|
SWAP
FEED FUND
MAKE CREDIT CARD DONATIONS TO THE SWAP FEED FUND... CALL
FOSTER FEEDS AT 304-269-1333, TALK TO CHARLIE TO GIVE A DONATION TO THE SECOND
WIND ADOPTION PROGRAM FEED FUND, WE GO THROUGH 6 TONS OF FEED A MONTH. YOU CAN
ALSO PAY FOR ADOPTIONS AND PURCHASES THIS WAY!!
monthly counters started on February 13, 2010 for the website, because this is a
free counter, it will only show about a 1/4 of our total numbers, so its
not an accurate depiction of all of our visitors, just gives an idea about all
the people that visit our site. We do love our international visitors. Welcome!
Visitors By Country
Top 100 Visitors
Last 100 Visitors
Visitors Map
Daily Stats
Congrats to our President for the nomination and eventual induction to the
ROTC Hall of Fame at West Virginia State University, nominated by the former VP
of the University, the induction will take place at the Embassy Suites in
Charleston, WV October 14, 2010. A former military school, rich in a history of
national defense has only inducted just over 100 military retirees to its Hall
of Fame, many of them general officers. Congratulations on this huge honor.
Stay up with our President/Executive Director, all the
directors, volunteers and riders. All the CSS/SWAP supporters and adopters are
having a big time sharing stories, pictures, lots of good stuff about their
horses. Our President is at her max friends so she is full but we are going to
set up a fan based page so everyone can be added. So sorry to the 200 + people
who have asked for a friendship.... we'll get our fan page up soon.
Benefit Wines is a unique online retail wine shop that partners with
non-profit organizations to raise funds. Every charity partner has their
own unique wine label. Supporters enjoy fine, organic wines while
supporting their favorite cause. Cheers!
Raise $1000. for Second Wind
Adoption Program and have a 1 in 70 chance at a 15 carat Ruby/Diamond
Ring! ... mail donations to Rt. 2 Box 24A Jockey Camp Road, West Union,
WV 26456
The Wish List of Our Needs:
More than anything we need a large donation to help us pay off our farm, we just
owe 70k. With a farm paid for, we will never worry about the program and schools
closing.
We are looking for 2 to 3 people to do work in exchange for a place to live.
1. New or lightly
used truck and 3 to 6 horse trailer, our equipment has seen its better
days, we've been using both for nearly 14 years to pick up horses and move them
to their new homes.
2. A Farm in any
location for low cost long term lease or donation to expand our program
to develop a retirement farm for our now aging horses returned to us from
adopters who could not retire our horses. Our highest priority locations
initially are Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Maryland,
or Delaware.
3. New or Lightly
Used Farm utility vehicle (like a john deere gator), farm tractor,
& manure spreader
4. Tack and large
horse items donated... like carts/buggies, racing bikes, jog carts,
harnesses, saddles, horse trailers, blankets/rugs to use or sell on SWAP
Shopping. Supplies to use around the barn or office.
5. A bulk feed bin
that will hold anywhere from 6 tons to 9 tons of grain donated or at low cost or
even a break on the cost of purchase and instillation.
6. A volunteer or low cost
employee who can help us fix our
database that lists all adopters, donors, supporters and horses/dogs/cats
in the program.
7. Some sort of a cloth
facility like Cover-all or Farm-Tek
building to increase our abilities to be able to take more horses and
have an indoor area to work and train horses in winter, donated, grant or
partially donated. anywhere from 50 x 200 to 72 x 300.
8.
Monthly Sponsors for our light
use, elderly or retirement/sanctuary horses/dogs who's possibilities for
adoption are very low, ie. Orphy, Jelly Bean, Dixie, Allie, Kochese, Darlin, Mr.
Darcey, JoJo, Freckles, Lucy, Bandit, Max, etc.
9. Volunteers
to commit to doing one fund raiser for SWAP horses at your location during 2010,
it can be a golf tournament, a bake sale, book sale, lemonade stand, car wash,
setting up an information stand at a horse show. This is a great way to kids to
get involved in helping horses.
10 Anyone interested in
free high quality top soil
(manure already composted) and manure for gardens, you can pick up for free by
the truck load at our WV location (bring a loader). If you are a gardener and
only need a small amount, pick up in a truck or we'll be selling it by the feed
bag full at $2.00 a bag (in a bag that is usually used for 100 lbs of feed).
