Goodsearch Benefits ASAP

Hi,

One more thing.....not sure if I mentioned that if you google often, you may want to try

goodsearch.com

ASAP is registered to receive a donation for each search conducted on this site. Instead of google (I used to use google all the time), why not try goodsearch and help the horses? It would be greatly apprciated!

http://www.goodsearch.com/

Thanks!

Susan

Jesus' Birthday Almost Here!

Special thanks to Jenny A. of J & D Horse Rescue near Arena, WI!!!! She has given Kobe (aka Cobb, aka Koby) the aged Arabian gelding a forever home!! Thanks also to the home that Stilwell's for taking care of him during the past year(s). Kobe is acting like a three year old, neighing in his stall and wanting to join the others on the farm. Hopefully that day will come this week and he will make new friends.

Jetta, the POA, was scheduled to arrive today but plans took a turn when the placing owner found a buyer, so Jetta will, sadly, not be coming to ASAP.

There are still plenty of horses needing homes - Skittles is scheduled to once again make an arrival after health papers are issued. He has had professionial training under saddle but is still very young and is a little too friendly with the adopter's Quarter horse mare, if you know what I mean! LOL. Little Tyrone is coming back after a two year adoption by a family with a young gal who is moving where she will not have horses. Tyrone, according to the adoptive family, was a gentleman who took good care of his young mount. They enjoyed rides together in southwest Wisconsin, but he has had to be separated from his pasture mate, who was purchased by a man elsewhere in Wisconsin, and Tyrone was left behind. It would be nice to find him a home where he can be enjoyed for all he is worth.

An Indiana horse is waiting to come, pending room at ASAP. He is standing in line along with a gelding from Springfield, IL, a gelding named Grand Red Watch in Iowa, and all the horses in foster care. So don't be shy - come and take a peek and help a horse find a home.

Fellowship Divine has captured my heart. He is a tall horse who always wants to do his best. He has a "woe is me" look on his face that just makes you want to stand and hold his head in your lap and stroke him to make him feel better. I think he is happy, as evidenced by the way he kickes up his heels, but the attention he deserves would come better from someone who didn't have to share it with 20+ other horses. I pray for the right person to come along.

And what about Remmie?????? This poor Amish horse was being pulled in three different directions by three different adopters who wanted him, but no one has come to make them their own!? What's up with that? He is still here, big brown eyes peering out for me to exit the house, whinnying for attention (and food of course!!!). WE have to keep him separated here, since Taser has a strong dislike for him (note bite marks on Remmie's sides!) and he is low man in pecking order wherever he goes. We have to carry water to him daily. I just want a Christmas miracle for him.

I had a fantastic and busy weekend with two young men who stayed overnight that LOVE horses! Lucky me! The ten and 12 year old could hardly stand waiting for me to get done with my indoor duties before going out in the COLD to ride Tex and Chief. Well, we only got as far as Tex before my frost-bitten toes and the icy driveway convinced me that taking one horse out ONLY was the best decision, and an indoor arena would keep it short but sweet. It sure is great to see that enthusiasm!

Jesus birthday is almost here. If you haven't seen it yet, the Nativity Story is a touching movie that helps even children further appreciate and understand the meaning of Christmas. I think it also did a commendable job of portraying Joseph as the man I am certain he was, faced with the circumstances. Every year that I am allowed to live I am more and more in awe of all that is arond me. I am also exceedingly thankful. With Taser Gun healthy and happy, and Steelin Apples, and Remmie the Amish horse, and Strawberry and Brandy and all of my own horses who are well into their 20s still thriving........my children and husband healthy, and a wonderful home I hardly have anything to complain about, but often rejoice and thank God out loud for being my Father. It has taken me a lifetime to fully comprehend what a true father is, but He has taught me and continues to show me his unconditional love and mercy as evidenced by all that is around me on a daily basis. Merry Christmas to you all!!!

Foster Famlies Urgently Needed / NEWSLETTER IS OUT!

Hi everyone,

As I write, we are in urgent need for foster care for two horses (I could easily name more!)......so contact me at asapinc@mwt.net if you would like to foster or adopt an aged Arabian gelding who is gray and very very kid safe, or a 6 year old mare who is sound.

The newsletter is now out - let me know if you have moved and did not get a copy. Also if you have the time email me your address if it has changed since adoption so we can update our records.

I heard from one owner today from Chicago who is sooo tickled to hear that his former race horse is thriving in his new home with the Huberts near Madison. He asked for three more copies of newsletters to mail to people he knows, since a picture of the horse he placed with us a few years ago is featured in it. It's great to have positive feedback!

