SWAP is a part of Crossed Sabers Stable which has been licensed in WV for the last 13 years. The Mountain State Horse School and Second Wind Adoption Program, Inc. and Crossed Sabers International Horse School, Inc. was incorporated on 4 Sep 08 to address the education needs and life challenges of people and horses.

Buyer and Seller Beware!! Update on the Robin Hollingsworth of Blacksburg, SC (she has several alias's and about 10 fake names) fraud case for those of you who have been asking. The SC prosecutor accepted a plea bargain from her and dropped the case if she paid the people she ripped off (the people she took money under false pretenses from when she sold them horses she did not own), she did that so she was let go but the 3 arrests will stay on her record and the record of what she did to all those people is still on the books and will stay there. If she is caught again I'm certain she will go to jail but people who are cheated by her must stand up and testify.. If more people that she ripped off would have not chickened out and backed out because of fear (Quote from them was we are scared of her, she is crazy) she would be in jail right now but beware, she is still loose and still taking free horses or companion horses that have things like ringbone and navicular and drugging them and then selling them as high level jumpers and competition horses on the internet. Her daughter works with her, Amanda or Mandy, she helps her rip people off. Beware, I'm getting calls almost every month where Robin has committed more crimes against people, taking horses, not paying for them, bouncing checks, buying vehicles and horse trailers and not paying for them. BEWARE OF THIS WOMAN!! If you want her history or to check a person's name against our black list (our do not adopt to, do not sell to, do not buy from, do not hire or even rent to list), then contact us.

BEWARE: Do not buy a horse from anyone you do not know, ESPECIALLY ON THE INTERNET, unless they have websites like ours, their names and addresses listed and they show they have a long long history on their website and do not buy unless you go to see the horse and have it vet checked and you have contact with the vet, not the seller or even trainer telling you what the vet said. DO NOT GIVE YOUR HORSE OR SELL YOUR HORSE WITHOUT A WRITTEN AGREEMENT AS TO WHAT IS TO HAPPEN WITH THE HORSE, RESELLING, USE/LIMITATIONS, FACILITIES NEEDED, ETC. It you sell or give away a horse with no agreement, they could go to slaughter the same day you release them or they could be sold and misrepresented, living a life of neglect, abuse, over use and miss use the rest of their lives. We hear stories all the time where a best friend or neighbor, the nice lady you gave the horse to sent the horse to slaughter or is neglecting it and there is not a thing the owner can do now because they no longer own the horse and they made no written agreements signed by both parties. If you need help doing written agreements, back ground checks on buyers and sellers, just contact us, that is part of our 'SAFE SELLING' SERVICES. Your horse's life depends on you being safe and thorough!

BEWARE: People are selling horses on the internet that don't even exist so beware, the horse industry is full is liars, cheaters, and thieves, even we have had to deal with them from potential adopters who were in jail applying to adopt, to employees and former trainers who totally ripped us off by stealing tack and tools, asking for huge advances and then leaving after they get them, people who don't even know us or had any experience with us slandering us on forums, harassing us and our supporters, interfering with company operations and even adopters who don't think twice about breaching their contract or forging their vets signature on applications & annual updates or even selling their adoption horse to programs like ours and even 501c3's public charities selling horses to slaughter auctions or being put in jail for neglect and animal cruelty. We are bringing each person that has wronged our horses to justice one at a time and winning all our cases but that does not protect the general public from these liars, thieves, con-artist and cheaters. Your horses life can easily be ruined forever, they could end up in a fate worse than death so buyer and seller beware, your horses life depends on you keeping them safe and you being thorough with doing things like getting references and making sure the people have stable employment, that they really own the farm they say they do, doing background checks to check for criminal records. The horse world is full of dishonesty which ruins it for honest people that really care and always try to do the right thing, such a shame. Just be very careful and get proof that your horse is going to a good home, get more than a feeling because we promise you about 50% of the time when it comes to horses, your feeling that its a 'nice' person or a 'good' person' is wrong. And even when you pick a good home, they can turn around and sell or give away to a bad home.

HOW TO STAY YOUNG

1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay 'them'

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches and negative people pull you down. People who like to cause trouble will shorten your life and make you just like them... miserable.

3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. 'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.'

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

6. The tears happen.. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love , whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER :
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

—Excerpted from A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles

Here are a few pictures that were taken today of Ramse and my Daughter Madison (his biggest fan by far ). This is how his days are spent. By far one of the lucky ones. We have tossed the idea of selling a couple of our draft horses.If we do, that will leave 2 empty stalls. We would definitely like to look into adopting from you again.

Traci Meek

Well, I rode Marvin today for the first time since having him at my house. I could definitely tell he hadn't been ridden in a long time but he was good. He has very nice gaits, very springy. He is so much fun. I have absolutely fallen in love with him. His personality is wonderful. He is not a beginner's horse on the ground, gets very pushy but otherwise he is great. I'm trying to get some weight on him, kind of ribby.
Also, I had a friends fiance come over & ride Maynard. He bucked the first time he got on, we had him in a western saddle. Then, he rode him about 30-40 mins & I got on him. All I can say is WOW! That horse has a floaty trot & rockin chair canter. Cadillac of a ride & that is after almost 2 yrs of not being ridden. He has SO much potential. I have had a great day. Just thought I would let you know. Hope all is going well with you.
Erica

i just wanted to let you guys know that i was able to ride Melody for the first time by myself with complete confidence after a 1 1/2 years of training. We did walk, extended walk, halt, backup, trot, change rein at trot and she was such a good girl. I plan on starting showing her next year at some local arab shows. she is doing very well, we will start her trailer training this winter as she does not like to load. her allergies look good, we have her on the supplement EO3 which is an omega 3 and 6 supplement. she has a couple of sores but nothing like she has had in the past. Hope all is going well with the group.

Katharine Owens

We have both had training. I have trainers that train with parelli, lyons and several other top trainers and we move slow and do a lot of sensory training. i am also very lucky that they live 3 houses down so they come to me twice a week. they have all my horses in training and myself. always room for improvement. melody had some self confidence issues and her "go" button was always on. it is no longer on and she is a different horse. she used to put herself in a full body nervous sweat. no longer. that has also helped her allergy. the next lesson is possibly sunday b/c of rain in the area so i will try and get pics. i think it did melody good to grow up completely before being trained. she is 15 hands and has filled out nicely. i like walking out the door and they see me and call out to me and they seem to get so excited when they see me, well only because they know either i have food/treats or they are going to come in and get more food/treats. :)

Katharine

Thank you for your remarks. She and I have come a very long way. i really felt like my confidence had been boosted with her because of her training. She is a very sweet girl and loves attention as they all do. I hope with the training and calming her down plus the supplements, that we will be able to keep her allergies under control. i hate to see her all itchy from those "no see-ums". she looks wonderful now b/c the bugs are gone. i will try and keep you updated on her as i do plan on showing some with her next year at some local arabian shows. i think she would do well there esp in halter. i have a show halter for her with pink beads and her color is definetly pinks as she is a DIVA! and the sad thing is, she knows it too, hahahaha. I hope you and your staff and horses/dogs have a wonderful thanksgiving and holiday season.

Katharine Owens

Dear Celeita,

Just wanted to send a quick note that Chou is doing great. We've been working quite a bit on ground work. Since we've put him in a stall, he has been much better behaved. I can even call him in from the pasture and he'll walk right into his stall on his own! We also had a "breakthrough" moment a few weeks ago. Since the stories I've heard weren't too reassuring, I've been a bit guarded on trusting him just yet. Well, we were working on the longe line, he spooked at something (the wind I think - LOL), and took off right towards me. Well, right before he got to me he slammed on the breaks - so, I guess he DOES like me after all! Anyway, just wanted to let you know he's doing great. Have a very Merry Christmas.

Holly Hurshman

You have beautiful horses and I have three to prove it. Would love to adopt more but I am streched to my limit since my husband passd away. Am not breeding any horses of my own until all the expenses my husband left me are taken care of.

Keep up the good work. Wish I could send more than best wishes but this will have to do for now.

Valerie with Haley, Silk Stocking and her filly from you folks. Haley got pregnant but lost the foal , probably because of the terrible drought we had which finally ended this fall, but she is fine now.

Haley fell in love with my Arabian stallion ( her same age ) and I got her papers as well as Silk Stocking's papers so they are both registered and doing well.

Our drought lasted almost two years so hope the worst is behind us now.

Merry Christmas to all of you. Enjoyed visitng your facility when I got Haley 7 years ago. My how time flies. She will be 9 next year.

God bless all of you.

Celeita,

GOOD NEWS !!!!!!

We had x-rays done on Ahri's neck and spine and after all Ahri does not have arthritis .Our Vet Dr.Myers from Deepwood sedated Ahri so that he would not move and cause any shadow during the x-ray , I'm guessing that's why he was missed diagnosed.

Myself and Andy have really bonded with Arhi and he is 100% sound.Im so happy you aloud us to have him as one of our own. I would never give him up for millon dollars.

Thanks so much.

Im attaching updated Pic. enjoy.

Hi Celeita,

I thought that I'd share these pictures with you. Sahara puts up with way too much from me - candy cane headband, reindeer antlers, Santa hat, and garland (I'm not kidding, haha). It was a perfect opportunity to play the Friendly Game. She loves photo shoots, and she put her ears forward every single time! Then again, hearing the crinkle of a peppermint never hurts...

Everything's going well on my end. Sahara's been going really well - her jumping is great, and we've been working on lateral flexion and suppling (all in the Parelli halter, of course :) ). I hacked her bareback on Sunday, and she was really light and supple. Getting it in a lesson is one thing, but bareback is even better.

I have to run now, but I hope that everything is going well for you and that it isn't too cold!

I'll write more later - I'm in the midst of taking finals...

Alexandra

Celeita – Harry has arrived and settled in with very little fanfare. Didn’t even let out a nicker to all the girls. He certainly was ready for hay though. Meg forgot to give me the papers, so she will mail them this coming week. It was SO windy and her mares were out playing so I was grateful to get him on the trailer without incident – just forgot the papers. Thank you again. Jeannine

He Celeita,

Just a quick update on Sawyer. I still haven’t been able to ride him. I’m due to have my baby in a week. Anyway, my buddy Travis took him out on a trail ride this morning with my husband Brent on Ash. Sawyer hadn’t had anyone on him in weeks, except for this morning he gave a couple of pony rides. Anyway, Travis and Brent came back from their ride just grinning. Guess they decided to speed things up a bit since it was just the two of them. Usually they go out with our neighbor that isn’t a very experienced rider so they have to keep it slow. Travis said that Sawyer is gonna be the one that everyone fights over and wants to ride. He said he was so much fun because he has the fastest walk. Ash had to trot to keep up with him at the walk. He said Sawyer was looking all around and just scooting along and having fun being out on the trail. Some dogs ran up and barked at him and he didn’t care at all. So then they decided to turn up the speed a little and Travis said Sawyer was pacing as fast as Ash’s medium canter. Sawyer kept swiveling his ears back to Travis, unsure if he was allowed to canter. When Ash passed Sawyer, he decided it was ok to canter to keep up with his girlfriend. Travis said Sawyer’s canter was so smooth and fast and fun to ride. They raced around on the trails for a while, then they came to a small creek and of course had to jump it one way, and then turn back and do it two or three more times just because it was fun. Travis said Sawyer has no fear to jump anything and that he has a big, athletic, fun jump. Anyway, they were good and sweaty when they got back so they cooled the horses off and turned them back out.

So Travis is the only one that has really ridden Sawyer at any length and he just absolutely loves him. I’m excited to start riding him in a month or so!

-Shelly

Here are some pictures of Aristides as requested. There taken on 10 September 2008. He has since gained a little bit of weight and now his winter coat is coming in very well. He is very playful and I have gotten him to come to me by whistling. Thank you for letting us take him. He is AWESOME!!!

Also, Josette said something about getting your account transfering info so we can set up an automatic payment to your account. We switched banks and don't want you to worry about the payments not coming.

Thank you again,. Please reply to any of our email addresses and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Or call.

R/S

Andrew Williams

The kitten is really sweet and is just fine. What a cuddly lover! She initially used the hay bales on our second floor as her temporary safe haven, but we have little "houses" in the barn with small doors, just for the cats should they want to use them. I wanted to let you know all is well. It was good to see you... Best of luck w/ your farm and endeavors!! Oh!! The cooler is just beautiful. Thanks for your generosity!

Hello. I am the daughter of Tom and Bridgett Mason who adopted Bright Quarter Moon , aka Calvin... I was wondering if you had his registration certificate on file because we didn't get one when the adoption was complete... You sent us a CD but I have misplaced it... Could you either send me a copy of it through email? or another copy of the CD through snail mail perhaps?.... If you have any questions, feel free to reply back.. Thank you so much...

Ashley Mason

P.S. Calvin is doing great... We love him to death.... He is a spoiled brat but is doing almost perfect english pleasure and I've started him on Western Pleasure... He's still as tall as ever and a sucker for food but oh well... We don't mind...

Hey Celetia

Sorry I am so late with this I checked the site and did not see the undate form. However I wanted to let you know that everything is the same. Jazz is doing pretty well his back is doing better and I am currently working him four to five hours a week, Now that I am back home. he is upto date on all shots and wormers his feet get trimmed every six weeks. His teeth were floated in January. I also have some new pictures if you would like me to send them I can. again sorry this is late.

Jen Gutman

I was going through the pictures of your rescue horses and noticed the one on Levi, the Blue Roan gelding. How did I know he was a Blue Roan, because I own him. My wife adopted Levi in Dec 2000 and we received him under our care in June 2001. As you stated, Levi was a very nervous horse but with plenty of love, patience and care he has become a very trusting and loveable companion. Levi is in the pasture with about 12 other horses and enjoys being in the sunshine and even bath time.

I have attached a picture my wide sent to me just a few weeks ago. We still live in North Carolina.

William "Chet" Lewis

Celeita,

I retired from the MC four years ago after 30 years and yes, I am working in Iraq as a contractor. We still live in the Camp Lejeune area. Marlene and I became Gandparents in the past two years with a wonderful Gandson who is 20 months old. Levi has been retired from riding and is just the greatest pasture buddy for all the other horses. He is very much Loved, and returns the affection to us. I sent your article to Marlene so she could see it. I was sure surprised when I came upon it. The second picture I sent gives you a better look of how well he has developed. We will keep you posted now that we know articles are getting published.

Thank you

Chet

Hey, if I can be of help with anything else, just ask. I really wish we had room for more horses. We are having a blast with Sawyer. He had to stay home Saturday while my other three horses went out on a trail ride. He ran around calling to his girls for about 3 minutes and then just relaxed and ate hay until they got back. It was nice to see that he can be by himself without going completely ape (like my QH mare does). Only a few short months and I can start riding him. He is still the boss-man in the herd. I don't think he is going to give that position up any time soon. He has also become buddies with the little mustang mare. She is only 3 and the two of them goof around a lot together. They chase each other and play fight a lot. It is fun to watch.
-Shelly

Thanks Celita,

It's great to hear news about how happy an adopter is with one of our horses. We loved (sing) /sawyer. We are so happy to hear updates!!

Thanks Tina

Celeita,

I’m happy to send on the pictures. The one is of my daughter Kirsten, who is now 14, but was probably 8-9 when that was taken. I have more of the melanoma… I did some research, and found that Cimetadine (Tagamet) is supposed to suppress and reduce the tumors. I had the vet write us an Rx that I had filled at the Kroger pharmacy (it’s on the $4/mo list!!!) and I think that helped shrink them a bit. They certainly didn’t grow much…but then the Rx ran out, and the research said that there wasn’t much gain to continue past 3 months, so we didn’t continue. That’s when the tumors just exploded in new growth. The one directly under the dock of her tail specifically just quadrupled in size. The ones around her anus became large enough she was really straining to poop.

As for the sun – I’ve hear some say no sun, no turn out w/o a sunshield type blanket, and then others that didn’t seem to think the sun had anything to do with it – it was a genetic mutation for gray horses. So…I don’t know – I think we each have to make our own decisions. I would have hated to see Rennie not turned out – but as it was during the summer she was at a leased farm – run in only – they didn’t’ grow much at all. This summer, she was in during the day and turned out at night. So it didn’t seem to make a difference with her.

She was a good mare, helped me through some difficult times…and Lynda has been fabulous in caring for her and helping me through some tough financial times when I got divorced. I know her barn mates will miss her. She was truly a maternal influence. She thought a cute little palomino pony mare who is 19 was her baby. She was very protective of her…it was fun to see. Also, her stall had a large opening to the stall on the other side, and an 18hh grey gelding became quite attached to her. Every time I’d take her up to the other barn, he’d hoot and holler for her. They were nose to nose for 6 years. I think he’ll miss her the most.

Jim wants to grow hay when we retire…and maybe then we can become a foster family….

Allison

Celeita,

You're right, it is hard to say if taking her off the Cimetadine made them grow...I tend to think that they did. The suppressive effect ended. On the other hand, they were pretty bad when we started the Cimetadine. Feb of '07 we had a scare - very bad infection as the tumors would get fishers or open sores from extended contact with poop. And between the cold and fighting the infection she lost a lot of weight that went unnoticed because she was blanketed. She recovered, but never gained back all the weight. It was at that point that we started a routine of scrubbing her butt with betadine shampoo and wiping the entire area with a zinc oxide cream - thermazine I think. Initially, we did this several times a week, and then backed off to once a week, and then as needed. Rennie didn't particularly like having her butt hosed down in the winter, but it did help. Lynda and I continually said that she certainly didn't act like she was dying. When I'd turn her out in the indoor, she trot or canter around 7,8 or 9 times, whinnying and acting snorty and very much like a TB mare. She was like that till the end.

I would recomment the Cimetadine for any of the horses that have tumors. I think part of our problem was we caught it so late. She was quite advanced at that point, but we figured it couldn't hurt, and might extend her life.

I knew she was your trail horse of choice, but I didn't know you took lessons with her. She was a great mare. You know...I first saw her on your site in September of '99, but had just leased Honey. She haunted me...even w/o a picture....and then when the auction turned out as it did...I just always felt that she found me and it was meant to be. She taught me a lot.

