ASAP Farm Updates

Blogspot

2008-08-07T09:15:00.002-05:00

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

2008-07-26T19:15:00.013-05:00

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!

2008-07-13T13:20:00.008-05:00

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!

2008-06-27T17:09:00.002-05:00

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

2008-06-17T08:10:00.012-05:00

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!!!

2008-06-03T21:53:00.003-05:00

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

2008-06-02T21:36:00.008-05:00

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

Busy Busy

2008-05-23T08:04:00.006-05:00

I am so sorry not to have updated sooner than this.

Horses pictured are Pearl, Blackie, and Spirit!

Issues issues but I am glad to say things should slow down about the time school gets out.

New horses, and old horses going to summer pasture thanks to Ursula C. in Newton Valley.

Strawberry, Apples, Bob Cook and Arne are eating over there as we speak!

I am going to post recent pictures of new horses Pearl, Lyric, and Blackie with Victoria and also my daughter Rachel and neighbor Lexi for you to see. If you know of anyone looking for some nice horses please see us! Horses, as usual, waiting in line to enter program. Did you see the $100,000 Warmblood coming in? Who will adopt him?

I'll write more later!

Hugs,

Susan

Heartbreaking News

2008-05-06T12:49:00.005-05:00

Friends,

It has taken me three days to write. I have had a lot to process but am thankful that the things that transpired took place over the weekend where we had no distractions, no jobs to run to, and no special occaisons to attend. I am biting my lower lip and holding back tears as I share with you that we lost Precious KC on Saturday. I keep saying "I'm sorry" as if to say it to her - in a way I feel partially responsible for the way she died.....but again know that the inevitable was coming upon us closer and closer each day as we saw her body failing her. Yet her spirit and vitality were so strong! Craig shared that she was, by far, one of the toughest horses with the most determination he has ever known.

Precious KC was a great race horse. I won't go into detail, but she did race and made around $90,000 before her body broke down. At that time she was taken back home to a pasture in Illinois and turned out with a stallion. She didn't take, but that had to have been because of her physical condition. She was donated and Craig went down years ago to pick her up. He called me on his cell, asking if he was sure he had to bring her home. He did not know if she would make the trip, her physical condition was that bad. He knew what the answer from me would be, but it went against what he wanted to do. She arrived safe and sound, laid down to rest, and after that got used to her life here at our farm as a sanctuary horse with Haiaku. They were a married pair, those two! Joined at the hip, one followed the other, although Precious never admitted that she was close to ANYONE until Taser Gun came along. She didn't even like to let on that she liked Craig or me until this past year, when her dependence upon us was so evident.

Up until the end, Precious was kicking and running in between her "bouts" where she had to lie down.

I think I looked into Precious's eyes two thousand times, or maybe more over the past several years. I can still hear myself gently calling, "Preshhhhhh-ussssssss" when going out to get her at night to tuck her in her stall. When she went down on Thursday night I had been at the mall with my kids. I came home after dark and went out to get her but she looked comfortable lying there so I left her. On Friday she began a strange kind of thrashing that involved only her front legs. I wrapped her legs and saw her breathing more heavily than normal. On Saturday I knew we would be calling the vet, as a shot of banamine had not improved her ability to stand and she was breathing hard and was sweating. I felt her ears and head as it laid on my lap on Saturday afternoon for what seemed like an eternity and I knew in my heart she was suffering and her head was cold. Her heart was failing.........and I knew we must do the right thing. Rachel and I went to call the vet. I started chores and went into the arena with a bucket of water and she nickered at me. I felt it a good sign and went to offer her the water. She dunked her whole mouth and nose deep into the bucket as if to swallow the whole thing, and when she swallowed the water came back up and through her nose and she began gasping. I knew something was very wrong and ran out to see if the vet would hurry along. Rachel cried. Ethan and Zach stayed with Precious. We laid hay under her that day so she would be very comfortable and not get sand into her mouth. We told her how much we loved her. We tried to lift her up with the skid steer with straps underneath her but she had given up the fight. We pulled, we tugged, we encouraged and cheered. Her eyes were closed. She was tired.

