Itty Bitty aka Coco with Emily at home in Indiana.
Mom Angie says this about SWAP, "A wonderful
program - working hard to find homes for ANY horse, every day. Keep up
the good work!!"
Crossed Sabers Stable
The Mountain State Horse School
and Second Wind Adoption Program, Inc.
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.
tons of new saddles, all
types with great prices, more tack for sale! Plus one week left on our Cape
Cod Cottage
We had a super Volunteer
Weekend with tons of visitors, be looking for another real soon!
thank you to all who regular
buy from IGive and donate to SWAP! We get a check almost every month from
them from your purchases!
SWAP
FEED FUND
MAKE CREDIT CARD DONATIONS TO THE SWAP FEED FUND... CALL
FOSTER FEEDS AT 304-269-1333, TALK TO CHARLIE TO GIVE A DONATION TO THE SECOND
WIND ADOPTION PROGRAM FEED FUND, WE GO THROUGH 6 TONS OF FEED A MONTH. YOU CAN
ALSO PAY FOR ADOPTIONS AND PURCHASES THIS WAY!!
monthly counters started on February 13, 2010 for the website, because this is a
free counter, it will only show about a 1/4 of our total numbers, so its
not an accurate depiction of all of our visitors, just gives an idea about all
the people that visit our site. We do love our international visitors. Welcome!
Congrats to our President for the nomination and eventual induction to the
ROTC Hall of Fame at West Virginia State University, nominated by the former VP
of the University, the induction will take place at the Embassy Suites in
Charleston, WV October 14, 2010. A former military school, rich in a history of
national defense has only inducted just over 100 military retirees to its Hall
of Fame, many of them general officers. Congratulations on this huge honor.
Stay up with our President/Executive Director, all the
directors, volunteers and riders. All the CSS/SWAP supporters and adopters are
having a big time sharing stories, pictures, lots of good stuff about their
horses. Our President is at her max friends so she is full but we are going to
set up a fan based page so everyone can be added. So sorry to the 200 + people
who have asked for a friendship.... we'll get our fan page up soon.
don't forget to order your SWAP wines,
exceptional wines from Chile and Spain with a Second Wind Label, order on a
secure website and have them shipped right to your house. ALL profits for the
wine goes to our Second Wind horses and Old Timers Sanctuary
Benefit Wines is a unique online retail wine shop that partners with
non-profit organizations to raise funds. Every charity partner has their
own unique wine label. Supporters enjoy fine, organic wines while
supporting their favorite cause. Cheers!
We are still looking for teams, $1000. donated
or raised and sent to SWAP puts you in the running for a chance to win this
beautiful 15 carat ruby/diamond ring, the drawing is 1 December so there is
plenty of time to raise those funds!! Winner get the 3 appraisals on the value
on the ring (I promise its going to be a shocker for some lucky supporter!)
Raise $1000. for Second Wind
Adoption Program and have a 1 in 70 chance at a 15 carat Ruby/Diamond
Ring! ... mail donations to Rt. 2 Box 24A Jockey Camp Road, West Union,
WV 26456
The Wish List of Our Needs:
More than anything we need a large donation to help us pay off our farm, we just
owe 70k. With a farm paid for, we will never worry about the program and schools
closing.
We are looking for 2 to 3 people to do work in exchange for a place to live.
1. New or lightly
used truck and 3 to 6 horse trailer, our equipment has seen its better
days, we've been using both for nearly 14 years to pick up horses and move them
to their new homes.
2. A Farm in any
location for low cost long term lease or donation to expand our program
to develop a retirement farm for our now aging horses returned to us from
adopters who could not retire our horses. Our highest priority locations
initially are Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Maryland,
or Delaware.
3. New or Lightly
Used Farm utility vehicle (like a john deere gator), farm tractor,
& manure spreader
4. Tack and large
horse items donated... like carts/buggies, racing bikes, jog carts,
harnesses, saddles, horse trailers, blankets/rugs to use or sell on SWAP
Shopping. Supplies to use around the barn or office.
5. A bulk feed bin
that will hold anywhere from 6 tons to 9 tons of grain donated or at low cost or
even a break on the cost of purchase and instillation.
6. A volunteer or low cost
employee who can help us fix our
database that lists all adopters, donors, supporters and horses/dogs/cats
in the program.
7. Some sort of a cloth
facility like Cover-all or Farm-Tek
building to increase our abilities to be able to take more horses and
have an indoor area to work and train horses in winter, donated, grant or
partially donated. anywhere from 50 x 200 to 72 x 300.
8.
Monthly Sponsors for our light
use, elderly or retirement/sanctuary horses/dogs who's possibilities for
adoption are very low, ie. Orphy, Jelly Bean, Dixie, Allie, Kochese, Darlin, Mr.
Darcey, JoJo, Freckles, Lucy, Bandit, Max, etc.
9. Volunteers
to commit to doing one fund raiser for SWAP horses at your location during 2010,
it can be a golf tournament, a bake sale, book sale, lemonade stand, car wash,
setting up an information stand at a horse show. This is a great way to kids to
get involved in helping horses.
10 Anyone interested in
free high quality top soil
(manure already composted) and manure for gardens, you can pick up for free by
the truck load at our WV location (bring a loader). If you are a gardener and
only need a small amount, pick up in a truck or we'll be selling it by the feed
bag full at $2.00 a bag (in a bag that is usually used for 100 lbs of feed).
This is beautiful clean top soil. This offer will only last so long because we
will be leveling the manure pile this August when its dry enough to get a dozer
in there.
11. Someone to do
dozer work on the farm, level arena/round pen, do terracing on the hill
sides to keep water out of the barns and level the top soil and manure pile to
increase the level of that land in that bottom so we can put our methane
digester in and indoor arena. Volunteer or at a reduced cost.
Reporting Neglect:
Please, if you see neglect (ribs and hip bones showing or no
food available), its critical to call the sheriff of the county where the
horse/animal is located. Have the address where the horse is located or
directions to the farm, pictures and the owners name (if possible). If the
sheriff does nothing email our cruelty case workers Tom and Ruby Fleming at
tomfleming64@cebridge.net or email
PETA's cruelty case workers Stephanie or Tori at
sbell@peta.org,
or
ToriP@peta.org Remember horses can not speak for themselves so
we must speak for them!! All reports are kept anonymous.
Getting Help for Your Horses/animals if you can not care for
them:
TOP TEN WAYS YOU CAN HELP PROTECT HORSES (ASPCA and SWAP Suggestions)
1. BE THEIR VOICE - your vote is your
greatest weapon against injustice, so register and actively support horse
protection and preservation legislation.
2. LEAD BY EXAMPLE - Walk the talk. Don't support or attend cruel
horse activities such as Tennessee Walker events using "soring" techniques -
painful techniques to make the horse walk a certain way, or events that use
drugs to make horses achieve results. High-diving horse acts are cruel, as are
rodeo events that don't promote respect for animals and their health.
3. BE AN INFORMED CONSUMER - products made from horses like Premarin
(pregnant mare urine pills for estrogen replacement), are created through
horses' suffering. Your spending dollar is a weapon.
4. SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE - inform people what happens to horses after
their short careers are over (slaughter plant bound), or where Premarin comes
from, talk to them about over breeding, the hazards of over using young horses
or not training a horse. Engage them in discussion.
5. SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL HORSE RESCUE OR SANCTUARY - these organizations
make life better for horses.
6. VOLUNTEER - your gift of time is valuable to horse groups and if
you have special talents, so much the better.
7. REPORT CRUELTY - if you witness abuse or neglect, report it to
local animal control or your county sheriff. Someone cruel to animals is cruel
to humans, too.
8. PROTECT THE AMERICAN WILD HORSE - mustangs have a special place in
our history and you can support federal and local legislation by writing emails
and letters to your government reps.
9. KEEP YOUR HORSE SAFE AND HEALTHY - if you own a horse, maintain
its health with regular hoof, medical and dental check-ups. Make sure they are
companioned as horses suffer living alone - even a goat makes a good companion.
Feed what the horse needs, if you are seeing ribs and hip bones, the horse is
not getting enough, if you can't afford to buy more feed, then give the horse to
someone who can, just be sure to check the person out and make sure they are not
selling the horse to slaughter or just going to turn out and sell the horse to
anyone that has the money. .
10. PLAN AHEAD FOR YOUR HORSE'S CARE - your health and finances
change so what happens to your horse of you can't care for it anymore? Research
your options, including a pet trust. Horses live into their mid 20s and early
30s now - that's a lifetime of commitment.
Crossed Sabers Stable:
As many as 60
million visitors per year
As many as 530,000 hits in one day
Visitors from 113 different
countries
Website Visitors from every
continent of the world
Thousands of adoptions (of 68
different breeds) in homes today with SWAP
Horses adopted in 46 states and
Canada
14 Year History
Preparing for a Cold Winter:
HAY: Get
your hay now before the prices become outrageous, get enough for the winter
(good planning is 2 bales for every 3 days for one horse or 10 bales per month
per horse, so to make it until the middle of June (first cutting), you're
looking at 90 bales per horse at the very least (from September to June). If you
have good thick grass that has been mowed and fertilized then depending on where
you live in the US you might just need 60 to 70 bales. For good grazing its
recommended that you have 3 to 5 acres of mowed, seeded, fertilized grass per
horse. Remember Grass is dead in WV from Oct/Nov until about April and every
state has some months where the grass does not give the horses their calories or
nutrients it needs to sustain life (USDA has details of that for each state).
They may be grazing in the winter but they are not getting anything from the
grass to survive. I know most know that but I say it because we had an adopter
last year in WV that thought if they were eating grass that was all they needed
and she nearly killed 2 horses.