From the USTA newsroom

I was blessed enough to be interviewed by Joshua Potts from the USTA. The article appeared on the usta web site today. Wanted to share it all with you! More later.... Susan
Oh, oops - sorry - it won't upload the article so if you can go on www.ustrotting.com
and click on the newsroom. I am sorry!!!
Susan

Happy Holidays

Hallelujah!!!

I have been trying to get into my blogspot all week. For some reason I have not been able to log on, feeling extremely frustrated. For some reason, today, it worked!

I wanted to share the latest pictures of Remmie the Standardbred we acquired from the Amish, and to let you know the latest goings on. I have finished the end of year newsletter and it is at the printer right now. So....in the next week the first copies should be arriving in your mailbox!

Horse adoptions are fairly slow, and this week another mare showed up at our doorstep so that puts us at five in the lower arena, and five in the two paddocks up above. Arne came back to the farm and is in with our own seven horses. Remmie, the Amish Standardbred, really has no where to go so we rotate him between the upper pasture (which has been shut off to our own horses) and the barn. He was so eager to get out of the barn two days ago that when I opened his stall and turned around to get the lead rope he SHOT past me and trotted, tail in air, down the driveway and up the road. I screamed "CRRRAAAIIIIIGGGG", but it was in vain.....so away I ran down the driveway and to the gate to the pasture. If any of you have ever been here you know our neighbor is not a big fan of horses, and if any hoof even comes CLOSE to his lawn he is out yelling profusely at us. Two teens and Zach spent an entire afternoon filling divets in the lawn after a nice rain last summer. Evidently, someone had left a gate unlatched and horses helped themselves to the lush green grass in our neighbor's yards. So I was in panic mode, knowing the wrath that was upon me if I didn't think of something quick to catch Remmie with. Now, I know better than to run after a horse who is feeling pretty good about having gotten away and is free, so I pulled one of Gawani Pony Boy's strategies and opened up the gate to the pasture really wide and walked into the pasture and bent over as if I were pouring grain out for Remmie. The dogs all ran up to see what I was doing, and Remmie, who was standing quite proudly smack dab middle of the cranky neighbor's lawn, couldn't stand it. I didn't dare look, but stayed bent over as if I was doing something veryyyyy curious, and I heard the hard clippety-clop of his hooves as he trotted about 20 mph towards the pasture gate, through the gate, and up to my "pretend" pile. I scrambled for the gate and chained it swiftly. Remmie put his tail in the air and headed up hill towards the greener part of the pasture and I humbly, gingerly, quietly, hoping to be invisib-ly tippy toed up the road to my driveway, praying "Please don't let him come out and yell, please don't let him come out and yell". Well, I was in luck! He and his wife must not have been looking, or better yet, they must not have been home! Whew.....I have learned that I will have the lead rope ready to clip on before I ever open the gate or stall door again to get Remmie out!!!! By the way, he does need a home very soon. Doesn't anyone want a horse that rides and drives? Please get ahold of me!

The weather has gotten me down a pinch, but not having snow is good. Wouldn't it be nice to not get any white stuff until January? It would make the winter seem so much shorter. I am already dreaming of Yuma, Orlando, or San Diego!!!!

Thanks to so many, our finances have almost recovered. We accepted donations in excess of $10,000 since I last wrote. Thanks so much to those of you who have supported us for 14 years now and continue to believe in our mission. We want to be faithful stewards, and we are learning that we don't know unless we ask!

Will write more before Christmas - hope everyone is well!

Hugs,

Susan

Wednesday's Horse

Here is a wonderful POA that you cannot pass up!
A family contacted ASAP hoping to find a lifetime placement with ASAP.
Jetta is a young POA mare - silver/gray in color. She has been ridden both Western and bareback, and occasionally with a bitless bridle. She is healthy and sound, but must be moved shortly. She is within the 920 area code in Wisconsin. Please get ahold of me quickly at asapinc@mwt.net or 608-689-2296 if you or someone you know is interested!

Also, special thanks to Jackie Tierney of Iowa for all her hard work in fostering Tilly the registered breeding stock Paint. She went way out of her way to help with a hard situation and provided great care for Tilly.
Hats off to you! And thanks to Katy in Wisconsin for providing for her in her new home.

The Amish horse is gaining weight rapidly and I will post pictures tomorrow or the next day. He is energetic and sassy despite all he has been through, and his bottom lip flops when he trots - oh so cute!