As I exited the barn with Rachel and went into the shed to get feed, I saw Ethan and Zach shoot past me and run to Craig who was on the riding lawn mower. I knew then that something was wrong. They said they saw her quit breathing. I got down on my knees and didn't know whether to scream "WHY?" or rejoice. She was free of pain. Right then in my spirit I heard God whisper peace to my heart, and saw a vision of Haiaku and Star Cheetah and Asha and Brittany welcoming Precious as they raced across the gold-lined pastures of heaven together. But...it still hurts. For many years life has centered around Precious and the other sanctuary horses here. Get up in the morning and turn them out - make sure they get all their supplement. Order extra. Have blankets on hand - and they are the last thing we do at night before going in. Vacation? Make sure someone knows how to care for Precious and the others who were so needy. Worry. Worry more. Pray.

I am so happy she is free now. Our hearts are still heavy. Taser Gun is lonely. As I cleaned up the yard on Saturday night I watched as Craig lovingly picked Precious up with the equipment and take her down the hill to her final resting place. He covered her with a blanket as he dug the hole. Rachel picked a thousand dandelions to put on her grave. She cried as she picked them.

We all said "so long" and believe God has rewarded her for being such a courageous race horse and a brave sanctuary horse who put up with a lot of pain but overcame it by showing us no matter how much it hurt there was still something she wanted to live for. At the end, it was Taser Gun who gave her quality of life. And...........maybe she hung on for us..........for me..........but I hope not. I sure will miss her. She has left an impression in all of our hearts.

Hug me!

Susan

Horse Expos, Horse Shows, and Other News

2008-05-01T09:10:00.037-05:00

Midwest Horse Fair Pictures - Demo Was Successful

Costume contest winners!

Trot your horses!

Waiting for their turn

Top ten halter horses!

Mutual neck/back massage

Remmie - always hungry

Thanks to Lisa D. I have gathered more pics from Midwest Horse Fair and the 4-H horse show held last weekend. I just have to snicker when I think of Remmie. Here is this old Amish horse who came to us hungry and tired, and was never in a trailer until he made the journey to our farm. Fast forward to 4-H meetings, riding for fun, and Remmie getting better every day and feeling better. We didn't take him to any horse fairs, but we did, last weekend, take him to his first horse show. We loaded Sheba, Chief and Janny first, wondering if Remmie would load willingly. Could we ask for anything better? He walked right in!!!! Once at the horse show, all horses were well behaved for their 4-h riders and handlers. Sheba got a bit excited when she was separated for one halter class, which cost her being one of the finalists...........but other than that the Standardbreds and Chief were 3 of the ten finalists in halter!!!! Isn't that neat? The STB's also endured the costume contest, and Rachel and Janimal placed first with their princess and the frog outfit from last year's Midwest Horse Fair! Remmie and Lexi placed second with their American Idol garb. Now, if Remmie could write home to his Amish family of many years ans send a picture of himself wearing a cowboy hat and microphone........what would the letter really say??? LOL - Remmie we love you. And all of the other horses who serve the children who come to the farm for every and any reason.

We are in great need of hay. We have almost exhausted our large round bale supply which isn't even paid for yet, and don't have any small squares at all. We are off to Cuba City this Saturday to pick up a load of 200 bales - if you have any you want to donate or sell along the way, please call me at home at 608-689-2296 so we can arrange to stop near you.

No horse events this weekend - looks like we are in for some rain. Sharon is getting better each day and Precious is much improved. Pearl looks like something out of a magazine - sleek and fat and gorgeous......waiting for a home! Please come and see us.

Hugs,

Susan

MIdwest Horse Fair Pictures

2008-04-23T08:35:00.014-05:00

Morgan on "Grif" or Fleur de Mal

and Carol Williams with her beloved equine soul mate on lead line

Orphan foal in barn 11 through 2nd Chance Horse Rescue

Victory Buck and Kathleen De Master - ballerinas

Fleur de Mal with friend Lexi at Midwest Horse Fair

Pistol Pete N and Ray Hubert

Rachel Wellman on Janimal

Lexi De Garmo on Lakehills Texas

Ray and Pete

Mary Ellen Miller and Tyler's Tanya in royal purple costume

Alice Hubert and Mini Happy Times

Boasts and Bummers

2008-04-22T13:41:00.002-05:00

Hi!

