Merry Christmas, Everyone

Presents, running, work, cooking, baking, wrapping...........sound familiar?
I have been too busy to post my pictures, but I do want to share a Christmas story.
If you don't believe, you will after this, that the Lord cares greatly for His creatures great and small. How much more can He care for you and me?

Remember the little seven year old Standardbred gelding who was hit on the highway along with his Amish owners several weeks back? I knew God put me there for a reason, but never knew how it would play out. Despite my tears and prayers, the gelding was taken away per orders of the Sheriff's Department by a local farmer. He was left ABANDONED in his trailer in town because he had to "hurry home" to milk his cows. A wonderful woman who had just taken her kids to school witnessed the accident, and ran up to the ridge to get her neighbor and Amish friend, Joe Miller.
Meanwhile, a vet by the name of Rob Timan from La Crosse Veterinary Clinic happened by on a farm call and saw the severely injured horse. Joe Miller, Marilyn, and Dr. Timan all were in the right place at the right time, and Dr. Timan offered his services at no charge. Joe decided he would like to take the horse to his farm for care until it could be moved back to Cashton, and the horse was transferred to Joe's farm. This is a very compassionate and caring Amish family, by the way!

I was in a state of worry, not knowing what the fate of the horse was. The news channel stated that "the horse was treated for injuries". That didn't tell me much. I called as many Amish as I could (the neighbor's house and listed contact) and left messages. A week later, Joe Miller phoned me. He told me what had transpired and that he had the horse and the vet had been up several times. Praise God! Then he asked me if I would be willing to haul the horse back to the Amish owner, as the boys had recovered from their injuries (miracle in itself). I agreed.
The day I picked this gelding up his flesh lay open in his hind quarter, the stitches having popped out as the healing process progressed. He was limping, but I saw in his eyes the will to survive and a kind of innocence and trust that only an animal can demonstrate. He got into the trailer and I fed him well on the way to Cashton!

The Detweiler family was thankful to receive him back, feeling a bit indebted to him and undeserving of the fate that had become of him. He explained that his boys were doing well, and showed me the shattered cart and the pieces of it that had impaled itself into the horse. It made me feel nauseous. They led the horse into the barn and tied him in a tie stall. I felt compelled to leave my card, begging them to call if they needed anything.

Two weeks later, they did call. They felt as though the horse was not improving and I asked if I could send a vet out to look at him. Cashton Vet Clinic went out and reported that the horse looked better than they expected and to continue the treatment. The Amish agreed to continue.

Then a week or more ago they phoned again. I feel as though they were giving up on their gelding. He just wasn't coming sound. He was limping badly. His legs were swollen from standing in a tie stall. I guess they were asking that if we didn't take him they would have to "dispose" of him.

Well, I know you work, and so do I. This new teaching job has limited days off, especially since I cashed in all my PTO hours for Vetas. I knew I had to put out a plea for help. Posting on some local bulletin boards, two people stepped up to help haul the horse. But where??? I just had another Amish STB hauled to my house and could not take more. Amy B. and Andrea T. stepped up and offered to help. Neither could haul the horse, but both could help rehab him.

If any of you know Andrea, she is one of the most kind angels that has ever been born on earth and a mighty advocate for horses and ASAP. Amy is wonderful too. Andrea has a long history of supporting ASAP, and her company, Comfortex Mattress Co in Winona, Minnesota, has been a corporate sponsor for ASAP for years. We literally could not have survived without them!

Town and Country Veterinary Hospital offered to take the horse in for diagnostic work and treatment. Andrea offered to pay for the entire cost, plus the hauling.
As I headed to work yesterday I had just reached out to a stranger for help. Kelly G. of Sparta had responded to my ad posted on the mwt bulletin board. We put our heads together, exchanged phone numbers, and Kelly rearranged her life and schedule to accommodate the vet hospital's request to have him there yesterday. Thanks to Susan S. also, for offering to help, but time was short and we had to move or lose this gelding eternally.

During my lunch hour we all talked by phone to make arrangements.

By 4:40 pm, Kelly was just reaching the Town and Country Vet Hospital. The trusting, hurting Standardbred gelding was a real trooper during his transport. He was very sore unloading from the trailer, but in Andrea and Kelly's words, he "tried to act like a normal horse, rolling in the bedding in his stall and shaking them off, despite his extremely sore and aching body". The scab on his hindquarters is absolutely humongous, but is healing. The front leg remains the problem. Doctors will perform tests on Friday to determine the extent of the front leg injury, which is believed to be a deep tendon injury.