GRAIN:
Remember on average horses need 1 lb of concentrated feed (grain) for every 100
lbs of body weight, so on average horses need about 10 lbs of grain a day, more
when its very cold or if they are living outside in a run because much of their
calories go to keeping them warm. Some horses need more so its critical to
watch to make sure their ribs and hip bones are staying meaty and covered. If
you see ribs, the horse is too thin and needs more calories, not supplements
but more calories.. Easy keepers may be round but it does not mean they are
healthy, most easy keepers need a multi vitamin to stay healthy.
WATER:
One of the most critical things needed in winter is clean fresh water all the
time, anywhere from 5 to 20 gallons per day per horse and everyone knows what a
pain that is when there is ice and snow on the ground but its critical to
preventing colic. Get your electric heaters, defrosters now, heated buckets,
what ever it takes to make sure they have good water in front of them all the
time and at least 10 gallons (2 flat backed buckets at the very least). Here we
keep 100 gallons troughs in the stalls since we have big stalls, its much easier
than frozen buckets in winter, all we do is break the ice and remove it most
days and put a heater in them on really cold days. We use a sump pump to empty
water and scrub troughs each week which keeps water fresh and clean.
SHELTER:
Domestic horses need shelter, they are not wild and can not survive outside
without shelter or some kind of heavy waterproof rug to keep them warm during
snow/ice and freezing temperatures but the best is a closed in shelter that is
free from drafts (meaning its closed on all 4 sides with some sort of
ventilation). Wild horses first of all don't live very long, living outside in
the elements is very hard on them, secondly wild horses move in cold
temperatures to keepselves warm and they often times move over thousands of
acres to keep warm or to find cover or water. No domestic horse can not do that
on 5, 20 or even 100 acres. Just because your horse has learned to survive in
bad weather does not mean its good for them, they need shelter in bad weather.
CARE:
Its important to make kids take care of their horses but they must have adult
supervision on a daily basis to make sure horses are getting what they need.
Trust me, I usually have 30 year olds working in our barn and I still have to be
there daily to make sure things are done, that they have clean water, especially
when its cold because our young helpers want to get out of the weather and then
the horses are left at risk for colic. Every day check your child's work, do not
leave your horses care to a child (completely).
The Woman I will Be
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.
The perfect analogies for why we
have the life school tied into SWAP and animal welfare work:
"Everyone thought we took this
broken down horse and saved him but really he saved us"
Jockey Red Pollard from the
movie Seabiscuit
I rescued a
human today
Her eyes met mine as she
walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her
need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too
exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.
As she stopped at my kennel
I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't
want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers
get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.
As she read my kennel card
I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look
forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life.
She got down on her knees
and made little kissy sounds at me.
I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her.
Gentle fingertips caressed
my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I
raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.
Soon my kennel door opened
and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would
promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would
promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her
eyes.
I was so fortunate that she
came down my corridor.
So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors.
So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.
I rescued a human today.
Baggage
by Evelyn Colbath
Now that I'm
home, bathed, settled and fed,
All nicely tucked into my warm new bed,
I would like to open my baggage,
Lest I forget
There is so much to carry -
So much to forget.
Hmm, Yes, here
it is, right on the top
Let's unpack Loneliness, Heartache and Loss,
And there by my halter hides Fear & Shame
As I look on these things I have tried so hard to leave-
I still have to unpack my baggage called Pain.
I loved them,
the others, the ones who left me,
But I wasn't good enough - for they didn't want me.
Will you add to my baggage?
Will you help me unpack?
Or will you just look at my things
And take me right back?
Do you have the
time to help me unpack?
To put away my baggage,
To never re-pack?
I pray that you do - I'm so tired you see,
But I do come with baggage -
Will you still want me?
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,
"To
that seahorse .
. . it will".
Some folks said they missed my great goals
list for 2010, so here it is back again
1. Spend an hour a day with your horses, not just
feeding, training and turning out, but real quality time doing something that is
enjoyable for the both of you. Grooming or hand walking is a great way to bond
with your horse and good for both you and the horse.
2. Get your loved ones more involved in your
horses. Divorce is the biggest reason we see horses coming back to us. Don't
just share the work, share the fun too and find something they really enjoy
doing with horses.
3. Learn a new discipline, go to a clinic, a
horse show, or equine affaire. Come to one of our clinics or watch a training
video. If you are an adopter you can check out books and video's from SWAP's
Library for just shipping costs. Take a lesson at least once a month or Bring
your adoption horse here and we will help you. The better you are, the more fun
you will have.
4. Make a plan for your horse after you are gone
or if you have a major injury, let your Will Executor know your plans. Make a
plan for emergencies or financial bumps along the way for your horse. Have a
plan if you or your horse gets injured, even for the tough times of year like
winter (or summer down south and for a drought winter when hay prices
skyrocket). Ask friends, family and neighbors to be part of your plan, most
people that don't have horses or a farm love the idea of getting away and
helping. And people can not resist someone when they are asking for help for the
welfare of an innocent animal.
5. Get yourself healthy and in better shape to
prevent injury, to live a long life and to more enjoy your horses. Eat 1-1-1
(one ounce of dark chocolate, one ounce of fresh walnuts, one glass of red wine
daily) and 2-2-2 (2 servings of fresh vegis, 2 of fresh fruit and get 2 sources
of fat free calcium). Drink 100 ounces of spring water a day, get a whole house
water filter. Change over to Sea-salt. Take one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
every morning to keep your body alkaline (cancer and disease can not grow in an
alkaline body). Eat more fish and chicken and less red meat. Get a good air
cleaner and do daily deep breathing exercises, get outside in the fresh air and
sunshine for at least 1/2 hour every day. Get away from high fat food, processed
foods, fast food, can or boxed food, sugar or artificial sweeteners, soda and
don't eat anything if you can't read all the ingredients and know exactly what
is in it. Clean all vegis and fruits thoroughly, buy organic, buy ocean caught
fish, not farm raised, buy fresh meat and raw milk, not packed or processed. Eat
only natural carbs (potatoes, rice, oats) bake/broil or steam everything. Get 8
hours of sleep, reduce stress/risk (reduce commuting by car pooling, tight
schedules, cell phone use in the car, watch or read the news only once a day or
better yet once a week. Do one hour of walking, yoga or weight training every
day and it will make you strong, lean, you'll look great and get wonderful
complements from friends, coworkers and loved ones and the horse work will be
easier and more enjoyable.
6. Stay clear of negative people and those very
negative chat rooms and bulletin boards, they seem innocent but every time you
go to them you lose a bit of your positive self, they are truly emotional
vampires that will leave only a shell of a person. They are not based on the
truth, they are based on harassment, complaining, whining and dishonesty. We all
become tomorrow what we are around today, every person we come in contact with
defines who we are tomorrow so be careful who you choose for friends, even the
websites you go to as each of them affect who you are tomorrow. Do you want to
be a bitter, miserable, complaining person or do you want to be happy, inspired
and honorable, all that is affected by the decisions you make today. Stay away
from Toxic people and Toxic websites/forums that are negative or that spend all
their time talking bad about people and their horses. What you are around today
and what you are doing today is what you will be tomorrow. Stop Complaining and
be Thankful for what you have. If you become a target of harassment or anyone
saying anything negative about you, if you are doing only good, positive things
and not hurting anyone then ignore them, its all based on jealousy and a sick
sort of wish to be like you. They have the problem, not you.
7. Read at least one book on training your horse
and one on care each year, if for nothing else but just inspiration. SWAP has a
great library of books/videos that adopters can check out for just the cost of
mailing it.
Click
here to see our Library
8. Get carrots/apples every time you go to the
store, your horses will love you for it and always come running when you call.
Don't feed candy or anything sweeter. Carrots are sweet enough. Get rid of the
sweet feeds and you'll get rid of the hot horse once and for all.
9. Realize that if you are having a problem with
your horse, more likely than not, the problem is you. Learn more, practice more,
ask in a different way, be patient, change their environment or daily schedule
to better suit them. Taking better care of a horse always brings out the best in
that horse. Good feed/hay, time to rest in a quiet stall out of the elements,
lots of fresh water, time to be with you and time to just be a horse, time with
their buddies, farrier and vet care always done is a good start. The biggest
part of this relationship puzzle is you, not the horse. If you are struggling,
then you need to learn more and get better.
10. Ride at least once a week, regardless of
weather. Use this time as your down time for healing, your therapy, your time to
relieve stress and the pressures of daily life. Even if you don't ride, go sit
and read a book in the pasture with the horses or sit in the barn and listen to
them munch on dinner, away from the crowd and noise of your day. Enjoy the peace
and quiet, enjoy hearing happy horses eating dinner or grass in the pasture.
11. Spend time leisurely grooming your horse once
a week. Rubber curries are shine makers. You will have a beautiful horse and a
very loyal friend who will do anything for you.
12. Come and spend a week at SWAP HQ,
volunteering and focusing on helping a horse and giving will change your life
plus it will be the best vacation you ever had. Help an animal in need, whether
fostering, being one of our state reps that goes out to check on our horses in
their homes or helps us approve adopters in their area. Find horses in need and
help us find them homes. Buy a horse at a slaughter auction, get it fat and
trained and we'll help you place it into a good home. Foster and volunteer for
your local small animal adoption program. I promise, the good things you do will
come back to you a hundred times over. Every person has a talent they can offer
and if you help one horse or one dog or cat find a good home, you have changed
their life forever.
13. Know that every goal is obtainable and it
starts with a single step. Take that first step today!! No matter what it is or
how big, YOU CAN DO IT!! Every goal that is written down will come true
(really!). Every famous person, every great or notable scientist, author,
trainer/rider, parent or friend started out as just a thought, just a goal.
Remember to take one step today to reach your goals.