I've told Lynda about fostering. She is a very dedicated horse women, who cares for her horses like she does her kids. She makes sure her students learn to care for the horses too - doesn't just put them on a horse for a lesson and then let them walk away. She was looking at two geldings over the weekend, and I wanted to take one of them. He was a gorgeous chestnut QH - who was like a big dog... unfortunately, he had very flat feet that would require special shoeing, and he had bad hocks and was off in the rear. I don't know if time would cure any of his issues, but he was so pretty and sweet, and I hate to think what might become of him. She said he pinned his ears when asked to canter he was in such pain. Unfortunately, I'm not in a position to take on another horse - I wish I were, cause I'd have taken him in for rehab in a heartbeat. He really took to my husband...followed him all over and called to him when we left the paddock. Seemed he was asking for help. Guess I need to keep buying those lottery tickets (c:

Allison

Sorry this is late, life gets hectic and it took me awhile to gets a new camera. His form is attached.

Country is doing fantastic! I haven't gotten a new buggy yet but I do ride him quite a bit.

Here are some pics of him.

Here is Country and Chances' butts. Chance is my new horse, a fox trotter/peruvian paso. Dusty went to a good home were she is being as spoilt as I was spoiling her. My barefoot trimmer (James Luman) fell in love with her so we swapped horses and is training her for competitive horseback shooting. So he found Chance for me and he got Dusty.

Here's a pic of Chance.

Just last weekend (10/5/08) I went trail riding in Moccasin Gap with a friend and she rode Chance. We all had a great time. Country was just wonderful!

This pic shows Country Lane's tatoo.

Here is my friend Kris riding Chance. A family riding 4-wheelers came by and they took some pics for us. We were wearing orange because bow season just opened. There is no hunting at this park but you can never be to careful, plus we were more visible to the 4-wheeler riders.

There was some beautiful scenery. Chance was a little nervous crossing one of the rock creek crossings, so Kris walked him across. I think walking on solid rock was what made him a little unsure. But he still did great.

It was really nice stopping by and seeing all of the horses and how well they all get along. I guess they kind of know how lucky they are to have been put at Second Wind with you. We just love your barn it's so spacious!

Everyone is really looking forward to the golf tournament! We have 12 teams. I will update you right after the tournament and dinner.

Talk to you soon! Tina

Hi Celita,

Just wanted to let you know that "Guy and Janelle Winer" were very involved in planning the tournament - he put the hole in one car on the 13th hole (paid the insurance in case someone won the car. He also donated alot of gift certificates from the dealership he runs. Janelle sent letters to alot of local stores (unfortunately to no avail) and did personally donate a lot of items to the tournament. They did just as much as George and I did. They actually are the co hosts along with us! So you might want to put their names on your golf announcement.

Thanks, Tina Will let you know as soon as we find out what the food/beverage will cost for the tournament.

I am very sad to let you know that I unexpectedly lost Truffle’s filly, Henna, last Saturday morning. We’re not real sure what happened, when I feed her at 9 pm she was fine, peaking out over her stall door waiting on her dinner like always. When I went back down there Saturday morning around 9 am to feed she was lying down which was unusual for her that time of day. She stood up, was very wobbly for about 5-7 minutes and then fell back down hard, hitting her head on the waterer on the way down and she was dead. I took her for an autopsy and the preliminary results showed that she had colitis caused by a bacterial infection even though she didn’t have any signs of diarrhea except for one pile in her feed box. The vet said that she had dark spots or irritations in her intestines caused by the colitis and the bacteria entered her blood stream through these spots and killed her very quickly. It must have been very quickly because she had eaten all of her pellets and hay which I figured took her at least two hours so between around 11 pm Friday night and 9 am Saturday morning she went from being a healthy filly to extremely sick to gone. I had wormed her on Tuesday with Ivermetricn (500 lbs, she weighed 450 lbs) and on Friday morning the farrier trimmed her feet, along with all the other horses. The vet said that she seemed to be a very healthy filly and that neither the worming nor hitting her head caused her death but the bacterial infection. She was surprised that she hadn’t been sick (I had her turned out in the same covered round pen she was born and grew up in earlier that day and she played like she always did) so she sent samples to Raleigh and she is also growing some of the bacteria in her lab. She said it would take about 10 days to get the results so hopefully I’ll hear something more definite later this week. In the mean time she and my regular vet suggested that we strip the stall and make a compost heap away from all the other animals and using a 25% bleach mixture disinfect the stall and anywhere else she had been. We’ve done this and I’ve probably bleached more than necessary but so far none of my other horses have gotten sick although if it were to hit them as fast as it hit Henna I’m not sure I would know about it until it’s too late. Since Henna was born I haven’t taken any of the horses anywhere and she only went from her stall to the barn aisle where she was learning ground manners to the round pen where she would play and we were starting on her round pen work.

She was a really nice filly, had a very sweet personality and was a great mover. I’ve attached several of pictures of her that were taken about seven to eight weeks ago, she loved to give kisses and have her butt scratched. I’ll really miss her. Once I get the final report on the autopsy I’ll update you on what exactly what happened with her

Thanks,

Heather

Celeita:

"The check is in the mail". I made it out to "Second Wind Adoption Program" and I know you will put it to good use.

I would love to take you around NYC! I am a true New York City Girl, born and bred! I was never even on a horse until my 30's! It would be so much fun to meet you in person. Upstate New York, where I keep my horses, is really beautiful too. So please, if you ever get up this way, even if it's only for a quick stopover, do let me know.

I'm glad Zahara is doing well. I did get an e-mail from Heather with pictures. It seems like Zahara spends most of her time outside which I think is really good for her. I'm so glad she seems happy.

I hope the winter goes well for you. Who would have thought this country would be in such a mess? Pretty scary times.

Take care, Celeita.

Best wishes

Merryl

Greetings from Michigan! Thought you would like to see some current photos of Jamie taken last weekend with my husband Dave and our good friend and Jamie's Aunt Suzie. As you can see, Jamie is doing great. We love her dearly and she continues to be a big part of the family. In April we relocated Jamie and our other mare, Bella, to a wonderful boarding facility near our home, Wynden Hill. Misty Meadow, where they were for nearly three years, went on the market and the trainer moved away. You can visit the website wyndenhilldressage.com to see the facilities and read about the trainer, Carol Shultz.

Jamie remains sound and healthy (she has never been sick in the more than three years that we've had her). She is on a pelleted feed, good quality grass hay and supplements: Total Equine Supplement; Corta-Flex; Grand Hoof. We've never put shoes back on her and thanks to great care from our natural hoof ferrier Juston Schotte he feet are in good shape.

Jamie gets ridden about 2-3 times a week. She has become quite a nice dressage horse but still enjoys trail riding most. Her love affair with Dave continues uninterrupted. Although she is very alpha with other mares, she and Bella have always gotten along very well.

The vet is coming November 8 to float both horses' teeth (done annually) and give their fall boosters. We are on a regular barn schedule for shots both spring and fall.

We couldn't be happier with Jamie. She is the perfect horse for Dave and not only has taught him to ride but is one of the great loves of his life. We remain grateful for the opportunity to adopt this wonderful more.

Best wishes to you all at Crossed Saber!

Shannon and David Van Horn

Sure Celeita, I'll download, complete and send the form this week. No, that's not me in the photos. I'm always behind the camera! That's Suzanne Jones and she is an excellent rider who performs with the Lipizzans when they come to Michigan. Suzanne likes Jamie alot and spoils her with treats, like a good aunt should. She says that Jamie looks and moves like an Andalusian and I think she's right! All the best to you, Shannon.

Hi Celeita,

First of all how is Orphy doing, has he come up sound for you yet? I hope he is doing well. What ever happend with Sunset Sue, have you located her and gotten the contract from the girl who has her?

Ernie, Lil Bit and Black are doing well, the vet was just here Friday for fall shots.

I need to tell you that I have been thinking alot about Blackie and I think I would like to find him a different situtation than I have for him here. The young gal that was riding him moved to NH very unexpectedly after her boy friend decided out of the blue to take a job teaching up there. Even though Black is 26 ish or so he is still very full of energy and needs a job. He is only getting ridden maybe once a month now. I believe I explained to you before he is way to much horse for any of my clients to ride so we have not been able to use him for lessons or trail rides. Several of the girls here ride him when they can in between their jobs, working their own horses and helping me out with the stable.

I am not sure you understand the situation I have here at the stable I manage. I am not a public stable. I am managing the stable in a private living community, most of the homeowners here live in NY City and only come up here weekends and during the summer. I have very few riders who ever get to the point of being able to ride a horse like Black, most of my business is givng beginner lessons and walking only 1/2 hr trail rides. The majority of my customers are not interested in learning they just want to have a fun time when they are here. Right now I am low on adults who are interested in riding lessons, most of my business lately is very young children. A few years ago I had a large group of adults doing weekly lessons but they are all gone now due to moving , illness and/or changes in their life.

I do not have an indoor ring so very soon once it starts to snow we will be unable to ride at all and all the horses will most likely be on vacation from Nov-April. It is as you know very hard times right now with the economy and I can't affoard to keep a horse who I can't use and it is not fair to Black who in my opinion really likes to be ridden and would benefit from more exercise. I don't mean a full blown lesson schedule , etc. but some daily or at least 3-4 times a week would be great for him. Black should even be able to go to shows and do flat classes, he is so handsome and still capable. None of that will happen with any of my clients here.

I am not looking for you to take Blackie back, I know you have it tuff right now too so

I will keep Black here until a different situation up here can be found, I would like to have him close by so we can still see him.

I have heard of a gal who is looking for a horse like Black, a good friend of mine was telling me about her last week. After speaking with her I got thinking this may be a better situation for Black. I wanted to inform you first before I contact any one. I will be willing to check any possible new situation out for you.

I also wanted you to know that under Lil Bits picture on the website you have New Canaan, Ct. as our home but the horses live at the stable in Torrington,Ct. and I live in Canaan, Ct. not New Canaan which is on the very southern part of the state and Canaan is in the very Northwest Corner of the state. I believe all that information is on my adoption applications.

Pam

Hey Celeita -
Sorry it took so long for me to get his pics to you, camera was being stupid (or maybe it was the operator LOL) Anyway here's some pics of him, I'm sending his update via pdf file from my work email - it might go to your junk mail - but I'll title it "Magic Update" so it stands out. He's just about finished with his post as lesson pony, when the time changes I won't have enough daylight to give lessons after work, so he'll go back home for winter, and probably go back to Sue's in the spring.
Let me know what you think!
Talk soon,
Jenai

Good Evening ~

Sorry it has been such a long time since our last chat. We have been so busy .Ramse has had all his shots and is current until April when he will get them again that's when we do the others. He has had his feet done twice not needing much but some rounding his feet are really good.Of course he has been wormed.

He has blended right into our family cant imagine not having him.He greets you every morning with that deep food Winne of his. Keeps you laughing every time he drinks and his tongue stick out.He is a great confidence builder for me.Its taking me a little longer than I thought to get back into it and its kinda frustrating for me.It stinks being afraid of something that has always been apart of your life. Madison rides him all the time by herself hes perfect.Justins even done a few laps around the ring by himself. He is so willing. We just LOVE him.

Him and the mare (Jamie) that we rescued are such buddy's where there is one there is the other.They are inseparable.Because of this we built a new barn for them. We didn't go on a vacation instead bought the fancy stall fronts ( i have enclosed pictures) so Ramse, Jamie , and Whiskey (all rescued animal ) have top notch living quarters. In the spring we will be adding fans to each stall.They all will have the life they so much deserve.We just completed the two today and they could not wait to check them out.When we went in to eat supper they were still in their stalls. Ramse gave that half tired huff as we were walking away.

His winter coat is coming in very thick.Hes a giant fur ball its really fluffy. I know we had talked about a blanket for him.My husband feels he might not need one. So I guess we will wait and see on that one.

Well I guess i should go for now.The pictures I have enclosed aren't the best.Its a new camera and I haven't figured it out yet.The pictures are from about 2 weeks ago to today (of the stalls.)

Thank You once again for the chance to be blessed with Ramse

The Meek Family

Omni continues to be great!! He is going to live forever. I started blanketing him already because I like him to use his energy for living, not for keeping warm.

Thanks for your time.. hope you are well back home again! rena

Rena Bouchal, M.S.

Hi! Attached, please find my updates for Sebastian and Brendal. I am so so sorry they are so late, apparently I had some miscommunication with my vet in May when I originally thought the paperwork had gone in. I will mail the originals in as well.

Both horses are happy and healthy and cute as can be. Please let me know if you have any questions!

Best, Liz

Liz Hoffswell

Hi Celeita and staff! Someone had called awhile back requesting some
updated pics of Skye. Sorry it took so long, but here they are. She's my
little plump girl, and just as sweet as she can be! If we could only find
a way to improve her feet we would be in business. She has some bad
thoroughbred feet that are very thin soled and tend to chip up and make
her sore. We are trying a couple new things so we're keeping our fingers
crossed they will help her be more comfortable. Other than that we are so
happy with her and know that she does have a forever home! Enjoy the
pics!!
Jennifer and Susan

Celeita - I just had to write and tell you about my day with Skyler! He has settled in nicely into his new environment and after three years of individual turnout, he has become part of a herd of 4 - Skyler plus the barn owner's three equines. He has made the transition to the herd after a month and he is now out with them and is happy as a clam. I got on him today for the second time since we've been at the new place - walking on a loose rein, nothing asked of him. We actually ended up walking on a motorcycle trail that exists on the edge of the barnowner's property...the barnowner was walking along with us on the ground, we walked to the end of the driveway, and she offered the trail as a way back up the driveway. I didn't have time to think too much and said "sure" and off we went. Celeita.....I couldn't believe my eyes! That TB marched along that trail, went over moguls, had branches slapping him in the face, stepped over trees and branches like he's been doing this his whole life. I couldn't stop laughing. So much for the fearful, sensitive uptight "dressage king" - just wanted to let you know we're doing fine and I couldn't be more thrilled with our new partnership! I have myself a "trail blazin'" Thoroughbred!!! I really think we will have a future out on our trail system in NJ. He is so happy and laid back without the stress of lessons - wow....just wanted you to know:) Nancy

Hi Celeita,

I was sorry to hear about all the adoption returns. What a disappointment to the program. It's hard to understand why she didn't return them when she knew she wouldn't be able to afford the care the horses needed. Unfortunately, there are always a few people around that can't or won't be responsible for their actions. But, it must come as a shock when neglect should never have happened in the first place. Good luck in placing those ponies.

I'm going to try to send a donation through Paypal if you still keep an account there. It might be a rough winter and I hope that you won't have to worry about financing the program as well as everything else that comes with running a stable.

I just saw that Amazon.com has just been added to the Igive.com list. I order from them all of the time (my equestrian library, you know!) for books and other items. I'm sure there are more people like me do the same, and if word gets out about Amazon joining, you might see some significant donations through them. They give 2% to SWAP. Art and I have bought many Christmas gifts from them, as well as electronics, small appliances and yes, I've even bought some tack from one of their online sellers. I'll see that Art gets signed up for igive, and I would suggest that you put a blurb in your newsletter about it, to give other readers a chance to join this great organization and donate to SWAP through their purchases.

Photo: Taken near the end of August at Hatch Hollow, the place where he lived for three weeks. The neighbor there has a fantastic sand riding ring just across the driveway from the barn and she allowed us to use for a small fee. I'm lunging him now alone (this photo was taken just before we entered the ring) and Commander is very tolerant of all my mis-cues! He listens to me and understands almost everything (other than my gibberish) and tries hard to please. Jeri, the owner of Hatch Hollow, thinks he is a wonderful boy and loved having him stay in her barn. Every morning when she came out the back door of her house, Commander would hear her and whinny his greeting and she was just thrilled! She had had an Arabian stallion for 30 years that she trained on her own, and she helped me tremendously with learning to lunge and how to use strange pieces of tack!

We took Commander back to Highlander farm on Tuesday. My riding instructor,Jessie, said that she sees a remarkable change in him. They've put the horses in the stable the last two nights, due to the cooler temps, and Jessie takes them from the paddock two at a time. Commander before was always nervous and shied alot, making her job much harder, but she says that now he comes quietly. When the horse in the neighboring paddock became startled over something before she led them out, Commander began to panic , but then settled fast and completely. She is really impressed with the change she sees, which vindicates me, because my main mission at Hatch Hollow was to develop the trust in me he needed to calm down and not panic. And, it's working, even with Jeri and Jessie, and that makes me very happy!!!!!!!

I just can't say enough about Commander, a truly wonderful being! He loves having people around him, the more the merrier, and is so gentle when accepting an apple or carrot from kids and adults. He's a dream to groom and I find it relaxing after a hard day to go out and spend time with him. He's highly intelligent and truly wants to do the right thing, once he thinks for a second before acting. All my friends and family members who have visited him were impressed, (some of them even seemed to be awed) with his looks and disposition. He's just so friendly and enjoyable and many return to visit him if and when they can. And, talk about handsome - well, what can I say - he's gorgeous!!!! I am very lucky that he entered my life, enriching me with a really unique friendship that is absolutely astounding and rewarding.

There's still a long way to go with training for him and for me. I've yet to ride him, mostly because I tore a ligament near my sacroiliac joint in June and it has just recently gotten better. I found that when I started taking riding lessons in August, being in the saddle seemed to relieve the pain, and after the first lesson, it felt much better. What a relief, because I was getting discouraged, thinking it'll be a long, long time before I can ride. I'll continue to lunge him 2 or 3 times a week, and when I feel we're both ready to ride, Jeri will come over and hold him for me and I'll ask another calm, gentle woman who boards her Icelandic horse at the farm to help, as well. I'm confident it will be a success as long as the conditions are right and during a quiet time at the stable. Once I start riding, I'll gradually introduce him to more distractions and scary things to reassure him that all is well.

This essay was meant to be a note, but you know what happens when you write about something you love!

Take care, Celeita, and good luck with the adoptions.

Mary

Thank you!! And I will give him a BIG kiss :)

Hi All, I thought I would send you a picture of Cowboy too :) In one pic, he and Doc just got turned lose in a new pasture with their neigbor palomino..

I wish I could help you all with your financial woes but unfortunately, I'm even working a second job...urgghh

God bless!

