ASAP Farm Updates

Trainers Challenge!

2013-03-23T11:36:00.001-05:00

We have trainers lined up for the following horses so far:

Palomino Mare

Spect's Solution!

Still seeking trainers for tune-ups for following horses:

Topville Dynomite - this obedient, well-trained horse is expert in harness, but needs introduction to saddle. He is 11 years old, Standardbred, bay, and will be an easy horse to get started

Cricket - 11 year old half-Arabian - born to ASAP mare Asha on the ASAP farm - Cricket is 14'3 hands tall, chestnut, and has been ridden since age 3. Issues include bitting, bridling, mounting (she tends to move when a person is trying to mount), some spooking, and needs work at the canter.

Fox Valley Deon - although this horse may be adopted tomorrow, he is technically still available for spring tune-up. 15'2 hands tall, friendly, curious, trained to harness and saddle but needs refreshing.

Contact Sue for more info!

Excalibur Helped!

2013-03-23T11:32:00.001-05:00

Thank you to Katy B. for offering to haul Excalibur this weekend. Thanks to Lisa Judd for supplying hay until Katy could get there. And thanks to Ingunn R. for taking him back into her care after several years have passed.

You all are an important part of the mission of ASAP. Thanks so much!

Trainer's Challenge! March - June!

2013-03-20T18:26:00.001-05:00

ASAP has just thought of a way to reduce numbers temorarily at the farm, while offering local trainers a chance to show what they can do! From now until the Justin Mundt Fund Raiser on June 26, we are looking for you to work with an ASAP horse.......and on June 28, auction each horse out for adoption, with trainers keeping 75% of the proceeds!

The following horses need training:

Up Periscope - located in Hortonville, Wisconsin - this STB horse is 17 hands tall and 11 years old. He was retrained to saddle after harness training, but has not been ridden in over a year. Up Periscope has not been known to rear or buck, but his lack of recent riding leaves adopters skeptical about adoption. He can be dominant with other horses during feeding time, but otherwise has no other known vices

Buddy aka Ringo - 12 year old black Standardbred gelding - sound - 15'1 hands tall. As far as anyone knows, Buddy was an Amish buggy horse for his entire life - no tattoos or freeze brands are evident. We do not know if Buddy is trained to ride. He is fearful in new situations, and was spared from slaughter in late 2012 and has traveled many miles from PA to WI to be at ASAP. He had to be sedated to get into the trailer, but once in he rode with no behavioral issues whatsoever. Buddy is the kind of horse that is going to learn to trust someone and love them and be 100% devoted to them when he bonds.

Fox Valley Deon - again, this 16 year old STB gelding is sound, and 15'2 hands tall. He is curious and playful, and can be a little bossy with his pasture mates but never hurtful. He was retrained at age 3 from harness horse to riding horse. He was ridden by a 13 year old until she graduated from high school and went on to college. He was adopted by a retired mailman from Illinois, who chose to trade him for another STB. Deon has been in foster care for 1.5 years without ever being ridden. He will, most likely, be very easy to get going again - just needs hours. He is easy to handle, and loves people. No bucking or rearing ever reported.

Spect's Solution - this small STB gelding is currently near Winona Minnesota. He has had two unsuccessful placements as a riding horse. He did spend a year's time pulling an Amish buggy with no incident. This 14'3 hand horse has recently reared with a woman and went completely over backwards. Spect has been inspected by a veterinarian, and other than a knee infection two years ago there is no physical reason why he should be doing this, although we won't rule it out. Spect is loving and kind, but definitely has some issues under saddle. He is also in his early teens

10 year old Palomino mare - sound - 15'3 hands tall. She does not buck or rear, but is hard to control at the canter when doing speed events. She does not like to stop! Also has some issues in the show ring with not wanting to do what is asked of her. She is entirely obedient on trails at the walk trot and canter.