14. Start every day with thinking about, what is
the most important thing I can do today to change my life and make it better. Do
that one thing and in 30 days your life will be totally different. Can you
imagine what your life would be like if you did that for 60, 90 or even 365 days
a year. The opportunities are endless.
15. Want to keep your horse sound for life? (That
should be every horse owners number one goal) do a long slow warm up (cold
muscle is easy to injure, a warm one is nearly impossible to injure). The very
best cool down is hand walking your horse for 1 hour after every work out. Yes,
get off the horse and walk with it. Its great exercise for you and a good time
for you to bond. Stop riding your horse during cool downs and stop using a hot
walker, do something good for you and the horse, hand walking. Its also the best
rehab for over work and injuries, the only thing better is hydro therapy and
swimming your horse. Allow soft tissue and hard tissue to become more
conditioned before going into any training program... that means 3 months of at
least 3 days a week for soft tissues and 10 months of work for bones to become
strong enough to jump or do any strenuous training program. Don't start any
upper level work, jumping or extensive training until the horse is fit and at
least between age 4 and 6 and has been conditioned for at least 10 months
(especially if the horse has never been jumped/worked or not been jumped or
worked in the last year).
16. Appreciate what you have and be thankful.
Instead of looking at what you don't have, look at what you do. Thank those
people who have helped you and supported you. The more you give, the more that
will come back to you. When you give something away or give something to
someone/something in need, you make space in your life for something good to
come to you. We are all very blessed, if we just take a moment to look around
and enjoy those things.
17. Get used to using favorite mantra's and
visualizations every day, simple ones that are easy to remember, like 'I can do
this, I will do this', 'this isn't going to get the best of me' or even, 'I
deserve the best' or 'the gift of love, caring, and support always comes back'
and take two minutes every morning as you wake and at night as you go to sleep
to visualize the life you want, the you you want to be, Our thoughts become
things, what you see is what you get, if you expect the best, the best will
happen, change your self-talk from negative to positive and I promise your life
will change for the better..
18. Each person is put on this earth for a
reason, each of us has a mission. What is yours? Seek and you shall find,
finding is a journey ... in the journey and the search you'll find your life
purpose. If you died in your sleep tonight is there something you haven't done
that you need to do or want to do? Someone you need to mend fences with, burnt
bridges to fix? People you need to tell them how much you love them? Have you
fulfilled your purpose in your life? Ask yourself, Why am I here? How can I make
this better? Who do I want to be? Who am I suppose to be? What reason was I put
on this earth? What is my purpose?
19. Be an inspiration to your family, co workers
and friends. We all fall on our face, we all make mistakes, we all get
discouraged, most times we all get up and try again.... sometimes we need a
nudge. Instead of being negative or doing negative things, be their inspiration.
You do believe they can do it, so why not tell them. If their self talk is
negative, then you be their positive self talk.... eventually they will start to
say it and believe it too. Life is self fulfilling, failure feeds on itself or
causes more failure, achieving does as well. So if you or your love ones are in
a negative cycle, break the cycle by changing your thoughts, your self talk,
achieve something small to get yourself and your family back into the cycle of
achievement.
20. We all file a flight plan every single day
for our life. Where is your flight going today? Just like a pilot flying, the
winds, the gravitational pull will change your flight and take you off course,
so you must make small corrections along the way to make sure you make your
destination. Have you selected your destination? Have you picked the steps in
your flight plan to get there? Every goal is really that easy, pick the goal and
figure out how to get there. The easiest way to pick your flight path/plan is
find someone who has done it before you, then do what they did. Its all baby
steps you know. Just keep an eye on that destination and keep saying...."here is
my destination, this is where I'm going, this is where I am now, this is how I'm
going to get there.... I will arrive at this time on this day. You can do
it..... its just like getting in your car to go to the store, its just deciding
where you want to go and how to get there, then take that first step. You can do
it!! No matter how big or how outlandish you may think your dream to be... it
is obtainable.
21. Laugh every day and try (as hard as it is
sometimes) to find the positive and the humor in each situation (and have at
least one bite of a truly decadent desert once a week). Life is just too short
to not enjoy it thoroughly.
22. We learn the most and do our best work when
we have fallen on our face, when we are struggling, when we are worried, scared
or frustrated, when we are anguishing over something or troubled by it. It is
then that you have true motivation, when you think clearer. The most brilliant
ideas come to people when they feel lost, frustrated, or at the bottom, helpless
or hopeless. Cherish these times because its when you can come up with your best
ideas to your biggest problems and challenges. You see, there is a reason for
the rainy days.
23. You can't make everyone happy, its useless to
try and wasted energy to think you can. 50% of all people will not agree with
you at any given time, don't worry about it and don't let it stop you. 50%
becomes a lot of people when you are in the public eye. As long as you are not
hurting anyone and you are doing the right thing, then go ahead and do it. If
you are wondering what is the right thing to do, its usually the harder thing to
do, the toughest path to take. The easy way out is rarely the right thing to
do. Instead of worrying over what someone thinks of you or says about you, do
something amazing and outstanding to inspire them or at least have them sitting
on the side lines being jealous, secretly saying, "wow, she has guts". One
person with purpose becomes the majority, one way or another.
1. There are at least two people in this world
That you would die for.
2. At least 15 people in this world Love you in some way.
3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you Is because they want to Be just
like you.
4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, Even if they don't Like you.
5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you Before they go to sleep.
6. You mean the world to someone.
7. You are special and unique.
8. Someone that you don't even know exists, loves you.
9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, Something good comes from it.
10. When you think the world has
Turned its back on you, take another look.
11. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.
Always in hope and admiration, Celeita
YOUR BANK ACCOUNT
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.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
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
HORSES (dogs/cats) ADOPTED 09
(55 horses, 6 cats, 11
dogs adopted and 8 aged dogs accepted into retirement)
"The best time to start (anything) was
last year. The second best time is right now."
Seth Godin, business guru and author of
The Dip
Painter was adopted by Ravin of PA
Painter: 1993 registered paint gelding, 16 hands, built like a QH, moves like a western pleasure
horse,
done a lot of
hunters and jumpers even with young and small riders. The owner said you can
relax with him and know he will jump everything... very very consistent. he moves like a western pleasure
pleasure horse so that maybe something he would pick up quickly. He's done lessons with kids as well so I think he is
very forgiving and easy, very straight forward and honest, consistent and
very well trained. The owner has requested that he not do more than one
lesson a day which is what we follow anyway. Typical of a QH, he
needs good footing as his feet seem to be thin soled. He sounds like a super
horse, something a good child rider can build her confidence on but then will go out of the ring on the buckle. They also said a couple times a year he gets an upset stomach, she gives
him 10cc of banamine, he has a sensitive stomach.
This boy is not only a great horse but he is such a looker, what a cutie
pie. this Boy would be perfect for a child to
learn on the flat. He is so easy and so so extremely quiet.
Painter has been on a trail ride once,
his riding experience has been primarily in the ring, he would have to learn
that with an experienced rider/trainer. SWAP is restricting him to flat
work, very little, if any jumping. That is because of his age, only. He has thin
soles and needs shoes or he's ouchy. He is a bit of a hot house flower and
has always lived the good life, always lived in a stall with a high level of
care, he has gotten a little hardier here but I doubt he could ever live out
24/7 unless its very moderate climate. He loves his stall, rug and daily turn
out.
Mickey's Message, aka "Mickey": 1999 STB gelding,
brown, trotter, sound, drives and rides. Beautiful black
w/ brown points, 15.2 hands (measured). Entertaining, a Character. Located at CSS
UPDATE 6/10/09
Typical standardbred, Mickey is beautiful,
sweet, willing, smart, and talented!
We have ridden him several times now and have
seen only good things with him. Mickey is a fun ride, very easy, could be
ridden by a novice today! Looks great in western or english tack, makes no
difference to him, he is the same sweet boy either way!
He has really settled a lot since coming here
off the track and is filling out nicely. He really is beautiful, visitors
see him out in the field with 20 other horses and he is the one who catches
their attention.
Call today to schedule a visit!
Jake has been adopted by D Scabilloni of PA
Jake, 1991 TB gelding, sound, well trained, located
in PA,
note from current adopter who can't keep him for
financial reasons:
Taylored Art, aka "Artie"" 2005 registered STB
gelding, bay, sound, 15.3 h (estimated, will measure), sweet boy just does
not want to race, quite the looker, very full mane and tail, sweet, good
manners, loves people, no vices, does all he is asked to do, drives and
rides. Not a rescue, always had the best care. freeze
branded, excellent condition. Super youngster. Does well in the field with
both mares and geldings, easy to handle, good with farrier and vet, loads,
cross ties, ties, clips, bathes, sound. Was super easy (like most STB's) to
put under saddle, he's going to make a great family or pleasure horse.
Registration number is 3CB262, freeze brand is 3CB26 by Artsplace and out of
Regina Lobell, no illnesses or injuries, loves attention. Likes to eat in
his stall, not in a run in with other horses, all healthy care kept up to
date, came from an excellent care giver, likes people, good manners,
respects your space, good temperament, smart, good with other animals and
horses, Was bred a pacer but prefers to trot but could go either way at this
point, a walk/trot/ canter horse or a gaited trail horse, he clips, bathes,
good alone, quiet in stall, comes when called, easy to catch in an open
field, low in the pecking order in a herd. Accustomed to turn out during the
day and in a stall at night, he loves girls. He wears a water proof sheet
when its cool and a water proof rug when its cold outside. The previous
racing family is very attached and they are hopeful the adopters would like
to stay in touch.