Tracy Stultz, Cowboy & Doc

Hey Tracy, great to hear from you. Glad Cowboy is doing good. I understand about the financial stuff, we get calls and emails from people almost every day who are struggling, working 2 jobs, losing their homes. It is scary. I don't know how long we will be here but we will continue to fight as long as we can hold out. Take care and give that boy a kiss for us. Celeita

Celeita,

I am so sorry to hear of the condition of those returned horses! It
is heart breaking. I did not get back to you regarding Jack, and I
am sorry about that, but I decided he was too tall, too expensive,
and too far away for me. I am not all that committed to getting a
third horse really. I just want to assure you that Whim remains in
a very stable, loving, healthy home and he is GREAT! His stifles
concern me, but regular exercise seems to help quite a bit.

I just wanted to say how very sad it must be for you to have these
returns and to see that people have not kept their word... and worse
the animals have suffered! I hate that and hate that you all have to
experience all the crap people can dish out like you do.

Bless you for your strength and commitment to these lovely and
innocent creatures.

Colleen

Hi Joanne! Just wanted to update you on Skyler. We moved to the new barn on Thursday....and he is doing fabulously!!!!!!! The new "digs" is called Double D Farm (for owners Dayna and Dave Fiore) and it is only 6 miles from my house (yay). It's 10 acres in Frelinghuysen, NJ. The owners have 3 horses (a pony, an aged quarter horse mare and an 8yo Hanoverian) and she loves taking care of the animals. They have 2 little girls, ages 9 and 5 who have decided that Skyler is the best thing since sliced bread....my parting image of things on the first night he was there was the two girls each kissing him goodnite on the nose and using a stepstool to get up to the opening in the stall grate to pet him. They have two dogs and 5 cats and lots of toys everywhere and the place is immaculate. She has a gorgeous dressage ring that her husband created for her but she only takes occasional lessons with someone that comes to her farm. Her fields and fencing are both impressive....Joanne, he has settled in there like he's been there his whole life! She has a baby monitor in the barn and has that on at night and anytime she's up at the house for a length of time. She has spent a tremendous amount of time with him, geting him accustomed to her other horses and monitoring his turnout so no one gets upset. At Pam's, he was a real pill about staying out, but so far here, he is acting like a real horse, just hangin' out with the guys. He has certainly surprised me in the most wonderful way! Dayna just thinks he's great!!! My relief is unmeasurable. The barefoot trimming person will see him on 9/23 for our first session. I will take some pictures this week when the weather is good - it's a beautiful place. She has done so much research over the years on nutrition. She knows a whole lot more than I do regarding the different feed types and differences in hay. Guess that's the nurse coming out in her!
Hope all is well with you - I need to get to work but just wanted to let you know that things are going well and he seems really happy and at ease. Take Care. Nancy

Subject: Re: Hi

Hi Nancy, We took a little out of town getaway over the weekend up to Sedona. It was really beautiful and cooler. Hope you had a nice weekend.

It sounds like Skyler has really had you out beating the bushes for his new place to live for awhile and it sounds as though you have found a place that may work for both of you.

I had heard of the natural hoof trimming a little, but really am not very informed or up to date on any of that now. It sounds like you have really researched it and would seem to certainly be worth a try. So hopefully it may be effective for him, and that he comes through the tenderfooted time quickyl Good luck and hope it works out.

Well, better run for now. Talk to you later. Let me know how these new steps are working.

Thanks.

Joanne

Cool picture! Yea, I think we got that picture when we adopted him. I remember it came with all of his paperwork. He's getting a little old... doesn;t quite look the same. Although he is still very stout and strong. It's kind of funny because sometimes people call him a pony in the hunt field. But let me tell you, that does not hinder him from anything taller horses can do, such as jumping or galloping. But he looked beautiful in that one!

-Sonja

HI Everyone,

Here is a picture at one of out local shows. Chester took reserve champion for the spring series and then for the summer we took champion for our division. I have so many people tell me "I wish I had a horse like Chester, he is such a good boy." I have so much fun with him. I can take him out in the arena at liberty and just play. I have a picture of him with a friend of mines little girl (who is 4) bring him in and he just puts his head down and walks right next to her. Billy says the horses get more kisses from me then he does (isn't that the way it's suppose to be?).

We are still at the same barn on Camp Lejeune that we have been at for 2 years. I will get the update forms filled out and sent in to you. For some reason spring and summer end up being crazy for be. With Billy heading back overseas for 7 months and having to spend 3 weeks in Ohio when my brother was diagnosed with cancer I just got behind.

Take Care,

Janette

Here are the promised pics... in order of appearance: Monica's Love, Buddy (Gassenbube) and Tio, Petey (Gyro's Pleasure), then Venice... Hope these help. Notice how happy Buddy is to see his human -- he has gotten much more comfy with the idea of having a human around!

Katrin Klemm

Suzanne came who used to adopt Artax. She couldn't believe it was him. Her kids jumped him and she saw him do dressage. We had him dressed up in arabian costume and did a dressage performance on him. after that all the kids got to take pictures with him and then he was ridden by her kids for the games and jumping. She was blown away.

I think she wished she'd kept him in away. Ed taught my husband to shoot off a horse which was amazing! My husband had the time of his life!
Morgan Crabbs

Hi friends,

The girls and I traveled to MD this past weekend to Marcus’ new home, Pony
Pastures, LLC. There, Morgan and Chris Crabb, but their trusty co-hort Mel,
have done a wonderful job of making our Marcus into … Artax!

Have a look at these pictures! It was such a fun day, named “History of the
Horse”. Besides being thrilled to finally get a chance to ride Marcus, oops
Artax, the girls loved the ambience, the company, the whole shebang.

I was delighted to see Artax so BIG! He’s shiny and sleek eating loads and
loads of grass. He’s relaxed, happy, fun, friendly. He’s found his home.

I’m so grateful that we have had the opportunity to know where he ended up
and to be able to go and visit him. We hope to return next summer for a
week-long camp!

Enjoy the photos!

Suzanne

On Mon, 22 Sep 2008 08:52:38 EDT, Secondwindadopt wrote
Morning: Yeah..I'm meeting some good horse people... mostly by accident.. though I'm not a "certified professional"...I wouldn't mind doing some check ups when I can & report back to you w/pictures etc... I had to just 2-3 wks ago hire an atty. to get my 18.2 oldenburg/holestiener back from some stupid lady who leased him & wasn't taking care of him..moved him w/o informing me, hadn't seen him in 6mos! (my contract indicates notification prior to any change in stabling, can't be away from them for more than 2wks at a time etc... it's pretty detailed) & thankfully as that's what helped me get him back... so I can completely empathize w/you... now we are on the recovery side... expensive (vet call out/treatment plan etc.. & farrier) as he has cracks in all 4 hooves... that he requires shoes for the next several months & supplements to help bring him back....but he's worth it.. & it's required... I'm grateful I have good decent / knowledgable professionals... to support us. So let me know what / how to proceed ... I can help get you info/updates...I can "house" them for a short period of time on my own but I'm working with one salary & I'm maxed out with my 5dogs, 4goats & 3 horses... I do have 3-4 portable stalls 10x10 to house anyone that you would need me to until we can either get them placed from Tx or WV (you) or they can stay here but we'd have to work out feed/hay.... but it's workable.... so please let me know how i can help if at all...

Maybe we should figure out how to get a branch of SWA Crossed Sabers Stable in central Tx..I live in Lexington Tx 78947 but commute into Austin, Tx & Houston & Dallas/Ft. Worth are about 3hours 1way so it's long but workable ..... ;) I can also reccomend a good equine atty in central texas...so please let me know if that's the route you want to take... what are the horse's names & i can do a search for you...

Kind Regards

Sydney

If I remember correctly I even brought it up to you that something just wasn't right there. I am 100% healed for the most part. It's not to often it bothers me. I usually find it bothers me when I have had chester at a 2 or 3 day show. It is so nice to hear that Rochester has a nice home and is doing well.

I don't think I told you but last year I was taking Chester to an open show 2 hours from here and he did pretty good. The first show we went to was only his 3rd show ever with me and we were in classes with 25+ riders and in one of the classes we got a 4th out of 32. I will tell you that the 4th place ribbon sure means more to me then the first that I have gotten at our local shows. It's funny because people will ask me how old Chester is and for 3 years he has been 10 and that's what I tell people. When I go back and say oh I was wrong he's 13 they don't believe me. Everyone thinks he is alot younger. My 11 year old daughter may show him next year if her pony isn't ready.

Here is one more picture from the open shows that we went to last year. In it is Will my son riding Chester, Jenny my daughter and her pony Teddy. Glad to hear everyone is doing well.

Janette

I am a terrible photographer so getting something decent of CJ to send was kind of hit and miss. My schedule at the start of the semester is another thing that’s crazy, in its own way! I am attaching 4 video files and 4 or so still pics of him that I took last night,. There’s a point where I just had to give up on the cinematography… He’s fat and happy well loved and taken care of! Whoops I just remembered that I wanted to also send you some pics of his new “pink” tack. It’s really something…Will do that and send later. Have all the info for his annual report (he’s had his feet done, has all his vet checks done and up-to-date…) all of that’s next/on its way! Watch for next email with more…

I've finally had someone come out to take some pictures (not great ones) of Cydner & I ... (these are recent)...& one of her & my other horse Chakotay ...she has decided that now with my other horse George 18.2 oldenburg/holesteiner she no longer likes / interested in Chay..(poor boy) just look at her nasty facial expression... George "loves" Cynder and she likes him too...

This little farm I bought was a WRECK when I bought it..the people didn't clear any of the acerage except where they "made" these 3 10x10 shed row stalls..the seperate tack barn is directly behind it..(i have a washer/dryer in there)... we had to use the shed row last year (Cynder was the only one who fit inside them, Chay is 17.2 & George is 18.2) these were made for their tiny quarterhorses (around 15h)... within a year I had the property fenced with field fencing, deer fencing, built a 990sq.ft stable w/ 14' wx16'l stalls for the two boys & a 12' w x16' l for Cynder, a goat stall 8x16', cross ties by the stable, a wash rack, trenched for water/power out to pastures/new stable & a new garage, brought in 7 dump truck loads of soil, - we are green on our property & don't use chemicals... we disc & use manure and give back to the land... ...though it's been tough at best as since we haven't had any rain in quite a few months... as you can see where the land was cleared it remains dry, dusty & where I had grass it's going going gone!...

I have to tell you... it doesn't look like much, however, this place has come a LONG way from where it was! :) Cynder & I & Chay ride around in the arena, Chay broke the two boards you see in the arena, or we ride around on the street in our neighborhood (only 18homes, 2 culdesac's & 1 way in/out)...quite, family oriented.. beautiful homes ...mine is coming along... :) I have 4 portable 10x10 stalls I just bought & i'm going to refurbish so that I can put them up under a carport in the one back pasture in case there is a need to "evacuate again" or you need someone re-acquired & held till you decide where they can go... there in great shape...alittle surface rust but I bought all the things to take it off & repaint them a hunter green to match everything else on the farm.

Thank you & have a great day

Ms. Sydney Jewell - Senior Buyer

You have some good looking horses on your website for adoption. Wish I had more room!!!

Sawyer went on his first trail ride last weekend. I had my buddy Travis take him out with a couple other horses. He said he did great. He took the crop with him but didn’t need to use it at all. He has had to use it a bit in the ring in the past to get him moving. Come to think of it though, he hasn’t really had to use it at all recently. Sawyer is understanding what a squeeze with your legs means. Anyway, Travis said Sawyer has the fastest walk of any horse he has been on. He said he only balked once when someone turned on a chainsaw in a yard he was coming up to. Sawyer just turned around to walk the other direction but Travis got him past it pretty easily. Also there was a creek crossing. Guess Sawyer doesn’t like getting his feet wet because he launched over the whole thing. Cleared it by about 3 feet on each side and 3 feet from the top. We’ll have to work on that one. J Travis said Sawyer was a lot of fun, and seemed to really enjoy being out on the trail with the other horses. I can’t wait to get on him in a few months!

A few weeks ago we built a wooden bridge, about 8 feet long and put it in the pathway between two of the corrals. I don’t think Sawyer has been over too many wooden bridges in his lifetime because he was not interested in going over with the other horses. I spent a little time with him though and now he goes over it without a hitch. He is funny though because it is about an eight inch step up to get on it and he lifts his feet about 2 feet every time. Goofy guy. I want to get him used to things that he will encounter on the trails.

We’ve hitched him to his cart a few times too and every time he is a gem. Everyone loves him.

Take Care,

Shelly

I took some snap shots of her, but I was alone and wasn't able to get
very good ones. I'll try to get mom to help me tomorrow get some
better ones. Biggen is not very pretty to look at, so if someone is
interested, I can try to get a video of him riding so they could see
how good he is!
And I guess you forgot, but I moved to NC over 3 years ago! We are in
Hickory.

Thanks
Jan

Celeita and Jenny, Sorry to take so long in getting these to you. As usual, life got in the way! :) Anyway, hope they come through this time. As you can see, she's a big girl - tall and a short back, but pretty comfy to ride. Again, many thanks to you both for the parts you played in allowing this beautiful girl to come to us.

Best regards, Kathy

Actually, Do is just fine. I think I was more sad than she was, maybe.
She has taken right up with Jay & her filly, Star, and the three of them get along so well now.
I wish it was a foursome but c'est la vie...

I will rebred both mares in the spring (hopefully around the same time) and they can share it together next time.
We are waiting for an ultrasound on Skye here soon but may have the others all bred for next year
(Rosie, Caddy, Cat, Ukee & Skye). Sweetie still does not seem to cycle regularly (and is not interested in breeding)
so she can be our babysitter, perhaps (since we lost Diane...still missing her of course... : (((( ).

We hope to be baby central next year!
: )))))

hello

sorry i had to email the pictures but i am having technical difficulties here. the batteries in the camera died after the three pictures and believe the boys were ready for more pictures.
boo kitty and the boys had been the center of a book that i had put together for my grand daughter. she had mailed a flat stanley to me ( acharacter from a book) and i had to tell the kids at school what flat stanley did while her was here, well of course he got to play with the horses. so that is why i am out of printer ink and can not print the pictures out for you. boo kittys picture is with flat stanley
last year i put reindeer ears on malone and he stood very still while i took pictures of him. he is so good,
i will scan the papers and email them shortley

thanks
starr

Hi Celeita,

Piper's sire was the QH. He must have been large because Piper is 16.3 and Cady is only 16 hands. As for Two Toast (Oliver), he is being ridden lightly by a young friend of mine. He has some rear fetlock issues and also is almost blind in one eye. Spent several weeks at Univ. of Tenn. several years ago where they saved the eye but were not able to determine a cause for the disease (not uveitis). Doing well otherwise.

Carla

I will try to get some this weekend and send them to you.
I will be spending most of Saturday there winterizing and
cleaning.

We are hoping that once Art is completely healed that we
will be able to work him with Parelli. I sent King to a
Parelli trainer and it made a huge difference in him. We
have also used it with Squeakie, but Art didn't take to it
the first time we tried it with him a year or so ago. It
would be nice to give him a job - even if it is just to
play!

Anyway, I will get back to you as soon as I can.

Take care!
Kathy

Hi,

Missed you in Maryland. We had a great time with the kids. Took both my cavalry horses and shot out ballons with pistol and rifle and stabed them with saber also. Took Tudor and my cart. The kids loved the ride along with the adults. There vet is an ol special forces hand that use to work on the race track and he loved Tudor too. Tudor loved to get out there and do all the trotting with everyone. Went down the road tossing his head side to side. I set up a little civil war camp with tent and all the equipment out for everyone to look at.

Well take care for now,

Ed Waltz

We are renting the farm. It is about 6 acres with 4
stalls plus two run in sheds. We have the ability because
of only having the three horses that we were able to
rotate pastures and reseed them so they will be in good
shape next year. We have also started to get our winter
hay in. We have been very lucky in that the farmer that
we buy from is still only charging us $3.25 a bale
(delivered) for a very good quality Timothy Hay. I get
very little waste from it and since I feed any where from
2 to 3 bales a day to them in the winter that is a good
thing!!

I am not a fan of boarding barns as I think most of them
cut corners to make their profit. Here we are able to use
heated buckets and troughes in the winter and fans at the
stalls and run-in sheds in the summer. They only down
fall is there is no indoor and really no riding ring
(although we will be excavating a spot this fall to have a
flat turf ring).

Let me know what Peter has to say about Art. I really
don't think he looks bad for what he has gone through!!
At one point about 8 months after Art came back to us the
Vet told us to quit putting weight on him because of his
hip. The only sad part is that we have never been able to
really rehabilitate him back to where he was and now with
the injury he may only EVER be pasture sound. Oh well, he
makes a nice lawn ornament and entertainer!!

Thanks and I will try harder to keep in touch!

Kathy

Hi there Celieta, I've been meaning to contact you but have had some problems with my oldest cat Rerun. He went into kidney failure, and I had to put him down today. We tried everything, but to no avail....

Well here's why I write to you... I read in a magazine (I believe The Horse) about horse rescues, etc... and I found a blurb about the IRS giving tax deductions for any rescue horses' training fees. I'm not exactly sure how the rescue has to be incorperated, or how much you can deduct from your taxes, but it might be some info that can help you adopt out younger horses in need of training. I know for myself, I'm interested, although it may allready be too late to claim anything on Will, in these hard economic times, I could use a few extra in my pocket!

I know it's the youngest untrained, and the oldest/problematic horses that are the hardest to adopt out, because of cost, but this may be all that's needed to help tip the scales. I really feel for you in this tough economic climate, as even my grain has risen to the highest rates I've ever seen in all 20 plus horse years... I will try and find the article (you know I put it to the side, and can't figure out where the side is! lol) and research the info, although I'm terribly bad with computers, and my 4 month old makes it even harder to search.... If I find it (I will look) I'll try to get you the info asap. Maybe it's on a gov website easily accesable to the public. Just thought I throw it out there. Keep up the good work, looks like alot of nice horses on the site... Will and I wish you all the best...Alice

Ill spread the word about the fund raiser. Frankly girl....so many people around here are struggling with money issues...just as the adopters. Girl...the sad part about is that so many are turning to break ins & stealing metal...robberies. Me...I dont have a lot of sympathy for that....I work 3 jobs and then some to have the money I need to live. The work ethic sucks here.

