Heartbreaking News

Friends,

It has taken me three days to write. I have had a lot to process but am thankful that the things that transpired took place over the weekend where we had no distractions, no jobs to run to, and no special occaisons to attend. I am biting my lower lip and holding back tears as I share with you that we lost Precious KC on Saturday. I keep saying "I'm sorry" as if to say it to her - in a way I feel partially responsible for the way she died.....but again know that the inevitable was coming upon us closer and closer each day as we saw her body failing her. Yet her spirit and vitality were so strong! Craig shared that she was, by far, one of the toughest horses with the most determination he has ever known.

Precious KC was a great race horse. I won't go into detail, but she did race and made around $90,000 before her body broke down. At that time she was taken back home to a pasture in Illinois and turned out with a stallion. She didn't take, but that had to have been because of her physical condition. She was donated and Craig went down years ago to pick her up. He called me on his cell, asking if he was sure he had to bring her home. He did not know if she would make the trip, her physical condition was that bad. He knew what the answer from me would be, but it went against what he wanted to do. She arrived safe and sound, laid down to rest, and after that got used to her life here at our farm as a sanctuary horse with Haiaku. They were a married pair, those two! Joined at the hip, one followed the other, although Precious never admitted that she was close to ANYONE until Taser Gun came along. She didn't even like to let on that she liked Craig or me until this past year, when her dependence upon us was so evident.

Up until the end, Precious was kicking and running in between her "bouts" where she had to lie down.

I think I looked into Precious's eyes two thousand times, or maybe more over the past several years. I can still hear myself gently calling, "Preshhhhhh-ussssssss" when going out to get her at night to tuck her in her stall. When she went down on Thursday night I had been at the mall with my kids. I came home after dark and went out to get her but she looked comfortable lying there so I left her. On Friday she began a strange kind of thrashing that involved only her front legs. I wrapped her legs and saw her breathing more heavily than normal. On Saturday I knew we would be calling the vet, as a shot of banamine had not improved her ability to stand and she was breathing hard and was sweating. I felt her ears and head as it laid on my lap on Saturday afternoon for what seemed like an eternity and I knew in my heart she was suffering and her head was cold. Her heart was failing.........and I knew we must do the right thing. Rachel and I went to call the vet. I started chores and went into the arena with a bucket of water and she nickered at me. I felt it a good sign and went to offer her the water. She dunked her whole mouth and nose deep into the bucket as if to swallow the whole thing, and when she swallowed the water came back up and through her nose and she began gasping. I knew something was very wrong and ran out to see if the vet would hurry along. Rachel cried. Ethan and Zach stayed with Precious. We laid hay under her that day so she would be very comfortable and not get sand into her mouth. We told her how much we loved her. We tried to lift her up with the skid steer with straps underneath her but she had given up the fight. We pulled, we tugged, we encouraged and cheered. Her eyes were closed. She was tired.

As I exited the barn with Rachel and went into the shed to get feed, I saw Ethan and Zach shoot past me and run to Craig who was on the riding lawn mower. I knew then that something was wrong. They said they saw her quit breathing. I got down on my knees and didn't know whether to scream "WHY?" or rejoice. She was free of pain. Right then in my spirit I heard God whisper peace to my heart, and saw a vision of Haiaku and Star Cheetah and Asha and Brittany welcoming Precious as they raced across the gold-lined pastures of heaven together. But...it still hurts. For many years life has centered around Precious and the other sanctuary horses here. Get up in the morning and turn them out - make sure they get all their supplement. Order extra. Have blankets on hand - and they are the last thing we do at night before going in. Vacation? Make sure someone knows how to care for Precious and the others who were so needy. Worry. Worry more. Pray.

I am so happy she is free now. Our hearts are still heavy. Taser Gun is lonely. As I cleaned up the yard on Saturday night I watched as Craig lovingly picked Precious up with the equipment and take her down the hill to her final resting place. He covered her with a blanket as he dug the hole. Rachel picked a thousand dandelions to put on her grave. She cried as she picked them.

