Super Night Thanks

Super Night is over, and I feel a sense of jealousy at not being at Balmoral Park last night for the first time in, probably, ten years. The important thing for me right now is not to venture too far from home as my mother recovers from her long ordeal in the hospital. I thank you for your prayers. She is making some progress in rehab, but feels very tired and "not right". That is so scary to hear - her blood pressure is low - she sleeps an awful lot, but still enjoys watching her Daniel O Donnell on dvd and she has a room mate who shares the sentiment, so she has company and comraderie (sp?).

I don't think I have ever felt so thankful for the people who volunteered their time to be at Balmoral last night in my place. Alice Hubert of Gratiot (adopter of Penguin Beware, Mini Happi Times, Sunny Forecast, and Pistol Pete N) jumped right in and offered to be the coordinator. Very touching, as well, was an offer by Pat Mouw and Jennie Dowden, both former and/or present race owners (I believe Pat's husband was also a trainer) to man a table at Balmoral. It means so much to know that we share not only a compassion for our equine friends, but that in tough times people are willing to step forward to help out at events like this. I am humbled by their selflessness and generosity and wanted to publicly thank them. They are precious!

My son had his 12th birthday party on Friday. Fifteen enthusiastic 9-12 year olds flooded the farm, and immediately 50% of them asked if they could ride horses. Why, of course!!!! Little Jeffrey John, Lakehills Texas, Remmie, and Chief gave rides, and by the end of the three hours some boys and girls were riding independently. What a great gift in life to have horses like these four who are so safe for the children and so patient and forgiving. Sometimes it absolutely overwhelms me and I ponder why anyone would not want to adopt a breed that can offer life experiences like this? Who knows what impact any one of these horses will have on the lives of the children - our future generation - as they have only good memories of their relationship with a horse and their safe riding experience.

Craig was able to haul Colonel Meacham and Unmasked to their new homes on Saturday. I am never one to offer to take them away from here, though I know each horse is deserving of much more lavish attention than we can give here (with 23 here at a time it is hard to do). Craig was nice enough to go and deliver the boys, who had bonded well together while at the ASAP farm.
There were at least seven people at the adoptive home to greet the horses when they arrived. A German foreign exchange student was also in the mix. That is great timing!

I will share pictures with you of the Chileda summer school day program students that recently visited the farm, and some of our vacation, and maybe a couple of Zach's birthday just for kicks.
What's next? Staying close to home is priority now due to mom's illness, and next weekend is another local 4-h horse show that Remmie, Janimal, and Chief will attend. Of course, R Colelateral gets so jealous when we go anywhere without him - he'll be so upset to see us go. Who knows? Maybe next year he will be a 4-H project horse too! He sure has become a great trail horse, capable of mastering the Black Hills and the wildlife and streams that it contains. It sure has been different riding a four year old horse as opposed to my Cash Wilco, who is now 27. We had 18 years together, "Cash" and I - it still feels bittersweet to pull out of the driveway and see him standing there, fully retired. I know he feels no sadness about being left behind and is fully appreciating doing nothing in particular. I was just so much at home on his back. He was so predictable and so comfortable. Yet, as the days pass, Cole and I are getting to know each other more and, in turn, are becoming "one" as horse and rider too. It just takes time. And love.

I will continue to keep you informed as to mom's progress. OH< I ALMOST FORGOT TO TELL YOU................on Thursday as I sat with mom in her room watching, yes, Danny O'Donnell, the telephone rang. Mom picked it up, listened, and then screamed in what I thought was horror, "NO!! I'M GOING TO DIE!". I thought to myself, "Oh no, now what else could possibly have happened????". She talked awhile, and I was trying to piece together the conversation......"How's your mother?" my mom said. "Yust a minute" and she hands the phone to me. I asked her, "Who is it???". She could not answer but shoved the phone at me. I cautiously answered, "Hello?". A voice from far away on the other end said, "Hello, it's Daniel O Donnell. I heard your mother had been ill and in the hospital and I just wanted to give her a call to tell her I was thinking of her". WOW! Evidently, my sister Heidi had phoned his manager and given him a message. Daniel, knowing my mother is quite a fan of his and always knowing her by name, really wanted to phone her personally. I had to explain that mom wasn't really going to die, and that she was so excited that he called that it was just a figure of speech. He was relieved. She got back on the phone and told him we would see him on his tour in North Dakota. ????????? That was news to me! But, hey, if she wants to go, if she's feeling up to it, we'll do anything she wants! After all, it's my mom..............and I am so very thankful to God for every day I have with her and for all the years I have been blessed by being her daughter.
Mom's last words to Daniel were, "Tell your wife I say "hello"".....that was so cute! She was shaking and began calling family and friends to tell them what had just happened. I am so glad he made mom's day.