Wyoming, DE is about 2 hours north of here up between harrington & dover. Addys legs are back to normal without drugs as of yesterday. I got to go clean up his feet...he chipped up a little last weekend working over there in the sand arena....and I could get him to relax and let me work on the rh foot without any problems. I found his legs Wednesday when I went to go file off those chips. On Wednesday he was so uncomfortable with the swelling that I could only clean up the rf for chips ...he couldn't comfortably give me the rh because of all the inflammation. I didn't hack out....but we played some. I spent yesterday up on the roofs doing coatings. We worked from 11am til 5:30pm. I ended up throwing away the clothes I was wearing I was so covered with the stuff. When I undressed...I found that I was bodily covered in the stuff....LOL...so a bath including mineral spirits was in order. He was happy as a clam....I brought him & the others a bunch of apples and addy stood there calm as could be...no halter no nothing for me to work on his feet. Those are the times I get so proud of him....how many horses do you know that will stand out in an open field with other horses around while his human does his feet with nothing on his face? LOL.

I have to get my show on the road...Im on the vacation count down. I have 3 weeks and 4 days. LOL. Im off from 10/17 thru 10/26. Im judging horse shows on those saturdays but this is the first time Im going to have time off from all jobs since Diane died and I went out to Pittsburgh. God that was 2005. If Tysons will oblige and work us a Saturday or 2 before then I might be able to get some insulating done while Im off. I have my plan for my oil...but the home improvements have to come as they work us overtime. Belle didn't have to have the hernia fixed...the vet said it was fine as is so that presented the financial opportunity for me to get the roof business done. I do what I can do when I can do it.

Take care...and if/when I get pics of the kids with Addy Ill send them along.

Chris

Anytime you want to come out let us know. We have a place for you to stay and live by the C&O Canal. Also you could see all your babies again! We only live 10 mins from Glenna and Marisa's pony "Kristan' is next door. We use Kristan in some of our lessons now and again. We also used her for the summer camp and one of my students jumped her. She's a fancy little pony. I'm hoping Sean will show her oneday.

Ed was really nice. He got my husband on his horse and talked him through shooting on horseback. My husband was nervious, but soon got the hang of it. Dottie taught me some stuff on natural horsemanship with my 2 y/o T.B. mare. She taught my horse to stand and wait for me.

really nice people. Our clinic was a BIG success and i'll email you as soon as I get all the pics on the website.

thanks again,

Morgan Crabbs

He looks wonderful Sandra. I'm so happy for Skynrd, many horses don't get this type of home, especially in their elder years. So many people would just dump them. I really wish I could give this type of home for every older horse that needs us. Sadly most times we can't get them adopted, many people just don't get older horses. I love them, they are kind and have a big seasoned personality. I hope you are seeing the same thing with Skynrd and he's been a good boy for you. It certainly looks like he loves you all so much and so kind to the kids. Glad he's made that transition to a family horse very well. Well, thank you so much for taking the time to do your update and send the pics. We'll get them on our happy endings page and on our newsletter that goes out to over 5000 people, they will love these pictures. These updates certainly are functional to know things are fine but they also uplift us and keep us going as we see all the bad stuff people do to horses, it definitely affects your thinking and eventually your life. So everyone here has decided to keep focusing on the good stuff that is happening. Skynrds story and home is one of those that keep us going and we thank you for that.

I've already sent these pics to Lindsey, she will be thrilled to see them, she told me the other day she was thinking about him, not worried about him but just had him on her mind. I'm sure Skynrd will always be her 'heart horse' because she spent so many years trying to help him and working with him, he dumped her several times in the beginning. I saw it a few times when she was here as a young girl (only 16 that first year) interning here in the summer... its hard to believe she is about to finish Law School. I remember her parents really questioned her about keeping him in the beginning because a couple of the dumpings were bad but Lindsey never gave up and he was better for it. Anyway, I do think he will be the horse she will think of the rest of her life. I think we all have one, I have about a thousand that have walked out of here with a piece of my heart for sure.

Well, Sandra I better get to work. Thank you again for everything you have done for Skynrd. It is greatly appreciated by us, by Lindsey and I'm certain by Skynrd. Take Care and have a wonderful fall, Celeita

Hello Ladies,
not that you asked but I thought I'd check in..Cynder (Chay & George) all of my dogs & 2pet goats are all fine... we are far enough away from the coast 4hours (Lexington/Lee County) NE of Austin, Tx & E of Houston Tx.. we had about 15hours of gusty winds upto 20mph.. alittle band of lite (farmers rain) for about an hour & that is it...we are all back to "living out our normal life style" ... Cynder & I did alittle ride in our arena tonight... anyway we are fine...Cynder says hello and take care.
Keep up the good work.
Regards
Sydney, Cynder, Chay, George the horses
Toby, Jack, Grettle, Brody & Gus the dogs
Bella & Finnegan the goats :)

No problem ....we've only been here about a year & half....& most of the time is spent rehabbing this neglected farm...and of course building a stable, garage, arena etc... but what we have been able to find is when the situation gets difficult people open up there barn/pastures.... I hadn't been able to do that this year but will be able to accept Hurricane evacuees next year and possibley take in a foster or two ...I'm looking for the seniors that simply want to be horses .... I haven't found a local group yet that I felt comfortable with ... it's alittle different here as opposed to NC *your organization & USERL... wish there was a group like either of those that we could assist in.....but in the mean time the farm is really coming together & the electrician is working on putting cieling fans and some additional lighting in the stable for me... we've been doing it in stages....it's not a big fancy shmancy stable but the stalls are big/roomey for the my other 2 horses anyway we are all fine & like I said it seems like the equine community came thru w/ free boarding in the Austin area for hurricane evacuees (equine/goat etc.) ..which was great to see / hear about...we haven't had any rain in quite a few months & had hoped for some rain w/ Ike but it wasn't meant to be... but all & all we are all doing fine...

I hope all is well with you ...I know that you & the organization have gone thru so much this past year and our thoughts/prayers are always with you... have you heard how Hawke is doing?... I miss that guy he is awesome... hope he is having a good life too.
Sydney

Sorry I have not sent in my update, I will have it to you in a day or so. It has been a rough summer but let me start by saying the boys are fine, it's me that's been sick. I found out in May that I have a cavernoma in my brain stem and it has bled 3 times since then. They say it could kill me- but does not mean it WILL. I had to come back up to Virginia to go to a specialist at Johns Hopkins Hospital who has since done Radio Surgery on my brain. It has been 4 weeks and so far no more bleeding. So, we are hoping for the best. It is looking good.

During this time I had to leave the boys in Florida at the farm they knew while I got this sorted out. It was awful for me, but I had to be away from them for almost 2 months. I have now found a nice farm here and had them shipped up. They arrived last week and I swear I am feeling better and more hopeful already. They ARE my therapy. The farm we found is great- 20 acres with only 2 other horses than ours. We have our own 2 stall barn and there is another one with 3 stalls that nobody is using. The other people keep their horses out all the time and do not feed grain or hay in the summer. We still feed twice a day- as Walter really always needs his grain to keep his weight up. I know I need to have the facility change form filled out but wanted to ask- this is not a full board type of facility- we simply rent the barn and pasture and care for them ourselves- though the owner does keep an eye out to make sure there are no injuries or anything like that. Should I just fill it all out and have him sign?

Walter was sick last Feb. and scared us a quite a bit! After the vet did every test he knew of all we could find was that he was anemic ( coggins was neg) so we started him on Red Cell to get his iron up. This has helped alot with his weight and energy, though we still struggle with weight. I am really hoping the rich grass on 20 acres will help!

Petey is doing great. We had a trainer working with him and me in Florida and were doing well so will need to find someone here. I'd like to work on some dressage with him but need lessons in that myself! I am limited in what I can do now- have to be careful not to fall and hit my head they tell me- so would prefer the more technical aspect to dressage.

I will let you go for now but wanted to let you know what was going on- will send the forms and pics in a day or so. Thanks.

Holly Beauclair

Hi Celeita (and Teresa, if you're still at SWAP),

Sorry that I'm just now responding - everything's been crazy for the past 2 weeks. Sahara's going wonderfully (and barefoot!). My parents were up this weekend, and they watched a lesson and a hack. The youtube link is from this morning. I'm riding "freestyle" - basically, on the buckle. Jessica (my trainer) and I are teaching her to carry herself without relying on my hand for support, and I've been riding freestyle in my lessons, even when I jump. She's made so much progress since I've been at UF, and the transformation is amazing. I've been keeping Bernadette updated, and she can't believe that it's the same horse. There's so much more to tell, but I'll make it easier on both of us and call sometime. :)

Clip from this morning:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E-tHDJiO1Q *MAKE SURE TO CLICK ON HIGH QUALITY*

Alexandra

Hi:

Sorry I missed you guys, was out of town and didn't have access to a computer. Took these yesterday:

As you can see, the grass tastes really good this year. But that doesn't stop anyone from hanging around waiting for supper. Liam is doing well, and continues to be a total darling.

Keeping my fingers crossed that Ike will go west of us. Know more Tuesday, I expect, once its past Cuba. We're all looking forward to some cooler weather and a break from the hurricanes, that's for sure.

Elizabeth

Hi Celeita,
here are pics of the horses. They are all pretty well.   In July I took Navvy up to a surgeon to have an tumor removed from her left eye. The pathology report came back as an aggressive squamous cell carcinoma.
I have 3 different vets give 3 very different prognosis. From poor to good.   We are trying a chemotherapeutic opthalmic treatment. So far the tumor is not growing back and we are hoping it has not internalized. She is feeling and doing fine otherwise. the others are all well. Frosty is a little fatter than he should be so I am working on that.
The economy is making things very hard but as you and I discussed in the spring these horses are not really adoptable with their issues.   I love them and work 2 over night shifts per week at a nursing home to support them.
I hope you all are well down there.

Renee

Hi,
This e-mail is in response to your phone call requesting info on Won for Cad
(Cady). I have attached a picture of her at a recent Hunter Pace being
ridden by my friend, Candace. I am riding with her on Piper, Cady's son,
who is 7 years old now. You probably don't remember, but when I adopted
her, no one suspected that she was pregnant. What a great surprise! Both
are wonderful horses doing lots of trail riding and lower level events.
Best,
Carla Fullam

Celeita, I put the March pics into Microsoft Word. Let me know if you can open. If so, that's how I'll send the updated ones tomorrow. Also heard from Jenny with Delilah. Will send all pics to her as well. I am sad to report we no longer have Chief (Sonny to us). We lost him to colic and torsion about a year ago. It happened so fast, there was no time to get him to surgery. The vet said it probably wouldn't have mattered anyway. Losing him broke my heart. He was so beautiful and such a sensitive guy. So sweet, but so afraid of everything. Still have to wonder what happened to him to make him that fearful. We decided early on not to push him on anything. He eventually let us do just about anything we needed to do to him, but you could tell he was always on the edge. I would watch him out in the pasture with the other horses and see him spook at the wind blowing. We had hoped to just let him live a peaceful, no pressure kind of life with us, but it wasn't meant to be. The only consolation to us is that he knew love in his final years and he's not afraid anymore. Sorry not two happy endings. Kathy

Hello!

My name is Sonja Engel and I heard that we had recieved a call about my horse Gem Dandy and how he was doing, etc.

Well Dandy is doing very well, he's a little fat right now, its just too hot to be riding as much. But since he got here about 7 or 8 years ago I've taught him how to get out of pacing and into trotting and galloping, jumping and he has had many miles trail riding, though he prefers foxhunting. He has been foxhunting for about 3 seasons now and has been outstanding. I could tell he had a passion for it the first time we went out. Dandy is still a very dominate horse and, as of now, has one pasture mate ( my mom's horse). They get along well and we are looking forward to getting a new buddy for them. Dandy still loves to eat, as Kevin Marcum, his original owner and trainer, had told me as soon as we adopted him. Though he is 19 years old now, he still has the same energy as he did when he first arrived. Attached are some pictures. Hope you enjoy!

Sincerely,

Sonja Engel

Hey guys! Sorry it is so late in the season for an update, it seems like summer is barely here but it is almost fall again. Lots of exciting things this year, but everyone is doing great. Kevin and I are expecting our first child in October! We also graduated from nursing school in May, and passed the Missouri NCLEX in June. Hooray! So Kevin is a full fledged ER nurse, and I am working as a nurse in Cardiology. You may have seen some news about tornados in the midwest this spring/ summer; yes, that was our area. In fact, the feed store we have used for more than a decade was completely destroyed. Not even the foundation was left. So that was a setback; Bill Lant (Lant's Feed) has promised to rebuild but in the meantime we have had to use other suppliers. Fortunately no serious damage occurred to our property, and not a hair on the horse's heads was harmed! We have been enormously thankful. Kevin and I were both working in the ER the night that the biggest tornados converged (2 merged into one!), and it was less than 20 miles from the stables. As I said, we are very thankful everything was alright.
Maiden had an issue with her sinuses, which I think I talked to you about a couple times (last year?) but it seems to be doing better now. The vet believes it was due partly to the unusual weather that resulted in very high pollen count this spring, and lasted until nearly July. We did monitor her closely, as did our vet. She didn't gain weight as much as we hoped this summer, due largely I think to the runny nose/ eyes. We tried different hay, bedding, feed, pasture, and turn out times (under the vet supervision of course!) Not a lot of help that we could find. The biggest relief was when the weather finally changed. She is not as fat as I would like, but she has been very content and perky through the whole ordeal. She is the sweetest mare ever! Very, very lovable. She did have a couple of courses of antibiotics to see if the sinus issue could be cleared up, and we tried some eye drops as well. Not much improvement, though we did go through a LARGE amount of probiotics this year! We also tried some different types of feeds and supplements to make sure there was nothing we gave her that could clear it up. Again, it seems like a weather change did more good than all of our efforts. However, the good news is we did all sorts of testing and the vet says even though Maiden does not weigh a lot, her blood work LOOKS like it belongs to "a fat horse". Apparently she is not even a little anemic (which sometimes happens to older horses), and there is lots of nutrients in her body. He said her eyes and coat were both excellent, bright and shiny and smooth. So, he is not worried about her right now.

Smitty has a new girlfriend! There is an Akhal- Teke mare who has started boarding this year, and she is in the same pasture as Smitty. He was in love at first site! She is dark and sleek, just like him. Plus, she loves to run! They romp and play in the turn out pasture, which is funny because he is the tallest horse in the pasture and she is one of the shortest. But, they are the same color, with not a white spot between them; unusual for this part of the country. He looks awesome; he still gobbles his grain but running all day long in the pasture this summer has made him super shiny. He has been watching over the fence with interest as we build a "play day" area. Have you seen some of the natural horsemanship "play" equipment? It is kind of like a trail class; lots of obstacles and interesting things to challenge the horse's mind. We have been putting together one of these on the area in front of the barn; it is good for all the horses to practice! So Smitty "supervised" our building, and since then we have been working his mind and body with all the new 'scary stuff'! He is doing so well, and I am so proud of him! It is a little difficult to climb on such a tall guy when I seem to get bigger everyday (being pregnant is like that!) So we have been doing lots of challenges on the ground, too. It seems to really work his mind, and he is also getting to be more flexible. Yay! Smitty has suprised me with how willing he is to try something, even when it is not his idea. Very very sweet boy!

I am going to go through pictures and find some that are decent (most of mine are blurry!) so bare with me and I will mail the good ones. What is the address you would like them sent to? Let me know and I will get them in the mail ASAP.

Thanks a ton guys!

Jeanne Matlock, Lindsey and Kevin Teel

.....since you asked!!

Here are two more pics from June that I really like. Moonie is on the right in the top pic and center in the bottom pic.

Rena Bouchal,

Here are some photos of Noah, he has won many championships in the H/J
ring over the past several yrs with my daughter. He is well known in
the Dallas/Ft Worth area and on the THJA circuit and is considered a
favorite to win anytime he enters the arena. He is a 10+ plus jumper
and is not bad on the flat as well. He has been a blessing for and is
the big brother to two Welsh Sec B H/J ponies as one 18 hand Draft/WB
H/J.

Ruthie.

Thanks.

So we had a big BBQ at our place tonight. We had 35 people over, including about 15 loud and rambunctious kids. So we hitched Sawyer up for the second time and had a ball. I saddled up my two grey mares and gave pony rides while Brent took kids for cart rides. He would let them hold the reins and steer with a little help. Sawyer was a champ. There were kids running around in the yard next to the pasture, riding loud electric 4 wheelers, jumping on the trampoline etc. He had about 10 different people drive him that had never even been in a cart before, much less driven a horse. The adults got to drive him without Brent’s help. Sawyer was a dream. He pulled that cart up and down hills, over tree branches, around piles of rocks, you name it. I was busy helping people ride my two mares so I didn’t witness much of it, but my neighbor Vince and his wife were over here. They are horse people. Vince has racing thoroughbreds. Anyway, after we unsaddled and unhitched everyone, he came up to me and said he was absolutely amazed at Sawyer’s temperament and patience with all the screaming kids, 4 wheelers, novice drivers etc. He said, “You have a real gem there.” His wife was just in love with him. He is such a handsome good boy. I can’t wait to start riding him in the spring. My husband has been on him and my buddy Travis has ridden him twice. He says he is real nice, wants to do what you ask and learns real fast. It will be fun to hit the trails on him after I have this baby.

Anyway, thought I’d let you know, we really love him to death. If most standardbreds are half as nice as Sawyer, I’m completely sold on the breed.

Hope all is well at your place. How is Jack doing in Maryland? How are the adoptions going?

-Shelly

Good Morning Celeita - I'm hoping it will be a better morning than yesterday. I had to have the vet come out because Road Dog has a massive swelling of his penis. The vet doesn't know what it is from at this point. Trooper that he is, he continued to eat well and drink. He's been treated so far with antibiotic, prednisone, lasix, an anti-inflammatory and epsom salt poultice. I about had a heart attack when I noticed it! I'm wondering if he had an encounter with ground bees but I'm not sure why he didn't show any symptoms of pain. Ever heard of a horse having anything like this?