New Horses Needing Homes

Hey all.....
Until we get the new web master up and moving, I will post new horses that are needing homes right here. I don't have pictures yet, but as of today I have taken in the following:

12 year old Arabian gelding - in Wisconsin - healthy and well mannered, for personal reaons this horse needs a home. Please contact asapinc@mwt.net or call 608-689-2399

DICTIONARY
This 24 year old COAL BLACK stallion made over $800,000 during his lifetime. He has sired over 10 foals but it is time to find him a permanent home. He is currently near Effingham Illinois. He is easy to handle and is on turnout. Call 608-689-2399 or email me at asapinc@mwt.net

KINGFISH ELMHURST
20 year old Standardbred stallion. Bay, average height and build.
This horse raced until age 9 or 10, and has been a family pet ever since.
He is easy going and gentle - up to date on shots and worming - on turnout and located near Balmoral Park in Crete, Illinois. Elmhurst is sound and healthy and looks more like a 10 year old. Please call 608-689-2296 or email asapinc@mwt.net

ROULETTE
6 year old Standardbred gelding located near Barrington, Illinois. This horse had a hip fracture at some point and the owners feel he cannot be ridden, though he runs and frolics in pasture. If he is not placed he may be euthenized, as the boarding farm is accumulating other horses.
Please call the numbers above or email me! We want to save this wonderful sweet horse who still has years to give to the right person!

Web Site and Other Information

Can you believe it has been this long since I updated the blogs? Remmie is steadily putting on weight - he is the Amish horse pictured in my last blog. He now whinnies each time he sees me and has a bounce in his step that says, "Life is good!". We turn him out each morning by himself in his own big pasture. I am sure he is waiting for taking a trip into town, but it isn't happening! Once the fat covers his bones I will be eager to try him out for riding. His coggins is back and he is coming along better than we expected. Now to find him a good home!!

I think Dondi and I will coordinate the Midwest Horse Fair in 08. Now we need to know who will fill our 8 stalls. If you are interested please make sure to get with me quickly. I believe four stalls are filled already. The theme for next year's horse fair is "Dancing With the Horses". HMMMMMMMM.....the light bulb is on!

We need someone willing to, once again, update our web site, or teach me how to do it. The gal who was doing it has decided to resign for horse-related reasons. Since she was charging ASAP for her services it is money saved, but we are willing to pay someone else to maintain it if totally necessary. So please - this is urgent- think about it and if your heart is in it give me an email at asapinc@mwt.net

The Country Today paper was out to do an article on Taser Gun and ASAP. That should be out next week. And Hoofbeats will do an article on ASAP after the holidays! As far as John Lyons goes, I am thinking of having people collect pledges. Any pledges collected earns one ticket - one pledge sheet per person. What are your thoughts on this as opposed to a straight ticket price? Thanks to Heather F. (adoptive mom of Kokinos and Silent Pursuit) for helping us get the word out about John Lyons coming next July 19.

Gotta run, but hope to hear from you!

Susan

Remmie has arrived!

Well the Amish horse, the small black bay gelding, has arrived thanks to Terry Levendoski (hauler) and Andrea T. (the wonderful compassionate woman who paid for Remmie). The vet has been out and has listened carefully and has declared his heart and lungs healthy, although he said that this was one of the skinniest horses he has seen in quite a long time. Remmie was a patient boy while the doc stared at his teeth and throat. The vet did mention that whoever adopts Remmie will have to have some teeth work done, as he has at least one sharp point on each side. I have gotten a quote of approximately $125 from Town and Country Vet Hospital for a power float.....not too bad! We have given Remmie his first dose of panacur wormer, and we are giving it to him 1/3 dose at a time along with bute in case he is loaded with parasites, which is the vet's guess. He is soooooo hungry that every time he sees me he just whinnies, begging for food! He is getting all the hay he can eat, and we are slowly adding feed with equishine vitamins. I think he has gained weight already! The Amish did mention that the kids have ridden Remmie for years in addition to driving him. This horse, even though so thin, is no slouch! I can hardly keep up with him going down to the gate and out to pasture each day. We have to keep him separated from the other horses until his coggins comes back. I have to tell you I am already in love!!!

We adopted out Niobium N and Silent Pusuit two weeks ago. Both are quite happy in their new homes and their adopters could not be more pleased. Now new horses are arriving without invitation. It is squeezing us to our limit so we are waiving fees on several horses that are older but still sound...........

Hey! Thinking about quick get-away? We have a cabin (3 bedroom, 2 bath) in the Black Hills of South Dakota that we would love to rent you on a daily or weekly basis - . If you are interested in seeing pictures of the cabin/house, go to http://www.vrbo.com/ and go to listing #72975.