Wanted to share we are back from horse fair and are pooped! I will send pictures soon.....in the meantime I will let you know that Precious KC continues to improve steadily and her eye is now completely open. The oozing has stopped out of the injury sites and she is eating her Uniprim in her feed and taking her bute well. She is one tough horse. Stylish Sharon, the aged mare dropped here last week, appears listless and depressed. I put her out in a pasture by herself yesterday and she only occasionally ate grass. She whinnies for Precious (they have stalls near each other in the barn) when I separate them. She IS eating....but definitely does not have a voracious appetite. The vet recommended iodine bath after return from horse fair, so I did that this morning. She really acted as if it stung when I applied it. I felt badly for her - she even made a face and wanted to rub her head on something at one point! I do see baby hairs growing out of some areas on her bare skin so am hopeful between the powder and the bath we have made progress. Thanks to those of you who have sent money to help these horses. We could not do it without you!

I have very sad news. Ashlea Newburn, the girl who donated money to sponsor Precious KC, died Saturday night at 11 pm. I found out because I went to http://www.caringbridge.com/ and I typed in her name (you can go to it too, but don't leave a space between her first and last name in order to log in)................there were announcements for her visitation and funeral and I immediately began sobbing. For those of you who do not know, Ashlea had an inoperable brain tumor. It had gone into remission but returned and despite her courageous fight to hang on, she lost the battle. Please remember her family in your prayers. Ashlea's mom had shared with me last night that Ashlea had Precious' picture in a frame by her bed. It means much to know Precious was so loved by such a special girl who loved so much.

I also lost my kitty, Velcro, on Thurday prior to leaving for Madison for the horse fair. Velcro was 15 1/2 years old. She was mother to Raffi, my cat who is disabled. WE also called her "Little Little" because she was oh so small her whole life. Velcro tried to tell me something was very wrong on Wednesday, and I put her out in the sunshine to feel the warmth of the day and she wandered and almost got stomped on by Cricket as she zig-zagged down in the pasture towards the creek. I ran to get her and scooped her up before Cricket could do anything and brought her back up and put her in a kennel cab to keep her safe. She wouldn't eat. The next morning I called the vet and was ready to go and get more medication. Velcro was giving me that deep, throaty MEOW that comes when something is very wrong. I tucked her into bed but when I came out to prepare to leave I realized she was gone. I went to the indoor arena to cry and remember the long and many years we shared together. I had no one to share my sorrow with until I met up with relatives and friends later on, but I don't think anyone can really understand what she meant to me and all of the things we have been through together. I am happy she is in a better place and out of pain!

Thanks to Sandee Wellman, my wonderful mother in law, and Lisa De Garmo, my neighbor and friend, for all of their help and support at horse fair. Because of them (and Rachel and Zachary and Nick) it was the best the horses had ever looked for demo!!!! Pictures later.

Love

Susan

Need Financial Help for Two Horses

2008-04-15T21:22:00.007-05:00

I am sorry to have to ask, but I want to show you pictures of two horses who need financial support right now.

One of our sanctuary horses sustained a head injury while we were away on vacation. We have had vet consultations and ordered medications that are given orally and topically and one injectable. Another horse was dropped off today....a return from an adopter who had her for less than two years. This older mare is covered with lice. I am showing pictures and don't mean to shock you..............but it speaks of the severity of what we are caring for right now.........and whatever you can send via Paypal or check...in any way...would be appreciated. We also are needing finances for transport of an ASAP horse coming to us next week, and we owe one very kind volunteer gas money for jockeying several ASAP horses from adoptive homes to foster homes, some going as far as 400 miles. Please, if you can, help! We have just completed Iowa Horse Fair and we want to thank the Legacy Fund, Mary Lou Lawless, and Iowa harness horsemen and women for sponsoring our trip. They paid stall fees and completely covered all motel rooms. Thank you thank you everyone!

News from ASAP

2008-04-08T13:48:00.003-05:00

I'm back!!!!

I must admit it is difficult to readjust after basking in the sun under the palm trees with birds a-singing......as well as roller coaster rides and sticking my toes in the sand on the gulf side on the way home.......but I'll bore you with pictures later!

I want to thank the UW-La Crosse Equestrian Team and De Soto Strivers 4-H club for holding the fort down and taking full advantage of our wonderful horses this past weekend. The equestrian team showed the 4-H'ers a lot of things that were educational and fun, and Sheba, Chief, Janimal, Tex, and Remmie were the star lesson horses. I want to make a correction that on Saturday for the coggins clinic it was not Dr. Jacobs of Viroqua Vet Clinic that came out to show the youth about EIA testing, but Dr. Solverson of Westby - OOOPS! Sorry for that! Thank you to Dr. Solverson.