I just took an hour to try to post all of the pictures and I got a rejection stating something was not "tagged". If anyone can help me out by explaining this maybe I can rectify it? Sorry!

Hugs to you all,
Susan

Where Have I Been??????

They say life passes us by at times, and in this case I am still back in August, while things have happened so quickly and, in some ways, surreal=ly, that I have been catpulted into September in a whirlwind of not-so-pleasant events.

It seems like it was last week when the last day of summer school came and our family was on our way to a respite filled with fun and riding out west in the Black Hills. The kids did not remember ever seeing Reptile Gardens or Bear Country, and it was a real thrill for them to go through it. We also had the extreme pleasure of stopping prior to our place in Nemo at an overnight spot where our horses could rest in Chamberlain, SD. We were overjoyed to meet Rick Floyd at Wingmasters, a farm where people fly in from all over the nation to hunt pheasants. We found Rick on a web site for equine overnight stays........and we were treated like family. The best part was a real "western" atmosphere and a great, big, honkin hot tub waiting for us in the middle of the living quarters! Rick had taken off the top of the hot tub and Tina our dog was so thrilled to be out of the truck and indoors that she jumped up onto the wicker and attempted to jump on the "bed" (aka hot tub). Before I could stop her she was in the water and embarassingly surprised at the thing that was supposed to be a bed that turned into a warm swim. I gasped and ran over to rescue her. She was just devastated with the whole experience (she is 13 this year!).........and spent some time sulking and I thought I saw a hint of red in her cheeks..........

The kids loved the journey to Wingmasters because they also had free use of the PS 3 that Rick set up for them. Wow - what a treat! I will send pictures in the next few days....and want to thank Rick for such great hospitality!

On to Nemo and the Reptile Gardens thing, the Bear Country, the Circle J where you can also see the exact spot where Kevin Costner filmed part of Dances with Wolves, and so much else.
Deadwood was the usual great experience with Midnight Star (Kevin Costner's casino and restaraunt), lots of riding!@!!!!! Nemo Guest Ranch eats and treats, friends and family....sitting in the 95=100 degree heat but it felt just fine.................getting a tan, going to pawn shops in Rapid City, and then the bomb drops.......

I was sitting outside sunning when a car pulled up. We don't have a phone at our place in Nemo and we get no signal for our cell phone. The older woman walked up and said she had an emergency message for Susan from Cherie. My daughter had called to tell me she found my mother on the floor in her condo in shock and they were in emergency and things did nto look very good. I felt that awful anxiety that crept from my heart to my throat as I ran for a vehicle that would take me to a lifeline - a phone that I could find out more.

My mother was admitted to the hospital and by the next day was in full gear to the Coronary Care Unit. A very long story short, I was afraid I would lose mom as I hurried across South Dakota and Minnesota to be at her side. Emotionally exhausted, I was unable to drive any further and Craig's mom Sandee and I stopped in Mitchell for short shut-eye. As I was driving the phone calls kept coming - mom is having a heart attack, power of attorney, who signs for surgery if she would need it, she's getting an echocardiogram.....my head was spinning as I silently prayed for time - time to get to my mom's side before something happened.