This is beautiful clean top soil. This offer will only last so long because we
will be leveling the manure pile this August when its dry enough to get a dozer
in there.
11. Someone to do
dozer work on the farm, level arena/round pen, do terracing on the hill
sides to keep water out of the barns and level the top soil and manure pile to
increase the level of that land in that bottom so we can put our methane
digester in and indoor arena. Volunteer or at a reduced cost.
Reporting Neglect:
Please, if you see neglect (ribs and hip bones showing or no
food available), its critical to call the sheriff of the county where the
horse/animal is located. Have the address where the horse is located or
directions to the farm, pictures and the owners name (if possible). If the
sheriff does nothing email our cruelty case workers Tom and Ruby Fleming at
tomfleming64@cebridge.net or email
PETA's cruelty case workers Stephanie or Tori at
sbell@peta.org,
or
ToriP@peta.org Remember horses can not speak for themselves so
we must speak for them!! All reports are kept anonymous.
Getting Help for Your Horses/animals if you can not care for
them:
If you can not feed your animals, whether they are horses or
other animals, if you are adopters, call SWAP HQ immediately, if not, call your
local horse rescue and plead for help, if they are full then call your animal
control officer or sheriff to release ownership of your animals so they can get
them help Before they are starved to death, do not wait until they are starved,
its critical to get help early. Contact us if you do not know what to do. call
304-873-3532 or email
secondwindadopt@aol.com. Many counties have pet
pantries so you can get feed when times are tough.
If things are getting tight with costs, go to a less expensive
grain like a simple stock pellet supplemented with corn, according to Ohio State
Corn is the leading horse feed in the US according to their research, many large
equine schools and large farms feed these all natural feeds because of what they
get for the price, a lot of negative stuff has been written about corn but no
one can support it with actual proof and research. We feed a simple all stock
pellet from southern states and we supplement with cracked corn for those who
need more calories, here is the link:
- http://ohioline.osu.edu/b
- 762/b762_7.htm
TOP TEN WAYS YOU CAN HELP PROTECT HORSES
(ASPCA and SWAP Suggestions)
1. BE THEIR VOICE - your vote is your
greatest weapon against injustice, so register and actively support horse
protection and preservation legislation.
2. LEAD BY EXAMPLE - Walk the talk. Don't support or attend cruel
horse activities such as Tennessee Walker events using "soring" techniques -
painful techniques to make the horse walk a certain way, or events that use
drugs to make horses achieve results. High-diving horse acts are cruel, as are
rodeo events that don't promote respect for animals and their health.
3. BE AN INFORMED CONSUMER - products made from horses like Premarin
(pregnant mare urine pills for estrogen replacement), are created through
horses' suffering. Your spending dollar is a weapon.
4. SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE - inform people what happens to horses after
their short careers are over (slaughter plant bound), or where Premarin comes
from, talk to them about over breeding, the hazards of over using young horses
or not training a horse. Engage them in discussion.
5. SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL HORSE RESCUE OR SANCTUARY - these organizations
make life better for horses.
6. VOLUNTEER - your gift of time is valuable to horse groups and if
you have special talents, so much the better.
7. REPORT CRUELTY - if you witness abuse or neglect, report it to
local animal control or your county sheriff. Someone cruel to animals is cruel
to humans, too.
8. PROTECT THE AMERICAN WILD HORSE - mustangs have a special place in
our history and you can support federal and local legislation by writing emails
and letters to your government reps.
9. KEEP YOUR HORSE SAFE AND HEALTHY - if you own a horse, maintain
its health with regular hoof, medical and dental check-ups. Make sure they are
companioned as horses suffer living alone - even a goat makes a good companion.
Feed what the horse needs, if you are seeing ribs and hip bones, the horse is
not getting enough, if you can't afford to buy more feed, then give the horse to
someone who can, just be sure to check the person out and make sure they are not
selling the horse to slaughter or just going to turn out and sell the horse to
anyone that has the money. .
10. PLAN AHEAD FOR YOUR HORSE'S CARE - your health and finances
change so what happens to your horse of you can't care for it anymore? Research
your options, including a pet trust. Horses live into their mid 20s and early
30s now - that's a lifetime of commitment.