Taz - Grulla Paint gelding - Taz is now 14. He has been with ASAP for almost three years. His issues in the past were not wanting to be caught, not wanting to be bridled, and trailer loading. He has come a long way in three years with many people who have been very patient with him. He no longer runs away when being approached and is easy to catch. He bowed a front tendon last year when being attacked by a visiting horse, and it has not fully recovered. ASAP would love someone to take Taz (under the condition he is pampered!!), and a heavy hand will get someone nowhere. He is a woman's horse, and appears to not like men at all. He was on trail rides last year with no issues such as bucking or rearing or crow hopping. He needs someone with knowledge about bowed tendons.

Topville Dynomite - this loving Standardbred gelding was an awesome race horse, then was sold to the Amish and pulled an Amish buggy for a year. His front and left hind fetlocks are slightly enlarged from wear and tear, but he is sound on the ground. He is kind and obedient, easy to load, haul, trim, groom, tack up, but no one has been on his back for lack of time. This should be an easy one!

Open house this Saturday if anyone is curious about meeting any one of the above horses, or can arrange a visit to see Spect's Solution or Up Periscope. Please call Sue at 608-792-5126 or email asapinc@mwt.net

All horses will have vaccinations and current coggins before they leave the ASAP farm. This could be fun!!!!

Illinois Horse Fair Pics

2013-03-11T22:22:00.001-05:00

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: "asapinc@mwt.net" <asapinc@mwt.net>
To: susan4thehorses@yahoo.com
Sent: Monday, March 11, 2013 12:36 PM
Subject: Fwd: IHF Pics

Thank you to Libby C. for forwarding me pics of last weekend's horse fair!
Pictured are me with Len Cummins, Bob Walker and the Walker family,
demonstrating in the coliseuem, and Jordan with Timesareachanging. Thank
you for taking them!

See the full gallery on Posterous

Coggins, Sponsorships, Horse Fairs!

2013-02-21T23:10:00.001-06:00

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: "asapinc@mwt.net" <asapinc@mwt.net>
To: susan4thehorses@yahoo.com
Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2013 11:05 PM
Subject: Fwd: Coggins, Sponsorships, Horse Fairs!

We are so excited to be going to Illinois Horse Fair in just 8 short days!
I had almost forgotten about the coggins that needs to be drawn! Just a
remeinder that Illinois does not require a calendar year coggins like
Wisconsin does - Wisconsin law states a horse's coggins must be dated
January 1 - December 31.

In Illinois, I believe a coggins test is good for either six or 12
consecutive months, even if it goes into another calendar year. Missouri
law is different again.

Just to be on the safe side, ASAP likes to have coggins done in January or
February so it is good for the entire traveling/riding season.

Look for ASAP as we demonstrate in the coliseum on both Saturday and
Sunday, along with the harness racers!

Our next venue won't occur until a month later, in Iowa, demonstrating
alongside the Iowa Harness Horseman's Association for our 12th year! Iowa
Horse Fair is a very laid back fair with tons of great shopping.

Our last horse fair will be in Madison for Midwest Horse Fair. Look for
ASAP as we sit alongside Mary Ellen Miller who is doing clinics on grief
and our pets! We will be keeping warm inside the coliseum. I must say
that this is the most busy horse fair, and most stressful in terms of
being able to move around and not feel pushed and shoved....but it is also
where we see so many adopters and friends from over the years!

We are seeking sponsorships to assist with price of diesel fuel to get to
Springfield, IL and Des Moines, IA. Graciously, IaHHA has offered to pay
lodging for us while at Iowa Horse Fair - thank you! Len Cummins and his
wife have graciously paid our stall space and demo costs for IL Horse Fair
- they are former original owners of Mc Dominant!!!! Lodging and diesel
are still astronomical, though, but we feel it very important that the
state of Illinois has Standardbred representation and harness racing
representation. John Cisna of ISOBA used to take care of ASAP every year
for over a decade, but since his death we have been on our own in terms of
carrying the full costs to be in Springfield.

See you at horse fair! If you want to demonstrate in either Illinois or
Iowa, please let Sue know!!!

In Illinois, I believe a coggins test is good for either six or 12
consecutive months, even if it goes into another calendar year. Missouri
law is different again.