God was on our side - we got back to La Crosse and I ran up to the CCU. The doctors met with us and told us they felt as though they were losing her and didn't have a clear answer as to why but they felt there was an infection in her body. Tests, tests, more tests. I slept in the hospital that night with my sister. Suddenly the next day, a turn around as mom became more conscious. I went in to see her. She was glad I was back and exact words were, "Something bad happens when you leave me".....tears, laughter, hugs, bittersweet seconds exchanged before she slipped into deep sleep. I thanked God for His grace.

Pastor came- not many relatives and certainly no flowers or gifts (but we did wonder why)......but mom continued to improve. She was moved to a floor that is historically known in our hospital as the "doomsday floor". Lots of terminally ill people sent there - not a good omen. Mom slipped into thing after thing going wrong and became increasingly unresponsive. Finally a week ago the doctors came in to see mom and she was unable to be aroused. They asked me to come in to sign power of attorney so they could do a spinal tap to check for infection in the brain and spinal column. For some reason, after the spinal tap was done, she awoke. She improved. She began speaking (weakly). She had a collapsed lung so respiratory therapy was ordered. She was delirious at times, which was scary. Slowly, all of this began to pass. I just want to thank God when I tell you that she is, today, out of the hospital and in rehab. Go figure!!!!! God isn't finished with her yet and I am so thankful. Everything I am, I realize, I attribute to my mother. Everything I have ever known is from her. I am not ready to be an orphan, although that is a selfish reason for wanting to keep her here. But I know she was wanting to stay with us. So thank God!!!!

I am still preoccupied with seeing her every day, and want to thank Andrea T. and Mike (Comfortex Mattress Co owner but also former colleague of my mother's at Gundersen Lutheran years ago when they worked together) for caring enough to come to see her, hold her, and bring gifts. Mom is still talking about it!!!!

Things that have happened other than this include:

This week we hauled Remmie and Chief up to the Vernon County Fair for 4-H horse show which is Remmie and Chief's first time!!!! Remmie took two 2nd place ribbons in showmanship and halter with Rachel ( my nine year old and first timer who was placed in an upper age class by mistake!!), and Chief took two blue ribbons (way to go Casey and Chief!!). Unfortunately Chief had a nervous breakdown on Friday night because Vernon County has tie in stalls only and he is not used to this and rightly so.......we were on our way to celebrate Zach's 12th birthday when we got the call that Chief might be colicking so we had the vet examine him and he found good gut sounds but appeared very nervous. I explained from my cell that Chief is a very emotional horse and the last time he left home he had a breakdown at the vet's office when he was in for treatment and we had to bring him home with an IV to finish his treatment due to his behavior. It was decided after Chief did not calm down after Banamine to bring him home so thank you Victoria and Mary for doing that so we could enjoy Zach's golden birthday in the Dells!

Tomorrow is more of the horse show at Viroqua and be rooting for Remmie and Rachel as they go in the gaming classes and I will be sure to let you know how things go.

I need TWO VOLUNTEERS For next weekend at Balmoral Park for Super Night to pass out brochures and just talk to anyone interested in adopting a horse. I will pay for gas for anyone to go there to pass out literature and enjoy a great night of racing at no charge since you will be manning a table. Please consider helping us - our donations are down right now and we are really hurting and would appreciate anyone close going to help out ASAP!!!! Call me on my cell at 608-792-5126 if you are thinking about it or have any ideas!

Bless you all,
Susan

Your Help Needed - Give If You Can

Wish us well! We are off on a well-deserved horsey vacation to the wild wild west. Tonite we plan to stop at Chamberlain and take a load off and get to know a family who has an equestrian campground and lodge. They kiddingly said, "No Standardbreds allowed - only Quarter horses!" Then he began asking a lot of questions about the breed and you never know - I think I might have him sold on trying one at his ranch! I'll try to get pictures.

Anyway, we are in the red again at ASAP. Adoptions are slow and there are so many horses waiting to come in. Now hay prices here are just fine and we have an abundance of hay in our neck of the woods, but other people do not have it so easy. Many foster families are stepping up to keep horses at their place until they can be adopted, but some simply cannot continue with the extra expense. We are in need of more foster families and also donations to help us continue to provide for the horses at our farm. Would you believe Spirit is still here? Pearl??? Lyric?