Crossed Sabers Stable:
 |
As many as 60
million visitors per year |
|
As many as 530,000 hits in one day |
|
Visitors from 113 different
countries |
|
Website Visitors from every
continent of the world |
|
Thousands of adoptions (of 68
different breeds) in homes today with SWAP |
|
Horses adopted in 46 states and
Canada |
|
14 Year History |
Preparing for a Cold Winter:
HAY: Get
your hay now before the prices become outrageous, get enough for the winter
(good planning is 2 bales for every 3 days for one horse or 10 bales per month
per horse, so to make it until the middle of June (first cutting), you're
looking at 90 bales per horse at the very least (from September to June). If you
have good thick grass that has been mowed and fertilized then depending on where
you live in the US you might just need 60 to 70 bales. For good grazing its
recommended that you have 3 to 5 acres of mowed, seeded, fertilized grass per
horse. Remember Grass is dead in WV from Oct/Nov until about April and every
state has some months where the grass does not give the horses their calories or
nutrients it needs to sustain life (USDA has details of that for each state).
They may be grazing in the winter but they are not getting anything from the
grass to survive. I know most know that but I say it because we had an adopter
last year in WV that thought if they were eating grass that was all they needed
and she nearly killed 2 horses.
GRAIN:
Remember on average horses need 1 lb of concentrated feed (grain) for every 100
lbs of body weight, so on average horses need about 10 lbs of grain a day, more
when its very cold or if they are living outside in a run because much of their
calories go to keeping them warm. Some horses need more so its critical to
watch to make sure their ribs and hip bones are staying meaty and covered. If
you see ribs, the horse is too thin and needs more calories, not supplements
but more calories.. Easy keepers may be round but it does not mean they are
healthy, most easy keepers need a multi vitamin to stay healthy.
WATER:
One of the most critical things needed in winter is clean fresh water all the
time, anywhere from 5 to 20 gallons per day per horse and everyone knows what a
pain that is when there is ice and snow on the ground but its critical to
preventing colic. Get your electric heaters, defrosters now, heated buckets,
what ever it takes to make sure they have good water in front of them all the
time and at least 10 gallons (2 flat backed buckets at the very least). Here we
keep 100 gallons troughs in the stalls since we have big stalls, its much easier
than frozen buckets in winter, all we do is break the ice and remove it most
days and put a heater in them on really cold days. We use a sump pump to empty
water and scrub troughs each week which keeps water fresh and clean.
SHELTER:
Domestic horses need shelter, they are not wild and can not survive outside
without shelter or some kind of heavy waterproof rug to keep them warm during
snow/ice and freezing temperatures but the best is a closed in shelter that is
free from drafts (meaning its closed on all 4 sides with some sort of
ventilation). Wild horses first of all don't live very long, living outside in
the elements is very hard on them, secondly wild horses move in cold
temperatures to keepselves warm and they often times move over thousands of
acres to keep warm or to find cover or water. No domestic horse can not do that
on 5, 20 or even 100 acres. Just because your horse has learned to survive in
bad weather does not mean its good for them, they need shelter in bad weather.
CARE:
Its important to make kids take care of their horses but they must have adult
supervision on a daily basis to make sure horses are getting what they need.
Trust me, I usually have 30 year olds working in our barn and I still have to be
there daily to make sure things are done, that they have clean water, especially
when its cold because our young helpers want to get out of the weather and then
the horses are left at risk for colic. Every day check your child's work, do not
leave your horses care to a child (completely).
The Woman I will Be
- I shall wear diamonds and a wide brimmed
straw hat with ribbons and flowers on it
- And I shall spend my social security on
white wine and carrots
- And sit in the alley of my barn and listen
to my horses breathe.
- I will sneak out in the middle of a
summer's night And ride the dappled mare across the moonstruck meadow, if
my old bones will allow. and when people come to call, I will smile and
nod, As I walk them past the gardens to the barn And show, instead, the
flowers growing there
- In stalls fresh-lined with straw. I will
shovel and sweat and wear hay in my hair as if it were a jewel. And I will
be an embarrassment of all who look down on me Who have not yet found the
peace in being free To love a horse as a friend, a friend who waits at
midnight hour
- With muzzle and nicker and patient eyes For
the Woman I will be when I am old.