Just to be on the safe side, ASAP likes to have coggins done in January or
February so it is good for the entire traveling/riding season.

Look for ASAP as we demonstrate in the coliseum on both Saturday and
Sunday, along with the harness racers!

See you at horse fair! If you want to demonstrate in either Illinois or
Iowa, please let Sue know!!!

See the full gallery on Posterous

Sid the Llama

2013-02-10T15:23:00.001-06:00

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: "asapinc@mwt.net" <asapinc@mwt.net>
To: susan4thehorses@yahoo.com
Sent: Sunday, February 10, 2013 3:14 PM
Subject: Fwd: Sid the Llama

Here are some pics of Sid the day before he went down and stayed down for
another 2 days.

I found him lying in a cold wet puddle yesterday outside the shelter and
he was shivering and could not get himself up. Many thousands of thanks
go out to Mike and Pam and Rachele and Nate for coming to see the horses
and being instrumental in helping save Sid. We were able to roll him over
onto a horse blanket and drag him into the indoor arena. Mike worked to
configure the sling and we cranked him up while Pam held his head and
neck. Sid tired so easily and seemed to give up, and he looked lifeless
for a moment. We didn't have the heart to keep him in the sling and
lowered him down.

While I ran to get my daughter for a tournament, Mike and Pam and Rachele
helped Sid be comfortable, with a blanket on his body and pillow under his
head. Mike ran and got Craig's torpedo heater and plugged it in. Before
long Sid was not shivering, but his eyes were closed and when I returned I
got instantly scared.

Mike and Pam and Rachele had to get going, so Craig came out and we knew
Sid's only chance was to get him up again. The sling went through some
modifications, and when Sid was up we built a hay bale fort around him so
he could not move around too much. He is still up and eating today, and
it is a miracle. Off I go in the rain and ice to pick up more
dewormer...maybe we just have to keep treating him for meningeal worm
because I don't think this is injury related any more. Sid is tough, and
my love to Craig and the Craig family for yesterday!!!

Here are some pics of Sid the day before he went down and stayed down for
another 2 days.

See the full gallery on Posterous

Ona aka Luna and her Guinea Hen Friend!

2013-02-06T22:50:00.001-06:00

This is a new referral for placement through ASAP. The mare is currently
in Kansas. Registered name and details coming. The funniest thing is
that this horse has a companion who is a guinea hen! The hen even sits on
the horse's back and rides around during the day. Video also coming!

Donation Missing

2013-02-06T17:08:00.001-06:00

I am so sad today.
Went to deposit a donation in the bank that Market Analysis' shipper gave
ASAP and the money was gone. Have searched purse, truck, pockets. We are
out $160.00.

SO UPSET.........

California Dreaming

2013-02-05T12:32:00.001-06:00

IF it were not for the family and the animals needing me, I don't think I
could take another day of living here in winter. I came across a picture
today and started crying - to think that just a few short months ago I was
sitting with my daughter on this beach, and mom was still living and was
passing the time napping in the SUV with our family friend. I kept
running back and forth between the boardwalk, the beach, and my mom. Remember bringing her coffee and watching the gulls begging for food
outside the car window. We watched the sun set over the ocean that night.
It's like it was yesterday. The drive from Santa Cruz back to Los Gatos
was slow due to traffic, and mom had to go to the bathroom. The boys
started telling jokes and talking with accents, and mom started laughing
at them, hoping she could make it back to the motel without ....an
accident! So good memories but sadness today in my soul.

Sid's Progress

2013-02-05T00:21:00.001-06:00

Well, Sid is as bright as ever and very talkative...but still not standing
up. Jordan H. came over and tried along with me to lift him to his feet
after he had yet three more full tubes of panacur, but he resisted us the
whole way.

I have to get him up tomorrow. The vet said he must have 12 hours on his
feet! Wish us luck.