The vet comes again today to retreat him and this morning the swelling was down to about a third of what it was yesterday so I'm praying it will resolve by tomorrow morning.

Anyway, just wanted to keep you posted. I'll keep in touch.

Liz

hello,
malone and i are doing great. he is still sweet and loveable. loves to get wet and loves to have me stand close by and kill the horse flies off of him. i started babying the big boys because i hate the sound of the horse flies and they love to get on their rumps, so i have gotten both horses to stand still so that i can kill the fly. i smack the fly,it falls to the ground and i stomp it. the horses sniff it and everyone is happy. boo boo kitty(bear) is still following malone around in the field, she rubs his legs and nose first thing in the morning. he always puts his head down to say good morning to her. they are so sweet. malone even lets my dogs walk under his belly while he eats. doesnt even move. he is very calm about everything. my three year old grand daughter loves him, she thinks malone is the best thing since sliced bread. she loves to ride on him. she doesnt care how talk he is or how small she is. he is wonderful. the best horse i have ever had. i love him dearly and hickory too. along with the the dogs and the cat.
i will get the papers and pictures to you as soon as i can get some taken. hickory is the camera hog, malone is a little camera shy.

thanks starr shreves

Hey Bev, Thank you for writing. Its great to hear from you. It sounds like you've got a busy schedule. Yes, I remember Elzie. Lincoln, by the way is doing great, the white line problem went away pretty quick since the adopters took my advice and kept him barefoot and he was sound barefoot as we expected in no time. There was never any founder, which was good news. That is fantastic news…I’ve thought about him so MANY times!

Can you send recent pictures of him? Sure… have taken many will have to bring them in from home and upload them to you.. We'd just like to see that boy and see how he is doing. Have you gotten to ride at all this year? Oh yes… just not recently… I contracted pneumonia near the end of June and through ALL of July (6 weeks) that seemed to really eat up my summer break – can’t really say I was healthy until about Aug 10 or so… I know with the economy many people have been spending more time working, not me… it’s mostly working on the remainder of my ph.d which is a part of my promotion/tenure deal here at FSU – I don’t love to work as much as I work so I can play! which is pretty sad.

What are you paying for hay now up there? I can’t say what the going rate here is… I get my cousin to bail square bales out of my brother in law’s meadow (he has 140 acres) for me – he used to have Herefords and now has nothing so he appreciates having it cut… I just pay my cousin for the fuel and baling (1.25 or 1.50 per?) the squares are hard to come by …most old farmers are going to round bales because they are easier to handle during hay season. I baled so much last year I ended up selling almost 300 bales… so I just put in 200 for this year… the winters have been so mild but I’m always afraid we’ll get a really long cold one.

I did get a chance to go to Columbus in April to the Equestrian conference… saw most of the trainers on RFDTV like Clinton Anderson and the Behaviorist (Ryan Gidrich?) to name but two. I loved it, went to every session I could, learned a lot. Saw breeds I’d never seen! Bought a new set of tack for CJ… saddle, chest strap, reins, head-stall, front and back girths, new saddle pad, the works… get this… pink ostrich leather trim on everything! Sounds crazy but it is beautiful… I found a bunch of really good deals on coat, mane/tail, hoof treatments, Wahl clippers, tail sock, all kinds of treasures… geez, I can’t remember everything right off but the car was jammed coming home! If I can, I’d like to go again but with graduation I might have to wait a year. If anyone asks, it was a great learning experience, well worth the $ for me, the clinics were something.

I am having some landscaping done around my barn in the next week or so. The riding arena is beautiful… a good investment for us. The water in his trough is fresh everyday…we put in a special line and freeze-free spigot that also has an auto heater after cold weather hits – so I’m not real sure how much he drinks daily – as much as he wants - as often as he wants.

I’ll get this form completed and back to you as quick as I can… It is crazy as the beginning of the semester until the kids get back into their groove…take care!

Well, great to hear from you. If you would send a picture of him or him and you and we'll get you on our Happy Endings page and if you are signed up for our newsletter we put Happy Endings pictures in there every newsletter, you might see you and your boy one of these days if we have pictures we can use.

Well, take care and give that boy a kiss for us. Celeita BTW… how’s that love life thing working out? I was so sorry to hear about that. Men our age seem so able and willing to lie… that’s why I prefer my horse!

PS. I'll send our annual update form, those are due every June as part of your contract but we understand your busy schedule just try to get it in or at least send an update email with pictures, that is a huge help in letting us know the contract is still in affect and being followed. See the attached.

Okay, have you recieved three so far? One of Blue, one of Moose, and one of them both together?
This is crazy, I've never had an e-mail service that worked this badly.

Anyways, as you can see from ...whatever...pictures you've gotten, they are grass-fat and happy through the Summer. The constant rains have helped with that.
It's been pretty hot here, so we've not had much riding, just on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings (my days off) when it gets cooler around dark.

Their shavings have been taken up in the stalls, and replaced with loads of sand to raise the levels higher than their paddocks until we get through the storm season.
We got tons of rain from Fay, totally missed Gustav, and are waiting to see where Hannah, Ike, and Josephine are heading. Whew. It's been an active time for hurricanes.

And for little amount of riding they get in the Summer (Fall, Winter, and Spring mean more saddle time) they have porked out to a pretty obscene degree. But here's their schedule: 9AM hay, 11:30 feed, grooming, and fly spray, 1PM - 11PM turnout on pasture, Midnight feed and hay, flyspray, and tucked into bed.

I should live so pampered! They are doing good, completely healthy. The farrier is pleased with them, the vet is pleased with them.

I may not have let you know, but my Bandit, that I had for 28 years, died in May at the ripe old age of 30. He and Austin are together, just like always. I miss both of them.
Nate, the TB, got sent to Michigan to be reunited with my daughter, so now Moose and Blue have the entire barn and pastures to themselves.

They are doing well.
regards, Deborah.

Hi Celita (and … did a Susan call me?)

Got your message(s) about CJ’s veterinarian updates… so funny you called just now! His annual check-up with Dr. Jim Henderson was yesterday… came out (again) with flying colors. Got his teeth floated… they really weren’t in serious need /could have been skipped but there was one small sharp edge on his right rear bottom so we went ahead … I am trying to scan you a copy of his vet record but the university just installed new hardware (this weekend) in my office and I can’t find my scanning software on this system… I have a call in to the computing center… they’ll get back to me pretty quickly then I’ll just send that… After you receive that let me know if I need to forward you all anything else… I am still getting the “natural” trimming done on his feet and no shoes (Elzie Lavery is still my farrier – Celita, do you remember him? he came with me that day I looked at Lincoln?)… I really like the way his feet are doing. I also have been giving him that hoof supplement (Farrier’s … something… name?) that Elzie recommended and he seems to have GREAT response to it… his feet always look great.

With my doctoral schedule at WVU, teaching schedule at FSU, mom and daughter/caretaker jobs… well he’s eating well but working very little!

Hope that will change by spring!

bev

Hello Theresa, I received your phone message regarding Dandelion and thought I would email back along with some pics. She is doing wonderfully! She turned 6 years in January and is finally full grown! With her mixed background of Tenn. Walker, Belgian and American Cream, we weren't exactly sure how she would turn out. As you can see, the Belgian predominated. We think she is gorgeous, but we could be a little prejudiced! Anyway, we adore her completely. I have had a number of horses in my lifetime, but Dande is definitely special. She was only 5 months old when she came to us, so the bond is very strong. She is totally my baby girl! We are riding her on trails presently, but are considering some driving training for her in the future. Her health is great. We have kept her on our equine vets' healthcare plan, so her vaccs, coggins, teeth, etc are always up to date. We have her feet done every 5 weeks and they have also been very good. The only problem she has experienced is a fixated patella issue with the left rear stifle. It is very mild though and doesn't cause her any real trouble. It started and was more pronounced when she was about 2 years, but she has mostly grown out of it now. Otherwise, she is perfect. Hope you enjoy the pictures. Let me know if you have trouble viewing them. We can never thank Crossed Sabers enough for allowing this girl to be in our lives. Regards, Kathy Lovaas

Hello Celeita and Teresa.

I hope that you are all well.

I received Teresa's voicemail. Blackhawk is doing very well. Wait till you see the photos. He is a favorite at the barn, everyone loves him.

I am sorry that I have been out of touch. My 33 year old sister has been battling an aggressive cancer and after two surgeries, chemo and radiation is now in remission, thank God.

I am traveling right now for work but I will pull all of the update information together asap and send it to you.

Warm regards,

Andrea Vag

Great, got the contract.

I will get some pictures of Travie and send them over. He is doing well at 26! Here is one of him with his friend, the OTTB I adopted. Yes, Trav likes to roll and get dirty!

I am also wondering about the horse you have, City. How would he be just doing some simple training level dressage and small trail rides down the street?

We lost our old gelding here several months ago, he was 33 and we are just now considering finding a horse or two to move in. I had such a good experience adopting Traveller through you.

Yes, still in Sugar Grove on the farm. We absolutely love it here. Still have lots of dirt roads to ride on, and some nice horsey neighbors to ride with.

HI, Celeita - my boys are all doing very well. Polar continues to be my prince. He's on Cosequin ASU and moving beautifully. We're becoming quite a dressage team, improving continually. He is the love of my life and I will always be thankful that I found him through you. Pooka has been beautifully trained by my former barn manager, now boarder, Sarah. They are a perfect match in temperament - picky and demanding to a degree - a real pair. Harry is a barn mascot. I have a 13 year old boarder who loves him and plays with him. She is starting lessons with him soon.

My barn goes well but we have definitely been hit by the poor economy. Hay went from $3.05 last year to $4 this year. We've had equal increases in shavings and grain. Ends have never really met, but they are farther apart than ever. I've had to go up on board significantly. We just took in a rescue filly who wouldn't have made it through the winter had we not taken her in. Free horses are everywhere in Maine and I worry so much about their fate. Hoping for changes once the election is complete.

I'll send a check shortly to help, as I can.

Celeita, that is what I said, I was crying so hard I wasn’t sure you could hear me. People from my church came over and we just came in from burying him. The people at my church that knew him loved him too. I said heart attack because it was so sudden and so fast. I went and fed them this morning and I was laughing with River because he snorted for his grain and tossed his head a little. They all ate and I put hay outside but they decided to romp a little before coming back to eat hay. They do that often and this morning was chilly so that was normal. I cleaned my stalls and started back to the house when something said check your horses. So I turned back to see what they were up to and as I walked toward them I saw him laying down just like he was sunning in the warm sun only the sun wasn’t warm yet. so I started calling to him and hurried to him and knew as knelt beside him that he was gone. He was laying just as he was in a soft canter, front feet slightly curled as he was ready for his next reach. I knelt beside him and petted him and cried and sobbed and screamed at God not to take that one, but it was too late, he was already gone. I came to call my friend to bury him, I wanted to call the vet but he was already gone. There was nothing to help him. The ground around him showed no signs of struggle or distress so I believe he running in my pasture one second and in Gods heaven the next. I am devastated, I loved him beyond measure, he was my heart horse, he calmed me. I will forever be so grateful for the time I had with him, for the soft gently kisses as he got the treats from my hands. I love River so much, this will be so hard for me. Shiloh kept trying to uncover him and nudged him to come play, she loved him too and they would often stand together and nibble each others backs. I will miss him so much.. I want to put him on the goodbye page soon, just not yet. thank you so much for putting River in my life.

Oh Sharon, yes, I'm sure it was either a heart attack or aneurism (sp?) as they go fast with both. At least he died having fun and with a full belly, the only better way to go is in your sleep, I think. It impossible not to cry, its so sad, he was such a sweet boy, loved by all. Certainly we will put him on the saying goodbye page when you are ready. this has been a tough fall for us as we've love 3 of our old timers, all grand horses.

I may not know anything else but I know we will be with our pets again after we are gone, so you will see him again in a better place. I look forward for that day, so keep your chin up. He was well loved and you gave him a good life, we could not have asked for more. I'm so so sorry. Celeita

try to remember these days.....

Hi !! really sorry we haven't stayed in better touch. Here are a couple of pics of Sparks from this summer. He is doing very well. Ever since we got rid of Diane he started settling in better. He gained his weight back and has maintained it for several months now. Kylie has had to back off on her riding a bit with the weather and school and stuff but she still spends at the least a half hour a day with him. She does most of the feeding now and while he eats she brushes him and talks to him. Princess still wears the pants between em though ..He is a big chicken when it comes to her. He has taken a liking to going down to the neighbors to visit everytime he gets the chance to sneak away. She feeds him carrots and brushes him for awhile till we holler for him or she ties a piece of twine to his halter and rides him back home. This time of year we can see her back yard so if we miss him we just look down her way first. If we see him we don't worry cause we know she is around there somewhere. and she will bring him home soon.

Regretfully no I still haven't gotten your tapes out... gonna have to soon or kylie is going to wear em out. Well I need to get to bed and I promise I will get them out soon!

Hope all is well with you and the animals there!

Ann & Kylie

Hi No Sparky isn't at a weight I am happy with but the vet said with his building and his blanket he should do fine. We have had to keep doing trial and error for his feed cause all he wants is that cheap stuff from tractor suppy and the vet said he needs a more complete feed. Hiding vitamins and apples and stuff aunt worked cause he eats the treats but spits out the vitamin. The vet said if I cant find enrichments that he will eat then we will have to go another route. He said Sparky is heavier then when he came here but needs more. Now that he has his own building to be fed in and kept away from Princess while eating then he has started to gain again.

here is a pic from today ......

Ann

hi again , lol no i don't mind you checking on him. Actually he has 3 covers, one unlined but waterproof one heavier lined waterproof and one heavy not waterproof for inside use only.

yeah I HATE his pickiness on feed. I usually buy 3 types of feed through fall and winter and we pour them into a lg tub and mix it together. I started mixing it into the summer feed to switch them over and the stinkpot would dump over his bucket to try to pick around it. ---- We are doing everything we can to keep him happy and healthy. well i need to get to bed i will try sending another picture too ..

It would be nice if he ate everything like princess does...i bring wholegrain and wheat bread home from work to feed the chickens and she runs me over to eat it! But he just turns his nose up to it.

This is a picture of my neighbor Tammy and her husband Herb. Tammy comes over regularly to give some "lovin" to Red, our 15 y/o Peruvian that suffers from DSLD. She has always had a special place in her heart for him and he loves her as well (<:

Red has been doing poorly most of the summer, but for some strange reason (?) he has rallied in the past few weeks. I did stop all the supplements and pain meds he was on over a month ago as they didn't seem to be making a difference with his soundness. He is only on 14 pounds of Nutrena Safe Choice a day and really, really good hay...about 8 flakes a day of orchard, clover & timothy grasses.

While he's still really down in his pasterns from the disease and his spine is still twisted from the degenerative issues, he has more "spark" than we've seen in over a year. Yesterday, he was a hoot. Gaiting up and down his paddock like a madman, so it will be interesting to see how sound he is this morning! Those outburts tend to result in bad wind puffs and swolen suspensory's.....

I realize this could be the "last hurrah" as I've seen that with others over the years. But, I thought you'd enjoy seeing him and how much he enjoys Tammy's visits.

As a point of reference, think about the width of the wall boards <LOL> The pic really doesn't show just how HUGE Lovey is (<:

Lucky is too fat as well......they need some serious trail time this fall.

It's hard to tell how badly Red's spine is twisted from these. You can stick your finger between his vertebra where he's completely lost the discs and spinal ligaments, and three of them are completely shot with bone loss. Winny says eventually he'll probably just sit down on his haunches and won't be able to get up.......I haven't seen him lay down for a very long time cause it's so hard for him to get back up. He's grumpy most of the time and just doesn't want messed with. Poor baby.

He's due for a checkup next month so we'll see what the vet says then.

Actually, Lovey is one of my better ones (<: She gets dinged up but never as bad as Myleeka or Lucky. Myleeka is an acccident waiting to happen <LOL> BTW, she's out of the stall and still "leaking" a bit but it seems to be closing up.

I wanted to tell you; Red will never leave me until he tells me it's time. Do you realize he's been with us longer than any other of his "owners"? I say owners because when you research his papers, he's been with us longer than anyone else. They weren't his family....he was just an investment and show animal to them. We are his family, and it's a damn shame he had to wait 12 years to have that peace! I would never trust anyone else to make sure he has his special herbs and supplements. No one else would take the time to understand how he's feeling day to day and adjust what he needs accordingly. I swear, since we started Dr. Kellon and Merrol's protocol for DSLD, he's held his own. A lot of folks would of pushed him off on yet another "owner" or just left him to suffer.

As a DSLD horse, he's already lived longer than most!!!! I would never want him to live just for us, but I think he trusts us and I respect that. One of the gals in my DSLD support group, that's a good friend of Dr. Kellon's, had the opportunity to watch Red show when he was a 6 year old. She said he was absolutely awesome!!! Major BRIO. Got the Reserve Championship that year and it appears, that year was also when his disease started showing in chronic injury.

He's my "baby" I could foster 3 more horses on what I spend on him each month.....but I owe him b'cause of what he's given me.

m`

Sadly, Red's past is all most horses know, they never get to know a long term home or a family, complete trust and a home that cares completely. The longer I'm in the business the more I hate it, some people do care like you all, but so many don't and I have to deal with the ones that don't almost every day. It really taints your view of the world.

Red is lucky to have found you and Mark. I'm lucky to have found you for him. If we had more adopters like you all, my job would be so much easier, I could just go on and worry about helping new horses, not having to go back and address the ones we've already placed. Sometimes, its warranted, loss of job, injury, major illness but sometimes its just people who don't care about the horse, they hurt them, starve them and just see us as the trash can for the horse they no longer want to deal with. Its is so sad and so hard on the horse. Its the horses that need us that most that give us the most and fill out hearts with the most love. its the horses like Debonair, Emily and Daisy Mae that I will always remember, its not the fancy horses that everyone fights over, its the ones that no one wants. They really have no clue what they are missing. If more people got that, horses would not have such tragedies in their lives or such terrible endings

Here are some pics of Lady and my daughter taken over the weekend. I will get the forms back to you soon -- High Holy days and tax season - but I'll get to work on them.