We all said "so long" and believe God has rewarded her for being such a courageous race horse and a brave sanctuary horse who put up with a lot of pain but overcame it by showing us no matter how much it hurt there was still something she wanted to live for. At the end, it was Taser Gun who gave her quality of life. And...........maybe she hung on for us..........for me..........but I hope not. I sure will miss her. She has left an impression in all of our hearts.

Hug me!

Susan

Horse Expos, Horse Shows, and Other News

Midwest Horse Fair Pictures - Demo Was Successful

Costume contest winners!

Trot your horses!

Waiting for their turn

Top ten halter horses!

Mutual neck/back massage

Remmie - always hungry

Thanks to Lisa D. I have gathered more pics from Midwest Horse Fair and the 4-H horse show held last weekend. I just have to snicker when I think of Remmie. Here is this old Amish horse who came to us hungry and tired, and was never in a trailer until he made the journey to our farm. Fast forward to 4-H meetings, riding for fun, and Remmie getting better every day and feeling better. We didn't take him to any horse fairs, but we did, last weekend, take him to his first horse show. We loaded Sheba, Chief and Janny first, wondering if Remmie would load willingly. Could we ask for anything better? He walked right in!!!! Once at the horse show, all horses were well behaved for their 4-h riders and handlers. Sheba got a bit excited when she was separated for one halter class, which cost her being one of the finalists...........but other than that the Standardbreds and Chief were 3 of the ten finalists in halter!!!! Isn't that neat? The STB's also endured the costume contest, and Rachel and Janimal placed first with their princess and the frog outfit from last year's Midwest Horse Fair! Remmie and Lexi placed second with their American Idol garb. Now, if Remmie could write home to his Amish family of many years ans send a picture of himself wearing a cowboy hat and microphone........what would the letter really say??? LOL - Remmie we love you. And all of the other horses who serve the children who come to the farm for every and any reason.

We are in great need of hay. We have almost exhausted our large round bale supply which isn't even paid for yet, and don't have any small squares at all. We are off to Cuba City this Saturday to pick up a load of 200 bales - if you have any you want to donate or sell along the way, please call me at home at 608-689-2296 so we can arrange to stop near you.

No horse events this weekend - looks like we are in for some rain. Sharon is getting better each day and Precious is much improved. Pearl looks like something out of a magazine - sleek and fat and gorgeous......waiting for a home! Please come and see us.

Hugs,

Susan

MIdwest Horse Fair Pictures

Morgan on "Grif" or Fleur de Mal

and Carol Williams with her beloved equine soul mate on lead line

Orphan foal in barn 11 through 2nd Chance Horse Rescue

Victory Buck and Kathleen De Master - ballerinas

Fleur de Mal with friend Lexi at Midwest Horse Fair

Pistol Pete N and Ray Hubert

Rachel Wellman on Janimal

Lexi De Garmo on Lakehills Texas

Ray and Pete

Mary Ellen Miller and Tyler's Tanya in royal purple costume

Alice Hubert and Mini Happy Times

Boasts and Bummers

Hi!

Wanted to share we are back from horse fair and are pooped! I will send pictures soon.....in the meantime I will let you know that Precious KC continues to improve steadily and her eye is now completely open. The oozing has stopped out of the injury sites and she is eating her Uniprim in her feed and taking her bute well. She is one tough horse. Stylish Sharon, the aged mare dropped here last week, appears listless and depressed. I put her out in a pasture by herself yesterday and she only occasionally ate grass. She whinnies for Precious (they have stalls near each other in the barn) when I separate them. She IS eating....but definitely does not have a voracious appetite. The vet recommended iodine bath after return from horse fair, so I did that this morning. She really acted as if it stung when I applied it. I felt badly for her - she even made a face and wanted to rub her head on something at one point! I do see baby hairs growing out of some areas on her bare skin so am hopeful between the powder and the bath we have made progress. Thanks to those of you who have sent money to help these horses. We could not do it without you!