The story is for today - that the gelding had the Lord's hand on him from the time the accident occurred. We are all vessels, capable of doing mighty things in His name. If you are given the gift, use it to help creatures great and small who need you! And if you have the means, don't be afraid to give, as it will be given back to you sevenfold or more. I know if God ever blesses me with riches, it will be used to help people around the world who need it, and animals everywhere. My father passed away a very wealthy man, but he died wealthy because he never gave. Not to his wife, or his children (clothing, education, cars, nothing), or those in need.
I saw animals die at his hands because of his hardness of heart, and I will not be the next generation to be like him. He taught me quite the opposite, but I love him with all my heart and my prayer for him was that God would be merciful to him and take him to heaven, and I have spent the last nine years forgiving him over and over for the things my eyes did see. But good can come out of bad, and this little horse is going to be okay, thanks to the strangers who are now friends, the friends who are always there for the horses, and to the Lord above for His never ending mercy!

Have a very Merry Christmas, everyone, and we'll send pictures of the gelding when they come!

Love
Susan

Viva NFR

Hi!
I'm back from Las Vegas and four of the most relaxing yet stressful days of my life.
Thanks for your prayers for our plane - it got us there safely and back, despite my tears (praying out loud that I just wanted to be able to make it back home to my precious family and pets and horses and dear Lord have mercy as I am pinching a hole in Craig's arm).

The NFR was fantastic and we probably saw some of the most beautiful human beings God has ever created on the face of the earth both at the NFR and at our hotel.....what an experience!

I am going to send pictures this week, but in the meantime know that we are sending out newsletters as our budget allows. We are strapped for postage and still owe the printer $400+ for doing them. I think 500 have gone out as of right now.

I have another plea and that is my main reason for writing.
Remember the Amish horse that was hit by a cart when the car hit the two teenage boys? They did call yesterday at 11 am and tell us they no longer want the horse. Although healing, he is never going to be 100% to them again. They want him gone. The problem is, I just took in another Amish horse named Rocky over the weekend. Please please will someone step up to take this gelding if I deliver him? He is so sweet and so beautiful and I don't want him to end up at slaughter. He deserves a chance for full recovery, which I think can happen with proper care. I need a spot for him - please tell your friends and let's help him! Contact me on email at asapinc@mwt.net or by cell at 608-792-5126. Time is important.

I'll write more soon!

Hugs,
Susan

Special Gift for Taser and ASAP

I love Saturdays! I am off work, and people come by. Last weekend we entertained a wonderful woman and her son from 200 miles away. They came to spend the day looking at horses in hopes of finding "the one". I had had a feeling that they would like Bell Valley Titan. She is one of the sweetest horses we have had here. She never pulls on the lead line when you have her out, and stands and waits patiently alongside you. She is quite intelligent, yet quiet. One of the first things I noticed about her was she seemed unflappable in the barn area when she first came, with cats and dogs and other horses around. Last weekend we introduced her to a large stroller. It was colorful and it had plastic all over it and some was flapping in the wind. It had precious cargo inside, and if I wasn't fully confident Titan would be okay, we would never have exposed her to the new object. Titan, being her wonderful self, sniffed the stroller and its contents. Then, the stroller and Titan and her potential adopter walked side by side down the driveway. Titan didn't flinch. Long story short is that Titan found herself a loving family who will enjoy her for many years to come. She is a true friend and her adopter and her are a great match!

The same day that Beth and her son came, we got unexpected visitors from La Crosse. It was a family of four, all adults, and they had come after hearing about our program. The one gal, Megan, was particularly interested in Standardbreds. She has owned other breeds but has never really ridden a Standardbred. I showed her and her family around the farm, and, of course, I have to tell the story of each horse and how they came to be here at our farm. The family took pictures and "oohed and aaahed" at the many faces that looked longingly back at them. Meg mentioned that she would like to come and donate her time, in addition to adopting a Standardbred. Seeing her expertise and confidence around the horses, I was very pleased at the offer!~ She fell in love with Taser Gun, and within a short while she had him out walking him and lifting up his feet. Taser Gun enjoyed getting out, and even got a little bit feisty (Taser??? NAAAHHHHH!) Megan and her fiance braved the cold and roads during the week to come down, but didn't make it before dark and I had already completed my feeding duties and had come inside. We still got to have a great talk and I got to know them better. They share the compassion for animals and all the pets here at the farm can certainly tell that, as they gravitated to them! Today, they returned in bitter temperatures again. After greeting all of the horses and giving treats, Megan asked to take Taser out. She lunged him in the indoor arena and then got on him bareback. I took Arne out to work on his long, thick mane while she led Taser back and asked me if she could put a saddle on. I was elated! So she tacked him up and, after a bridle adjustment or two, she jumped up and rode Taser around. She couldn't resist, and before long was trotting him QUICKLY around the arena. They looked so great together! She had him doing barrel patterns and almost did some side passes! By the end of the hour or two they spent together she really thinks she would like to adopt Taser and keep him here at the farm. I told her I would agree to it only IF she PROMISES to join us at events like the horse fairs and events at the race track if Taser is showcased! She said, "Yes". So, I think, Taser and Megan are also a match!