I Hope these pics show up in the email. The first is one of her horses doing tricks, thought it was cute.

I gave Sally the forms to fill out. I know she has property that was in the severe damage zone, so I'm sure she's still dealing with that - not where the horses are, they are up in Brenham next to me. We didn't have any damage at all at the farm, but still cleaning up at our house which is farther south. Sally has been very helpful to me, working with Rosie and Fancy, that's why she wants to adopt them - she fell in love with them. I gave her a check for $100 to send in with the forms, I was hoping you could waive the additional fees for me. I can't ask Sally to pay them after all she's done. Just let me know.

Here are the best of the pics from today. I got the email of the photographer, so maybe she will have some good ones of dressage too. Sorry for my comments, can't keep it to myself! (Jaynah and Charlie)

Before getting started.

Checking out the ring.

Nice halt at X!

Lovely trot, good bend

Same pic, cropped to look better.

Not quite centered, but good jump.

Room to spare!

This is what happens when you do not release!

Celeita, hey, Emily arrived here today about 7 am. She looks absolutely beautiful. I gave her some treats and you're right, she loves the pasture. I'm letting her settle in for a while then I was going to groom her alittle.
Thanks, Glenna

I could not resist emailing you this photo of the Queen of the Mountain. My friend Kathy and I are training our horses to get up on a pedestal, and it is the most fun. They love it and do it at liberty. It gives them so much confidence. So far, we have successfully done 2 feet ... and the next effort will be all 4. Circus horses have nothing on us!! HA! Pat

Hey Pat, we got your annual update, Thank you. As always, it was entertaining and informative. We never have to wonder what you and Miss B are doing because we know. I love reading your little book on B, we all do. Your update continues to be the best one we get and we do get some good ones.

This is a hoot. How in the world did you get her to do that at liberty? I can not believe how much you and B have learned in your short time together. I still tell the story about B running over to her stall ball to put her nose on it to get a snack when she sees you coming. That was so funny but this is truly amazing. So, tell me how did you get her to do this with no halter and lead? Very cool.

Also, where did you get the pedestal? I've been wanting to build some things like that but gosh if you can buy them for not much.... I would do that too. I wish I had your time or maybe I should say I wish I could learn to make time to spend time with my horses. I just pet them and groom occasionally while I'm down there to do chores and turn out. I haven't even got to ride this year. Of course, I'm pretty much working around the clock right now but someday I'm sure I will be sorry I didn't spend time with them as they are all wonderful horses. I'm so happy for you two. Have fun. Celeita

You know, all those barn chores that take the place of riding are one reason I don't move the girls to our house (even though I want a REALLY NICE looking barn on the property with an office and a bathroom-plus-shower). Everyone who has their horses at home instead of in full care ends up doing all the chores ... and there is no time or energy left over for riding or playing. A friend of mine is moving her horse back to a full-care facility this weekend. She hasn't ridden in four months and she figured out that what she pays for self-care is not that much less than full care and she can buy some of her time back. Maybe we'll just build a nice "goat house" for the goats ....

Of course, one reason I really pushed my husband to buy our "farmette" is to ensure that if something happens where we can't afford full-care or there is no place around here to put them, they can aways be at our house and have a place to live with us for a lifetime.

As for training B and Pebbles to get on the pedestal - honest, it took maybe 3 15-minute sessions and about 5 lbs. of carrots to get them to do it at liberty. Who said horses won't perform for treats. First we took them up to the pedestal with the Parelli halter and lead rope on ... and held carrots out for them. Seems like pawing the pedestal or putting their nose on it is almost automatic. Eventually we'd put pressure on the lead rope and hold out the carrot (just slightly out of reach) so they had to put a foot on it or step up to get the carrot. We'd also say "UP!" (There were two of us doing this - put you each have to stand to the side in cse they go forward real fast!!!). Once they put both feet on the pedestal ... they were rewarded with almost continuous carrots pieces for about 2 minutes and lots of praise and strokes on the neck. Well, that gets their attention ...

But what's even funnier is that they LIKE doing it. They stand up really straight and look around like "Look at me! See what I can do!" You can see it in their eyes and posture. It is absolutely wonderful -- and soooo funny too! Once they've been led to the pedestal a few times, hopped up, gotten their treats...you just take off the halter and then walk to the pedestal and point to it and say "UP". They will do it.

I just got back from a 6.5 mile trail ride AND a little pedestal training (when it's really too hot to even leave the air conditioning, if you must know) ... and Kathy, my friend, wanted to show someone how well B does it. So she took B into the arena and ran toward the pedestal and B trotted along beside her and hopped right up there. When Kathy walked off, she stood there about 30 sec. and then looked around like "Hey, where did everyone go? Don't you want to admire my trick and feed me carrots?"

Now we're going to try getting all 4 feet on the pedestal and try to move the back feet up there (one at a time, of course) using the Parelli carrot stick and savvy string. It may not work - but we'll see. Nobody has instructions on this. We're just fooling around and trying to figure out what works. Now that the horses have confidence and know where their feet are, that might be willing to try the all-4-feet trick.

As for the pedestal, Kathy ordered it from somewhere and it wasn't cheap - almost $800. But it is metal, light-weight enough so we can move it (actually one person can roll it by themselves if they have to) and covered with a heavy rubber pad that may one day need to be replaced. The horses give it hell and they don't even wear shoes! We did price a wooden pedestal from a trick training guy out of Austin for about $400 a couple of years ago. He had a friend who made them ... but it was REALLY heavy and we would have had a hard time moving it around. Plus, we would have had to drive to San Antonio or some distant place to pick it up. If you want more info on this particular metal pedestal, I will ask Kathy. It is very sturdy and I feel like it is safe for what we're doing.

Are you still having the SWAP golf tourny in DE? I finally got around to emailing the girl (whose email address you sent me) to see if I can help in some way (silent auction or whatever). Keep in touch. Update the Web site with what is going on because I check it often and I'm sure other do too. Pat

I cannot believe that June is gone and I never sent you an update on Tessa, and Ben for that sake.

Ben is still hanging in there, not lost a pound and gets to be in the pasture all summer, is spite of his ringbone. He gets to water and grass fine, and loves treats. Last winter the ringbone seemed to get worse, but it comes and goes. As long as he gets around and looks bright and fat as a fjord, smile, he will stay out there with his friends.

Tessa is still the treasure of my barn. She has been a mom to two beautiful colts, both very beautiful and both by top notch AQHA We bred stallions. I am hoping to keep her first one to ride, but several show people are really impressed with him, so we will see. This fall I think I will put Tessa back under saddle. She has matured, though slowly, and will not spook much anymore, plus my daughter is becoming a great little rider at age 7, and they would be an awesome pair in the ring. We shall see. I will get a current photo to you ASAP. She is of course UTD on all shots, worming and farrier. Again, you can feel free to verify this with Dr. J Bjornstead at Golden Valley Vet service 701 284 6067 any time.

Hope all is settling down for you, I know it has been a hard year. Have been praying blessings your way, my only way of helping, but truly believe God will bless all your efforts for taking care of the beautiful animals He has given us!!

Janne Myrdal

Check out Miss B's adoption story on:

http://www.petfinder.com/adoption-stories/index.cgi?story=15784

Yeah - there's a typo or two (which apparently they don't let you edit). Thought you'd find this interesting. (My annual report is coming. But my lack of personal organization is holding me back. I am thinking about getting some Ritilin).

Pat

Thank you so much for your very kind response and I know exactly where you are coming from!!!

I purchased my mature horse when he was 11 months old, he tought me everything I know, and has not had an unsound day in his life, and I hope Don Juan's son will follow his example.

When it comes to horses of this pricerange, it often seem like people purchase them, because they are financially able vs. it being a true match.

A friend of mine just took on an imported Warmblood, who was also 'too much' for his owner. He is the sweetest thing, unfortunately the lady who imported him, is just not a horse person and for some reason believes it is the thing to do to purchase a trained horse and show dressage...

Someone with $150k/year allowance from her husband to pursue her hobby...

It certainly is a strange world where people treat animals this way!

I admire what you do and your strength, as I am sure DJ is just one example of what you must see.

Thank you again for your very kind reply and all the very best to you and your mission!

Sincerely,
Gabi

Hey Celeita,

Thanks sooooo much for thinking about us!!! I emailed Ed and Dottie and asked them if it was possible. That would be amazing! We are borrowing a daft horse and a couple extra ponies, but it would be cool to show the kids professionals doing it!

Right now were making horse costumes. you don't know of a place to buy them do you? We want a Arabian one and a war horse one.

And Matador (we call him Artax from the Never Ending Story) has learned to do his first trick. He kisses you on the cheek! Hes so smart! He also loves club crackers. i'm trying to teach Cookie to shake hands, but she knows i'll give her a treat no matter what so it's taking awhile. they are great horses. We love them!

and if you ever know of or get a daft horse we are looking for one. We want a big stocky horse to buy or adopt. It can be green and any age, sex, color. It simply needs to have a good mind.

thanks so much,

Morgan
240 344 0345
www.PonyPastures.com
Info@PonyPastures.com

Hi Celeita,

Eleanor said she had a nice visit with you and that you mentioned the difficulty in trying keep the adoption center afloat. That's a gorgeous Westphalian gelding up for adoption and I thought I'd print out the info and post it at the stable, but his name and age is not listed. If you could email me that info, I'll add it to the flyer. I imagine that the money from his adoption would go a long way to stabilize Second Wind, so hopefully it will happen.

If I don't give up the ghost for tonight, I'll send you some recent photos of Commander, which I told Eleanor that I'd do over the weekend, then completely forgot! I filled out the June adoption report ...well.... in June.... but set it aside since I was at a loss as to how to get a vet's signature, because they only make unscheduled visits to Highlander Farm. If you will accept it without the signature, I'll go ahead and send it. If not, I'll ask Megan to let me know when a vet shows up so that she can look him over and sign the report. He's up to date on his shots, had his teeth floated in July and has his hooves trimmed once every six weeks. The dentist did find a sharp tooth that must've been causing him some pain, so filed it down. Commander looks wonderful - shiny coat, healthy mane& tail, muscular - he's one handsome hulk! He's been in training and lunges well now, has a nice trot and canter and is beginning to bend. He's still doesn't have a lot of confidence and is spooked by just about everything. That's why I'm moving him for a few weeks to the barn of a friend who no longer has horses, but really misses them and is looking forward to his visit. He'll have a large walkout stall, and a nice paddock that actually has some grass that he can eat (a little at a time, of course). The barn is located in a quiet, cozy area, called Hatch Hollow and will be the perfect place for he and I to learn trust and confidence in one another. I'm really looking forward to it. The stable is so busy and he's trained in a large ring that has numerous jumps, fake plants, and often other horses inside it - just too much distraction for Commander and for me! I think Eleanor told you about Megan's attitude and although I can put up with it, I crave getting away from her and working with Commander on my own. She's had horses since she was in diapers (even had a miniature horse in the house to ride!), a degree in stable management from University of New Hampshire, and parents who are landscapers with heavy duty equipment that designed and built, by some accounts, the best stable on the Cape. We know her parents well, and where she gets the attitude I don't know, but not from them!

I've joined igive.com and since I do most of my shopping online, I hope that the percentage of my purchases given to Second Wind helps some in supporting the program. Igive.com is a great concept and it helps that almost all the online stores I shop participate!

Eleanor said that you are short of help and swamped with work. I saw that you have some of your furniture for sale online to support SWAP. Thank you for all that you do to keep it going during this times of oppressive economic stress. Your devotion to these great horses boggles my mind!

With respect and gratitude,

Mary

Im just getting ready to head out the door...gotta muck out at Barbaras then come home and do some mucking here. I know we're going to be in there late tonight. We were pushing to get todays orders yesterday and we still had quite a bit to get done. I explained to her that me being like I am is a time management thing. I work 3 jobs (as you see...I got in at 2:20....got to bed at 3) got up at 7:30 courtesy of Miss Belle (Id rather have her wake me than to go in the house)...Im on the road by 9am to get my horse work done. These days honey I just dont even mess with people that arent ready for the message. I just frankly ...dont have the time. Once I saw those pictures...I started to think about how he might have changed and why. To me I was going was he still jacked up from the previous owner and her/his riding habits... or was he naturally like that. What Im getting from her emails is that he swings back and forth between feeling that what humans have to say is unimportant.....to the other extreme of almost explosive extroverted things. So swinging back and forth youd have to handle which is showing up when in different ways. To me quarter horses and morgans are the most prone to more whoa than go...as a general statement about breeds. Where as say arabs and t'breds are more prone to more go than whoa. (After 6 years I have addy balanced so that his go equals his whoa....or really refined yo yo game) When I first got & started to ride Addy he had way more go than whoa. He couldn't stand still and just relax....hed get frightened of something and boogie. (gotta love that one rein halt). It took almost a whole year of consistent work with one rein halts...and just standing relaxing at different places and in different conditions to get him to understand that I wasn't going to take up collection (pick up 2 reins) and try to whoa that way....that if he pushed through my light touch on the reins that I would pick up one rein until he relaxed. Once I got him relaxed more often...then I could go even lighter and just relax my body posture or 'stop riding' and he would slow or whoa. Now I can put complete strangers on him and if I explain to them that all they have to do is sigh and relax 'going nowhere' that addy comes to a screeching halt....LOL...because just as par for the course hes a lazy beast. LOL. Sometimes girl...I think back on how he was and some of his fears & worries and just how far we've come in the time we've been together. I love that horse. I tell all of my friends that if he were a man Id marry him. LOL.

So hopefully...if shes honest with me about what is going on we will be able to get them on the right track. I know shes had successes with some of the stuff we've already gone over. I think just getting more consistent go on ask & this bucking issue are all we need to tackle in that the horse is getting lighter with turning and steering. You just never really know what these guys have gone through...you kinda just gotta work with them and let the 'holes' show up and work on getting them filled. Anyway...gotta jet or Im not going to get a decent nap this afternoon.

Hi Celeita,

Thanks for the update on Hobbs and the support and encouragement concerning Commander. We're planning on moving him early Monday morning. I'll transfer his supplements and grain as well as the other things this weekend. I will still be boarding him at Highlander, and plan on moving him back in two weeks, maybe longer. For whatever reason, Megan won't give me his hay, so I'll buy some today.

The women horseowners at the stable are, for the most part, friendly and helpful, as well as the young girls who work there. I've asked numerous questions and gotten good answers and have asked for and received help with tack. It's only Megan who's hard to take with that attitude of hers.

Hatch Hollow is a private residence and I met the owner, Jeri Lavender, through a good friend. She had an Arabian stallion for 30 years before he died last year. She trained him alone! I think her kids had horses when growing up also, because the barn has 6 large stalls. They winter in the Caribbean, but did take in boarders while away, but there was no manager and the riders were always bickering amongst themselves, so she doesn't do that anymore. She and her husband miss having horses there and are really looking forward to Commander's visit. They're looking for someone to lease the stable and start boarding again, but she hasn't found anyone adequate for the job. The last thing she wants is a new young graduate like Megan! She hinted that I would make a good manager, but I'd have to learn as I go and I really have enough to do at home, plus I'm sure that Art would be against it. We're supposed to be retired!

I have to send this photo alone because it was emailed to me from a friend and I don't know how to transfer it to a file and then send it. I'll send you more, all in one email. And I'll send in those papers soon!

Take good care,

Mary

My husband rode Sawyer today! I was gonna do a few weeks of groundwork before anyone rode him but Brent really wanted to give him a go. I was nervous since he is a novice but it went very well. Brent got him to walk, trot, pace and canter in the bitless bridle. We had to get a crop out since Sawyer wasn’t understanding the squeezing and kicking that Brent was doing. But as soon as Brent held the crop, he understood. At first he wouldn’t pace, but if Brent pushed him to the canter and then let him slow down a bit, he would pace almost every time. By the end of the ride he didn’t have to canter first, he would walk, then trot, then if asked for more speed he would pace and finally canter if Brent pushed him. Brent said the trot was real smooth and the pace was like silk. Tons of fun. I was pretty jealous watching him ride. Anyway, I thought it was fantastic for his first ride and in all new gear than what he is used to. He is gonna be a lot of fun to work with.

Thought I’d let ya know.

-Shelly

Can I just tell you that we LOVE Sawyer!!!!!

I bought that cart that I saw on Ebay. It came with a harness. This afternoon my friend Travis came over and helped us hook it up. He had driven with some ponies a long long time ago so he was pretty rusty at trying to remember what goes where with the harness since it was completely unassembled out of the box. It took him and my husband about 30 minutes to get it all put on. Good old Sawyer just stood there patiently dozing away. There was even a point where they were using his head as a table as they were trying to balance a bunch of leather and figure out what went where. Again he just stood there. Finally we got the whole thing put together and gave it a try. It was so much fun!!!!! Sawyer was such a good boy. All the kids got to go for rides. I am attaching some pictures. My husband is in the red shirt. Sawyer is definitely ours forever. I was so impressed with him. He was going all over the yard, past the trampoline with the kids jumping, you name it. He “spooked”, meaning he turned his head and stared at the trampoline once with his ears forward and slowed down just a touch and then continued on. What a gem.

-Shelly

Hi Celeita - Road Dog is everything you said and more! I kept him in the paddock around the barn and separated from my other two so they could get acquainted over the fence for the entire day yesterday. Michael arrived around 1:45. They have just gotten along fine together since. I let them in together at feeding time last evening, each with their own place to eat, and no problems at all. He isn't a bit intimidated by the other horses and, even
though they've made it known he's the low man on the totem pole, he just walks away to another spot and keeps grazing. We have so far sprayed him with fly spray, put a new halter and fly mask on him, and hugged and kissed his nose. He hasn't been the least bit afraid of anything even with all the new noises, tractors, cows, and is not bothered by my dogs, cats, chickens or guineas. The vet comes tomorrow for routine shots so he'll be right on schedule with his new friends.

Needless to say, I am thrilled. Tonight we go out for a walk just on a lead line around the front field. He'll have some sliced apples and carrots for a treat when we bring him back in. Next weekend we'll tack him up for a walk around the field and gradually get him used to those lazy evening walks I love so much.