I am hearing countless stories of people who initially applied to adopt a horse but went ahead and took a FREE horse or a really "cheap" horse. Now that horse is not turning out and they are asking to place them into our program in order to adopt a horse through our organization!!!

The BEAUTY of ASAP is that we guarantee your satisfaction when it comes to adoption. If the horses do not work out for you you are entitled, within 30 days, to a FREE EXCHANGE. We stand behind our horses. We are also not a rescue. Horses coming through our adoption program are generally sound and well-trained. Occasionally we do rescue - we won't deny that - but adoption programs do differ greatly from rescue programs so if you study this you'll know you can't go wrong with one of our horses. If you do (I can't see every horse personally and evaluate them before you do so can't recommend one horse over the other if it is not at ASAP), I will do my best to make sure you are happy.

We are in a tight bind right now and need your financial help. The following horses require extra care. If you remember them and want to help sponsor them, it is greatly appreciated:

Stylish Sharon - needs much feed to keep weight on - needs blood work for thyroid function - needs skin care for hair that is just now starting to shed when it shouldn't. This mare raced and made over a quarter million dollars - we owe her our best! She is 22 or 23 this year.

Steelin Apples - ongoing monitoring as he gets sore in the shoulder area. Needs closer supervision

Strawberry - aged mare - hip problems - still gives great rides around the yard to kids but is not being adopted due to age and hips

Bob Cook - made over $100,000 as a race horse - still limps when he walks but has been enjoying a summer full of pasture and leisure - will come back to ASAP in fall - needs monitoring

Arne - made over $50,000 as a race horse - fractured his hock - been a companion horse since coming to ASAP. Needs close monitoring but has done well in summer pasture turnout!

Brandy - Quarter horse cross - 25 years old this year - sidebone - does well with regular trims by natural hoof care farrier and good food. WE LOVE THIS HORSE but she is not adoptable due to biting issues in the past (not at ASAP) and her age. Please help us support her!

Colonel Meacham - a recent return to our program - has been adopted by two families in the past seven or eight years. He came back very thin - trying to put weight on and giving bute for an injury that must have happened on the hind leg in the past year. We have been having to pull him out to feed extra and give bute. He is fairly fragile right now and needs dental care.

There's more but I won't continue due to time contraints (grandma and daughter Rachel are out catching horses to go out west and I am sitting here at the computer!!)..................but please give - use Pay Pal if you can - or send us whatever you can spare. We are feeling the effects of the anti-slaughter and know that horses are a dime a dozen right now - problem is people are not thinking and taking free horses has resulted in many people who wish they would have gone through the adoption program.

Upcoming events:

Vernon County Fair - Remmie the STB debuts as a 4-H show horse!

Super Night - Balmoral Park - Sat. September 20!!!!

Hugs,

Susan

Blogspot

I went on my blogspot this morning to try to email the page to the United States Trotting Association, and viewed quite a mess. I am not sure why I can type up the blogspot in one format and attach pictures and then have it come out scattered all over the page with huge gaps in between paragraphs. I apologize and will try to resolve it!

On Friday we will host Chileda Institute day program students - most of the students have autism or autism spectrum disorder. There will be 15-20 students with just as many youth workers so we will be a busy place! Pray for us that all horses behave and all students will stay safe and have a great time! I'll be sure to post pictures.

Events coming up:

Wild West Days Parade - Viroqua, WI = Friday August 15 @ 7 pm

Super Night - details to be announced

Vernon County Fair - September - Rachel is showing her Standardbred in Viroqua!!! This is a first for her so wish her well. Also in attendance will be Chief with a 4-h gal named Casey.

I am busy working or trying to get to Cricket, Taser Gun, and R Colelateral each day, training them as I have time. Cole was a bit of a spitfire last weekend - Cricket surprised me with her great behavior, and Taser is getting to be more and more calm all of the time! WE hope to be off to the Kickapoo Reserve this weekend.