Meanwhile, many people are knocking on ASAP's door to place their horse. There are many desperate stories. We are trying our hardest to help. Christmas is coming.....
I'll write more before we leave for the NFR in Las Vegas. IF I don't, I promise to write and send pictures after we return! Pray for me, as I hate flying more than anything in the world!

My best to you,
Susan

I Don't Know Much, But I Know This.........

What a title! I was out in the cold mud tonite taking burrs out of Steelin Apples' mane and tail. I finally got tired of the wind so brought Apples to the barn and before long he was looking great again, but still muddy. This time of year is hard for me. In years past, as a child, we were long gone from Wisconsin and back in California before the temperatures dropped much below freezing. I never missed the snow, glad to be in the green hills surrounding the Almaden Valley in San Jose. The apricot blossoms came out in February there, and if it ever got below 35 degrees it was the topic of conversation around the neighborhood. The biggest storms of the season occur in winter out there, and I remember them well. During the Christmas season my mom would decorate our front porch with bright outdoor lights. She would have to fight the birds who had built nests in the vines that grew along the top of the porch. The sun was usually shining on Christmas Eve. It was green all around, and that is what somehow my heart will always long for - a green and warm Christmas!
In January the storms would howl. We often lost power during the lightning storms the blew across the hills. We had mud slides. One day my mother was doing dishes, looking out the kitchen window. A huge gust of wind came and our neighbor's roof was sucked off of their house and blew away! Thankfully, our neighbors were okay.
That was winter for me. So, naturally, now from September through November every urge to "run" has to be resisted. I am somewhat like a migratory bird that has had to learn to weather all four seasons. I do it, but I don't like it. I often think about moving and thinking, "Where am I going to find a place either west or south that has enough pasture for 25 horses, and if we find it, can we afford it?" GOOD QUESTION. Time will tell, but change is always hard, isn't it? Maybe that's why we all stick around.

Each day we are faced with people who have tough choices to make regarding whether or not they can keep their horses. We are hearing of more and more home foreclosures, divorces, losses of jobs, and some foster families who have been providing care for a horse for a number of years who just can no longer afford to do it. So I wake up to each new day wondering who will be knocking on the door of ASAP, needing to find a new home for a horse. Most times it is a very kind request, while at others are less than kind but cannot be taken personally under their financial circumstances. We are going as fast as we can to find horses homes, but sometimes it takes time. I heard at Waukon the horse prices have dipped to where you can get a horse for $5-$50. SADDDD....

Update on the Amish horse whose owners were hit on the highway: the horse is still doing well and is improving! I am thankful that the Amish family made a commitment to this gelding to see to it that he is being treated, even knowing that by spring he may not be useable as a buggy horse any more. They really care about him and the veterinarian is working closely with them at no charge. What a great vet! I know him, as he did treat Wolfie during his struggle with cancer and also saved a kitten that my kids injured by accident years ago.

Status at farm: Had to bring four horses back from summer pasture last weekend so we are once again at 23 for numbers. I am hoping to place Lyric in the next couple of weeks. Bell Valley Titan is now here - a very sweet STB filly - loves to be at your side and calls for you when you come outside. Not afraid of anything!
Waiting to come in:
Pinedon
Mick
Z Tempest (urgent)- Arabian mare
Crash
Letso Steve
Comet?
Kokinos?
2 STB geldings at the track
Hearts Desire?
Rocky
Enry Iggins