Now usually while we are away, things happen. Naturally, that very same thing occurred this time. Precious KC decided to lie down outside of the barn and could not get herself up. She was in the large stall area with outside turnout, but the rain started and despite the entire neighborhood's attempts, Precious laid there until she could muster the strength herself. As a result, she suffered a head injury and scraped herself up. Now looking at Precious one would assume that she should be put down. Try to tell her that!!! Penicillin, bute, banamine, nitrofurazone, hydrogen peroxide all seem to bother her more than her injury. She runs away and almost gets viscious when we come to doctor her! If she could run away at full speed she would. So.......her will to live is voracious. She also is eating like crazy. So........what do we do?

The swelling in her leg has come down and the swelling on one side of her face is down, but the pus continues to ooze out of the injury above her eye. Please say a prayer for this girl - she has had so much to contend with in her life!!!

I am happy to say that the neighbors may be ready to rent us the ten acres of pasture we have been praying for. Add to this the 90 acres that my mother gave us after my father passed away, and we just may convert a portion of this into sanctuary land for the horses. Also we are thankful to Ursula for her donation of what seems like 50 acres of pasture we have access to yearly in June. We have a lot to be grateful for in terms of future care of incoming horses. We still cannot the people who have been so helpful in the past, such as Tim and Patty, Marie, Bonnie, Angie, Jackie, Michelle (our newest and very active chapter near Springfield IL!), and

Kim, Carmen, Trudy, Lori, who have I left out? Seems like just a beginning!!!! With so many people involved we are able to cover a lot of ground in terms of serving horses waiting at the tracks and beyond. And our childrens programs seem to be growing and thriving.

I am also happy to report that as of next week I will be working just one day a week for the time being. This will give me time to pursue more meetings with racing administration and officials and people involved with ASAP. It is well-deserved time to focus as I think about my life work and where it will lead me next (aside from the charity).

I want to thank my mother in law for being here for us while we were on vacation. And of course Ethan. My mother in law stayed by Precious' side and rallied help from Lisa (I thank you too for being there for Precious!) and Patty and Kelly (all neighbors). Their goal was to keep Precious alive until we got home and they did a good job! Thanks to Sandee for cleaning my house on Saturday, and to Brittany my neice for helping, too. All was a labor of love!

Gear up for this weekend - Iowa Horse Fair in Des Moines! We will join the Iowa Harness Horseman's Association for two days of demos, then on to Midwest Horse Fair where we will be in barn 11 (don't forget!)...I think you will like our demos there too!

After the next two weekends I'll probably collapse for awhile, but it is always fun to see the people who have given great homes to so many horses. I can hardly wait to see you! Pictures tomorrow? Hopefully so!

Love

Susan

Upcoming Events at ASAP and Beyond!!!

2008-03-27T14:40:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone,

We want to share all the exciting things that are happening at ASAP, thanks to our local 4-H chapters and UW-La Crosse.

On Saturday April 5 the De Soto Strivers 4-H club will hold a coggins clinic at our farm. Dr. Jacobs of Viroqua Veterinary Center will discount the cost of his coggins tests for that day, and 4-H'ers will get to observe and learn about why EIA tests are so important. If you are not yet a member of 4-H but want to come, please call us at 608-689-2399 to reserve a spot to attend.

On Sunday, April 6, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Equestrian Team will hold a clinic here. They will use ASAP horses during their clinic, as well as the other horses that I personally own if appropriate. I am going out of town from Saturday to Saturday this week, but there will be someone living here at the property and taking care of the horses and animals and anything else that comes up. My two kids and my husband and I are going on a long-deserved, non-horse-related getaway ( I think I can do it??? - anxiety, worry, fingernail biting, lip chewing)...say a prayer for me!

WE ARE IN BARN 11 at MIDWEST HORSE FAIR! Don't forget to come and see us!!!

And we will be at Iowa Horse Fair and demonstrating both Saturday and Sunday!!!!

Look for details for Minnesota Horse Expo as well!!!

Until after the 6th,

hugs,

Susan