Adoptions are slow this year - oh, so slow. I have heard the same from all adoption groups. There is a surplus of "free horses to good homes". The people taking these free horses are now coming to us to see if we want them, finding out the horses have too many vices or are too untrained. That is the beauty of adoption programs - we take in very well trained, healthy horses and guarantee that they will be satisfied or they can trade...........our horses are not throw-aways! They are valuable, loved animals whose owners want the best for them and a lifetime placement program. Check out your rescues and adoptions - there are only a few across the nation who maintain lifetime ownership - and after doing this for over 15 years I can be the first to tell you how much turnover there can be in a horse's life due to divorce, death, illness, and other life events. Isn't it good to know they won't go just anywhere when these events do occur in a family's life? I would rest assured if I died in a plane accident or was incapacitated that if I had an adopted horse like I did with Star Cheetah, there would be an organization who would be there to make sure my horse went to only a qualified family and be tracked throughout his lifetime. It's like having an insurance policy!

A few weeks ago I was having a rough week with Tommy, our long haired black and white cat. He had been attacked by dogs and we thought he would be okay but Craig came up one morning and said, "Something's wrong with Tommy - he can't walk". I knew if CRAIG was worried that there was something seriously wrong, so we immediately put him in a kennel cab and I drove him up to La Crosse Veterinary Clinic. His condition was critical - the bacteria from the bite had traveled into his spine. They diagnosed spinal meningitis and started huge rounds of steroids and powerful antibiotics. I had just come out of eye surgery and was in a great deal of pain myself, but went to work and kept checking in on Tommy. They reported that he was continuing to lose coordination and was not eating or drinking. I asked Jan, one of the vet assistants there, to give Tommy a big hug for me. I think Jan did more than that, but I know she went back and spent time with him. I searched the bible during my free moments, looking for reassurance and also preparation for anything that might happen to Tommy that would bring comfort to my heart. The next morning the vet called and my lump in my throat dropped to my soul as I picked up the phone. Someone was frantic on the other end - the vet assistant was ECSTATIC - Tommy was up and walking and eating! I praised God for what many people would consider a little thing that was such a huge thing for us - Tommy was going to be okay!

After that my eyes started to feel better and every day just got better and better. There are so many bumps in the road along life's path, and we never know what is on the other side of the hills we climb, but I want to be sure to be thankful for each day. I always said after Taser Gun was kicked and he recovered after a guarded prognosis that I could never have another bad day. Each miracle that happens brings me to the reality that God is so close in every situation, and He really cares and will respond if we come to Him with our problems and crises. The verses I found during the trial of Tommy and my post surgery pain were:

Psalm 31:7 "I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy, for thou has considered my trouble; thou

hast known my soul in adversities".

Matthew 5:16 Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Don't forget to be thankful for something today!!!

Susan

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

Taser Gun vs. John Lyons - A Partnership Waiting To Happen!

The light bulb has finally come on!!!

What better horse to have John Lyons work with (one of two horses scheduled for that day) than the infamous Taser Gun?

On Saturday, July 19 Taser Gun will come face to face with internationally known horse trainer, John Lyons on Taser's own turf at the ASAP farm near Genoa, Wisconsin.

Taser Gun retired in 2007, and has been living the life of luxury for the past ten months at the ASAP farm. He was slowly acclimated to a small herd of pasture mates, and director Susan Wellman now feels that it is time for Taser to learn a new discipline, as a saddle horse! Taser Gun is known around the world as a harness racer, breaking all kinds of speed records and having lifetime earnings of over 1.3 MILLION dollars! He experienced many career wins in Chicago and other Illinois race tracks, and traveled to win races in many other places.

So what better person to retrain Taser to saddle than John Lyons? What might Taser Gun present to John as a challenge? Mr. Walker, longtime trainer of Taser Gun, spoke with Susan over the phone. "Just be careful when you go to cinch him up. He used to come straight up on me when we put his harness on!" Mr. Walker also spoke in hind sight when he said that if he had known what a race horse they had and how much he would make, they would never have gelded him. "On the other hand", he stated, "Taser might just have killed me if we hadn't gelded him!". Susan has taken Taser on walks down country roads and has done ground work with Taser. He appears to be a spirited, yet obedient horse. He loves attention, but for so long, then he has had enough. To see his speed as he races around in the paddock brings about a desire to

be on his back, as long as he can be controlled!