I'll keep you posted and I'll send some pictures.

Many thanks for all you do. I wish there were more people who appreciated animals for the wonderful creatures they are.

Liz

yes, things have been a little hectic.

Michael was very late getting here with Babe. Dave said he got lost and it took him a couple hours to find Dave after he was already in Elwin. I thought his place was easy to find. He seemed to get a little short and upset with me when I asked when he thought he might make it here. I was just trying to get an ETA so I could be at the barn. Originally, Michael said he would call us when he was about 40 minutes away from Pittsburgh but he didn't call until he was right outside Linda's house. Fortunately, I was also waiting there.

Babe walked right into her new stall without any problem. Michael tipped us off that she is in heat. We would have figured it out in a few minutes, anyhow. We brought the other horses in. Winner, the thoroughbred gelding was very interested and stuck his nose in Babe's stall. Allie, the alpha and quarterhorse, didn't like that too much. She pushed Winner away. We put them in their adjacent stalls. Babe pawed for a little bit and made a little noise but not too long. I hung out til 1am since I still had to drive home. Linda hung out a little longer and then walked home. Everyone was quiet before she left.

The next morning went much smoother than we could have hoped for. Babe was a little more pushy than we had anticipated which I am sure is due to her being in heat. Allie stepped up and reaffirmed her alpha position and Babe backed down. Nothing physical, really, just positioning themselves. Allie goes up to Winner to push him away if he gets too close to Babe. Apparently, Allie is OK with them standing next to each other but doesn't want Winner to touch her face. It's funny to watch. It's kind of like watching middle school kids.

Don't know if you were told that Babe has an abscess on her foot and the farrier just put shoes on her 2 front feet to take the pressure off. That seems to be helping. She doesn't walk like she is lame now. She walked in the pond and even rolled in the water and gave herself a bath. I'll call her old farrier and see what he was doing about the abscess, then give the info to our farrier. Winner and Allie are due for a trim soon so we'll just have him come a little earlier than we planned.

All in all, Linda and I are both very pleased at how easy it has been to introduce the horses to each other. Allie will get over her teenage jealousy and Babe will settle down when this heat is over. The way I figure it, this is the worse that things will be for Babe. Travel, new home, new stall, new horses, and oh by the way, in heat and probably not feeling that great. By a couple weeks, everyone should be the best of friends and Babe will be her old self.

Sorry about not getting back to you sooner. On top of all this, my mother-in-law is being discharged from the nursing home in Clarion Co and we are trying to help her deal with going to an assisted living facility. I also got an email from my older boy who is a Marine in Iraq. He gets to come home on leave in about a week. He's looking forward to meeting Babe. I'll get the check and all the forms in the mail to you tomorrow. Again, i apologize. I am usually more organized than this. Just got a few things going on at the same time.

Feel free to call or email anytime to see how Babe is doing. I'll try to get some pictures of her with her new friends and send them to you and Dave.

Take care,

Cheri

The girls are doing fine. We have introduced them to nieces and nephew (who of course love them) and both did very well. I really haven't been riding to much-it has just been to hot. The last time I rode Regal she did much better since having her teeth pulled and filed, than before. She didn't fight with the bit quite as much and was just more manageable. Sugar, of course, we have not done much with, the vet wants us to wait a while longer before we put her in heavy training. Probably early to mid fall. We do spend 2-3 hours every evening just messing with them, cleaning stalls, playing games and enjoying their company. Every Saturday they get the grand treatment of a full grooming, from hooves to tetes to faces. Sugar loves to be pampered, she really gets relaxed. And her coloring is changing; she is starting to speckle with light brown, Emily's coloring, I am really interested to see how she colors after she looses her winter coat next spring.

It has been a month (boy it seems longer) and we have really gotten to know their personalities pretty well. What is the formal process request for a name change? I remember reading it in the contract-the reason I ask is we have been calling Sugar Rogue because she goes along to the beat of a different drum. She is definitely a character. She loves to pull pranks on Chuck and then laugh about it. But only with him. And of course I never have the camera with me when she does it.

We have come to love them both very much and everyone who meets them can't believe how well behaved they are. We don't care if we ride really, like I said, we just enjoy their company! As soon as I get some updated photos, I will send you copies.

Talk to you soon,

Tira

oh happy happy joy joy. thrilled for you and the girls. Definitely call them what you want.... they are your horses now... just remember what they are filed under here as we won't change their files, it gets too confusing for us and we have a hard enough time trying to keep them all straight. :))

I bet Sugar is enjoying her pranks, she is still very much a baby and will probably do and try anything. How funny. Well, I was just wondering. I do hope you all are happy with them and with being 'horse people' it is a change but hopefully a change you are enjoying. Have fun the rest of your summer and get ready for great riding weather in fall. Take care and kiss those girls for all of us here!! Celeita

Well Gals, it appears my Peruvian Paso, RRA Vivido (aka, Red) is going to get a diagnosis of DSLD, a body-wide connective tissue disease.....the vet comes next week to do a blood draw and then we'll have to have an ultrasound done. Celeita, I may need to ask to borrow the trailer to get him to Bridgeport for that.....

We've fought soundness issues since adopting him. First suspensory strains, which we knew about when he came here cause he had windpuffs as well, then Stifle issues and, now his back pasterns are dropping. I've never been able to get him or keep him sound. I've been doing a ton of research and finally had a friend of my step-cousin, who's a vet in Columbus tell me about this disease and how prevalent it is particularly in Peruvians. He meets all the criteria. We tried to do the flexion tests today and the results weren't good. As much as I've had Drs. Lewis & Winy & McDonald out here to check him, none of them ever mentioned he could get better and be in less discomfort with dietary changes. They wanted to prescribe drugs.

The first thing I've done is change his diet to non-molasses beet pulp with oats and three X's the amount of hay he was getting. I joined a support group on-line headed by a vet that has done some awesome research with Cornell and is having amazing results. We'll get him on specific amino acid supplements asap, check his iron levels, and get the minerals in his body balanced and he'll be getting herbal therapy as well.

From what I'm slowly learning, this disease "mimics" a type of insulin sensitivity in regard to the connective tissue breaking down over time and eventually can affect his eyesight as well as crippling him. Removing most sugars from his diet is paramount and the first and most important thing. Of course, Red is now 15 and has most probably been suffering from this since he was 7/8. We won't know how much permanent damage there is until the US is done. His extensive (I'm just finding out his show records) performances also created stress on these connective tissues......Bonnie, Fresians are also prone to this.....

Class 3: Amateur Performance Geldings 4-6 Years of Age 1999 Indiana Championships
1st MERCURIO LRP Gladys Freeman TWO OAKS FARM
2nd RRA VIVIDO Charles Melton CHARLES &/or JEAN MELTON
3rd RRA HUAREZ Richard Apsley RIDER RIDGE

NOTE: the Adequan injections at $350 a treatment we gave him last year probably made the condition worse! Also, MSN & glucosamine will not help and will affect the mineral balance in the body. For right now, we're going "herbal" and dietary and wait for improvement. He's out 24/7, not stalled, per the advice we're receiving so please pray and hope for the best over the next few months.

I just can't lose another of my babies...........

Celeita, Henry is so wonderful. I love him so much. He is a gentle giant. He loves his donkey girls and they all snuggle up and sleep together. We took all 3 of them for a big walk yesterday and Henry lead like a dream. He watches for me constantly and bellows if I leave him. I spend as much time as I can with him. He gets his daily brushing and I go out at least 3 or more times than that and just rub his ears and I try to lead him every day. Pretty soon I am going to saddle him but I wanted him use to everything and not be afraid. The ferrier is coming tomorrow and I hope that goes well. If that goes as well as expected then I am going to schedule the vet to come and give him his shots and float his teeth if they need it. But I didn't want to throw too many things at him at once. Patience is what you need for a donkey. Everyday he gets more and more comfortable. The other day he opened the gate and took a walk by himself. He doesn't miss anything. I can sit in the kitchen and watch how carefully he lifts the latch and unhooks the rope. He is very sneaky. Well needless to say I have like 5 different things on the gate now so he can't go for a stroll. We are fortunate that he really can't go anywhere and he lets me walk right up to him and put on his halter and lead and take him back to the pasture. Just wanted to let you know that we love him. He also loves one of the twins. They are identical and he knows which one spoils him. She is a tiny 6 year old and he just puts his head all the way to the ground so she can scratch his ears. It is so funny to watch her brushing him. He puts his head down so she can brush his head and then she runs around him brushing and she almost can go right under him but he stands like a statue. I sat her up on him the other day without a saddle or a lead and he just stood there while she scratched his ears and told him how much she loves him. She goes out there in her PJs and her purple cowboy boots as soon as she wakes up it is so cute. Janice

Glad to hear City is making out good. Dodger did arrive safely. Yesterday, Taylor rode him a bit and we gave him a bath. He is eating everything!! The dentist is coming tomorrow for him and a filly that just arrived. He will get trimmed on tuesday. He is very sweet. He has already made friends with our trotter Promptly, he is right behind him. Has he ever been out with another horse? We put him out by himself and he started hollering up at the gate after five minutes. Other than that, everything is well!

Talk to you later. Tina

Great, that is good news. yes, he went out with everyone here, mares, geldings, even youngsters and was very good to them. Like most geldings he liked the girls the most and would push boys away from his girlfriend Emily but never mean, just dirty looks and posturing. He had come from a farm with only cows so when he got here he got a little over attached to being with his new horse friends but that was getting better over time but he never went out alone, always with friends. It could be good for him to get some confidence in being out alone if you can stand the screaming but herd stuff really got that bad here so I think either way, he will be fine.

City has settled right in, going out with a group, his appetite is getting better. He has been eating the grain good but hasn't shown much interest in our grass hay so I gave him some alfalfa pellets for roughage until he gets a taste for our hay.

So glad things are going well. Do you think Taylor likes him? Hopefully she can teach him a lot and they can have some fun together. Celeita

We got dodger's teeth done and his appetite is great. He is not shy about eating!! He was good for the dentist, he did him by himself. We put dodger out by himself today and he didn't want to come in right away. After he gets used to being by himself a little, I will put someone next to him. I just think it would be better to put a different horse out with him each time so he doesn't get attached to the same one. It is really funny, when we bring a horse by or out of a stall past him, he hollers. Taylor likes him he is really sweet. Tina

Yes, I think that is a good idea, not being around horses for such a long time, he might turn into a little parasite with them. ;)) I'm sure he's loving life with newly floated teeth, not sure that the farmer ever got his teeth done. Hope they weren't too bad. He does like to eat, which I like.

My farrier is finally coming this weekend. Yippee.

Funny, City has attached himself to Dodgers old girlfriend, Emily, the older TWH mare so they hang out together during turn out and he wants to go to her stall when they come in... guess he likes redheads and older women. LOL. Why can't men be more like horses?

Its been so nice and cool that the horses didn't want to come in this morning for breakfast, they love these cooler nights, just going down to let everyone out for the night, usually this time of year I'm not letting them out until 7 or 8 as we wait for the temps to come down and the bugs to stop tormenting them but its already cool this evening. I may be tempted to sit on the front porch tonight, its a great place to watch the horses and all their antics in the pasture.

Well, Kiss that boy for all of us here. Have a good weekend. . So happy Taylor likes him. Celeita

Sugar and Regal hand grazing at their new home.

Just thought I'd drop you a line on the girls. Today is our 2 week anniversary and we celebrated by having a vet and ferrier check-up. Regal got a new set of shoes and Sugar got all trimmed up. The vet said they were healthy and happy and had lots of suggestions for us. Both the vet and ferrier were impressed by how well behaved the girls are, especially Sugar, considering her age. Job well done to you and your staff. An Equine Dentist is coming out on Monday to float Regal's teeth; that should be very interesting, the vet said we would have the opportunity to get our hands in the actions too.

I attached an updated photo for you. Hope things are going well.

Thanks again for everything.

Tira

I agree with the vet and farrier, they are really special horses. Of course, anytime we have taken horses out of a bad situation where they were neglected its like the horses know we've saved them as they all become the best horses. Horses aren't stupid at all, they understand their life has totally changed and they are now getting fed. I do believe that makes a huge impact on them. Of course, their mom Emily is a love bug so I see where they get their temperament.

Regal probably won't have much of any hooks or points in her teeth since she is still fairly young but it will be nice to at least have him look at her to make sure all her baby teeth are dropping out and her adult teeth are coming in correctly.

That was Regal's first set of shoes. How did she do with standing for the farrier. We have never put shoes on her as we are always riding on soft sand riding rings and on grass, its rare that we go down a gravel road or over rough terrain so we just leave them barefoot and many horses don't need shoes, their feet are pretty hard and tough. Just try not to leave her in shoes all the time as keeping them in shoes makes their feet weaker, take them off when you aren't riding so her feet can get strong again.... like during the winter months at least. Some people never shoe their horses ever, with horses that have strong feet and they ride on all sorts of terrains so it is a preference to go barefoot for many and there is a whole barefoot community that believe horses should never be shod. As you learn more you'll be able to decide what you prefer, just don't take one persons word for it and most farriers will tell you to shoe your horses as they make more money. What did your farrier say when you asked him to shoe her? Good farriers will tell you when the horse really doesn't need it, the other farriers will just do the shoeing and gladly take your money. I'll send you some links so you can read about keeping horses barefoot and make up your own mind about what you prefer.... It sounds like things are going great and I'm sure you all are getting more comfortable with them. The whole first year is a huge learning curve, just keep reading and asking questions. The horse community is not objective at all, there are 4 or 5 good answers on how to do things so just take all the different opinions in and put them into your bag of tricks (so to speak) as most of them will work at one time or another. All horse people think they are experts on horses (just ask them and they will tell you so) just take it all in, use what you think will work for you and throw the rest away. :)) I would love to have you all come up to our clinics I think they would be a huge eye opener for you on training, riding and farm/horse management. Well, here's the barefoot links... a few of them.

	Natural Hoofcare of Barefoot Horses horsebarefoot horses trim natural hoofcare ramey jackson marjorie smith farrier horse shoes horss ponies tribe equus no shoes hooves. www.barefoottrim.com/ - 6k - Similar pages http://www.barefoottrim.com/
	Barefoot horse The "wild horse" trim was designed to return shod horses to a barefoot condition, shaping the hooves like those that free-roaming horses produce through ... www.barefoothorse.com/barefoot_Strategy.html - 17k - Similar pages http://www.barefoothorse.com/barefoot_Strategy.html
	Barefoot for Soundness There is a way to trim so the barefoot horse is not sore. ... The wild-horse barefoot trim re-balances the navicular foot to allow healing of inflamed ... www.barefoothorse.com/ - 2k - Similar pages [ More results from www.barefoothorse.com ] http://www.barefoothorse.com/
	Barefoot horses - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia The hooves of barefoot horses are trimmed with special consideration to a barefoot lifestyle. The barefoot horse movement advocates a generalized use of ... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barefoot_horse - 37k - Similar pages http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barefoot_horse There are a million more links ......

Jack might be able to get picked up. The adopters are in MO and I just called them yesterday to try to get him moved (he is with her brother in Ohio). Let me give you Brooke's phone number and you all can talk about price as her brother was going to bring him here so actually he was going to be spending the gas money but I don't have his contact information,

Thanks! Will contact her.

Funny about Georgia. Maureen (the girl in Yadkinville, NC that called you all about moving her) and I were just talking about her yesterday. We were thinking of making plans to go strangle that girl Lisha that had her in NC (lol), since we now know she just was not feeding her. If I end up in jail over some starved horse can you all post bond? haha

Well, I guess L. had really no money, but also no horse knowledge whatsoever - don't ask how much I spend on this snotty old thing, but she is worth every penny !!!

Hey I got a call from one of the defense companies that I sent a resume to. They are in Radford, VA.... isn't that sorta close to you all? I haven't been called for an interview (and I don't want to jinx it because its a nice 6 figure salary) but if I do, I'll let you know, maybe we can have dinner or something. Don't ask me what I would do with the farm... have no clue. Would like to keep it going and just put someone in here and just work long enough to pay the bills hoping that some day the economy is going to get better and I can go back to it full time. The odds are against me getting hired... I've been working for myself for 15 years... I'm sure I look very unemployable to most companies. Well, was just wondering. Have a good weekend.

WOW - Radford is just 30 minutes from us !! Of course we have to meet and have dinner and you visit with Azzi and Kismet and their kids and HH Georgia :-)) Well, if you make all that money, we'll run WV for you - we are just squeezing by right now, too..., OR you move everything down here, we have the farrier, hay supplier, the VT vets, and >20 acres of pasture?! Keeping my fingers crossed!

PS. When Michael gets here I may have two other horses for him to pick up if they haven't come to us yet. One is up by our old farm in Alma and one is in Weston, about an hour south of here. People are returning horses like crazy (no money, no time). Celeita

He may be able to do that, since it's not far, he will be going on to Toronto from your place.

Times are not good, not for anybody .... Georgia demanding breakfast in the morning sure is some form of rich, too!

Take care,

How are you doing, I hope things are going ok for you, after that guy did that. I'm sorry to hear you ran into one like that, I guess there are too many bad ones out there...

Anyway I saw you had Harry again. My student Kendra still misses him and never did get another horse. We still wish he could have stayed here with her. It sounds like he went to CA then to Indiana? I hope the moves are ok for him, I worry about him.

Believe it or not, Rick with terminal kidney cancer, is still alive. He's beaten the Dr prognosis and now is at 4 yrs, when they gave him one year. It's been rough but he's still here. In June we won our VA appeal for Agent Orange at the DC Board of Appeals! So we're really happy that reponsibilty is taken for the stuff they sprayed all over him and made him drink water contaminated with, in the bush with no break for his tour. He never even got a promised R and R. We're still waiting for back pay and benefits, hopefully that'll be soon.

We moved to a smaller place in Lone Jack, closer to stores and doctors, etc. It has 14 acres and I just built a nice barn (Wick), it has a huge run in shed and an attached full size indoor, I really love it, when I get a chance to ride, which isn't much.

But the main reason I wrote is to tell you a couple more details on Harry, what a great horse he is. That score of 74. 6% was an AVERAGE, over 8 or 12 scores. When he got horse of the year, a lot of people say their horse did, but he was HOY all breeds, he beat ALL the horses, and had the highest score of any dressage horse that year, nationwide.