Sheza Snazzy Shadow, aka "Shadow": 1997 registered
QH mare, sorrell, 15.2 hands, currently located at CSS. AQHA Incentive fund mare, registration number 3564404, was shown
extensively in horsemanship and western pleasure, professionally trained,
former lesson horse for intermediate riders. Looking for a western pleasure
job outside the ring, super trail horse or could be a therapy horse as well.
Can ride experienced kids in the ring and out on trail with supervision,
also good at lead line. Really a looker, her pictures don't do her justice,
has a strong successful past in english, western pleasure, trail classes,
horsemanship, halter, showmanship, very successful in showmanship, usually
top in halter, does all trail obstacles, years of professional training,
loads, clips, ties, shoes great, super personality, loves people, easy girl
to be around, easy keeper. Daughter of Leaguers Shadow, former reserve high
point western pleasure horse in the nation. Quite the gem for some lucky
adopter or family. A been there, done that horse. She has lived the good
life and been blanketed all her life in winter, she does like that too. She
is wonderful with a confident rider who is a good leader, if the rider is
not a leader, like most horses, she will take the leadership position in the
relationship. Amazing girl. Always very well cared for, owner is a jumper
who wants to continue with that discipline and Shadow needs to stay on the
flat doing trails, she likes people, has good manners, respects your space,
can be ridden today, confident in ring and on familiar trails, knows leads,
smart, good with other animals and horses, a child can handle on the ground,
inexperienced people have ridden her but she is happier with someone who has
some experience, she is good with the farrier, vet/shots, loads, trained to
ride, ties, cross ties, clips except ears, bathes, quiet in stall, free
lunges, lunges on line, comes when called, can catch in open field. Possible
jobs are pleasure, lead line, companion horse.
Vinny: 1983 registered QH gelding, also AHSA
registered (Fast Past registered QH name, WhatAFace was his showname), he
was foaled in Florida out of Lue Reed and by Solo Bird, these pictures were
just taken so he's in super shape and still sound for light riding with a
light rider only. Years experience as
a dressage master and fox hunter, excellent jumper but at his age we want
him staying on the flat will ride beginners and kids too, barefoot and sound
for lead line or pleasure riding, good trail
horse and sweet disposition, good manners, good with other animals and
horses, smart, respects your space, no vices, ties and cross ties, confident
and calm, bathes, quiet in stall, large boned and built like a tank, good
with vet and farrier, loads, kid safe, good temperament, knows leads, highly
trained, can catch in an open field, likes to jump, a child can handle, a
beginner can ride with supervision, ties, low energy/laid back, likes
people, good alone, easy keeper, remember 26 is the new 16!!
Kickboxer Kosmos: STB gelding.
1997 bay
standardbred gelding, about 15 to 15.2 hands. Very cute! Sire is SJ's
Photo and dam is Keystone Glitter. No sensitivities, fractures, or
illnesses. Harness raced for 5 years, and is in great shape, so he drives
and rides! This boy is a trotting bred and very well suited for any job
that requires a clean walk/trot and canter, likes people, has good manners
and is smart, confident and easily trained. This horse is very gentle, has
a great attitude and loves attention. He is good with the vet/farrier, kid
safe, loads, cross ties, clips, bathes, low in pecking order, quiet in
stall, good alone, comes when called. This boy is sound for all professions
and already got tons of trailriding experience both in groups and alone.
Since he is trotting bred, he has no tendencies to pace, perfectly suited
for showing in such disciplines as dressage or hunter seat, or of course,
driving. STB's make wonderful family horses and with most, in no time they
become a favorite with beginners and kids. Huge hearts, willing and a desire
to please, sensible and calm in some of the most unusual settings. Wonderful
breed!! Has a lip tattoo.
Here's a note from his former adopter who is
returning him so she and her retired husband can now go RV'ing, their life's
dream.
" I have had Kos since October 2004. Almost all of
the riding I have done with Kos has been on trails, either alone or with
2-15 other horses. Trails were on paths, through fields, through woods, up
hill, down hill, across the road, across streams, over logs and just about
everywhere in the area. Kos goes well alone or in a group. When in a group
he seems to prefer to either be in front or in the middle. When he's last,
he gets antsy. My guess is that's the race horse in him.
When Kos is spooked he will sometimes circle around to go away from an
object. He will not run away, but will circle. He isn't bad about it, but it
may be unsettling for a real beginner that is not used to horses. Other
times Kos will stand and look at the object. If you let him stand still and
inspect it, he will generally go up to it. You can always tell when he's
starting to get uncomfortable about something, because he will get tense.
Once he trusts you, he will go anywhere.
I have only ridden Kos on the road, except for crossing, a couple of times.
It appeared to me that he is not used to cars passing close by. He did not
try to run or anything, but seemed nervous about it. If someone plans to
ride him in traffic, I would recommend they get him used to that under a
controlled situation first, for safety's sake.
As I mentioned in my earlier e-mail, all of the riding I have done was
walking or trotting. I did canter Kos once recently. However, it was hard to
get him into a canter. He trotted faster and faster for some time before he
finally started cantering. (You gotta love those race horses! :-) Quite
honestly, I hesitated working him at a canter because I don't feel my seat
is as good as it should be. Consequently, as he trotted faster and faster I
had difficulty maintaining a good seat to be able to give the proper aids to
clearly tell him what I wanted. I had planned to have a professional trainer
work with him on the canter but it just wasn't that important to me. I rode
just for the fun of being out with him and enjoying the scenery. Most of the
places we rode there weren't a lot of places that had long, clear areas to
canter so it wasn't a problem. Since we have many miles of trails near my
house, I had no need or desire to go elsewhere.
I do not have a horse trailer, so Kos has only been trailered twice in the
last 2 years, when he was moved to and from Bayfield Farm. The first time he
walked on without a problem. Last time (a year ago) he hesitated loading,
but all I had to do was bring a rope around his butt and hold it and he
walked right on.
Kos is completely dependable on the ground, with adults and children. He
would never bite or kick. He has a wonderful disposition and loves
attention. My 2 grandchildren have ridden him on lead line since they were 2
years old (they are now 5). Kos ties well and cross ties. He is good about
fly spray, bathing, for the farrier and for the vet. I leave his legs
unclipped to give him extra protection against the brushy areas where we
ride. I just do his bridle path with scissors, but I'm sure he would be fine
about clippers, as he was clipped while racing.
While here, Kos has been on 24/7 pasture with a run-in shed, although he
never uses it. From spring of 2006 until November of 2007 he had a
pasturemate (gelding) and they got along well. I boarded Kos at Bayfield
Farm for almost a year - from November 2007 until spring of 2008. During
that time he was on pasture with a herd during the day and in a box stall at
night. He currently gets 2 quarts of grain in the morning and evening. He
gets a good coat in winter. Since we don't get a lot of really cold weather
here, I have not blanketed him in winter, but I don't think he would do well
without a blanket if the weather was below freezing for prolonged periods.
All in all, Kos is a real sweetheart. He is fun and dependable to work
around and to ride. He has a wonderful disposition and I know I will miss
him terribly.
easy horse to ride,
really likes to pace which is a comfortable gait to sit, he'd be easy to get
to rack, sensible, kind, easy to ride, tons of experience, great family
horse, no vices
a rare moment to see him trot
first ride November 1 (month and a half at SWAP)
October
11, looking like a real horse (1 month at SWAP)
Lucky Midnight Blue aka "Lucky" 5 year old (2004) TWH (age estimated by the vet who
did his coggins and shots) gelding, found abandoned in McDowell County, left
to die in the woods, such a shame. He looks sound from what we can see, he
is so weak right now. More coming as we know more about him.
His ribs are getting covered, his hip bones still need a lot of meat on them
(many more groceries), his feet and legs are damaged from soring, pads and
his legs are all scared from chains or some instrument of Walking
horse Torture.
The TWHBEA is sending us a blood typing kit and
they believe they may know who the horse is and possibly who dumped him, if
the DNA/Blood Typing proves who he is, they plan to black ball his owner
from showing or breeding. We will also have a name to turn into the
authorities as dumping horses is against the law.
Lucky will only be placed in a regional home for
now, he's is in no shape to be shipped a long distance (like west of the
mississippi, the extreme southeast or north east), maybe later if he is not
adopted by someone closer we can consider a home further away but to be
honest, we've had about 20 people want to adopt him. He is getting stronger
but we still have no clue what kind of horse we're going to have, he's got a
sweet personality and loves people but he is still very weak in his
hindquarters, at this point there is no guarantee what he's going to be able
to do. We don't want to discourage adopters but if you can provide a great
home and don't care whether he will ever be rideable, then by all means he
needs a great home and he is very entertaining.
Taylored Art, aka "Artie"" 2005 registered STB
gelding, bay, sound, 15.3 h (estimated, will measure), sweet boy just does
not want to race, quite the looker, very full mane and tail, sweet, good
manners, loves people, no vices, does all he is asked to do, drives and
rides. Not a rescue, always had the best care. freeze
branded, excellent condition. Super youngster. Does well in the field with
both mares and geldings, easy to handle, good with farrier and vet, loads,
cross ties, ties, clips, bathes, sound. Was super easy (like most STB's) to
put under saddle, he's going to make a great family or pleasure horse.
Registration number is 3CB262, freeze brand is 3CB26 by Artsplace and out of
Regina Lobell, no illnesses or injuries, loves attention. Likes to eat in
his stall, not in a run in with other horses, all healthy care kept up to
date, came from an excellent care giver, likes people, good manners,
respects your space, good temperament, smart, good with other animals and
horses, Was bred a pacer but prefers to trot but could go either way at this
point, a walk/trot/ canter horse or a gaited trail horse, he clips, bathes,
good alone, quiet in stall, comes when called, easy to catch in an open
field, low in the pecking order in a herd. Accustomed to turn out during the
day and in a stall at night, he loves girls. He wears a water proof sheet
when its cool and a water proof rug when its cold outside. The previous
racing family is very attached and they are hopeful the adopters would like
to stay in touch.