So who will present who with the challenge? Are your bets on Taser? Or John Lyons? On the other hand, I have never seen a horse John Lyons could not build relationship and compliance with. In 2006, John Lyons had Candy Speed, a 12 year old Standardbred mare who had never been raced or ridden, under saddle and doing sidepasses within 45 minutes!

Please consider donating towards the cost of this spectacular clinic. We need to raise funds to pay John for his time at ASAP - which is going to be at least $5,000. Without increased ticket sales or donations, the amount will not be raised to pay John. In the name of Taser, think about a donation today! Pay Pal is gladly accepted!

Susan

Kittens, Storms, and Everyday Life

Stylish Sharon after treatment and good food

Sharon at feed pail and trotting

Remmie the fat boy now!

Beautiful black bay Remmie after months of good food and deworming!

Remmie at fence

Kitten, Stormy, with Rachel and Zach

Such a hungry kitty! Wet, too!

My thoughts and prayers are with our friends in Iowa right now. One of ASAP's greatest foster farms for Ebony and Josie, two of our older mares, has been hit hard since they are right smack dab by Cedar Rapids. I have not heard anything in the past two days, but did receive an email saying they were okay at the time. Please keep Wendy and her family and the horses in your prayers as well. We were hit again, with flooding deep into our basement and our rather new roof did not hold up to the rapid rains which seeped through the ceiling in two rooms in our house. The seepage into the basement did not stop for days. The damage was so great that carpet had to be ripped completely out of one bedroom. The other carpet is stained and moist. The insurance adjuster was out a few days ago and we are keeping our fingers crossed. Thankfully, the lightning and thunder touched no horse or other creature around us. They are all present and accounted for and we have much to be thankful for when there are no casualties!

We have had some changes in our family with new foster children coming and others leaving. Change is always extremely difficult and adjustments are hard. I started a new job at a residential treatment center and day program serving students with special needs, specializing in programs for children with autism or on the autism spectrum. It has been a thrill to help them find work in the community and see how our local businesses extend themselves to give these youth the opportunities they are desiring to succeed in life! Some of these students are the same that we serve at the ASAP farm using horses!

The clinic in July is a worry to us, as we continue not to have a lot of advance ticket sales. Thanks to Mary Ellen M. of Madison, we have submitted two grant proposals for sponsorship! Thank you thank you thank you Mary Ellen! Let's see what happens ......... and I also submitted a sponsorship plea to Kwik Trip stores. Major companies have been contacted, as well as groups affiliated with the racing industry. Thanks to the USTA, who has committed $250 towards the John Lyons clinic! Any other ideas are welcome at this point.

Last week during the storm there was a torrent of rain through our valley. My husband and kids took a ride in the truck to see which roads were closed and survey any washouts. As they passed by a small Lutheran church with windows down, they heard a horrific "MEOW" and saw a small kitten dart from the church to the high weeds by the cemetary. Craig immediately stopped the truck and they listened -- more frantic "MEOW"s. With the urging of the kids, Craig parked the truck and they braved the thundering and clapping and rain to pursue the tabby and white baby. The kitten retreated deeper and deeper into the weeds, but still was crying out for help. With another lightning storm present, and rains increasing, they left the kitten to come back home and get some supplies to lure the kitten out, if possible. I took the wheel of the truck and took Keath, Zach and Rachel with me back to the scene. We could hear the kitten really screaming for help now, as the rains soaked her fur. We got out and slowly approached the area. I got on my hands and knees and Zach and the other two kids parted the weeds on the other side. Zach swore he saw a snake and jumped back. I was getting attacked by "burning weed", or nettles. The kitten desperately cried out but retreated and hissed. Soft voices, hands reaching out, the kitten finally considered her choices and took the chance for a large strange hand to scoop her up and take her to unknown places. We took her back home and dried her off and gave her warm food to eat. Zach and Rachel named her Storm. I have asked around the neighborhood and no one had a kitten, so she must be feral. Now she knows nothing but warm soft beds and good food and is learning to trust. Enjoy the pictures!