Please also consider taking pledges now for John Lyons tickets for next July. Every dollar you collect will buy a child or youth a ticket who otherwise could not afford one! Let us know if you need a pledge sheet. I will update the site as soon as I get battteries for my digital this week - and have new pics of Mc Lock and Fox Valley Spy to show you!

Until later,

Susan

Foster Care Opportunities

Hello - have you ever wanted to make a difference in the life of a horse?

I, myself, do foster care for children and also care for horses waiting for homes. As director of a 501 c 3 non profit, I can personally tell you that if you would consider providing a home for a horse in need, it would be 100% tax deductible. Most foster homes provide hay, feed, shelter, and farrier services for horses. Some even provide dewormer. And a few even pay for routine and emergency veterinary care. All of this entitles a person to a tax deduction. Most importantly, there are horses who have an urgent need for placement, with no place to go currently. Some of these horses include:

Ebony - 20+ Thoroughbred - black - sound - currently near Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Holly - 20+ Standardbred cross mare - sound - hard keeper - herd bound but would make an incredible pasture pal or companion horse

Shay N Tell - 6 year old breeding stock Paint mare - 16 hands - sorrel with white - an incredible sound, intelligent mare with tons of potential located near Fort Dodge Iowa (see list of Horses Available on our site)

Standardbred gelding in Springfield, IL

Standardbred gelding in Indiana

Both sound

Lester 20+ Quarter horse gelding. Thanks to Ursula, Lester has been on lush pasture all summer and looks GREAT. He is healthy and in good flesh.....easy keeper. Hard to catch but a dream to ride!!! Sound.

Sarajevo - Standardbred trotting-bred mare in Minnesota. Sound. 6 yrs.

Picasso - Quarter horse gelding - sound - show quality - in northern MN

Anxious Larry - striking sorrel Standardbred gelding - age 15 - sound - in northern MN

Washington state - Standardbred mare - needs placement in Washington or shipping back into Wisconsin ASAP....sound and trained to ride and drive.

Zeus - Thoroughbred gelding - 17+ hands - sorrel - sweet and gentle - trained to ride but has had some rear leg issues in past

Pinedon - Standardbred trotting-bred mare in her teens - easy keeper - sound - trained to ride and drive - in Wisconsin - bay

Black Standardbred gelding - coming from Amish this week - will probably need some TLC............

Just think of the opportunity you have to help a horse! Of course, adoption is the optimum hope for these horses, but at the same time there is some urgency in these horses going to a new home, so if you can help please call me at 608-689-2296 - this is my home number! Or try my cell at 608-792-5126. I thank you very very much!

Taser Gun and Me At Hawthorne

There was an article done by Cicero Life news publication in August that featured a picture of Miss Illinios and Broderick (former trotting champion adopted by Adrienne De Master) and Taser Gun and I that I would like to share.

Promoter Needed!

Sorry it has taken so long to write - I haven't known how to report that the silent auction at Balmoral on Super Night did not go well.....despite all of the hard work and donations by so many of you, there was miscommunication with track staff and we only had a table in the dining room and one in the Billy's Barn area. The table we needed so badly was down in the outside area where we usually are for maximum coverage but there were not enough tables. In addition, no staff was assigned to publicizing us during the races so we never got announced and no one knew there was a silent auction going on. This is such a contrast from how ASAP is treated at Hawthorne that it was a bit disappointing. It can be partly my fault but things are already being arranged more clearly for next year's Super Night to avoid this happening again. We only auctioned two baskets and sold t-shirts totaling $280.00. When you factor in gas to get to the track, 350 miles, and motel, it hardly paid off.

I am so sorry to all of you who had high hopes for this event as we did. We can only hope that we will once again be invited to the ISOBA dinner and a raffle with the items you donated will be used there.

We need a go-getter for the upcoming John Lyons clinic. If you feel you have the time and energy to promote this event via press releases, public service announcements, contacting all media, and the ability to sell tickets to see John please contact me. There is potential for income with this position. We would like to double our attendance next July from 175 persons to 350, but we need to get moving soon. Please contact me at asapinc@mwt.net if you think you have what it takes!

Gator Chaser, No More Compromise, and Fox Valley Equinox all went to homes this past week. Two will be placed together and one will remain with Weenonah, who has adopted four horses previously from ASAP. Thanks to Weenonah for helping us also ship Fellowship Divine to the ASAP farm this week! Penguin Beware and Sunny Forecast may also find a new home this weekend. They will be pasture buddies to Mini Happi Times and Pistol Pete N!!!!

Welcome to Niobium and Bell Valley Spy who arrived a few days ago and thanks to the gentleman who shipped them here!! So much goings on.