If anyone has any extra panacur or safeguard would you consider selling it
to us or donating six tubes? I am not finding it less expensive than $10
each at Farm and Fleet, $15.99 at Tractor Supply. I have to give Sid
three tubes tomorrow and three more tubes on Wednesday and I've already
spent over $150 on wormer and medicine for him. Just thought it would not
hurt to ask.

Sid is so special to me, and to many who have known him. Pray for Sid
and hope tomorrow he is up. If we cannot treat him here I will need to
somehow get him to the llama vet in Leon near Sparta. I just don't want
to stress him by taking him away from his buddies and his home. Thanks for
your thoughts!

Sue

Market Analysis Farewell

2013-02-03T14:43:00.001-06:00

Tom Harmer came to pick up Market Analysis a little before noon today. We
gave him the tour of the ASAP farm and showed him Timesareachanging, Taser
Gun, Cash Wilco, Lakehills Texas, ARNE, Bob Cook, and so on and so on! We
told him this is where the horses come when they leave the track, for the
past 20 years we have loved and cared for each and every horse that has
been entrusted to us by the race owners.

We would like to thank Tom Harmer for his donation for the horses at ASAP.
Also thanks to Michelle Crawford for adopting Market Analysis and
bringing him back home to New York where he was born! We are hoping
Hoofbeats will do a story on his amazing life and journey back to where it
all began!

Need a Volunteer for Market Analysis

2013-02-02T14:51:00.001-06:00

Yup the rumors are true - Market Analysis is returning home to New York to
Crawford Standardbred Farm!!!

I need a volunteer to come and help me prepare him for his trip - a nice
grooming......to polish him up for Michelle! Can anyone help this
weekend?

Sue

RINGO NEEDS FOSTER FAMILY

2013-02-01T22:17:00.001-06:00

Please help Ringo! Thanks to donations from anonymous people his life was
spared from slaughter out in Pennsylvania. Thanks to our wonderful ASAP
supporter Lori H., his transport is paid from PA to WI.

Now this 11 year old ex- Amish STB gelding needs a loving family. ASAP
would love to be able to takee them all, but it is impossible for us to do
this without support. We had several people step up to help the local 6
year old Amish gelding, but this horse is traveling literally hundreds of
miles and we must have a solid plan established for his care. If you can
help. please please contact Sue at asapinc@mwt.net or call 608-689-2399 or
608-792-5126. We need your support!!

Amish Gelding Update

2013-01-28T20:54:00.001-06:00

It looks like the young man Randy (renamed Brandy by his foster family) is settling in well. Please see the attached pictures and know that this horse has a second chance at a great life thanks to all of you who contributed. He appears a little "stunned" by his recent activities.....a bit of a culture shock for him I am sure!

Feel free to join us for our board meeting Wednesday night, January 30, if you wish to become more involved with ASAP. New members always welcome!

See the full gallery on Posterous

Amish Gelding In New Home!

2013-01-28T13:39:00.001-06:00

Thanks ever so much to Jay Vosseteig for providing the truck and trailer
to get the Amish gelding, Randy, to his new foster home near Ontario!
Thanks to Jeff and Kim R. for providing their home!

He was out in the back of the barn eating from a pile of manure mixed with
hay when we arrived. He appeared weak while walking, but stepped right up
into the trailer. When he unloaded, his back legs also appeared to be
very weak, and he swayed. We are hoping that a good solid diet and a
deworming program will bring his strength back. A farrier will pull his
shoes and the vet will be called to pull a coggins right away.

Let's keep our fingers crossed that he is merely weak, and isn't showing
signs of EPM. I don't know why that thought crossed my mind as I drove
home....hope it isnt, as we haven't seen EPM in horses for the past ten
years. Before that, we received several horses into our care who had it,
but all except one recovered from it so it CAN be treated.

Thank you everyone for your continued support!
Pictures later today!
Susan

Springtime Beauty

2013-01-27T14:20:00.001-06:00

Here are some photos of Springtime, who is currently available for
adoption. She is being fostered near Green Bay, along with Home Stand.