I thought it was also time for you to see updated pictures of the mare who, a couple of months ago, had no hair over most of her body, was skinny and forlorn - a return to our program from adopters who chose not to keep her. She is turned out with Remmie, our rescue, of sorts, from a local Amish man who still wanted $500 for the horse despite his emaciated, wormy condition. Remmie today is a horse who has so much energy that he may not be suitable for beginner riders any longer! I rode him at Duck Egg and Yellow River the past couple of weeks, and he wants to go go go go go go go. At 20 years of age this little guy has speed and agility like no other trail horse I have been on for awhile. What is even better, he does not spook easily so confidence levels taking him to many places make riding him a pleasurable experience. Pleasurable, that is, until last Friday when I got the bright idea to hook Remmie up to a cart to give a 15 year old young man and my daughter, Rachel, a nice easy cruise down the road. Harness on - horse didn't flinch. Bridle on - horse stood literally ground tied for the whole yawn-provoking experience. We walked the cart around the horse - didn't even blink. Unflappable, immovable, bored with the whole thing???? We took the cart and snapped the quick hitch into place. Nothing. Dead calm. Walked around. Nothing. Rachel and Keath got in - Jon and I up front to hold the bridle, "just in case". Keath took the reins. Walk......walk....hey, WALK!!!!!! Remmie did not want to walk. Remmie did not want to go slow at all. I tried to hold him back by the bridle and told Keath to pull back on the reins. NO RESPONSE. Remmie goes wild. I can't get his head turned to slow him down - the bridle is ripped from my hands.........he BOLTS. I am screaming for them to bail out of the cart if they can. Keath jumps. Bad idea. Rachel still on the cart and the horse is a runaway. Rachel looked back at me with that helpless look as I ran to catch up, screaming. Luckily, Remmie dives for the barn. Unluckily, the cart clips the side of the entrance and tips, and Rachel is thrown up against the doorway and bounces behind the seat, caught by the driving reins. Remmie takes out a post trying to get into a stall, bending the cart. I screamed for Keath to go in and grab Remmie and we tied him to a post in the stall while I despeately struggled to release Rachel from the grip of those hard leather reins before Remmie panicked and tried to back out. That surely would have killed Rachel. She is screaming and I am screaming - it is a scene like nothing I have ever experienced and all I could think of was how I did this to my little girl!!!! Thankfully Keath and I are able to free Rachel and I carry her away from the cart with her sobbing and holding her knee and arm. I checked for injuries........and those two angels of Rachel must have had a migraine headache, but the blessing was that Rachel had nothing broken. I have bruises and tears in my skin and a sore neck and back, but nothing else. Keath is unharmed. Remmie was shaking in the stall, still caught by a cart that won't budge and an extremely tight harness cutting into him. So Keath and I decide to unbuckle the harness on both sides and lift the shafts off of Remmie and lift the cart straight up. Remmie was tremoring all over his body. I knew he was scared too, for whatever reason. Part of me wanted to kill him and part of me wanted to find out what I had done wrong. I think the biggest crime I committed was trying to hold him back to a walk once he was hitched. It was like his brain went mad, not accepting a walk as an answer. All speed ...............great speed..........powerful speed........which I denied him and he was beside himself. Well, the cart was off and we surveyed the damage, which included a bent shaft and quick hitches bent..........but that is about all.

Enough for one day. Enough for a lifetime. I am a gal that belongs on a horse's back! Maybe in time I will revisit driving...but it had better be with a horse with three legs!!!!! I am just so happy that Rachel is alright.

We are trying to get to South Dakota this week on Thursday. If there are no crises we just might make it! Oh, also wanted to send you pictures of our latest excursion with Grandma Lee to see Daniel O Donnell - enjoy!!!

Susan

Need Help for John Lyons!!!