We need foster care or adoption for Lester, Arne, Cat (a 16 year old Quarter horse mare) this winter, in case any of you are interested. Arne always has a place here due to his racing injury, but it would be nice to see the others find a permanent home, as they have been waiting for so long. Many thanks to Ursula Cejpek and her husband for donating their land this summer for pasture - it was a perfect haven/heaven for Brandy and the rest!

So I will continue to keep you updated as much as I can. There is a horse at the local Amish who needs a home or he will be shipped to kill - he is thin and black and a gelding - I will need to rally donations if we are going to save this horse!

Susan

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!!

Friends,

I am so elated I can hardly stand myself!

During the past two days I have been emailing John Lyons office, and today received the news that John and Jody Lyons are coming to the ASAP farm during the weekend of July 18-20!!!!!! Now I need some advice from you and hopefully as soon as you read this you can reply.

John wants to know what type of clinic or symposium we are all most interested in seeing. Would you rather have another large clinic where John works with a horse and rides it for the first time here? Or would you rather bring a horse that has issues and have John work with you and your horse to help you improve your horsemanship skills? I need your opinion by tomorrow if at all possible - email me at asapinc@mwt.net

and this is truly a blessing to have yet another opportunity to have John come to ASAP!!!!!

Need Your Opinion!!!

I am back from a busy weekend at Balmoral Park. Super Night was Saturday night and we were there with our silent auction items and t-shirts. We still have to pay off the t-shirts, so please don't be shy about ordering one. They are only $5 each plus shipping!

One of the items donated by Balmoral Park that did not get bid on during the silent auction (okay there was a $10 bid on a package worth $600!!) is a sulky suite party for 25 people at the race track. This includes food, beverages, and pictures in the winner's circle, ride in the start car, and more. I am wondering if this would be a good time to either offer it for silent bids on the web site, or to use the sulky suite package and open it up for anyone who would like to join us between October and December for a night of racing at Balmoral Park? We could do another silent auction there at the same time. It would be first come, first served. I also think that if more than 25 people wanted to come to the sulky suite they could - there would just be food and beverages and the other extras for the first 25 who sign up. Should ASAP ask for donations per person for those who want to come, or should we just host the evening and rely on

auction items as income? Let me know your thoughts, as well as dates that you think would be best! If I get good response we'll go with it!

Horses to pick up include: Shay N Telle in Iowa, Proudest Guy N in Iowa,

Fellowship Divine in Illinois, another gelding in Illinois (name escapes me!)...........and many waiting, including Paints and other breeds in Wisconsin. We are hoping for new adoptive homes for Penguin Beware and Gator Chaser and No More Compromise this week - will let you know!

Thanks to Korene G. for her donation of 100 bales of hay which were stacked in our shed when we arrived home Sunday night. How wonderful a gift that was for the horses! Also thanks to Engfords for their donation for the silent auction, Comfortex Mattresses and Andrea, Hawthorne Race Course, Denise R. for her donation of a wildlife bag , Dale L for his donation of a custom bridle (Andrea donated a bridle and several books as well!), Jennie D. for her donation of $300 for ASAP, and Lori H. for her recent donation of $100 towards the cost of Big Conquest's final vet bills. Beth S. just made a donation of $30 - thank you!

I'll let you know what we hear........also an update on Taser- he is doing better each day. He runs around his turnout now and is eager to be out with the others but is still on stall rest. He is one mighty horse! I hope to have his former owners come to see him in the near future, as well as some of his fans that have been asking about him! Take care,

Susan

Silent Auction Items and Taser and Harness and Moonshine Gulch!

I wanted to send along a picture I had taken of me, Betsy, and my mother in law during our visit to South Dakota. If you have never been to Moonshine Gulch in the Black Hills, you are truly missing something. Moonshine Gulch is not too far from Hill City, or Deadwood, or Nemo depending on the direction you are coming from. It is a famous stop for celebrities, and also bikers during Sturgis. Roy and Betsy own and operate Moonshine Gulch, and Betsy has a love for animals and wildlife, so it is understandable why I consider her a kindred spirit. If you ever have a chance to go there, you will be warmly received and given a big hug by Betsy. She makes you feel like family! And, Big and Rich's music video that was filmed in Deadwood last year also featured Moonshine Gulch and Betsy's two dogs on the porch with Big (or is it Rich?).....but you just have to go and see this place for yourself!!! So enjoy the picture of me with two of my very favorite people in life.

What a weekend!

About 15-20 children grades 3 through 5 were at our farm for a party. Horse rides, campfires, smores, and more. As I write I am pretty exhausted but it was great fun. I will post pictures as I have time.