I have very sad news. Ashlea Newburn, the girl who donated money to sponsor Precious KC, died Saturday night at 11 pm. I found out because I went to http://www.caringbridge.com/ and I typed in her name (you can go to it too, but don't leave a space between her first and last name in order to log in)................there were announcements for her visitation and funeral and I immediately began sobbing. For those of you who do not know, Ashlea had an inoperable brain tumor. It had gone into remission but returned and despite her courageous fight to hang on, she lost the battle. Please remember her family in your prayers. Ashlea's mom had shared with me last night that Ashlea had Precious' picture in a frame by her bed. It means much to know Precious was so loved by such a special girl who loved so much.

I also lost my kitty, Velcro, on Thurday prior to leaving for Madison for the horse fair. Velcro was 15 1/2 years old. She was mother to Raffi, my cat who is disabled. WE also called her "Little Little" because she was oh so small her whole life. Velcro tried to tell me something was very wrong on Wednesday, and I put her out in the sunshine to feel the warmth of the day and she wandered and almost got stomped on by Cricket as she zig-zagged down in the pasture towards the creek. I ran to get her and scooped her up before Cricket could do anything and brought her back up and put her in a kennel cab to keep her safe. She wouldn't eat. The next morning I called the vet and was ready to go and get more medication. Velcro was giving me that deep, throaty MEOW that comes when something is very wrong. I tucked her into bed but when I came out to prepare to leave I realized she was gone. I went to the indoor arena to cry and remember the long and many years we shared together. I had no one to share my sorrow with until I met up with relatives and friends later on, but I don't think anyone can really understand what she meant to me and all of the things we have been through together. I am happy she is in a better place and out of pain!

Thanks to Sandee Wellman, my wonderful mother in law, and Lisa De Garmo, my neighbor and friend, for all of their help and support at horse fair. Because of them (and Rachel and Zachary and Nick) it was the best the horses had ever looked for demo!!!! Pictures later.

Love

Susan

Need Financial Help for Two Horses

I am sorry to have to ask, but I want to show you pictures of two horses who need financial support right now.

One of our sanctuary horses sustained a head injury while we were away on vacation. We have had vet consultations and ordered medications that are given orally and topically and one injectable. Another horse was dropped off today....a return from an adopter who had her for less than two years. This older mare is covered with lice. I am showing pictures and don't mean to shock you..............but it speaks of the severity of what we are caring for right now.........and whatever you can send via Paypal or check...in any way...would be appreciated. We also are needing finances for transport of an ASAP horse coming to us next week, and we owe one very kind volunteer gas money for jockeying several ASAP horses from adoptive homes to foster homes, some going as far as 400 miles. Please, if you can, help! We have just completed Iowa Horse Fair and we want to thank the Legacy Fund, Mary Lou Lawless, and Iowa harness horsemen and women for sponsoring our trip. They paid stall fees and completely covered all motel rooms. Thank you thank you everyone!

News from ASAP

I'm back!!!!

I must admit it is difficult to readjust after basking in the sun under the palm trees with birds a-singing......as well as roller coaster rides and sticking my toes in the sand on the gulf side on the way home.......but I'll bore you with pictures later!

I want to thank the UW-La Crosse Equestrian Team and De Soto Strivers 4-H club for holding the fort down and taking full advantage of our wonderful horses this past weekend. The equestrian team showed the 4-H'ers a lot of things that were educational and fun, and Sheba, Chief, Janimal, Tex, and Remmie were the star lesson horses. I want to make a correction that on Saturday for the coggins clinic it was not Dr. Jacobs of Viroqua Vet Clinic that came out to show the youth about EIA testing, but Dr. Solverson of Westby - OOOPS! Sorry for that! Thank you to Dr. Solverson.

Now usually while we are away, things happen. Naturally, that very same thing occurred this time. Precious KC decided to lie down outside of the barn and could not get herself up. She was in the large stall area with outside turnout, but the rain started and despite the entire neighborhood's attempts, Precious laid there until she could muster the strength herself. As a result, she suffered a head injury and scraped herself up. Now looking at Precious one would assume that she should be put down. Try to tell her that!!! Penicillin, bute, banamine, nitrofurazone, hydrogen peroxide all seem to bother her more than her injury. She runs away and almost gets viscious when we come to doctor her! If she could run away at full speed she would. So.......her will to live is voracious. She also is eating like crazy. So........what do we do?