I would say he's a sensitive horse, he's quite dominant, I think of him every time it rains, because he was the boss and always made the horses all stand out in the rain, not under shelter with the hay and water at all times. He used to drive me crazy that way. But he's still a great horse and I miss him, I hope he gets a good owner who will enjoy him like Kendra and I did, (and Rick, while he could).

I wish you the best in the future, and strength as you move your program. Please remember there are a lot of us who appreciate and understand all you've done for horses in the US.

Best regards, Janice

Janice, Its so good to hear from you. I think of you everytime one of get to ride in your wonderful saddle (seriously), the interns and I all love it and its still a great saddle to ride in. It has become my favorite even above my personal saddles and even the stubbens we had donated but its impossible to pull it out and put it on a horse and not wonder how you were doing and how Rick was and how lucky we are to have it to use. So you see how a gift just keeps on giving years after you give it.

I am so happy to hear about Rick, what a blessing that is and thank god for the win on the Appeal. Soldiers give so much to this country and to each of us, no one will ever understand that unless they are in a position like Rick who lives every day with the results of war.

Thank you for the information on Harry, I'm sure those tidbits of information will help find him a good home. This poor boy has just been everywhere. The lady in CA sold her other adoption horse to her daughter and lied to us about it for well over two years, all the time we thought she was at her farm, finally her daughter called when she found out we owned her and her mom had sold her for twice the money to her own daughter and told her the horse was much younger. After that I knew she probably could not be trusted with our horses so we recovered her other 2 horses, Nico and Harry.

Wendel is doing fine in his home in Alabama, he will be there forever. They just signed a purchase agreement that does not allow resale so he is owned by her now but we get the cutest letters from him, we'll I'm sure she writes them for him but they are from him. lol. We've only sold 3 horses so far but certainly for the exceptional adopters and with a purchase agreement that still governs care and no resale I think its a good thing and they don't have to worry about annual updates with us. It seems only fair. I'm really hoping I can find the same thing for Harry.

The move was pretty tough on us, on me and even on all the horses, dogs and barn cats. I learned a lot about myself and about how things are not always the way they seem from the outside. I'm not sure I will ever trust another man but that's okay I don't really need one anyway, though it would have been nice to have a good guy around that is positive, fun and helpful. I didn't really care about his money but the security would have been nice (if it had been a stable environment). I was hoping that was Ed but as soon as I moved in with him I realized he was not the person he said to be at all. We are still struggling because of all the lost business, the cost of the move and because of the economy. I have even been out looking for a job and have had a couple of interviews, both here and in Virginia but I'm hoping to somehow be able to keep this farm through the tough times. At least I hope I can. As you might expect no one is adopting with the costs of keeping a horse going up so much and the cost of everything else going up as well.

Well, I better get back to work but it was great hearing from you. I'm so happy for you two that things are going well and looking up. Life sure does have some craziest twists in it but it certainly helps you to appreciate the good times. Thank you for the vote of confidence, sometimes I have to wonder if I'm doing anything to help at all. So many people take a horses life, an animals life so lightly and with such disregard and I can't seem to change that, no matter how hard I try. I guess all I can really do at times is try to set a good example and that's it. Take good care, Celeita

Hi, thanks for your great and uplifting note.

We got our rating letter today, just a few minutes ago. I knew he would be 100%, and he was, but he was so worried about it and so stressed. So now we can relax. After your note I realized the one Kendra was attached to was Wendel.. so I'm glad to hear he's doing well and has a permanent home. Both horses were great horses, I guess I interchange them in my mind. My excuse is the stress of dealing with this illness (works for me!)

What you say about security is totally natural and don't ever feel guilty and no one else better try.People get together because they can do more together as a team than apart, and money and security are part of it.

Thanks again for the note and I'll try to be better about keeping in touch. Thanks for telling me the story of Harry, it's good to know what's going on, and you're doing the right thing. I still have 4 and have a hard enough time giving them good care. Just keeping enough fly spray on them and keeping them clean is enough right there.

I got a note yesterday that some people working in the Reserves are going back after retirement, one guy was 58 and two were 72 and 73! So that gave me hope that there's always something for us out there. Although it's hard to think about working and finding the time to do that. I hope that if you do, it's a good job and you wont' have to do it forever.

I'm always here and thinking about you too, take care and hopefully I'll talk to you again sooner this time. We're on our way tomorrow to a Marine's reunion, that'll be fun and it'll be great to know that he's 100%. First thing I'm doing when we get back is going to the commissary. Or maybe I should marry him, I think I could get my pension back if I had to , but I would lose the insurance. But I would get a survivors' benefit from VA if married a year. So all these kinds of decisions are hard ones.

I know your decision had to be tough, that was the most beautiful house and you decorated it so nicely. I'm still working on this one (always) and my problem is I keep changing my mind after I start on a room, so I never get finished....

But I know your other place was beautiful too and you'll make it nice again. best wishes, take care, Janice

Thought you would enjoy knowing that Cinnamon is catching on fast with the trainer though it doesn't surprise me she's a smart horse. (see her note below)

Lisa

Hello,

Just wanted to drop you a line and let you know. Peanut got an attitude adjustment with Trailer. He is probably going to be a horse you have to stay on top of keeping him straight. Cinnamon didn't know what to think, but caught on quick to everything I have asked of her. Fixed the bit problem I tied her mouth shut with cavason. She was really bracey and wanted to fight the bit. So I have worked her in side reins till she got the idea she had to go forward and soften. She rode pretty good except for trying to rub me off on the round pen. Really like your little mare she has lots of potential.

Oh, Wendy, that is such great news. Makes me cry too. God Bless him for his watch, his tour and his service. Saw it on the news and was so happy to see them all home. Bravo!!

Hey we got all Emily's babies in great homes. Regal and little Sugar baby went out this past month. They had both turned into such wonderful horses. They both went to a girl that is a professor at Marshall, they will be with her forever. I don't think an animal has ever left her place, ever. And Cinnamon went to a family in Grafton, she works for CDC. I think they already rode her in a parade in either Grafton or Buckhannon. We just have little Emily here, she is fat and sassy and doesn't take near the food she took in the beginning.... actually starting to be more of an easy keeper. We rode her last week and she has become such a great horse to ride too. Anyway, I just wanted you to know they are all doing good. We also only have 4 left from the big rescue from Lewis County, only the very young ones left to place into homes. I'm sure as soon as they are old enough to ride and we have them trained, they will be in homes too. Thank you for all you did in helping these horses get good homes for life. Celeita

Hi Celeita - He is settling in nicely. He spent the night outside last night with the rest of the fellas though in his own paddock and loved it. His coat as you can see is still magnificent and he's every bit as beautiful as we remembered. We're just enthralled with him!

If you have a chance to thank Anita for all the tack she sent with him on our behalf please do. She really sent a lot of stuff and it is most appreciated. I'll send more pictures from time to time so you can see his progress.

Take care and many, many thanks, Kendra

awwww, he is lovely. Michael did say he loved you all and your home. That is a huge complement as he has seen thousands of homes and horse facilities. When he got here he laughed and said, "There is a very happy family in P-ville today"....of course, I knew that already because of your email. haha. If you ever need him again, he is right in Blacksburg and he and his wife Zorana (who is a vet at VA Tech) are a good couple to know and fellow adopters. They even foster for us on occasion to help us along with a horse that needs to be with a family instead of a big facility like ours. Lucky boy, he hit our place right when we were going out to get another 200 bales out of the field. I was both shocked and happy when he volunteered to help us. When you go through 7000 bales a year, having any help at all is a huge thing.

Yes, I knew he had a lot of 'household goods' he was traveling with. Anita just felt like they were his and they should stay with him as we feel the same way so she donated them to the program as well. We in turn always leave them with the adoption horse. So the boy just looks like a clothes hound I'm sure. lol I will certainly pass a big thank you along to Anita from you all. She may at some time contact you to check in on him, we do pass along the contact information of all our adopters and you'll have all her contact information too in the packet will be sending out to you very soon. We keep things very open as we feel that we are all team members in keeping him safe and happy for a life time. Some of our adopters and donors become really good friends and do things together but how much or how little you all stay in touch is up to you and Anita. We do try to stay in touch with all our adopters as we feel they are the BEST horse people in the world, who else beside a crazy person would go through so much to give a horse a home. lol. Of course, the program requires an update from our adopters every June but any kind of relationship with the donor is really your choice either way. I am also a donor and an adopter and I send pictures every year to the donor when I'm sending in my update to the program. Of course, my update is easy as my adoption horse is right in the same barn with the adoption horses but the original owner appreciates my updates and it eases her mind to know he is fine and in trusting hands.

Thank you again for being such a good adopter and giving this boy the home he deserves. Your adoption fee will be a huge part in helping us help the ones less lucky. It all comes full circle and just keeps giving, paying it forward to other horses. So you can go on our website and show hubby so he can see all the sweet faces of the ones you all are helping learn and find their forever home.

It looks like you all are going to have big fun. I wish I could be there but I'll be thinking of you all having a great summer. Don't hesitate to contact us, we are here to help at any time regardless. God bless, Celeita

Celeita - Please tell Anita she is welcome at any time to contact me and if she ever wants photos of him, we take them weekly of all of our guys because the kids are always on them so she need only e-mail me. I will of course, continue to send you updates and photos.

You mentioned sending me a packet of info - might it include his registration? I am very curious about what line he's out of and who his parents were. I couldn't figure out if he was registered as a lifetime, though I think he was or if I need to register him and if I can get the info on his dam and sire, it would be helpful. he'll be competing in the Showday National show at Culpeper and in the Cavalier Classic in July - so excited!!!

Thank you!!

It has been our pleasure to have 2 wonderful guys. Really, we could not have been luckier to get them. They are both such good boys. I am pleased that you are happy with the home, and we will of course continue to keep you updated on them. Thanks! Lisa

Oh my goodness. I'm still crying. Coconut and Charlie look so happy and very round. Always glad to see that. Loved the pictures. I can't tell you how happy its makes all of us here to see two of our babies in a happy home. Thank you so much for giving them both a real special place of their own. Celeita

Omni was written up this past week in the Chronicle of the Horse. Thought you would like the article. The article in the magazine is a little longer and there is an additional picture. Enjoy!

It was in the magazine…the April 18 issue (Rolex Issue). It’s in the” In The Country” section in the back. There was an extra picture in the magazine of me holding Omni… He was absolutely glistening.

SWAP adopter Rena on Omnibus

Rena Bouchal, M.S.

PS. Do you have the picture of you are Omnibus? McLain put another horse in the program last year, all in all I think that is about 4 or 5 he has sent to us and I bet he's given us 10k in donations by now and probably 20k in supplies and tack. He's been a wonderful supporter of our program. Such a joy to see for such a successful rider who doesn't have to do any of that. He's never once asked for a tax write off for what he has given. Now there is a horse lover who cares more about horses than the money. He sent some fancy coolers from WIHS and the big Long Island show. We are going to sell them on the website soon. They are sooooo nice. Well, kiss Omnibus for us. Thank you for taking such good care of him all these years. I wish all our adopters were like you. Celeita

Sonata Update..... we have improvement, and the chiropractor has confirmed and identified the area of the trauma. she has a bulging disc in her neck about an inch below the poll, maybe 2. so, she definitely fell with her head underneath her.

he found her withers and poll out and made minor adjustments and she felt so much better afterwards that when the garbage truck came two days later (which is always a time she would have gotten herself into a dither and fallen down before) she was observed to have cantered a little circle going her good way, instead.

the chiropractor said if i kept her calm and she didn't re-injure it, he'd seen worse in younger horses that had healed in just a few months and he said quite possibly i'd be riding her again by end of summer! he also recommended we cut back on her meds, he said some of the numbing effects might contribute to her falling or allow her to move in such a way that she would hurt herself repeatedly. after consulting with the vet by phone, we began cutting back and she is now (only 4 days since he came) on quite a bit less steroids and is doing better and better. we'll continue to cut 5 then 2 a day from her daily dose (was 50) and see how things progress. the goal is to manage pain but leave it enough that she does not do anything that will hurt it again.

mentally, she is not thrilled about her life - she is in a paddock alone and misses the horses terribly when any are taken out that are on either side of her, but we are never leaving her alone, we simply have some next to her at night and some next to her at day. on one side, she has the newest member of the farm, a 2 week old colt and his mother. she mostly calls when he goes into the barn for the night which will happen less and less as he matures. my trainer is grooming her daily and we take her out and let her graze on the lawn and she is happiest those times.

it is so nice to hear there is light at the end of this tunnel. and absolutely astounding to me that she could have been so bad and now be so improved, but as you'll remember, it took almost a month to begin to see it. and we had to finally start to pull her off the meds to see it all. if you ever hear of someone with this kind of problem and bloodwork rules out all the sicknesses, get them to a really reputable chiropractor or have them pay to get the spine xrayed before they give up hope. i guess this kind of injury can easily recurr, but it also might just heal up and be fine for the rest of her life and that's what i'm certainly hoping for. Charna

I'm happy to report that Commander is here and settling in well to his new home.

He's so sweet and gentle - we're very lucky! I wanted to send you some photos, but don't know how to reduce pixel size - they're too big!

How is life with the farm? I got the CD you sent re: Mistral. Both she and Classy are doing great- these images were taken last nite. Both my girls rode both of them. WE also rode today and the horses seem to be doing great under saddle- Mistral needs work on being more collected- she is all over the place with her gaits- pace, trot, canter then pace, trot- not sure what to do but is so pretty and wants to please.

Classy is maintaining her original weight; Mistral looks fine but seems only slightly thinner tho Im not sure of that. Judge for yourself by the shoots. They are both fed McCAuley's pellets and hay; once in morning, once in the evening with all day turn out in a pasture with an average of 4 to 5 other horses- mostly mares, tho there may be one or two geldings stuck in there. All horses are brought in at night and kept in a 12x12 stall, with a bucket of water for each stall. The barn manager, Melanie, gives them worm meds every 4 months or so- I pay the bill but not sure how often. I also have a farrier trim their hooves about every 2 months. They both need it now.

Both the girls seem happy and well adjusted to life there- Classy loves her stall at nite and Mistral is very easy going about being turned out in pasture.

I hope this covers it - but if you need something more formal I can provide that too.

Will send more pix too-

Betsy

Betsy, got the wonderful card from Derek and love the horse on the front of the card... great pics... looks like your business is booming and the pictures are just the best. So glad to know Derek loves Mistral so much and the girls are really enjoying Classy, she looks great. Its hard to believe that Derek is some tough guy for the FBI or CIA (one of those, I've forgotten) but he's such a sweetheart.

Thank you for everything. We are home now and it feels really good to be here. Much Love, Celeita

Just got your email- yes, that is Mistral's face on the front of the card. He does really like her and is now studying up on Parelli and natural horsemanship. Seems the feeling is mutual. Both horses are doing fine. They just got their shots and feet were trimmed a few weeks ago. We start the barn pad excavating on May 5th and then it arrives a week or so later.

We are all busy here! It never seems to slow down but tho the kdis will soon be out of school my biz will pick up and things just keep going! I am home schooling my older girl this year, and my younger is in private school in 3rd grade- both are very smart.

Derek is with the FBI- he does have a tender heart toward kids, animals, etc...........b/c he has a tender one towards God first! But he sure can be a tough guy too! I am blessed and know it so I am thankful- good guys are hard to come by.

Glad you are relieved to be home! Enjoy this lovely weather!

Bye for now-

Elizabeth Bailey
www.ebaileyportraits.com

Hey Betsy, I'm so excited for you all about your barn. You'll love having your horses at home, its more work but so much more enjoyable. Gosh, I hope Regal is still available for you all to get her. That would be great. I feel blessed to have you all as adopters. I know our horses are.

Trina found a small farm out on Rt. 23 about 1/2 hour from us but right now they are still in a hotel as its not ready for them yet. We are hopeful they can move soon as its getting expensive for them and the hotel is not the best place for the kids. We are hopeful it will all work out for them as well. Times are tough for so many right now with the economy and the prices of everything but we're keeping our chin up and working hard to try to keep things going. I have to say I am worried about the winter coming up and I hope and pray we don't have another drought.

Take care Betsy and kiss those girls for us (all 4 of them). Celeita

I am sad to hear of such things happening to you guys. My thoughts are with you. I think people who's hearts are it the right place will still adopt. It's one thing if you are looking for a show prospect but not everyone is. The idea of such low life people. Trying to hurt someone when really harming innocent animals. It's unforgivable to me! Anyway, I am sorry for you. It turns out that Charlie is a fabulous trail horse! He goes with, alone, over, under, whatever. He is just happy to do whatever you ask. I think he and Jaynah are going to have a fabulous time at camp in June. She is opting out of the local shows and trying to event this year instead, as well as the local "hunter paces". She is excited about this. Charlie is also happy to jump........so happy I keep telling the trainer that one day we may see flames coming from his nostrils. He is still a lot of horse when he sees those jumps! Anyway, they are happy as clams together, and Jaynah keeps telling me everyday how great it is having a horse who gets happy when you put the saddle on. It's all in the attitude!. He weathered winter well. Aside from a little sole tenderness when the snow melted and the stones surfaced in the pasture. He gets his shoes and pads next week. It turns out he is a pretty easy keeper for a TB. He ate less than my aged appy mare. They all look great,, and seem happy. The vet was here last week for the annuals. I am ready to do my own annual paperwork. Coconut, our little peanut, is having a blast on our walks now that the weather is good. He just runs and runs. He is finally venturing into the pond, and is still bunking with Jaynah. He is a cutie, and we all comment here and there still about how good it feels to have given him this home. Especially when he himself seems to be loving life. Well, hopefully a bit of happy news in your day. Take care, Lisa Ross

Hey Lisa, thank you for the kind words. I'm thrilled for Coconut, Charlie and your family, especially Jaynah. I'm certain Charlie will be the horse she will think of the rest of her life as her favorite horse and I'm certain you will see him as the horse that raised her into a fine young lady. They give us so much more than just fun, they will give her memories that will last a lifetime. You've made our day. Thank you, Celeita