See the full gallery on Posterous

Papparika Pete

2013-01-27T14:17:00.001-06:00

Available for Adoption!
13 year old chestnut Standardbred gelding. Papparika Pete is a retired
Standardbred, dear to his owner's heart. She is seeking a permanent,
loving family to care for him for the rest of his days. Contact Sue at
asapinc@mwt.net or call her cell at 608-792-5126. Horse is currently
stabled in Kentucky!

See the full gallery on Posterous

Amish Gelding Update

2013-01-25T16:12:00.001-06:00

We stopped at the barn today to pay Levi for the STB gelding (thanks to
those who donated, it isn't the full amount Levi wanted but hoping he'll
accept what we raised). The gelding was gone. Levi and his family were
not home. I left him an envelope and asked him to call me.

I am most worried, as there was about 1/2 bale's worth of loose hay left
in the barn..........thanks to those who are trying to help us help him. Will keep you updated....

Sue

Amish Gelding Helped!

2013-01-24T10:51:00.001-06:00

We have one $200 commitment, a donation from DT's "mom" (thank you!), and
if we can reach $400 we will attempt to take that amount to the Amish man
to see if he will accept it.

Thanks to Kim and Jeff R. of Ontario, who may be willing to take this
horse in for rehab and foster!!! Things are moving along. Thanks to
Trudy M. for offering to take him in as well.......will keep everyone
updated on how things proceed!!

Keep the pay pal donations coming please!!!

6 Year Old Standardbred Gelding - Amish Horse - Needs Home!!!!

2013-01-17T23:39:00.001-06:00

A man from Ontario called who has a six year old STB gelding who he will be calling the kill buyer to pick up if no one steps up for him.

No behavior issues - goes great pulling buggy until he comes to a steep hill- then is extremely cautious and Amish owner thinks he might have navicular but has had no diagnostics done.

If anyone can help ASAP get this beautiful horse before he also ends up in Mexico, let Sue know at asapinc@mwt.net or call 608-792-5126 cell. Urgent! I will try to get pictures tomorrow.

Romance Valley Horses

2013-01-16T21:52:00.001-06:00

I have neglected to post pics of the horses who are wintering quite well down in what we call "Romance Valley", about a seven minute drive from the ASAP farm.

ARNE, Bob Cook, Lakehills Texas (26 years young!), and Market Analysis all share this place. Markie is the youngest, and is not necessarily appreciated by his "senior" pasture mates!

We are grateful to Ursula C. for her donation of space for these four.

See the full gallery on Posterous

Charity Poker Fund!

2013-01-10T23:13:00.001-06:00

We are another step closer to being able to host a charity poker fund tournament, or series of them, in

Chicago!

The application is filled out, but ASAP needs every penny we raise to pay for the astronomical cost of hay this winter.

So..........I am hoping to post the first story out of series of hundreds, with pictures, for your reading enjoyment this weekend. Once posted, if you like the story, it is yours to print and keep in exchange for a donation. Every penny earned from the donations from each story will go towards the cost of the license ASAP needs to pay for in order to get the poker fundraiser going!

The first story will feature the first Standardbred in my life, and how it came to be that we found each other and are still together after almost 23 years.

Thanks to all who have donated - you will not be forgotten!

Packers!

2013-01-07T21:50:00.001-06:00

We are going to have the wonderful opportunity to attend a Packer/Viking
playoff game on Saturday night!

I would like to thank my family unit for stepping up to do chores and
watch the dogs while we are gone - what would we do without Jordan,
Candace, and of course we love Cherie and Julien bunches and bunches!

So we can go and have peace of mind knowing that my son has a lifetime of
experience caring for the dogs, horses, and everything and will be here. Thank you, Maria, for also offering to help! The more, the merrier!

Go Pack Go!

End of Year Musings

2013-01-07T18:21:00.001-06:00

---------------------------- Original Message ----------------------------
Subject: End Of Year Thoughts
From: asapinc@mwt.net
Date: Wed, December 26, 2012 1:14 am
To: post@asapupdates.posterous.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are accomplished - never watched The
Nativity Story, which was so important for me to see with my family, but
all of you know that even the best laid plans of mice and
men.........combined with a horrible case of flu among most of our family
members, has delayed the perfect plan.

