October 24, 2006

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy......so I don't wanna be Jack! The weather has dampened my spirits but also made me more determined than ever to overcome the elements and go out and spend time with the horses. In the past two weeks I think I have ridden every horse of my own and even took my 26 year old gelding to Wildcat Mountain near Ontario WI to trail ride. I didnt mean to, but I was going to take my white mare, Sheba (who is now 20!!!). I rode her bareback around the yard with halter and lead rope and she was soooo calm. I was certain it was the right day, but she showed me differently as her hips were very stiff and as I flashed back to the steep trails at Wildcat I second guessed myself about taking Sheba and walked out to Randy. He stood, looking at me like, "Well, you're gonna do it, so do it...put that halter on me already...." ....so I did!

We had the best ride, and as I watched Lake Hills Texas and Craig on Fargo and Mollie on Squire One ahead of me, my eyes began to well up with silent tears. I came to the realization that I have ridden this Standardbred for 17 years... Randy was nine years old when I got him and we have seen many places together like this. What will I ever do if something happens to him? How can deal with another loss, another change.........and the harsh, cold realness of aging and death not only for our pets but also ourselves? Having a pet you love so much constantly brings up these emotions, doesn't it? I had to shake off the future, and really appreciate and be thankful for the day, and the fact that we have been beautifully, wonderfully blessed with the 17 years we have had! So now what could be a state of depression turned into a state of "I don't deserve this" as I drank in the goldness of the fall leaves and heard them crunching under our feet in the woods, and paced and cantered atop the mountain on my old, trusty horse Randy. Tex looked a bit sore in the hips, too, but his heart is much bigger than his aches, so up the mountain he went as fast as his little legs and the horses in front of him would let him go. Squire One was the most adventurous and energetic of our group of four, and Mollie enjoyed the trail ride on him, riding him at the fastest speed she has ever gone. She was very impressed by his experience on trails and his great behavior. He has come such a long way! One thing you will all learn if you go trail riding is that Standardbreds seem to thrive on them. They can go faster and further than many other breeds. Again, I want to share that Standardbreds and Standardbred crosses were used during the Civil War and Mexican American War as cavalry remount horses - their tough hooves and their endurance made them perfect for the job. We shouldn't keep that a secret!!

I am sorry this month for the loss of the following horses who were in adoptive homes and will be sadly missed:

Misty Glo
Ultimate Sam
Krispy Kreme
Ataraxia
Tangible JJ

You all have our sympathy.

I am busy trying to recruit clinicians for 2007. John Lyons is taking 2007 off for symposiums (at least for any as small as ours and possibly all), so we are working with Pat Parelli, Monte Roberts, and Richard Shrake and are also trying to contact Gawani Pony Boy. Write me at asapinc@mwt.net to let me know who you would come to see at the ASAP farm in 2007!

I often think of foster families and feel they deserve a hug hug, pat on the back, and mention for their efforts to care for the horses they have. I want to acknowledge Marie K. for taking in and fostering Gator, who will be making his way to our farm on Saturday. I want to thank Maggie F. for her efforts in helping Sporty, Patti M. for her effort with Tara's Melody, Mark and Denise Stuber for taking in Biggles Made It, Cheyenne, and Zeus, Cre Larson for fostering Bo Knows Silky Too, and Lynn Collins for helping in that endeavor, Linda Bair for assisting with Izabeau and Bell Valley Yank, the Kostiks for taking in Anxious Larry, Wendy Dunn for all of her efforts with Ebony, Josie, and Dealer Donnie D. Then we cannot forget Lori Hahn for all she has done for the program, both in terms of donations and also her time and quality care and concern for JD, Taken By Surprise, Wawatassi, and Callie.
JD has put on over 150# since coming back to the program thanks to Lori. Lori has also spent countless dollars on veterinarians, xrays, and consultation with Iowa State vets and local vets. Dondi, you are there with Missile Mike and we thank you! Pam Lawrence has provided excellent care to General Sam and donated vet services to him. Sue Martin in Iowa is still fostering Mikey the Thoroughbred and Double O, both of which are looking for adoptive homes after being in foster care since their adopter went off to college. Angie Kaski in Iowa - thanks so much for your love for Holly! Looks like we have a strong group of Iowa foster families. What would ASAP be without each of you? I also want to thank Carol Williams for offering to coordinate the Mid West Horse Fair in 2007. The theme for 2007 is Rock N Roll, so contact us if you want to participate. I am going to try to get a holiday newsletter out shortly - donations are a priority so we can get all of our bills paid off in 2006. The automatic waterers will have to wait until next year - sigh - the funds are not there to purchase labor and rent a trencher and the plumbing for the waterers. I cringe at dragging that 200' + of hose around again this eyar but what can we do?

We are glad for the opportunities to continue with lessons for children of all ages and ability. Most recently my daughter, Rachel, who is seven now is joining up with three of her interested class mates to form a pony club. We plan to use Lakehills Texas, Steelin Apples, Chief and Janimal forsome fun lessons, games, and maybe even a routine to music??? Pictures to follow!

Special thanks to Double L for their recent donations and 3M for the anticipated donations of vet wrap, etc. A formal thanks will follow with more details. If any of you come across a Circle Y saddle with suede seat and 16" seat (15" would be okay) please let me know the price. The Circle Y we had is sorely missed by youth and especially by me! We just don't have the saddles we need to fit the youth that are coming. If you have any saddles lying around that you might trade for a youth saddle or pony saddle, let me know! We have a child's roping saddle with a more narrow tree that is almost brand new that we could trade, and an old pony saddle that we used with our precious Bambi who passed away years ago that we could also consider trading!

Off to feed horses. Stay warm and keep in touch!

"Jesus looked at them intently, then said, 'Without God, it is utterly impossible. But with God, everything is possible.'". Mark 10:27

"In everything you do, put God first, and He will direct you and crown your efforts with success." Proverbs 3:6

"Run from anything that gives you the evil thoughts that young men often have, but stay close to anything that makes you want to do right. Have faith and love, and enjoy the companionship of those who love the Lord and have pure hearts." 2 Timothy 2:22

Hugs,
Susan

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