I don't know much, but I do know this: In all likelihood, Steelin Apples, Bob Cook, Brandy, Arne, Strawberry, Stylish Sharon, and Miss Molly P are going to be here for life. That is quite a few horses that are considered sanctuary horses. I don't know much, but I do know this: Miss Molly P is partially sighted in one eye due to an injury as a young filly. Her suspensories are horrific in the rear, so she leads a sedentary lifestyle. She is not a friendly mare, and will often squeal and lay her ears back if you try to pet her (but she is getting better cuz she is getting lots love here!). I do believe someone is out there who is going to take her in, love her, and form a strong bond with her. She has the potential. I think God will send someone, but I don't know how long it will take. I don't know much, but I know this: Strawberry is in her 20's now and her hips are sore. I had the chance to send her to a fantastic foster home for the winter. I wanted her to at least go with someone familiar from our herd, but the family only has room for one horse. I thought about the two homes Strawberry went to when she left here a few years ago....both wanted her to be their forever horse. Strawberry was left at the last farm she was at because the family had to move back suddenly to where they came from originally. When I drove up and got out she stood there, looking at me with those big eyes. I called, "Straw'BERRY!" and she just whinnied for me like a long, lost friend. I told her then that I would never let her go again - she is too old to keep reconnecting with new families and new situations. I don't know much, but I know that horses want peace of mind and heart, familiarity, and routine. I just couldn't do it although we know we cannot afford all of these horses for the winter. I think God will provide a way, and Strawberry will stay.

I don't know much, but I know that Stylish Sharon requires a whole lot of food to keep her at a decent weight. She has to be separated from the three other horses so that she doesn't get pushed out of her food. I know when she sees me coming to put her in a stall for "dinner", she gets so anxious (in a good way) that she holds up her front leg like a dog offering a paw. She is such a sweet spirit, but without proper care she will lose her hair. We have started giving her thyroid medication which has helped her immensely. She is kind of our new Precious, but she doesn't have any issues with being lame or unsound in any way. Wherever she goes, if she goes, I do know this: I will make sure it will be a last stop for Sharon. The old ones deserve this!

I don't know much but I do know this: Lyric has been her way too long, and so has Secretly Yours. These two horses, so smart and so well trained, but still no one has chosen them to be their own. It's sad to see a horse just sit and eat and not get enough attention. It's sad to see them look up at me when I go outside to get in my car for work, and they are so longing for someone to come and just groom them or be with them. It's unfair, but that's the world we live in today - just way too many horses and not enough homes.

I hope you will think about offering a home to a horse in need - we have so many and so many sad stories.

The Christmas newsletter is almost complete and will be in your mailboxes soon! We have many nice pictures from around the nation of the horses who have homes and what they are doing with their adoptive families. You all are great!

Hugs to you,
Susan

News from the Farm

Last Saturday our farm was alive with young riders. We also had two successful adoptions - Spirit and Copper Cadet both found the best of best homes with the best of people. I keep saying it - over time God sends people and horses and humans connect - it is the most spiritual experience to watch it unfold! I don't know what it was, but Spirit really chose his adopter and his wife on that cold Saturday morning two weekends ago. He literally would not leave the man alone, and it was clear Spirit was "choosing" him! The same thing occurred when Copper Cadet and Ralph connected. Ralph is long-time adopter of Egyptian Fashion, an ex race horse out of Chicago and Master Blue Chip, aka Monte, who recently passed after a short illness that greatly saddened his adopter. I had a feeling that Ralph may be looking for a horse similar to Master Blue Chip in personality and looks, and Ralph drove all the way from Chicago to the farm to see him. It was a true match. So that great feeling of joy and peace inside my soul has been achieved.

In the meantime, many more horses are being referred - far too many for the room we have here. Just in the past month two farms went into foreclosure, leaving two adoption horses without a place to go. We are scrambling to find a place where they can be fostered - while two mares in Michigan who have no where to go may be euthenized unless the owner can find a place for them to be fostered or adopted. Please help us if you can! Help the horses if you can!