Sandhi's adopters have decided to
keep him, the dad has gotten attached to him so he's riding him now. YEA!!
That is good news for Sandhi, maybe this will be his forever home.
kittens for adoption, 3 weeks old on Friday Sep 18
available for adoption on October 9th, the black kitten is the only male,
all are located at CSS/SWAP their mom was dumped at our barn, she is very
friendly so if they are like her, they will be really sweet cats. There are
3 cats total, one black male, one tiger stripped female and one calico
female (that has been adopted), all needing homes. going to be super mousers, really love to catch
things.... super company too. Litter trained
Adoptions of small animals
are free to a good home, there is a short application to adopt
Roulette was adopted, details coming
Roulette: '91 AHSA registered
Westphalian x TB cross chestnut mare, 15.2 hands. Sire is
Starman, very well known horse ridden in the Olympics that produced
many wonderful hunters and jumpers. Dam is Mite As Well
Gamble. Has had formal training in hunter, a little showing,
has been a broodmare, all health care up to date, goes in a
snaffle and with a little tune up will probably have no problems
riding beginners and kids in the ring, knows leads, good with
other animals and horses, easy keeper, smart, high on pecking
order in herd but not difficult at all, loads, good with farrier
and vet, low energy/laid back, good temperament, likes people,
trained to ride, good alone, quiet in stall, can catch in an open
field. Has done Children's small jr. hunter and has had 4
foals. Roulette did have an eye removed Sep of '98 but it
does not affect her way of going or her ability to be ridden.
She could be a school or lesson horse for the intermediate adopter, especially with ring
work and even to jump, she's very calm, sensible and willing to do
anything that is asked. Totally sound. Needs more than a beginner
rider to go out on trails and beyond the ring, just a confident
rider.
Like so many of these old timers, they have really
turned into great horses with age, much better than they were as
youngsters. Too bad most people don't appreciate an older horses,
sadly usually those people do not have the experience to ride a
younger horse so everyone loses. they get a horse they can't ride
and the old timers who they could be having a big time on goes
without a home.
Tommy has been
adopted by the Smith family of PA
Nights Tommy Girl, aka "Tommy": 2002 STB
mare, pacing mare that prefers to trot, sound, just not fast enough for the
tracks in DE, sound, no past injuries or issues, very sweet, about 15.2
hands (measured). Located at CSS. More pictures coming. Drives and rides all
levels of riders. Very cute. Healthy and health care always done.
Update 3/5/09, This has to be one of the
sweetest mares we've had come to us, she's even taken up with our old girl
Daisy Mae and babysits her. She is never sour or upset. Going to make
someone a fine riding or driving horse.
taken 9/20/09 on the day she arrived back at SWAP, went right into riding
girl scouts, amazing horse
Zephyr, 1993 16.1 hand New Zealand TB gelding (more information coming),
seasoned event horse, even wins in dressage, the owner feels that he prefers dressage to eventing,
goes hacking out and would make a super pleasure and trail hores, sweet disposition, has even done lead line and ponied
kids, easy keeper, no vices, likes people, located in Ohio but coming to WV
soon.
Update: What a personality, willing lover, laid
back, easy going, sweet, likes people, I can see why he's so good at
dressage, he's a thinker, not a speed demon. Perfect teacher or dressage
master, great horse for a beginner, child or older person who can not afford
to get dumped. We are restricting Zephyr from all jumping jobs, the most he
can be jumped is over a log on a trail. This is to protect his legs.
Karrera SF: 1992 registered/branded dutch warmblood mare, 16.1 1/2 hands,
registration number is 92.13094 STB with KWPN, Daughter of world famous Argus,
Dam is Tahitian Holiday, foaled in California, former high level show jumper and
then trained in dressage, has been a dressage master and if competing would be
at the 3rd level test 1 or 2, she has spent most of her time with her former
owner as a personal dressage horse and a lesson horse. She can do well in a
training/boarding situation or on a family farm. Can not be bred (has had 2
breech birth foals that could not be saved and she almost died so breeding is
out) but sound for riding, would make a lovely dressage master for a rider
wanting to learn dressage, likes people, good manners, respects your space, good
temperament, can be ridden today, confident, knows leads and all 3rd level
lateral work and changes, likes to work, easily trained, smart, good with horses
and other animals but does not care for dogs, good with farrier and vet, loads,
ties, cross ties, clips, bathes, good alone, quiet in stall, lunges on line,
comes when called, can catch in open field, high in pecking order in turn out
but not mean, willing for any level of rider as long as the rider does not clamp
their legs, does not like riders that get tight with her, you stay loose and
balanced and she will stay loose. friendly, willing horse, honest to riders
aids, needs bar shoes in back when working at 2nd and 3rd level, she does not
challenge fence, good appetite, blanketed in winter, recommended for dressage,
showing, pleasure riding, hunt seat on the flat, lesson or school horse.
Exceptional horse for some lucky adopter.
A super Dressage Master for someone who wants to learn dressage or enjoy some
clinics, 3rd level horse for a lucky adopter.
Dodger: 2000 Bay Quarter
horse X Saddlebred cross
Gelding, 15.2 hands measured, good with people, respects your space in the stall, can be tied, has
been around dogs, chickens, pot bellied pigs, does well with farrier and
vet, may hesitate when loading but then gets right loads on trailer , has
been ridden on trails will do well with confident person on him he's only
been out by himself, completely sound, barefoot & healthy. Very pretty
mover. Will measure soon (somewhere around 15 hands) Located here at CSS. Dodger is a great horse,
but is not for a true beginner. Someone with a little experience will have a
great time with this guy, he is a blast to ride!
UPDATE 6/10/09
We have ridden Dodger english, western, in a dressage saddle, and even
jumped him! Even in very poor footing, he was a gem! He has a really cute
jump and is a very willing partner. Dodger would also make a great lesson
horse, could teach riders so much!
Silas has been adopted by P. Burr of
TX, this is the second SWAP horse for the Burr family. (thank you)
Silas, aka "Big Si" 1999 Draft x
QH cross gelding. Located in Picayune, MS. He is 15.3 hands, confident boy,
would be a great hubby horse or mans horse, but a great horse for all good
riders, regardless. He is healthy, sound, up to date on everything and is
alpha in turn out depending on the other horses, an easy keeper. He is good
with the farrier, vet, bathing, grooming, spraying and loading. He is broke
to ride but has been a pet the last few years, he may need a short tune up.
He is good with people of all sizes but at times he does not like small
animals so I would not let dogs or cats in his stall or turn out space. His
adopters in MS can no longer keep him even though they love them but they
are hoping we can find a home from their MS location. He was micro chipped
under mane by SWAP, can ready with a universal scanner. No health issues or
special considerations, he is fed in his stall as he is protective of his
grain, not bad or dangerous just protective, all health care has been kept
up to date Good manners, good with large animals and horses, an older
experienced child could handle him, smart, respects your space, good with farrier, ties, cross ties, low energy and laid back, can be ridden, good
temperament, confident, clips, likes people, good alone or in a group, free
lunges or lunges on a line, comes when called, can catch in an open field.
Recommended for any job on the flat, pleasure driving or riding, western or
english pleasure, ceremonial or color guard, carriage or fine harness.
Absolutely lovely boy, looking for a good home!
Righteous N Red, aka "Red": 2003 registered Paint
(breeding stock) gelding, estimated 15.1 hands built like a tank.
registration number is 571643, by Hot Roddin zip and out of Stepahead Patty,
foaled in CA 3/22/03, very laid back and easy, has been a lesson horse at
Meredith Manor International Equestrian School, was their western pleasure
mount and been ridden daily for the last 2 years, easy keeper, up to date on
all health care, sound, healthy, goes in a snaffle, will neck rein, very
personable, willing, no vices, loads, bathes, ties and cross ties, sound
barefoot,
good manners, good temperament, confident,
easily trained, smart, sound barefoot, good with other horses and animals,
good around kids on the ground, good with farrier and vet, loads, ties,
cross ties, bathes, good alone, quiet in stall, free lunges or lunges on a
line, can catch in an open field.
Tons of training and experience, a horse that many people can enjoy on the
trail. Currently he is a bit ring sour, doesn't do anything bad just does
not want to go in the ring but take him out and he is very clear about
loving it. He will get better about going back into the ring with some time
away from it, he's just sick of that job, you would be too if you went round
and around in a ring every day for 2 years. Beautiful bright chestnut!
Serendipity: 2006 appy x morgan cross gelding,
healthy, sound, loves to jump, long legged beauty, 15+ hands, loads, ties,
cross ties, easy to handle, quiet, have been on him a couple of times, still
needs more training but perfect temperament. He continues to grow up and is
becoming a lovely horse. Sweet, easy, like a puppy dog, going to make a fine
addition to any home.
Serendipity loves to jump and seems to be good
at it. yes, there is a story there. :)
Baby was left on our door step, she looks to be 2
or 3 Shetland Sheepdog, healthy, friendly, very loyal to people, loves people over being with
other animals/dogs, dewormed, we're getting shots and looking into getting
her fixed, if she has not been done, impossible to tell. Good inside, spunky but not wild,
will be a couch potato or go on long walks or runs with you. Little, about
12 inches tall, short but long bodied. One ear
goes up and one flops over, cute. Has all the characteristics of a
shetland sheepdog, big dog in a little dogs body
25 days at
CSS, this is only going to get better
taken
on 8/7 getting better all the time (38 days at CSS)
Armbro Lenny: 1990 registered STB gelding, saved
from slaughter, has been here just over a month, bought from a meat buyer.