Alice and Ray Hubert came through again for ASAP on Sunday morning. They donated a brand new quick hitch harness (gorgeous) and helped us fit the cart they donated to Steelin Apples. Apples has put a few pounds on in the past year and the shafts were a bit narrow. Thanks to Ray's pipe benders we were able to get the shafts widened and we took Apples for a little spin down the road and back. He is a very patient horse, and was kept satisfied during the harness fitting by eating on the delicious red apples that Ray and Alice brought with them from their tree at home. There is no wonder how this horse got his name! Many thanks to them for the time they took and the donations that will be put to regular use.

Taser Gun is showing great strides in healing from the kick that Big Tom's Kid delivered to him. He has been stall rested until this week. Now he is getting restless and wanting OUT. He has fallen in love with our resident donkey, Tilly. Tilly was up to no good Sunday afternoon and helped Taser escape from his stall. The two had a good galavant through the yard before Craig noticed and came running to get me. Tilly couldn't be caught and was quite enjoying misleading her new boyfriend, but Taser did stop and allow himself to be put back in the barn. He is pouting and Tilly is in stall confinement until we can put her back in the paddock with Fargo and Fox Valley Equinox. R Colelateral thought it was all in great fun and was running along his paddock trying to keep up with them.

Please remember us with donations for the silent auction next week at Super Night! We have received a beautiful donation from Denise R. (thank you!) and Comfortex Mattress and Andrea T. have donated a beautiful dog bed. Others have committed to donating to us but don't forget to mail it out, even if it is C.O.D.!!! Thanks so very much for remembering ASAP. Thanks to Balmoral Park and Hawthorne for their items which will help make our night a big success! I will write more as I know the items. Dale L.'s custom made bridle will also be part of the package.

I'll send more soon! Take care!

Susan

Pics

Big Tom's Kid leaves for Cheyenne Wyoming from Nemo, SD w/ Craig and family

Equinox and Cole Fences Down Trees and Flood

More Flooding Damage

Pictures of Storm Damage

Yes, I have finally transferred the pictures from my Kodak digital to my picture file. I am ready to show you that, and also some pictures of Fox Valley Equinox, R Colelateral, and Big Tom's Kid in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Big Tom's Kid was safely delivered to Cheyenne Wyoming for transport to her new home close to the Utah border with a large animal veterinarian. It is amazing to be able to have the honor to help these horses get homes, and to meet the people who are so eager to adopt. When the vet's wife first laid eyes on Big Tom's Kid standing in our trailer, she said, "Hey there, Sister", giving her a gentle pet on the face. When Kid got out of the trailer in Cheyenne, I stayed behind the trailer while they loaded her in theirs, unable to say the final "Farewell".
It's not that I am not excited for them, and I am very very happy for each horse that leaves ASAP's care to go to their new adoptive homes. It is just such a heavy heavy responsibility to carry, and each horse depends on us for their very well being. Big Tom's Kid is so far away......making sure it was the right home was very imperative for me. What better home than with a horse vet? And a nice family. I got that tight feeling in my chest, walked behind the trailer to pretend to close the door, and cried, whispering a prayer for her. Chin shaking, I pushed aside my tears to appear strong for my husband. He knew where I was (I am good about hiding when it comes to these "good-byes"), and waited for me to steady myself, regroup, and drive back to the motel where our children were waiting. After 14 years, it just never gets any easier!!! Emotions aside, here come the pictures of our horrific storm and then our horses on vacation!
PS - Dear Readers - I have been online for three hours attempting to load pictures to this blog.......stand by as I try again!

Super Night and ASAP and Items Urgently Needed

Hi Friends,
Yes havent gotten the pictures put up yet - but I am having to plan for Super Night right now.
Earlier I asked for donations - large or small - anything from gift baskets to coupons or subscriptions to televisions to horse-related..............to be donated for a silent raffle we are having at Balmoral Park on Super Night.
If you have a hobby and want to donate a painting, picture, ceramic piece, custom-designed tack, saddles, blankets, or WHATEVER...anything and everything would be gladly accepted.
Just mail it to us at ASAP Inc.
S 6039 A Pedretti Lane
De Soto, WI 54624
before Sept. 15.
If you need me to pick it up, call me at home at 608-689-2296. This will have to be a team effort, so please help me!!! I have no items so far for this auction............
Thanks and I WILL get those pics out.
Susan