The horses who are waiting to come into the program and to the farm have been delayed once again, due to an Amish horse being brought back to the farm unannounced. She has dropped suspensories in both hind legs. She is not lame but it does slow her down. She can no longer pull a cart or be ridden, but I have a feeling she is in foal. As she gains weight I can just tell it. I'll include pictures here but it was a bit dark when my son, Zach, took them. Speaking of Zach and Rachel, I'll include pictures of recent parties at the house and the joy of friends and fun. Many of you are asking about mom, and I appreciate that. She has, most recently, learned that her aortal valve is so blocked that she may have minutes, days, weeks, or yes, she may even have years to live. No one can predict. I don't like having her hear these words from her doctor, and cannot stand the thought of standing around, waiting for something to happen. Mom feels a bit of fear but is a tough Norwegian and is not really talking about it. She spent the weekend with my sister and is returning home to her condo and her caretaker tomorrow. Many things to say about all of this but cannot here. Even the closest of families experience conflict when it comes to fierce love for a family member. Be in prayer for our family as we make decisions in mom's best interest. I would, personally, like her to seek a second opinion at Mayo about whether or not she could withstand heart surgery to replace that valve. Craig's grandpa had it done four years ago (approximately) and is approaching 90 years of age and is doing so well - my mom is eight years younger, but her recent hospital stay has left her fragile.

Thanks to all the foster families who are hanging in there with horses, and placing owners who are waiting for a spot to open up for their horse. When horses arrive unexpectedly it places a hardship on families who have been respectfully waiting and are next in line. If only there were more homes!

We rode with kids on Saturday, then on Sunday loaded up and went to Yellow River State Forest. Now, I know I go on and on about Standardbreds, but here comes another good story. I have not ridden my old Standardbred gelding, Cash Wilco, since last year. I figured at age 27 he is entitled to retirement. Still, the reality of winter about to set in combined with the fact that Cash has been very sound this year made me want to reconnect with him on one last ride of the season (unless we are lucky and have a warm fall). So, one year later, I load him up in the trailer and haul him over to Yellow River, saddle him up, and without lunging, ground work, or any type of warm-up, we got on and rode for miles and miles. I won't say he was happy, and he did tire more quickly in the hills, but he was a perfect gentleman and we even got a few canters in on long stretches, with Janimal and my daughter, Rachel, close behind. That is how much faith I have in the breed, and in my horse Randy, aka Cash Wilco. After all, we have had 18 years together - I guess we should know each other pretty well by now! I wish you all of 18 years with your horses, too.

Until next week,
Susan

Computer Woes

Help! My computer is going crazy. I am using my lap top to stay in touch with all of you. Please forgive me if you have tried to write me an email with no success. My Outlook Express went wild a coule of weeks ago and got progressively worse with time. Now it won't let me delete received mail and it won't allow me to delete sent mail, so anyone I dare respond to gets about 100 copies of the email I send. I have phoned the support center at the phone company and also asked around for advice. Right now I am running Windows Live OneCare - let's hope it works! If not, I guess I have to resign myself to the fact that this computer is several years old (donated thanks to Mary D. who was mom to Friendly Explosion until his death a couple of months ago). It may need to be replaced. NOT a great thing to think about, especially since we are still paying off feed bills - $700 left to pay, to be exact, before we can start ordering feed in bulk again. In the meantime our personal pocketbook is running to the feed store every few days to buy feed. Today Craig paid $10.29 a 50# bag for 10% sweet feed and we bought four bags. Sunday I bought four bags at $9.29 a bag. We have the following horses at our farm or at the farm in Newton right down the road that we are feeding:
Spirit O Vegas
Secretly Yours
Copper Cadet
Lyric
Brandy
Taser Gun
R Colelateral
Remmie
Janimal
Chief
Lakehills Texas
Little John
Steelin Apples
Strawberry Jacki
Bob Cook
Arne
This doesn't include two llamas, a donkey, and my own personal brood.

We need a grant! We need a donation for feed and hay! We are sending out personal plea letters, but if you have any ideas for grants we would love to hear from you.
This is the TOUGHEST year we have had for paying bills and for adoptions. I know all groups are stretched and some are even closing their doors. We are only as good as our supporters -

I have all of my pictures ready to send but the computer must be fixed first. Bear with me.

Remmie, Fargo, Craig and I traveled to the Kickapoo Reserve last weekend to ride. Too funny! As I was typing this I fell asleep and woke up to five typed rows of lower case "k"!!! Ahem....so we did go over to the reserve and were hoping to find a little private camping spot. With the weather being so warm and the hills being in full color, I should have known better! We did find a spot and took off on horseback with Remmie attempting to lead every step of the way! We cantered and trotted and it all felt so wonderful. Unfortunately, Rachel was calling on our cell phone during our first ride, and when we went to the truck to check messages she was in tears, wanting to come home. We had to cut our night short (we were supposed to be having an overnight together but our children made us feel as though we had to come home. They had been at a friend's house but Rachel often has trouble falling asleep at other peoples' houses. I think we made a memory, anyway, plunging across the Kickapoo River at the reserve that day (the deepest water I have ever crossed) and traversing the steep hills, with an occasional run.