Thought I'd ad this blurb - we desperately need major sponsors for John Lyons which will be Saturday July 19. We paid John $5000 in 2006 and had 175 people in attendance. ASAP ended up with about $100 after it was all said and done......and we had hoped to sell over 300 tickets this year, which is NOT happening. I know fuel prices are hurting everyone. I am offering free tickets to anyone who collects pledges for the horses or to sponsor a child from our community that would not otherwise be able to come. I am also encouraging businesses to sponsor, or those of you who have connections with major businesses to rally their support in order to be able to pay John for his time. How about Wrangler? Farm and Fleet? Tractor Supply Co? Local businesses? Anyone who can offer an hour of their time to help us rally support would be appreciated. I will also be contacting the race tracks and asking for their sponsorship but unless this is a group effort I am horribly afraid we will fail to meet our goals. Also, if you plan to come but will buy tickets at the farm, please RSVP and let me know so that I can get a head count of who is coming. Time is quickly approaching - help if you can! So far the Lions Club is serving food, Tabby Town and other local animal rescues will participate. The jury is still out on the 4-H clubs in our area.........as there is a horse show that day...........Also Flying Horse Stables will be here! SOS SOS SOS SOS SOS SOS SOS SOS SOS SOS

Kodak Blues

I have been trying unsuccessfully to transfer and select pictures to my computer so I can share them with you. I have a call in to the Kodak Support Center and the Live Chat Line for help - after all, I have about 120 pictures that must go here and there and it sure is a helpless feeling when I cant make a machine do what I want it to!

In the meantime, I want to tell you that we have lost three very special horses this past week.

Two of the horses had been in their new adoptive home for a year, and another one had been with his adoptive family for eight years. The emotional pain was very great for each person I spoke with, and I want to remember them all in my thoughts and prayers.

Last weekend on Saturday night, there was a horrific storm on the east side of the state of Wisconsin.........well, I am not great on direction but I think most of southwest, southcentral and sountheast Wisconsin was experiencing thunderstorm activity. A blast of lightning came so brightly it lighted up everything like noon, and there was no space between lightning bolt and thunder strike. This dear adopter knew it had hit on their property, and woke up her husband and together they grabbed a flashlight and ran outside into the storm. There, lying in the pasture and not breathing, was Painter's Choice.............a beautiful red Standardbred gelding with long flowing mane and tail. Immediately next to him almost touching him was the mare he had been partnered with for a year. She took four last breaths and was gone. As if that wasn't hard enough, there was one horse missing. Desperately they looked around with the flashlight and were relieved to see their precious Popeye standing off in the distance, very frightened, but alright. The call to ASAP was a hard one to make, and we share their grief.

General Sam is another famous race horse that had been in long term foster care with his family near Ettrick for almost two years. General Sam had a great and easy life with this family, who had a young son and was very loved. Unfortunately, he became weak and two veterinarians ruled that Sam had cancer. As much as they longed for something to do for him, the decision was made by Craig and the foster family to have him humanely euthenized. Deepest sympathy and may General Sam always be remembered for the mighty race horse he was and the great family friend he became!

After eight years Bold Egyptian succombed to a very sudden attack of colic and intestinal rupture. He had been the best horse ever owned by the Millers, and the son called me to tell of the incident with tears in his eyes and a wobble in his voice. He said that Bold was the best horse a person could ever ask for and had always been healthy. He loved his life and they loved him. They had the vet out two times and the vet recommended transfer to Town and Country for emergency surgery. By that time the horse was not strong enough to stand. Before they could get a trailer into the driveway he passed away. One of the most beautiful things I have ever heard a man say is that he was carving a cross and engraving Bold Egyptian's name in it and he would always keep this close to him as a remembrance. Bold was only 12. It is even harder when they are young.

Please keep these people in your thoughts, too, and pray for peace the passes all understanding. You would think after a long hard winter the horses would be in the clear for problems or life threatening illness........I guess we never know.........but it is never easy.

I have a paddock full of Quarter horses!!! And nice, well trained horses, too! Four horses are at Ursula's happily eating grass, and by the end of June I am happy to report we will have an additional 40 acres adjoining our property for horses to graze! What a blessing!

I will try to post some pictures and my camera should be back in action soon - hang in there!

Susan