Freeze branded, foaled in Canada and did all his racing in Canada. Big
sweet, sound boy, more coming as we get to know him better. We do know he
cross ties, ties, bathes, stands for the farrier, good in hand, quiet,
drives and rides. Big boy, at least 16 hands, maybe 16.1, will measure.
Super horse. One of the sweetest horses we've had here, big puppy dog,
obviously knows we saved him, he so appreciates being alive and a great home
will complete this new life for this boy. Excellent choice for any family or
home.
Fuzzy has been
adopted by C. Furrow of VA
Fuzzy, 16.1 hands, registered standardbred
gelding. foaled June 1996.
Fuzzy is sound and healthy. He is a
little out of shape, but will fill out nicely with steady work.
He raced in harness till age 2 at
which point he was introduced to English riding, and trained to jump, which
he loves! He has several years of experience in jumping and eventing.
He is good for the vet and farrier and has great hooves. He is a sensible
fellow and is well-behaved even for a novice rider.
Fuzzy is a little nervous about
getting on the trailer but WILL LOAD once someone reassures him.
Located at SWAP HQ.
Cathy has been
adopted by 1SGT Big 'N (ret) and family
Cathy: registered belgian mare, 16 hands,
foaled 4-27-96.
Cathy
is a beautiful gentle giant! She is sound, easy to handle, has great ground
manners, and is a proven broodmare. Cathy is a wonderful mother, and does not
mind human contact with her babies. Easy keeper, gets fat on air!
She has
had someone on her back a few times, but no undersaddle training. She was
very quiet and calm, and has smooth gaits, perhaps she could be used for
vaulting!
Cathy is a very smart girl and
could be trained in a variety of disciplines.
Located at SWAP HQ, come see this
big beauty!
taken in june09
JJ as a baby,
JJ has been adopted by C.
Greene of NY (Congrats!!)
He is an easy keeper, good manners, has
been on trails, and also has done some jumping. Very willing and has the
potential to go in any direction!
The lesson program that had JJ is
returning him only because they are downsizing. JJ is looking for a forever
home that will put his many talents to use!
Huntington Stables in Burton, Ohio until
placed into a home.
Emmy is a 2005 Rotte mix,
the mom of all the puppies that we rescued in 2008 from the Gastonia, NC
shelter. We separated her to get the puppies weaned and she settled right
in to our group of dogs at the farm. She is a sweetheart that no one
seemed interested in adopting, I guess because he is a bigger dog and
people have such huge misconceptions about Rotte's, she is sweeter than
most of our dogs.
A family came in to see another dog for adoption and fell in love
with Emmy, it was a great home with a family of 5 and 3 kids to play with
so we let them adopt Emmy. We feel strongly that its a great forever home.
What a sweetheart! We have tried just about
everything with Esteban! He has been ridden by several different riders
while here, and we have jumped him, ridden him out in the pasture, tried him
in different tack, including a Mcclellan saddle and even a sidesaddle!
Esteban puts up with anything and loves to be played with... the barn
puppydog!
Dante is a GORGEOUS mover, schooling 3rd level
Dressage and he knows some 4th level movements but sadly Dante's dressage
career is finished, with any extensive work at all his stifle starts to hurt
him but luckily he is good for trail riding, he is coming to SWAP HQ to see
if any rehab at all will help but I suspect his days at doing dressage are
finished, so we are restricting him to pleasure riding only, no ring work. Dante loves to work,
and is a real puppy dog. He is a sensible guy and a great traveler, no
spookiness in him! Dante is super friendly, a snuggler
and loves hugs and kisses! So sad that a mid west trainer thought his
hesitating was a training issue so she just worked him harder and basically
ruined him for dressage. Terribly sad.
Grand son of world famous Donnerhall, grand
daughter of Espri
videos available upon request by an approved adopter
Jolly has been adopted by the Biddle family of
PA
Jolly: 1992 Dutch warmblood, just under 16 hands, chestnut with blaze,
extensive professional training and has shown nationally in the Small Junior
Hunters, has won many ribbons and awards, great jumper, has also shown in
Junior Jumpers and Equitation, loves people, loves to work and jump, great
manners, great temperament, respects your space, can be ridden today,
confident, knows leads and flying changes, easily trained, smart, good with
other animals and horses, a child could handle on the ground, good with
farrier and vet/shots, quiet in stall, good alone, lunges on line, can catch
in open field, ties, loads, clips, bathes, cross ties, no known injuries,
illnesses, surgeries, or fractures, sensitive to bute, located in florida,
just competed at the HITS (second biggest horse show on the east coast) and
did very well (more details coming). Has had 2 years of dressage training as
well, professionally appraised at 43K in 2003, totally sound and healthy,
being ridden and exercised daily, recommended for lower or upper level
dressage, fox hunting (first flight or hilltopper), lower level jumping,
hunt seat on the flat or over fences, national showing, english pleasure,
etc. ridden and shown by kids.
Jolly has been doing the 3 ft.
Childrens Hunter, Equitation and Medal classes the past 3 years. He has been
training with a professional trainer and is in great shape. He is ridden 3-4
times a week. His current rider is 16, however a 9 year old has shown him in
Mini Stirrup and Walk-Trot before. He is great with children on the flat. He
trailers and cross ties with no problem. He has done the 2'9"-3' jumpers as
well. Jolly is very well suited for jumpers or equitation and does amazing
rollbacks. He does his flying changes and knows his leads. He has shown at
RMI, HITS, Horse Show Ventures, and many local shows. He placed in most
classes at HITS, which usually had up to 40 horses per class. He has a sweet
personality and takes care of his rider. He is best suited for an
intermediate rider as he gets a little strong over fences. Has a very stong,
muscular build and a gorgeous jump. Has done dressage, as well and leg
yeilds, side steps, and cross canters with no problem.
Tye has been
adopted by P. Jagemann of Maryland.
Congrats and thank you!
Tye is trained in Dressage and is a
beautiful boy with a big personality! He's actually even jumped a clean
round with a child (with all his flying changes), sensitive boy, needs a
soft quiet hand and a tender touch.
Posey is on a 60
day trial and for training with pony pastures and doing well with their
summer riding camp, I'm sure by the end of summer he'll have his permanent
home so we'll go ahead and move him to horses adopted. Even if for some
reason he comes back, he'll have tons of training riding all the kids from
pony pastures
***ATTENTION PONYCLUBBERS***
Here is a perfect project
pony at an unbelievable price!
What a gorgeous pony! He is so
fun to ride, what a canter!! He jumps like a warmblood, tucks those knees up
to his chest and rounds out in textbook form. The jump in the picture is at
least 2'3", Posey has the potential to go all the way to the 3' pony
divisions, he is so athletic! With his flashy looks and athletic
talent, he would make an unbelievable pony jumper!
He would be the perfect ponyclub
or 4H project, is well started but is not for a true beginner yet, he just
needs someone confident to take him to the next level. Is that you?
Call today, and come meet
this classy guy!
pip riding side saddle
Pippi and Posey
were adopted by M. Crabbs of Maryland for Pony Pastures, that is SWAP's 4th
horse to go there. Thank you again!! Loved the camp pictures!
Pipedream, or "Pippi" Adorable Haflinger
mare, foaled January,1996. She is about 13 hands (measured).
Pippi is an absolute sweetheart! She has
great manners and is a super cute mover. She has always gone barefoot
and is a very easy keeper. She is small enough for a child but also round
enough to take up your leg so she would be comfy for a small adult too .
(rider in pictures is 5'2")
Pippi would be ideal for many things...as a
HUS, western pleasure, pony jumper, or as a gaming pony just to name a few!
She would make a super pony hunter, she has that classic hunter jump and
judges would love her looks!
Trained to ride and drive, Pippi is the perfect
package for some child or small adult!
Pippi is located at SWAP HQ with her stablemate
Janie.
Come see these beauties today!
Calamity Jane, aka Janie:
beautiful Haflinger mare, foaled in 1998, papers,
never bred. She has shown English and Western pleasure, English hack,
Western hack and in grooming and conditioning and halter classes -- never
out of the money. she had been shown as part of an eight-horse hitch. Her
lineage includes several champion Haflinger bloodlines.
Calamity Jane (stable name Janie) has no stable
vices, she is an easy keeper (she is out on grass exclusively in our
32-acre pasture from April through the first hard frost). In the winter,
she and her stable mate are still allowed to wander in and out of the
barn, but they are fed twice a day on a two-pound scoop of sweet feed and
three flakes of mixed grass hay. They are wormed regularly, and are up on
all their shots, including a current negative Coggins. Janie
loads, cross-ties, is quiet with the vet and farrier, likes being fussed
with and good on trails. Past owner has not tried to jump her, but I do not see
why she would have any trouble learning. She is absolutely sound, with
beautiful feet. I only shoe her if I am going to be riding on an asphalt
road. I have had a measuring stick on her and she is 14.2 hands
(measured), but is a
very big-boned girl who easily handles up to 200lbs easy. Owner paid
10k for Janie from her breeders in Ohio, . the right person would
love to have this mare for showing, driving or pleasure riding. The owner
is sending both janie and her buddy, also a haflinger, Pippi (who looks
just like Janie just shorter) will be coming with her. Located at
SWAP HQ!
UPDATE 6/10/09
We have discovered that Janie is a horse of
MANY talents! (not too much of a shock as Haflingers are known for their
versatility!) Janie took to jumping wonderfully and has so much potential
in that discipline! She has a classy form over jumps, never offered to
refuse, and was quiet and steady. She could go far as a hunter with the
right person!
We also ground drove her and with a
little work, she could pick that back up and make a super driving horse,
so beautiful in harness!!
What an opportunity, Haflingers with Janie's
talent and bloodlines are few to be found... we do not see horses like
Janie come into the program every day, now is the time to call and come
see her!
