WOOOOWWWWW! A well-deserved break from the Arctic chill here in Wisconsin today! Zach just said that it was 45 degrees today - and I was outside with only a turtleneck and sweatshirt!!! To make it even better, the UW-La Crosse Equestrian team came at 10 am, and we went right to work taking horses out to ride and work.
Of course, naturally, the girls' eyes went right to the handsome bay looking at us from the pines - Taser Gun!!! He was the third horse that we took out today. The first was Mick, then Lyric, then Taser, Rocky (briefly), Cricket, and a casual observation of the natural hoof trimmer - our one and only Mark Stuber - working on Strawberry, Brandy, and Taser Gun. People were in and out of the farm all day long.
I must say I was especially pleased to have my son, Jordan, come home with Zachary, who spent the night at Jordan's bachelor pad in La Crosse last night! Jordan said all they did was eat pizza, drink soda, and play video games. Amazing! That is what the boys do here too!!!! But it was so good to have both my boys home, at least and if only for a little while before Jordan had to go back. He will move on March 1 and go to Florida to start his life as a student and enjoy year round sunshine. I was in tears last night just thinking about it, but vow to make it joyful for Jordan, as I recall my mom crying every time I left home after a weekend visit to return to central Illinois to college. It made me feel so awful to leave her and I don't want Jordan to have that on his mind at this time. I will look forward to visiting him - how about that for attitude?
Anyway, the equestrian team did a fantastic job of riding these Thoroughbred horses we have here. To Lyric's credit, after eight months of not being ridden, she was a dream. She walked, trotted, and cantered both directions, never offered to do anything wrong, and really enjoyed the workout she got. She was huffing and puffing when she was done, and a little bit sweaty, but what an impression she left! Mick was his usual gentlemanly self - I think almost all of the girls got to ride him today and needless to say he has a home for sure with Beth, if not the whole equestrian team. They would love to show him - and I welcome that! I wanted to get pictures but my batteries died on my digital so as soon as the team sends me pictures I'll post them. Someone came to look at Lyric today for Little Britches rodeo - I am not sure if they will adopt her or not.
ASAP's financial situation is not good, as the woman who adopted Haley several months ago has never submitted her adoption fee, and the family who adopted Sarajevo has not either. When people adopt horses directly, this often happens to ASAP. It just isn't fair to the many here waiting for homes. Still, we go on faith but we are sometimes let down. We are catching up with those people I can promise!
Four horses are being returned from north central Wisconsin and this is a very short notice placement. You will recognize the names of the horses, and all are beginner safe except for one. The family accepted a position in Alaska and the company will pay for the move if they go within 30 days. We need your help rehoming these great horses: Candy Speed (John Lyons retrained her to saddle in 2006 and she is gentle and beginner safe), Hononegah (also beginner safe), Fox Valley Festus (a trotter, smaller, lots of get up and go, safe, but when you ask for "whoa" you get it immediately!), and Shayz April Wind, the Paint mare. If you are thinking of adopting 3 of the 4 horses listed above are my personal recommendation.
I am getting along better with Miss Molly P and she tolerates and even seems to enjoy ear rubs and face rubs from me now. I hope to have her warm up to me eventually and as long as there is food she tolerates me. I want her to see the kindness we have to offer her!
We are gearing up for horse fairs - first one is first weekend in March in Springfield. We will join Michelle who is a foster mom for horses in Centralia Illinois and Beth who adopted My Bull Kennedy a few years ago. Michelle will probably be bringing Rhyma Rose and Yagottalovethiskid? Look for us!
Last week I sent out a request for Maywood Park and Balmoral Park to play 60 second spots (commercials) that John Stevenson of CC106 graciously donated to us last year. I asked for rates but neither track has responded. I also emailed Harness Tracks of America Stan Bergstein to ask him for suggestions and advice on how to better market charities who support harness racing and how to promote them. No response. Could it be they do not care, once a horse leaves the racing scene? I am beginning to wonder. Thanks to IHHA for their first quarter donation, and special thanks to:
ODDS ON RACING STABLE for their $500 donation to ASAP!! It helps us so much!
We received a donation of lead ropes and halters from Big D's Tack Supply but no person was listed at the donor - thank you so much, whoever it was!!!!
I'll write more later - hoping my husband will take me out to dinner after 7 1/2 hours of being outside it will feel great to sit down and have someone serve us!
Hugs,
Susan
PS - My son Zachary wants me to publish that he is on the Student Council at De Soto Middle School (he was also Student of the Month in December - way to go Zach!). Anyway, this pet food drive will benefit Crawford Area Shelter for Animals, or CASA, and Vernon County Animal Shelter. The drive goes February 1-13. The council is asking for donations of Science Diet dog or cat food to Vernon County Animal Shelter, and CASA would like any brand of dry cat or dog food, any brand of canned food for dogs or cats, partial bags of food are okay, treats, kitty litter, collars, brushes/combs, leashes, toys, cages for hamsters, birds, ferrets, etc. They can be sent directly to us at ASAP Inc. if you wish! Thank you!