The swelling in her leg has come down and the swelling on one side of her face is down, but the pus continues to ooze out of the injury above her eye. Please say a prayer for this girl - she has had so much to contend with in her life!!!

I am happy to say that the neighbors may be ready to rent us the ten acres of pasture we have been praying for. Add to this the 90 acres that my mother gave us after my father passed away, and we just may convert a portion of this into sanctuary land for the horses. Also we are thankful to Ursula for her donation of what seems like 50 acres of pasture we have access to yearly in June. We have a lot to be grateful for in terms of future care of incoming horses. We still cannot the people who have been so helpful in the past, such as Tim and Patty, Marie, Bonnie, Angie, Jackie, Michelle (our newest and very active chapter near Springfield IL!), and

Kim, Carmen, Trudy, Lori, who have I left out? Seems like just a beginning!!!! With so many people involved we are able to cover a lot of ground in terms of serving horses waiting at the tracks and beyond. And our childrens programs seem to be growing and thriving.

I am also happy to report that as of next week I will be working just one day a week for the time being. This will give me time to pursue more meetings with racing administration and officials and people involved with ASAP. It is well-deserved time to focus as I think about my life work and where it will lead me next (aside from the charity).

I want to thank my mother in law for being here for us while we were on vacation. And of course Ethan. My mother in law stayed by Precious' side and rallied help from Lisa (I thank you too for being there for Precious!) and Patty and Kelly (all neighbors). Their goal was to keep Precious alive until we got home and they did a good job! Thanks to Sandee for cleaning my house on Saturday, and to Brittany my neice for helping, too. All was a labor of love!

Gear up for this weekend - Iowa Horse Fair in Des Moines! We will join the Iowa Harness Horseman's Association for two days of demos, then on to Midwest Horse Fair where we will be in barn 11 (don't forget!)...I think you will like our demos there too!

After the next two weekends I'll probably collapse for awhile, but it is always fun to see the people who have given great homes to so many horses. I can hardly wait to see you! Pictures tomorrow? Hopefully so!

Love

Susan

Upcoming Events at ASAP and Beyond!!!

Hi everyone,

We want to share all the exciting things that are happening at ASAP, thanks to our local 4-H chapters and UW-La Crosse.

On Saturday April 5 the De Soto Strivers 4-H club will hold a coggins clinic at our farm. Dr. Jacobs of Viroqua Veterinary Center will discount the cost of his coggins tests for that day, and 4-H'ers will get to observe and learn about why EIA tests are so important. If you are not yet a member of 4-H but want to come, please call us at 608-689-2399 to reserve a spot to attend.

On Sunday, April 6, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Equestrian Team will hold a clinic here. They will use ASAP horses during their clinic, as well as the other horses that I personally own if appropriate. I am going out of town from Saturday to Saturday this week, but there will be someone living here at the property and taking care of the horses and animals and anything else that comes up. My two kids and my husband and I are going on a long-deserved, non-horse-related getaway ( I think I can do it??? - anxiety, worry, fingernail biting, lip chewing)...say a prayer for me!

WE ARE IN BARN 11 at MIDWEST HORSE FAIR! Don't forget to come and see us!!!

And we will be at Iowa Horse Fair and demonstrating both Saturday and Sunday!!!!

Look for details for Minnesota Horse Expo as well!!!