Short Note from Susan

Since the last blog I wrote, I was caught in a tremendous thunderstorm with eight year old daughter, Rachel. We were unable to get home, as mud slides and houses falling into the local highway forced roads to close. We were alright, but have since suffered two more storms producing mass amounts of rain which have washed away our fences, some pastures, and done great damage to our home. It forced the delay of our much-needed vacation. Thankfully we are all alright and the horses and animals are all safe despite a flood which roared up over our creek banks and came into the lower arena. Craig tied himself to the four-wheeler in the middle of the night to evacuate and bring to higher ground the horses in that area. All are fine thanks to him! We are in the midst of putting fences back up and if you would like to help please let us know as we would welcome any type of support. I will send pictures very soon. Our hearts are with Heather, as she lost her beloved Zerkel Toden this past week. Will send pictures soon.
Susan

Black Hills, Taser Gun and More

We will be on vacation in South Dakota until next Sunday. We will bring back many pictures of Fox Valley Equinox and R Colelateral and more riding Centennial Trail! We thought bringing ASAP horses out there would show the world how capable these wonderful horses are learning new disciplines in their life. They will cross creeks and be going up steep trails at a good clip!

Taser Gun is doing well at the ASAP farm. He is now in love with Cricket, our little offspring of the late Asha, a polo horse who lived out her life at the ASAP farm until 2006. They nuzzle each other and eat together. Taser is enjoying his retirement. He even puts up with my hanging on him and hugging him each time I go outside. Secretly, I think he likes it!

We are also traversing the west with Big Tom's Kid, who is being adopted by a veterinarian near Rock Springs Wyoming but closer to the Utah line.

We will have to stay the night at Cheyenne with the kids, so here comes another adventure!

If there is an emergency give our cells a call but we don't have service all the time in the Black Hills. #'s are 608-632-0467 or 608-792-5126.

Our condolences go out to Fran M. of Minnesota who lost Sherman yesterday. Colic took his life despite good efforts by veterinarian and adopter. Sherman was an Appendix QH who was loved by all and will be dearly missed.

HoofBeats Interview and Many Thanks

Life is so full of opportunities to share our passion for Standardbreds, and we are thankful to Hoofbeats, as we will be one of many featured in the November issue of their magazine. The article will showcase women in the racing industry, and I am proud to be a part of that. So...be watching! If you would like a copy of the magazine, or to subscribe, to go http://www.ustrotting.com/ for more information.

Monday night found Brandon, Zachary, and I once again on the road, this time with Rollin Jesse and Idlewhile Niatros headed to their new home with Sherry S. of Portage, WI. The night was not without a few scary moments as we braved the intense storms on the way home. There were trees down in the road, and driving rain that forced us to stop at least once. The lightning cracked against the sky and the thunder was deafening. Jesse and Idlewhile escaped the storm, and now have a six acre pasture full of grass to enjoy, as well as Sherry and her three childrens' company! Many thanks to Monty and Korene for their assistance in finding long term foster care and possibly adoption for these two mares, who are being pampered!

This week we were also blessed with a woman from Iowa, who took home Bad Boy Adam, little Skittles, and Lilly Long. She is going to foster Adam and possibly adopt him, once she tries him out on trails. Lilly is being adored by her young daughters, who sit on her bareback as she eats. Skittles still needs training but will have every opportunity for what he needs from Danette. Thanks, Danette!

So our numbers are coming down a bit, but we are also realizing that we have many waiting for pick up.

Condolences are in order to the Wilhelm family. They extended themselves above and beyond with their care of Big Conquest. Big Conquest was a young Standardbred who contracted EPM and simply could not make the long trip to the ASAP farm without danger of falling. He went down on August 15, and all attempts to help him were futile. He was humanely euthenized but the family will never forget his memory, or the whole ordeal. Many thanks to Dr. Anna Ruman for her assistance. It would be nice if we could receive some memorials for Conquest, as I am sure the family will have bills to pay for all the work they have done with him. ASAP needs your help in order to help them.

Thanks also to Ray and Alice Hubert, who came to the ASAP farm to help me fit together a harness to fit the cart that they donated. The cart is a huge blessing to ASAP's youth programs!!

Thanks also to Dr. Staudacher for her recent contribution to ASAP.

We now have ugly t-shirts. They are ugly because the graphics did not turn out as they should have. Anyone who wants to adopt an ugly ASAP t-shirt can send a donation and we'll sell you one and mail it. They come in larger sizes this time (that is the GOOD news), but still black or white and up to 2XL. They will be given away to anyone who adopts a horse.

I have a new logo and new t-shirts in the works as we speak and should be ready by October.

URGENT: Registered breeding stock Paint mare to adopt - fee is waived to qualified adopter. She is a stunning red with white blaze, totally sound and has had professional training under saddle. She is currently stabled near Fort Dodge Iowa. If you know anyone who wants a nice breeding or show prospect, it is imperative that we find her a good home quickly! Contact Susan at asapinc@mwt.net for more details.

