Life Is Good

4 hours post eye surgery! John Jody kids and me

John and Taser and dog River - the kids LOVED River and cried when he left with John and Jody Lyons!



Mr. and Mrs. Walker with Taser Gun - talking with Craig....

Taser did bite John once, but other than that was a really great

horse for John to retrain to saddle!

I just came in from taking a horse up to its new home. The adopters who have committed to this gelding for so many years made the decision to rehome him, driving 6 1/2 hours to the ASAP destination. What a commitment. People like this just amaze me. To top it all off, Colonel arrived at our farm today from over 4 hours away in Iowa - another family who made the decision to end adopter-ship and made the financial and ethical commitment to drive him back.

We did try to adopt these horses out from their home areas, but sometimes it just doesn't work out time-wise. What an appreciation I have for the adoptive families - thanks to the Knoles' and the Formanek's for their great care of their horses for the years they had them.

The sun was shining all day long and this weekend is a weekend to reflect on John and Jody Lyons, the people who attended, and to thank everyone who had anything to do with sponsoring the event. While two sponsored children did not come, there were others in line who really were thankful to be able to attend and meet America's Most Trusted Horseman! Needless to say, Taser Gun and John got along very well, and the saddling and mounting were uneventful, thankfully! Taser seems to really enjoy a job to do, and we will continue using John's methods.

Making the event even more special was the arrival of Taser Gun's lifetime trainer, Bob Walker, and his wife and grandson. I almost jumped out of my skin when I saw a young boy wearing an embroidered shirt that read TASER GUN on it. It was an honor to have them here at the farm and they enjoyed reconnecting with Taser and having pictures taken!

I want to show pictures and write more later as time frees up - enjoy the sunshine, appreciate each moment, and let's ride while we can!!!

Susan

Forgive me!

Disney pics and other pics you haven't seen yet!

I know I have been scarce..........really frantic about getting press releases out about John Lyons, radio spots, newspaper ads, articles in magazines, posters up in local stores, and begging for help.

The time is coming - sounds like there will or may be rain - but not to worry! We have an indoor arena and indoor seating and all vendors can be indoors so you will stay dry. Also, if you are a past or present volunteer, have ever donated any items to ASAP, or are or have been a foster family, you are entitled to free tickets!!! So email me at asapinc@mwt.net or call me at 608-689-2399 to claim yours. It is just a small token of our appreciation for all you have or are doing.

Special thanks to Lori W. of Iowa, who found sponsors that is allowing Alec, Cassidy, and Ty free tickets to see John. Also, Lori and her husband for their own sponsorship dollars. I did find out that three of the children we planned to sponsor from one family MUST be at a family reuinion next weekend, so that leaves tickets for three other youth who would like to come. Sara F., long time day camper and lover of horses, will be receiving her free ticket, and Madessa as well. WE will review our list to see who else would like to take part and let you know.

Also, NOTE NOTE NOTE, National Rescue Ride is scheduled to take place Sunday, October 19 at Wildcat State Park for ASAP. I have been desperately trying to reserve camping spots 18, 23 and 24 but the site is not letting me reserve. If any of you are interested and would like to plan to pull in on Saturday the 18th please go to the web site for Wildcat and let me know you have reserved a spot. Otherwise we will have to be in the day camp spot, which is still fine, but it would be nice to have an overnight to get together. Pledges will be taken by each rider and presented at the ride on the 19th of October. I look forward to this time with you for a good cause!!! Go to the web site at http://www.nationalrescueride.org/ for full details on the nation-wide event. Also if you are in Minnesota or Iowa or Illinois and want to organize a trail ride for ASAP in those states, let me know!

I must tell you that God continues to watch over His creation. Recently, a woman emailed me, saying that a horse on our site used to be leased by someone she knew (for about six years!) and she was going to inform that person that this horse was in the ASAP program. The gal who used to use this horse in pony club and shows and lessons called, almost in tears. She had never forgotten her, and wanted to come and see her. She had not seen her in several years, but came with a trailer and every intention of adopting her. When she saw her old horse, she was overjoyed. She was approved to adopt that day, and took this horse home. I am not releasing the name of the horse in order to protect everyone involved, but this is such a great example of not being in a hurry to find just any old home, taking our time in screening and evaluating the horse and God does the rest! He sent this young woman to this horse, and they are reunited and we are fully convinced they will be together for the rest of their lives. God gets all the glory!

We did also recently find out that Mick and Pinedon will be coming here shortly, now that there are only three horses in the lower arena. R Colelateral and I had a nice ride along with Tex and Janimal at the Kickapoo Reserve last weekend. Cole was a perfect gentleman, the young and energetic boy that he is, until we came into a deep sand lot. He looked like he was going to lie down in it the first time through, and I was able to convince him otherwise. On the way back, he gave me no warning and before I knew it laid down and I was able to just roll off him and get my feet out of the stirrups before he attempted to take a nice sand bath. Craig had to teach him a well-deserved lesson about doing that sort of thing.......I wasn't a bit ruffled about it but it sure bothered Craig that he would do such a thing. Cole was a very well-behaved boy on the way home!!! It sure is different, having ridden the same horses for 17 years, to be getting used to brand new, young stuff. Teaches me to be on my toes!

So the kids lost my cable to my Kodak Easy Share that hooks the camera up to the computer, so I am unable to send more pics until I get this replaced (grrrrrrrrrrrr)...........hopefully this week and in time for John Lyons!!!

Susan