Until after the 6th,

hugs,

Susan

News

Okay where does the time go? I see my last update was March 10. The weather hasn't changed much since then - a snowstorm last night dumped more white on the ground which was, temporarily, turning green or brown (mud is abundant now). We had Easter at my sister's and Saturday Easter at my in-laws. Too much food makes me grumpy the following Mondays....so I am temporarily grumpy. Kids are home today for vacation - lots to clean up after....my chicken still isnt' walking (what should I do I don't want to have him put to sleep?)........so I commented to my foster son that he wasn't going to walk again probably and we should probably just chop his head off. My foster son didnt' know I was teasing and quickly replied, "Really? Can I watch?" I just looked at him and shook my head and smiled. I could never do that to my chicken! Of course, I would not be the first person to have to EUTHENIZE a pet chicken - my sister did this two years ago when she finally realized her broiler was suffering......it must run in the family to be a bit eccentric! I always say that I was raised in California. Out there we all had cats and dogs and other animals for pets, and our pets were considered part of the family. The vet was a common household word, and even the rats that were pets of my best friend next door were treated with utmost respect and kindness. We used to carry them around on our shoulders and their names were Lucy and Charlie Brown and Linus. This neighborhood was where I learned so much about compassion and experienced the love that only pets can give a child or an adult. Coming here as a teenager was a rude awakening into the harsh reality of rodent control on farms, varmint control on farms, and seeing some things that were so abusive by my own grandfather and father that I will spend a lifetime trying to forget them. I guess there is a reason for everything. I remember when I was 11 that I joined my father for a day at a farm auction, which I love going to to this day! When we got to the ridge property I could hardly wait to get out of the car to explore. I went to the fence and almost fainted of shock when I found a black and white pinto pony (could have been a Welsh or ??) standing sadly under the tree. It could not walk - its hooves were curled up like a sleigh runner on all four feet. I don't know how long he had been foundered, but obviously no one had ever attended to him. He was skinny and his mane and tail were covered with burdock. I cried, then ran to my father. I begged him and begged him to come over and look at what I had found, but he refused. My father was not a very compassionate person, and spending money was something he did not like to do. I asked until I dared not ask again for fear of being severely punished. I just went and spent the whole time at the auction with the pony, petting it and feeling really helpless in a world where I was unable to make a difference. The pony was auctioned off, and I don't know what happened to him but I prayed for him. That might have been the same summer that we found a kitten who had wandered on to our summer home. I loved the kitten so much and wanted to keep it, but my dad insisted that we would NOT be a home for it. He stated it would go to Coon Valley to my grandparents' farm. They had many cats there. They also lived right on highway 14/61 and most of their cats met an untimely death on that very road on a regular basis. My dad picked up the kitten and I wanted to accompany him to the farm, even though I was drenched in tears. I thought I would be able to hold the kitten as we transported it the ten or so miles in the Volkswagen beetle. My father stopped me and took the kitten from me. I asked him "why" and he simply went over and opened the front hood of the Volkswagen and put the kitten in there and slammed it on him. I cried and begged him to let me hold it. He said "absolutely not" so I got to listen to the kitten yowl and meow that high-pitched, desperate meow all the way to Grandpa Lee's farm. Dad got out and picked up the kitten by the scruff of the neck (God forbid that he would pick it up and hold it) and put it down on the ground by the barn. We drove away with me still in disbelief that my father could be so heartless. I thought about that kitten the whole night and could scarcely sleep. The next day we drove to grandma and grandpa's house and I ran to the barn to check on the kitten. There he lay, dead...........and no one had even bothered to pick him up and bury him or show him any compassion by protecting him in the first place. I just remember his fur blowing in the wind on that summer day as his lifeless body began to decay. I don't think I ever fully forgave my dad, even though I know I need to forgive. He told me that Anton, an old man that visited my grandparents, had run it over. The kitten probably didn't know where to go or what to do. And I couldn't help.

So wow - where did all this come from? A breezy, sunny, chilly day here in March has left me kind of "down" today. I talked to my brother in law earlier and he is feeling the same way. Part of the reason may be that we heard the news that my favorite uncle in California passed away three days ago. My other uncle in Seattle passed away, 20 minutes after his step-daughter dropped him off at a nursing home. And my aunt, his wife, died on New Year's day. She was my mom's sister. So all of my childhood memories have come back to me as I remember some of the best days of my life spent with these three people, and the sadness in knowing they are gone.

My mother is taking it a bit hard. It must be so difficult to experience losing people you have known for more than 80 years, and realizing there is no way around the same fate eventually.