Horse Illustrated and More

This is the third time I have tried to post a blog - by the time I find the pictures to put in with my blog the site shuts down so let's hope that this time things go well and you receive a great update.

Pick up the September issue of Horse Illustrated. You will see ASAP horses in a picture as well as an interview the magazine did with me in addition to other programs that place horses. We were proud to be a part of this article!

There has been much activity at ASAP this weekend. Taser seems to be continuing the healing process with his leg. Tomorrow we go to have xrays taken to be sure our course of treatment is optimal. He is one of the most intelligent creatures I have ever had the opportunity to be around. I love him with my life!

On Friday night our miniature toy fox terrier pup was following me as I fed horses in the lower arena. A mare trotted up and Peanut ended up on the wrong end of the hoof. I did not even noticed that he was kicked in the head and lie completely lifeless by the water tank. My friends called out to me and I became hysterical as I saw him lying there, thinking he had died instantly. My friends picked him up and handed him to me and I began crying out to God for help, heading for the house to get Craig. I could feel his lifeless body's heart still beating, and I prayed he would not die in my hands. We jumped into the truck and I left behind two very grief-stricken children as we raced to La Crosse. I continue to cry and pray, and by the time we reached Genoa Peanut's eyes began to open. By the time we reached Stoddard he tried to pick up his head. By the time we reached La Crosse he was trying to sit up. We got to the vet's office and the eye that was bulging out of the right side of his head was no longer bulging. The vet gave him a clean bill of health - no internal bleeding, no broken bones........... true miracle had taken place! So we are very thankful to God for being there once again......and so thankful for His neverending mercies at the farm!

If all goes well we will be adopting out four horses today. I will be sure to let you know!

Love,

Susan

Taser, Iowa City, and Current Situation

Hello again!

This blog is going to be a handy way of me keeping in touch with all of you. Two days ago we had the privilege of hauling two horses to their new homes in Iowa City for a dear adopter. A few years ago she adopted Friendly Explosion from ASAP. It was time for her to return home to Iowa, so naturally her Quarter horse gelding and Standardbred companion went with. Brandon, my foster son, Zachary (now 10) and little Peanut made the trip with us that entailed over 425 miles round trip. You can see by the pictures that Brandon wasn't totally sure I knew where I was going at all times (okay I wasn't)...but Zach and Peanut were enjoying the adventure.

The bad news is that Taser Gun, our latest celebrity, was kicked by Big Tom's Kid (who didn't have her shoes removed when she came from the track) a few days ago. He is non weight-bearing on a rear leg and will require stall rest for some time to recover. The whole incident happened before we could even turn around and has never happened before to any horse that has come in to ASAP. We are taking very very good care of him and he is enjoying meeting the new critters here, including our dog Ju-Bee-Ju (that is his nick name). We are still needing homes for horses - foster homes - adoptive homes - come one, come all!!! I know I make light of it but this is a very serious situation. I am thinking of you all,

Susan

Kickapoo Country Fair Pictures and Another Desperate Plea

Hi Friends!

Wanted to share a picture of Janimal and Cash Wilco at the Kickapoo Country Fair. I didn't get a picture of Victory Buck, but he was also there "shmoozing" the crowds two weekends ago! Don't look at the picture of me (hot day, wilting hair, icky jeans...) but rather look at sweet Rachel on Janimal and my foster son Brandon, riding Cash Wilco, aka Randy, bareback for the public to see!

Due to overcrowding and an excess of horses at the ASAP farm, minor accidents have occurred. We have every stall full and every round pen. I am BEGGING any of you who can to step up to foster or adopt. We need you today more than ever!!! 608-689-2296 or asapinc@mwt.net

I got a new digital camera today so be looking for pictures. This blog is the best thing to happen to ASAP - thank you to Bryan and Kim once again!

Susan

Night of Champions and Taser Gun

The racing champion, Taser Gun, is here at ASAP! Along with Taser Gun, we brought home four other horses in need of homes. Two mares are available at a waived fee if you have passed the application process. They are Idlewhile Niatros and Rollin Jesse. Fox Valley Equinox (see pictures on ASAP web page), Big Tom's Kid, and many others are looking for you. Please come and see us! More news to follow and pictures of Taser Gun and details about Night of Champions.

Welcome!

Hello, Everyone!

This is Susan Wellman, Director of the American Standardbred Adoption Program. I'm going to be experimenting with this blog as a way to provide timely updates related to the program.

Please visit http://www.4thehorses.com/ for more information about ASAP, Inc.

Thanks for visiting!