Janie
has been adopted by the Hubbell family of Ohio, John is a DVM at Ohio
State and teaches at the vet school (our vets were his students, how cool)
Lucy, Born September 2008 a female boxer that came to us from a local
breeder who could not keep her for personal reasons. Lucy has a big time
with Max and all the visiting puppies and dogs. She is growing up quickly.
Lucy was adopted by The Flemings of WV
Honey, 12 year old buckskin mare, 14 hands
(measured), sound, came to us in pretty bad shape but gaining weight every
day, rides beginners
Honey
has been adopted by A. Carroll of WV
free to a good
home, just a short application to adopt
Located at SWAP HQ and CSS
2 kittens looking for a home, their pregnant mom
was left at our barn in WV, these little munchkins are ready to go to a new
home. They are going to be wonderful mousers, they really like to catch
things and have been living in the barn lounge. They are about 8 weeks now,
litter trained too. Been dewormed.
Both
Kittens have been adopted by D. Hanley of WV (YEA!)
Max the Lab (adopted by F. Gentile of PA)
Max, 3 year old male lab, fixed, house broken,
has shots and dewormed, soooooooo sweet, gets along with dogs, cats, kids,
good in the car, comes when called, minds well. A bit protective of
dogs getting his food or chew toys but not bad, not protective at all with
people and his food.
taken in spring
2009
Daisy Mae, a 1974 QH mare that CSS ended up
with as a retiree as not adoptable (or should we say she was adoptable but
no one wanted her except us), we never considered ourselves a retirement home but
after 10 years, you just realize that she is going to be with you forever. Daisy has one eye, ring bone, a club foot and is lame in 3 legs with
arthritis but we love her as much as any horse that has ever come here. We
have an interesting story about when she came to us from Steve Rowan, a
big trainer from Philly Park. She was the last horse we ever accepted from
him but we are glad we got Daisy. The top picture was taken when she
arrived to CSS, the bottom was taken October 2008 during her turn out with a lot more gray but
still lovin life, still eats like a horse and still loves all the young
geldings. She was a good friend to Debonair, we used to say, he is going
to miss her when she is gone but she outlived him, she actually cried the
day he died, looking for her buddy. For her company to our old boy, we owe
her a good life the rest of her years, plus who is going to adopt her? Of
course, they don't know what they are missing, the old timers are the
best.
The couple that adopted L'Argent asked if
she could adopt Daisy Mae, They noticed how Daisy followed him all over
the pasture when they were out there visiting him and playing with him.
They just could not leave her here alone when they were so close. It was
an exceptional home, so we had the vet come in and give us an opinion
about her being moved, she said she looked great and could certainly go to
a new home. The last time we talked to them she was doing just fine being
with her buddy at a new home. Normally we would not move such an old mare
but she is much more attached to L'Argent than any of us, having him go
with her makes it so much better for the both of them.
L'Argent is by by G. Hearnes of PA,
he and his better half even asked to adopt Daisy Mae, our 35 year old
geriatric because L'Argent and Daisy are such close buddies and just an hour
away from SWAP HQ, that's great. YEA!
Tye is trained in Dressage and is a
beautiful boy with a big personality!
He is young, sound and has tons of
potential!
Scooter
(has been adopted by a local WV family, YEA!!)
Scooter, border collie mix female about 4 years old, sweet girl, fixed, got all shots
and dewormed, prefers women to men, healthy, needs a gentle handler. At foster
mom Aunt Carolyn's about 10 minutes from CSS in WV, she can be loose on a
farm
and she stays home, she will go off and hunt a little but comes back,
does well with
male dogs but not great with alpha female dogs. listens, great farm dog.
(Lass has been adopted by K. Martin of PA)
Lass is a female estimated birth 9/10/08, about
14 weeks at the beginning of the year, she is house
trained, loveable,
sweet, gentle and easy to handle, has both boosters for shots and both dewormers.
She is about 18 inches at the shoulder and about 20 lbs right now. Good
with dogs and cats, kids,
listens, comes when called, quiet, easy dog to handle, gentle, very
house broken, sleeps all night,
past the chewing stage now
impi at liberty
Impi, probably during her inspections
Impi today, taken upon arrival at CSS/SWAP HQ
Imperiale
has been adopted by T. Bruning of Maryland
Imperiale aka "Impi"
13 year old Trakehner mare, gray, at least 16.1 hands (will measure soon),
registered, imported and branded. Totally sound, healthy, no past injuries
or problems. located at CSS/SWAP HQ in WV. (foaled November 1995), vet and
farrier care all up to date. By Shampus (sire) and out of Isabella XIII
(Dam), not currently in work but was doing 2nd level before leaving Germany
and has had 5 years of professional training in the US, easy keeper, loves
to eat, very gentle. Last time bred 2000 and last foal 2001, knows leads,
likes to work, good with other animals and horses, easy to work with in her
stall, good with farrier, loads, ties, cross ties, clips, bathes, quiet in
stall, free lunges and on a line (very well), easy to lead and will follow
you (join up) in a round pen or confined area, does well with voice
commands. She is very neat in her stall, she prefers to urinate outside and
will poop in one pile in the back of her stall. She was foaled at Krotenbach
Stables in Germany and started by Erin Brinkman of Valhalla Farm (now
located in Florida). Erin said she was the nicest moving foal of that year,
she was also ridden by two FEI level riders in Germany, was with a 4th level
rider for a year and a half, the last trainer she was with was George
Williams at Gipsy Woods, Ohio. She is polite, loves children and small
animals. Very healthy feet. The owner gave her up because of personal
medical and financial reasons. Loads well, hauls beautifully, quiet, she has
been accustomed to board fence and has challenged wire fencing before,
accustomed to a stall and being rugged below 30 degrees and hood below 10
degrees. Recommended for Low level dressage, low level jumping, broodmare,
pleasure riding, hunt seat on the flat, local, regional and national
showing, competitive trail, english pleasure, fine harness or lesson horse
on lunge line. Wonderful selection for some lucky adopter.
We've realized the Impi will do
a side pass and half pass, shoulder in and shoulder out, all she needs is
her tempi's to be working at 3rd level.
Amber was
adopted by N. Trotter in GA, Thank god this baby has a home. We could not be
happier for her and her family. We wish them a very happy long life
together!
Ima Amber Dell, aka Amber: 1998 registered QH mare,
more coming
Amber is a nice horse
to ride on the flat in a ring with good footing. She is nearly blind (better
vision during the day in sun light) so she can't do any trail riding at all
or riding in hilly or uneven terrain. Would be a great walk trot less horse,
completely sound. Great at listening to voice commends.
We are placing Trippin as a companion horse or lead
line horse for little kids, he can not longer carry an adult and stay
sound, he could do some pleasure driving. No special care, certainly shoes
makes him more comfortable but that is all he needs. He is sound without a
rider.
Trippin is being fostered by Aunt Carol
and Uncle Clint (about an hour from CSS) Thank you both
S. Nagengast is adopting Black, after years of
following Black in homes, Blacks original owner is adopting him to retire
him and let him live out his life with her doing fun stuff. This is about
the 4th or 5th donor to do this just so the horse has a good place to retire
during their geriatric years, today when an older horse comes back, we have
gotten into the habit of calling the donor just to see if we have a safe
place to retire the horse. Its a wonderful opportunity for this boy to live
out his life with the person that loves him the most (besides us). Thank
you!
located in WV
Zephyr, 1993 16.1 hand New Zealand TB gelding (more information coming),
seasoned event horse, even wins in dressage, the owner feels that he prefers dressage to eventing,
goes hacking out, sweet disposition, has even done lead line and ponied
kids, easy keeper, no vices, likes people, located at CSS in WV.
Update: What a personality, willing lover, laid
back, easy going, sweet, likes people, I can see why he's so good at
dressage, he's a thinker, not a speed demon. Perfect teacher or dressage
master, great horse for a beginner, child or older person who can not afford
to get dumped.
Dreamer has been adopted by the Blessings family
of WV
Located in WV
Singsation, aka Sawyer: 2002 STB gelding, extensive
driving and riding, been around kids and in a family, pleasure driven by all
levels of handlers, done trail riding and even pulled a makeshift sleigh
(see pics), prefers pacing and racking to trotting, sound, healthy, does well in a group
for turn out, lived in a stall and in turn out with a rug. Located at CSS.
Sawyer has
been adopted by the Wade family of WV
HERSHEY
was adopted by a local family in WV
Jack the QH
has been adopted by the DeWitt family of VA
Frosty Little Booger, aka
"Jack", 1995
registered QH. Gelding,
Red Roan.15.2 hands (measured). He is around 1,100 lbs. Sire, Sorrel Sun Star. Dam is
Boogers White Rose. Jack does have a branding of an "S" on his left
thigh. He is all up to date on his vaccinations. Jack is good with people,
animals, and other horses. Jack has wonderful manners and temperament. He is
good with a farrier and the vet. He lunges, loads, listens, easy to catch.
He works with western tack.
Jack has been ridden in the mountains,
traffic, vehicle safe and ridden through water and all terrains. Great
experienced trail horses.
Sweet, sweet boy, quiet and easy. Located at CSS. He is a self exerciser and keeps himself fit. Great
Great family horse, super training, perfect manners. A to die for horse.
BAILEY (adopted by our Zorana
and Michael, our SWAP family)
lovely boy, new pictures coming, big long legged and sensible
Marcus has
been adopted by E. Niday of VA
Marked Ruler, aka "Markus": 2005 registered TB
gelding, 16.2 hands measured, sound, healthy, riding experience beyond racing, sweet horses, no
vices, ready for any profession. Located at CSS, more
information coming, has been around all sorts of farm animals, sensible,
quiet, willing boy. Never really took to racing, wanted a career
outside of racing. Would make a lovely dressage horse or a talented,
endurance, event or hunt horse. Excellent distance horse, the ever ready
bunny. More pictures coming soon. A love bug and real cutie.