This week my focus was to be on Cricket and Taser Gun, but my mother is still in rehab and not doing extremely well. I spent a couple of hours with her yesterday and she doesn't even seem excited about being able to be released and go to her condominium with 24/7 care. It pains me in my heart to see the zest she once had for life not quite all there any more. She continues to struggle with her aortic valve and transferring from sitting to standing position. We are hoping and praying that time will heal.

Work is going well, but being away from home full time is quite a hard thing to swallow. I leave at 7:25 and generally get home about 5:00. What am I comlaining about? Most of you out there are doing the exact same thing. And to think some race trainers train in the morning and evening and work all day. They must be soooo tired! I always feel a lump in my stomach when I leave home, thinking the dogs and horses will actually miss me. Then I think of how selfish a thought that is - they have each other, they have down time, and their main task is to eat, sleep, and lounge until I get home from school!!! What a great life they have!

Still getting tons and tons of referrals and horses waiting to get into the program. We need homes for the horses we have here first..........anyone willing to give me name and contact info for any publication or paper where ASAP could put an ad in efforts to raise awareness about our program? Let me know!

Until next week or sooner,
Susan

Another Horsey Weekend

I'm sitting at the computer on Sunday night at almost 10:30 pm - where did the weekend go??
It was absolutely gorgeous outside - warm - sunny - summer-like. It was a great day to wake up early on Saturday morning to take four horses and three very excited girls to the Retreat World's Fair and horse show!

Chief, Cricket, Lakehills Texas, and Fargo didn't mind, either. They all came right through the doors in the early morning for hugs and grooming. Even Cricket jumped right into the trailer! Away we went, Lexi, Rachel, Lisa, and I for the 20 minute drive to the ridge. From 8:30-4:30 that day we had the time of our lives. Chief took a blue ribbon in one class and at least a couple of reds in other classes. Tex, on the other hand, was less than patient for Lexi and the poor darling girl really struggled to keep him standing quietly during the halter class. I saw her tears and kicked myself over and over again for taking Tex. Don't get me wrong- Tex is a wonderful, safe, gentle horse. ONE PROBLEM - he doesn't like to stand still! He will wag his tongue, push you with his head, or paw the ground. Once you are up on him and riding he is absolutely fine, but don't ask him to just stand there! I guess that is what made him such a great race horse (he made over $303,000 before we got him), but Lexi didn't deserve such a challenging day. We didn't take Remmie because he kind of got some marks on him from R Colelateral (Cole can be a bully at times), and I didn't want her marked down for that. So in a way it is my fault that she struggled so much. The good news is that she did place several fifth places Saturday and gave her best effort! Fargo and Rachel teamed up instead of Janimal and Rachel. She came away with three 3rd places, one 2nd place, and a fifth place. Way to go!

The girls were able to ride in the parade in Retreat, and Cricket was 100% fabulous under saddle and didnt' mind the commotion or the crowds one little bit. Amy A. got to ride her and I walked to assist the girls with any thing that came up. The most excitement we had was a donkey who decided to try to bail out of the back of a golf-cart type vehicle by going onto the roof - the halter and lead stopped her from making the great escape and it took three men to free her and lower her back down into the back of the vehicle. I was scared something terrible would happen but it all turned out okay.

We got a $500 donation to go towards the feed bill, which has climbed to $1,200. We are not allowed to order any more feed until this is paid off. Thank you so much, Ursula, for that donation. Ursula also has donated her pasture to four of our horses for the summer. We still have over $2,000 in hay bills. As long as we are not adopting out horses we have no way of paying on these unless we receive donations. Maybe an early Christmas gift that would be completely tax deductible?

Hope to hear from you and don't forget these dates:
Saturday October 11 - day ride at Yellow River in Iowa
Sunday, October 19 - day ride at Wildcat Mountain.

Join us if you can!!!
Hugs,
Susan

Sunday was spent with mom - she is going through a bit of a hard time and feeling as though she will never get better. We took her out to eat today and to her condominium. She cried a lot and it made me feel terrible to not be able to do or say anything that would make her feel better. I think she is completely entitled to her feelings at this point and we do support her but it is still so hard. Within two weeks she'll be discharged and, hopefully, back in her home with full time care.
If she doesn't return to her condo, she will come to either our home or my sister's, or split between the two.

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