August
15,
2003
I am off
to Springfield Illinois to the State Fair in the morning. I
had hoped to make the Walker Standardbred Sale, but life has
a way of preventing things from going as planned.
Today my gelding, Alternative (Randy) decided to go off feed.
He was nipping slightly at his sides... and I immediately assumed
he was colicking and brought him in. He passed some stool right
away, so I was relieved, but still knew something was wrong.
Craig gave him some Bantamine, and we haven't seen any more
symptoms but he is definitely still not acting 100% and we are
keeping a close eye on him. I know he is 22, but he has never
been sick a day in his life. He is up to date on all vaccinations,
so now I must just watch him closely . Craig said that he must
have heard we were going to Springfield and thought we were
bringing horses. Since he is always the one we take to demos
and expos, etc., he must have figured we were taking him, so
he is faking illness. I am JUST KIDDING... important to keep
humor up, I guess.
We will be leaving for Springfield early in the morning if Randy
is better. I hope to see many of the horsemen and women I know
while I am there, and will take in a concert Monday evening.
Then, this Saturday we will be leaving again for Balmoral Park.
Honey Fitz will be featured as the horse in the grandstand Billy
Barn area for the world to admire. You will remember that he
earned a half million dollars in his racing career and is now
a trail horse, loving life with adopter Terry Levendoski. You
won't want to miss him if you are near Chicago this Saturday
night!!!
Special thanks to Andrea Trevett for donation of a five pound
trial bag of FASTRACK to try with a few of our sanctuary horses
here at ASAP. She has also offered to work on a discount and
feature us on her web site.
Another special thanks to a young lady named Clarice, and her
family who stopped at the ASAP farm last Saturday to see all
the horses, learn of their life and history, and take pictures.
The highlight of the day was when we caught Explosive MS (Missy)
and brought her up to saddle and take for a spin. Clarice was
a wonderful match for Missy that day - Missy had Arne to follow
down the road, but quickly took the lead with Clarice in the
saddle to direct her. Missy was relaxed and well behaved, and
even Arne had fun once he got out of the yard to see the world
a bit. Clarice's parents left after handing me a brochure containing
a check for $100. The money was for the horses, and we are sincerely
grateful for such a generous donation.
Lynette, who adopted Elba (aka Fox Valley Sizzle) continues
to be someone who amazes me in terms of dedication to ASAP through
gifts of time and much - needed supplies. Lynette recently donated
a saddle, a beautiful thick saddle pad, a bridle, and brought
a snaffle bit on Saturday. She also brought a gal named Melinda
to volunteer some time brushing and pampering the sanctuary
horses such as Haiku, Arne, Bob Cook, and others. Melinda led
Arne on the adventure out of the driveway and down the road,
and we thank her for that. Lynette also brought some treats
called Nicker Makers and some specially formulated organic fly
spray. Lynette, we can't say enough how we treasure your presence
here at the farm on Saturdays when you come!
The days have remained sunny and dry, and it is great to wake
up each morning to the warm, bright summer sun. I know we need
rain, but who can blame me for being eternally cheery lately?
Okay, it is official - I have resigned from my position as teacher
in the public schools. This is a very scary step for me and
my family, as I am fiercely independent and self-reliant, and
not working means I must be more aware of our financial limitations.
However, we do feel as though this is what God wants for our
family, and if we are in His will only good can come out of
it. I am joyful at the thought that I can be at home every day
to see my kids off to school, and actually be in charge of my
own laundry!! Also, I will be able to help Craig out with the
sign business and hauling horses, and ASAP will get more of
my time as we find more ways to spread the word about the program
and the awesome horses we serve.
We still need more pictures for our calendar contest, and more
volunteers for the Northern Illinois Horse Fest in Belvidere
the weekend of August 23 and 24.
I will write more after Springfield and Balmoral.
Also, an important side note: Many people responded to my last
farm update in regards to the loss of the three horses Domino,
Skeeter, and Bob the Belgian. I wanted to make sure you knew
that these horses were all with their adopters - one in Pennsylvania,
and two in Wisconsin, at the time of their passing. Their adopters
were top notch horse people - and took excellent care of their
adopted horses. They were responsible, loving, and went out
of their way to contact ASAP when their horses passed away.
Long live the memory of Domino, Skeeter, and Bob!
Until next week,
Susan