Gracie has
been adopted by C. Furrow of Jefferson Valley Farm in VA
Gracie, 2001 registered Morgan mare, sound,
professionally trained, 14.3 hands barefoot, located in NC. well cared for,
healthy, sound, all health care always kept up to date, no allergies, no
surgeries, no fractures, no dental problems or sensitivities (physically or
mentally), is on pasture today, easy keeper, never shod and always sound,
good feet, likes people, good with other horses, trained to ride, cross
ties, can catch in an open field, had approx. 6 months of professional
training but may need a tune up as has been out of work for a couple of
years but the owners feels with 30 days training she will be back to where
she was with the trainer, has been trailers, accustomed to board fence,
recommended for companion, broodmare, baby sitter, pasture buddy, driving,
low level dressage, low level jumping, pleasure riding, hunt seat on the
flat, local showing, english pleasure. A sensible and kind girl, she will
make someone a great horse, her dam is now 26 and still sound and rideable,
Loads of potential. Details of registration can be given out to approved
adopters. A good 60 days with a trainer for a tune up and you could pass her
off to a beginner rider. Very kind, good temperament.
Brandy Alexander aka Alex 1995
Flea Bitten Grey, unregistered Spanish Norman (Andalusian x Percheron cross)
gelding, approx. 16 H. Has been
ridden on a regular basis, goes out on the trails but prefers not to lead,
Alex competed regularly last year at medieval events and won several titles,
he has learned upper level movements like the spanish walk, passage and
piaffe.
Alex loves attention, keeps a clean stall, easy keeper, has good manners,
knows leads, likes to work, loads well, good with farrier, vet, cross ties,
he also bathes & comes when called, completely sound. Alex is
currently located in Bismarck, AR and will be placed from there.
Every Dream Starts with a Single Step, Take Your Step Today!
Women from History Who Dared To Change the World (credit: O Magazine)
600 B.C. TO 200 B.C.: Tribes of statuesque women (and men) roam
the Eurasian steppes. The fearsome Amazons of myth? Not exactly. But
archeological evidence suggests that among these nomads, the women were the
warriors.
Circa 39: Dynamic sister duo Trung Trac and Trung Nhi amass a
Vietnamese army in a revolt against Chinese rule. For four years, they lead
the rebellion.
Circa 395: Fabiola, a Roman aristocrat whose divorce and subsequent
remarriage were condemned by Christian society, founds a hospital for the
poor and other outcasts of her city. It's likely one of the first hospitals
in the Western world.
Circa 1001: Murasaki Shikibu begins writing The Tale of Genji,
an epic portrait of court life (twice as long as War and Peace),
considered by many to be the greatest masterpiece of Japanese literature and
possibly the world's first novel.
1429: Peasant girl Joan of Arc commands the French army in a series
of victorious battles to liberate her homeland from the English; she is
burned at the stake for her trouble.
Circa 1579: Grace O'Malley, a swashbuckling Irish pirate known for
raiding ships, fights off an English government expedition sent to stop her.
Circa 1613: In her graphically violent painting Judith Slaying
Holofernes, Italian artist Artemisia Gentileschi slays the ideal of
submissive womanhood: Her heroine is fierce, powerful, and ruthless.
1777: Teenager Sybil Ludington rides all night long through a storm
to alert the 400 men in her father's militia that the redcoats are coming.
She's called the female Paul Revere—but Paul rode with two of his buddies.
And he was captured by the British.
1805: Sacagawea joins Lewis and Clark as their expedition's
interpreter, traveling thousands of miles across the Rockies with her
newborn babe strapped to her back. Who says life ends when you have kids?
1814: As the British torch Washington, D.C., First Lady Dolley
Madison remains in the White House long enough to rescue historic
valuables—running out moments before the soldiers charge in.
1862: Sarah Rosetta Wakeman, just 19 and dressed as a man, enlists in
the Union Army. In a letter home, she assures: "I don't fear the rebel
bullets nor I don't fear the cannon."
1867: Ida Lewis rescues three drowning men from wind-whipped swells
in Newport Harbor. Then she rows back to save their sheep. Ida later
becomes the country's first female lighthouse keeper.
1872: Victoria Claflin Woodhull becomes the first woman to run for
president. A colorful candidate, she advocates for free love.
1906: Madam C.J. Walker hawks shampoos and serums door-to-door. The
orphaned daughter of former slaves, she becomes one of America's
wealthiest businesswomen.
1912: Astronomer Henrietta Swan Leavitt discovers the
period-luminosity relationship (later used to calculate the distances
between Earth and the stars).
1914: Barnstorming adrenaline junkie Georgia "Tiny" Broadwick makes
the first-ever free fall from a plane.
1916: In a tenement neighborhood in Brooklyn, Margaret Sanger opens
the doors of the country's first birth control clinic. Outside at least
150 women are waiting.
1916: Movie star Mary Pickford insists on becoming her own
producer. America's Sweetheart is no sucker.
1937: Amelia Earhart disappears on the ultimate adventure—her
attempt to fly around the globe. In a note to her husband, she explains:
"I want to do it because I want to do it."
1938: Anna Mary Robertson Moses sells her first paintings, at age
78. Known as "Grandma" Moses, she continues to paint for 23 years,
becoming one of the century's most renowned folk artists.
1941: Protofeminist superhero Wonder Woman first appears in a comic
book, fighting off Fascists in star-spangled hot pants.
1946: Super-geekette Dorothy Hodgkin cracks penicillin's chemical
makeup with an X-ray crystallographer. (Eighteen years later she'll earn
the Nobel Prize.)
1953: Jackie Cochran flies an F-86 Sabre jet through the sound
barrier. She learned to fly so she could travel around selling cosmetics,
but it turns out trashing speed records is a lot more fun.
1959: On the edge of the Serengeti Plain, Mary Leakey digs up and
pieces together a 1.7-million-year-old hominid skull, one of the most
important finds in the history of archeology.
1960: At the Rome Olympics, Wilma Rudolph (left)—once partially
paralyzed by polio—earns three gold medals in track-and-field, the first
American woman to do so.
1963: Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova becomes the first female
to fly a spacecraft around the globe.
1967: Kathrine Switzer dares to run the all-male Boston Marathon,
while an irate race official chases her.
1981: Alexa Canady becomes the first black female neurosurgeon in the
United States.
1985: Just 175 miles from the Iditarod finish line, Libby Riddles
heads into a blizzard when other mushers opt to stay in camp; this gives her
a six-hour lead and, ultimately, the win.
1989: Performance artist Karen Finley smears her body with chocolate
to illustrate that women are treated like, you know, dirt. The National
Endowment for the Arts rescinds her funding, but she ultimately gets it
back.
2005: Roz Savage quits her corporate job, leaves her unraveling
marriage, and rows across the Atlantic by herself. Midlife crisis averted.
2008: Sandra Andersen, a barista at a Starbucks in Tacoma,
Washington, learns that one of her customers needs a kidney to live. So she
gives the woman hers.
2009: Navigator Ann Daniels leads the Catlin Arctic Survey, a 74-day
journey from the Arctic Ocean to the North Pole to measure the thickness of
sea ice.
*******************
The Warmth of A Horse
When your day seems out balance...
and so many things go wrong ...
When people fight around you
and the clock drags on so long ...
When some folks act like children
and fill you with remorse ...
Go out into your pasture and wrap
your arms around your horse.
His gentle breath enfolds you as he
watches with those eyes ...
He may not have a PhD but he
is, oh so wise!
His head rests on your shoulder
you hug him good and tight ...
He puts your world in balance
and makes it seem all right.
Your tears will soon stop flowing,
the tension will be eased ...
The nonsense has been lifted.
You are quiet and at peace.
So when you need some balance
from the stresses in your day ...
The therapy you really need
Is out there eating hay!
"Saving the life of one horse may
not change the world,
but the world will surely change for that one horse”
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sportin' his dark winter coat
who's got the longest hair and the prettiest waves...mmmmmm?
tough call :))
his pictures do not do him justice, he is big time eye
candy, wavy full tail and enough mane for 2 horses, quite the looker.JPG)
a rare moment to see him trot.JPG)
first ride November 1 (month and a half at SWAP).JPG)
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October
11, looking like a real horse (1 month at SWAP)
arrival 9/13/09 deplorable condition
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Peaches
got adopted by R. Locke of WV
the last
two kittens were adopted by our Meredith Manor farrier and riders, so happy
for them and momma cat has been fixed, she will never be dumped again
because she is pregnant. 
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taken 9/20/09 on the day she arrived back at SWAP, went right into riding
girl scouts, amazing horse
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Dixie and Red pleasure riding
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Baby 
25 days at
CSS, this is only going to get better
taken
on 8/7 getting better all the time (38 days at CSS)
what
a gem.JPG)
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taken in june09
JJ as a baby,
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cavalry saddle (Mcclellan saddle)
Esteban in the
lounge, he'll follow you anywhere. funny boy!
esteban
in side saddle
Bogey has been adopted by R.
Locke of WV
flying horse!
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Honey
Bun (was adopted by S. Reed of Virginia)
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pip riding side saddle.JPG)
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taken in spring
2009
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Scooter
(has been adopted by a local WV family, YEA!!)
impi at liberty
Impi, probably during her inspections
Impi today, taken upon arrival at CSS/SWAP HQ.JPG)
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Pella (adopted)
in
CT this past year
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HERSHEY
was adopted by a local family in WV.JPG)
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BAILEY (adopted by our Zorana
and Michael, our SWAP family) 
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