We all were together, we all attended church, we honored God for sending
His son, we were amazed at His grace and blessings, and now face the end
of 2012 with mixed feelings.

I came home tonite along with my family, all of us coughing, sneezing,
headaches, congestion, aching and weak beyond belief, but still keeping
our chins up. I remember my mother's brave decade or more with her
Parkinsons, her tragedies in losing my father and all of her belongings in
a house fire two weeks prior, and realizing that life just isn't fair, yet
God promises to be with us through it all, and my mom stood on that
promise. There is a gaping hole in my heart still, but I realize mom is
celebrating along with the Lord in places we cannot even comprehend, and
before we know it we will join her. Not that I am in a hurry, but as life
goes along we realize there are no guarantees for any of us, and faith is
really important.

I am reflecting back upon my life and missing so many influential people.
People who introduced me to the world that I was so passionate about,
despite my parents scratching their heads and hoping it was just a phase -
the world of horses. I am reflecting back upon my best friend, Perri, and
her mom and dad, Shirley and Al, all of which are still actively involved
in the horse world. They were the first family I knew as a three year
old, and I was magnetized to their place where I grew up in the Almaden
Valley because their life was what I dreamed of - horses, dogs, cats, even
rats! I got my first taste of riding with them, and my love for horses
deepened as I grew into something I could not contain. My dad "relocated"
us to Wisconsin when I was 15 ( you don't want to do that to a 15 year old
by the way) for a more "wholesome" lifestyle. My rebellion at being in
Wisconsin blossomed, but many good things eventually came of it. I met
people who
shared my passion for horses. My dad "fenangled" a deal where a local
farmer could have free pasture for one of his mares in exchange for me
being able to ride the red Quarter horse named Lady in the late 70's. I
can't tell you how many times I
called Bernie up, wanting to know why his steady mare had bucked me off!
He let me figure it out...........and before long I was riding her from my
parents farm to Chaseburg all by myself - about an 8 mile ride. I met so
many horse people back then - there were grill-outs, bar b cues, trail
rides, wagon rides, and there were people willing to come pick me up and
let me tag along. I met Ray Wangen back when I was 14. I did not have a
horse to ride (someone was using my Lady from Bernie), so Ray brought an
28 year old "Indian pony" with one blue eye for me to take on a 2 day
trail ride out by Cashton. I was so nervous my heart was POUNDING. I got
on that old gelding and half way up the trail to the top of the hill the
pony/horse decided this was not for him and he began all the antics he
could to get me off. I eventually flew off him and landed, and I heard
lots of laughter. LAUGHTER! Then Ray's voice telling me to get back on.
If my dad had known this......I dont' even want to tell you what he would
have done, but I sucked it up and got back on, petrified. We finished the
ride, and I was hooked. Between my childhood friend and my Wisconsin
experiences, my love for animals and the horse has become a lifetime
passion that won't go away.

All these years later, I begin to miss the influential people who have
since passed. We lost Ray in 1998, and I thought my heart would not
endure, as my dad had just suffered a very serious heart attack that year
and was in the hospital at the time of his funeral. I went to my dad's
bedside after Ray's funeral, with tear-stained eyes, recounting how the
Amish community had come together to be at Ray's funeral for all he had done
for them. The funeral procession included Ray's precious chuck wagon,
pulled by one of his favorite teams, and people walking behind the wagon
all the way from the funeral home to the church. My dad listened, then
said, "You don't need to be sad for him any more". I never understood
those words until later.

Just a couple of years ago we lost Bernie, the man who had given me my
first ever horse who bucked me off until we learned how to get along with
each other. Bernie taught me how to be tough, how to get back on, and how
to care for my first horse 24/7. Lady taught me how to catch that hard to
catch horse, and how to handle a bit of attitude. Bernie had a team of
ponies that were sponsored by Rocky's
Restaurant in Stoddard, so he was popular at many many parades throughout
the years. I saw him at Wild West Days about 3 summers ago and realized
he had really slowed down, but was still out there in his late 80's doing
what he loved.