I am so thankful that my mother knows her Savior, and that my uncle did as well. He got to spend Easter in heaven this year!!!! Faith sustains us, and gives us hope. We told our mother that she still has us! We need to live for today because none of us know if we have tomorrow.

I want to thank Renee in Minnesota and Carmen and Debbie in Milwaukee and Marisa and

Michelle in Illinois. They have been such a great help to ASAP in the past few weeks. They help post horses and events, they ship horses from the tracks and from their own homes to a horse's new home. Michelle has been such a huge advocate for the horses in the Springfield area and we are blessed to have here. Ken, we love you for what you have done for May and Mayson, and all of you out there who are fostering are making such a difference and need a hug! Marie, what would we do with out you, and Bonnie too????

There is need for foster care for an aged STB mare and draft mare in Iowa right now. Bretta has been placed in temporary foster care and will eventually go to Minnesota. The horses in Black River Falls are slowly finding homes.

We have a need for hay - anyone who has any for sale or donation encouraged to contact me!

Don't forget Iowa Horse Fair April 11-13 and Midwest Horse Fair April 18-20. We are going to have a blast!!!!

Sorry for my rambling - at least you know what's going on over here! I'll write soon.

Hugs,

Susan

Recent Photos and News

Pearls hoof
Pearl today (right) - Cricket Taser Remmie Bob Cook all above.

The horse near Tomah and horses near Black River Falls are still in the process of being shipped.

Several people have stepped up to the plate to help out and we thank you for taking the time to talk with adopters that are rehoming their horses. Things can get complicated as we plan around work schedules and coggins tests and the unpredictable Wisconsin weather. I hope to have some good news to share soon about new homes for the four horses.

I have taken some good shots of Pearl's feet and the coronary band avulsion and resulting hoof damage that is obvious. Although the Amish man stated that the injury (barbed wire) happened two years ago or more, there appears to be infection that I can even occasionally smell. I would like to have the $$$ to take her to Town and Country Vet Hospital but if we don't do that we will have the great vets at Cashton Vet Clinic come down and I'll report back what they find. Pearl is gaining weight and her tail is in the air (a true mare!)

Some people wanted to see recent photos of Taser Gun so I have also included them, as well as others. Also Carmen, who is our placement assistant and fosters horses for us, only received $100 on her $300+ vet bill for Angel Spirit. Any contributions can be directed to her at North Branch - her email is mkcar1@usfamily.net. ASAP will also try to send her monthly checks until it is paid off.

Thanks everyone and stay in touch!

Susan

Urgent Plea for Horses Near Black River Falls

Friends,

If you are considering adoption at this time, or even fostering, we have an immediate need for three ASAP horses that must be moved within the next week. They are located near Black River Falls. They are all healthy. They are all trained to ride. One is an older mare named Quinny. She is a 15 hand solid bay with thin mane and tail. She has been a trails horse and a brood mare and has had two homes in the past ten or more years. Little Jeffrey John has been a family horse of mind but is owned by ASAP. He went to this home last summer after being on turnout in a nearby pasture....and the family fell in love with him and wanted to adopt him. He is a little black bay - 15 hands tall - and approximately 13 years old. He has been on trails in South Dakota and has demonstrated at Minnesota Horse Expo. He is a character, and will try to untie his lead ropes when bored. He also has been known to open a gate or two! He has been a horse for beginners, but sometimes will play games with people who are timid. He does not buck, but may turn in circles when you are trying to mount, etc. He is a good little guy and certainly can come back to ASAP if needed. The third is Dueling Fox, a gelding from Michigan who was retired after a race injury to an ankle. He was retrained to ride and this is his second home. He is gentle and about 15'1 hands tall......bay. The adopters, at this point, are not willing to trailer back to ASAP for unknown reasons. They have given ASAP an ultimatum to have the horses removed within a week, "or else"........ While this is clearly not part of the contract expectations, I am putting feelers out to see if anyone is close enough to either be able to trailer to the ASAP farm or take a horse to Baraboo (Quinny has a home there if someone can transport her).

I'm reaching out for help - let me know what I can do for you and vise versa. Thanks so much for being there for the horses!