Where are all of the old timers? Am I now an old timer? Do I continue to
try to spread the love and passion as the people in my life did? I don't
think I'm old yet, but I realize there are less and less people with the
passion around.......and it scares me. Let me always continue to be an
inspiration to anyone and everyone about the racing industry, the history
of harness racing, the love of the sport, the overall love of horses, and
the knowledge that Standardbreds make the best ever trail horses when they
can no longer race. Merry Christmas, everyone!!!

[Fwd: End Of Year Thoughts]

2013-01-07T18:13:00.003-06:00

We all were together, we all attended church, we honored God for sending
His son, we were amazed at His grace and blessings, and now face the end
of 2012 with mixed feelings.

I am reflecting back upon my life an missing so many influential people.
People who introduced me to the world that I was so passionate about,
despite my parents scratching their heads and hoping it was just a phase -
the world of horses. I am reflecting back upon my best friend, Perri, and
her mom and dad, Shirley and Al, all of which are still actively involved
in the horse world. They were the first family I knew as a three year
old, and I was magnetized to their place where I grew up in the Almaden
Valley because their life was what I dreamed of - horses, dogs, cats, even
rats! I got my first taste of riding with them, and my love for horses
deepened as I grew into something I could not contain. My dad "relocated"
us to Wisconsin when I was 15 ( you don't want to do that to a 15 year old
by the way) for a more "wholesome" lifestyle. I found that drinking
started at 14, whereas in California as a 14 year old I was even scared to
go to school dances, let alone drink. My rebellion at being in Wisconsin
blossomed, but many good things eventually came of it. I met people who
shared my passion for horses. My dad "fenangled" a deal where a local
farmer could have free pasture for one of his mares in exchange for me
being able to ride it in the late 70's. I can't tell you how many times I
called Bernie up, wanting to know why his steady mare had bucked me off!
He let me figure it out...........and before long I was riding her from my
parents farm to Chaseburg all by myself - about an 8 mile ride. I met so
many horse people back then - there were grill-outs, bar b cues, trail
rides, wagon rides, and there were people willing to come pick me up and
let me tag along. I met Ray Wangen back when I was 14. I did not have a
horse to ride (someone was using my Lady from Bernie), so Ray brought an
28 year old "Indian pony" with one blue eye for me to take on a 2 day
trail ride out by Cashton. I was so nervous my heart was POUNDING. I got
on that old gelding and half way up the trail to the top of the hill the
pony/horse decided this was not for him and he began all the antics he
could to get me off. I eventually flew off him and landed, and I heard
lots of laughter. LAUGHTER! Then Ray's voice telling me to get back on.
If my dad had known this......I dont' even want to tell you what he would
have done, but I sucked it up and got back on, petrified. We finished the
ride, and I was hooked. Between my childhood friend and my Wisconsin
experiences, my love for animals and the horse has become a lifetime
passion that won't go away.

All these years later, I begin to miss the influential people who have
since passed. We lost Ray in 1998, and I thought my heart would not
endur, as my dad had just suffered a very serious heart attack that year
and was in the hospital at the time of his funeral. I went to my dad's
bedside after Ray's funeral, with tear-stained eyes, recounting how the
Amish community had come together to be at his funeral for all he had done
for them. The funeral procession included Ray's precious chuck wagon,
pulled by one of his favorite teams, and people walking behind the wagon
all the way from the funeral home to the church. My dad listened, then
said, "You don't need to be sad for him any more". I never understood
those words until later.

Just a couple of years ago we lost Bernie, the man who had given me my
first ever horse who bucked me off until we learned how to get along with
each other. Bernie had a team of ponies that were sponsored by Rocky's
Restaurant in Stoddard, so he was popular at many many parades throughout
the years. I saw him at Wild West Days about 3 summers ago and realized
he had really slowed down, but was still out there in his late 80's doing
what he loved.