The perfect analogies for why we
have the life school tied into SWAP and animal welfare work:
"Everyone thought we took this
broken down horse and saved him but really he saved us"
Jockey Red Pollard from the
movie Seabiscuit
I rescued a
human today
Her eyes met mine as she
walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her
need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too
exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.
As she stopped at my kennel
I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't
want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers
get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.
As she read my kennel card
I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look
forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life.
She got down on her knees
and made little kissy sounds at me.
I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her.
Gentle fingertips caressed
my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I
raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.
Soon my kennel door opened
and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would
promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would
promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her
eyes.
I was so fortunate that she
came down my corridor.
So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors.
So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.
I rescued a human today.
Baggage
by Evelyn Colbath
Now that I'm
home, bathed, settled and fed,
All nicely tucked into my warm new bed,
I would like to open my baggage,
Lest I forget
There is so much to carry -
So much to forget.
Hmm, Yes, here
it is, right on the top
Let's unpack Loneliness, Heartache and Loss,
And there by my halter hides Fear & Shame
As I look on these things I have tried so hard to leave-
I still have to unpack my baggage called Pain.
I loved them,
the others, the ones who left me,
But I wasn't good enough - for they didn't want me.
Will you add to my baggage?
Will you help me unpack?
Or will you just look at my things
And take me right back?
Do you have the
time to help me unpack?
To put away my baggage,
To never re-pack?
I pray that you do - I'm so tired you see,
But I do come with baggage -
Will you still want me?
A young boy was walking along the beach
- as high tide came in.
- With every crash of the waves
- he noticed that dozens of seahorses were
being cast onto the beach,
- where they lay gasping and squirming.
- Hurriedly, he ran to each seahorse he could
find
- and gently tossed them back into the surf.
- A man watching all this approached the boy
and said;
- "Son, what you are doing won't make a
difference",
- to which the boy replied,
"To
that seahorse .
. . it will".
Some folks said they missed my great goals
list for 2010, so here it is back again
1. Spend an hour a day with your horses, not just
feeding, training and turning out, but real quality time doing something that is
enjoyable for the both of you. Grooming or hand walking is a great way to bond
with your horse and good for both you and the horse.
2. Get your loved ones more involved in your
horses. Divorce is the biggest reason we see horses coming back to us. Don't
just share the work, share the fun too and find something they really enjoy
doing with horses.
3. Learn a new discipline, go to a clinic, a
horse show, or equine affaire. Come to one of our clinics or watch a training
video. If you are an adopter you can check out books and video's from SWAP's
Library for just shipping costs. Take a lesson at least once a month or Bring
your adoption horse here and we will help you. The better you are, the more fun
you will have.
4. Make a plan for your horse after you are gone
or if you have a major injury, let your Will Executor know your plans. Make a
plan for emergencies or financial bumps along the way for your horse. Have a
plan if you or your horse gets injured, even for the tough times of year like
winter (or summer down south and for a drought winter when hay prices
skyrocket). Ask friends, family and neighbors to be part of your plan, most
people that don't have horses or a farm love the idea of getting away and
helping. And people can not resist someone when they are asking for help for the
welfare of an innocent animal.
5. Get yourself healthy and in better shape to
prevent injury, to live a long life and to more enjoy your horses. Eat 1-1-1
(one ounce of dark chocolate, one ounce of fresh walnuts, one glass of red wine
daily) and 2-2-2 (2 servings of fresh vegis, 2 of fresh fruit and get 2 sources
of fat free calcium). Drink 100 ounces of spring water a day, get a whole house
water filter. Change over to Sea-salt. Take one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
every morning to keep your body alkaline (cancer and disease can not grow in an
alkaline body). Eat more fish and chicken and less red meat. Get a good air
cleaner and do daily deep breathing exercises, get outside in the fresh air and
sunshine for at least 1/2 hour every day. Get away from high fat food, processed
foods, fast food, can or boxed food, sugar or artificial sweeteners, soda and
don't eat anything if you can't read all the ingredients and know exactly what
is in it. Clean all vegis and fruits thoroughly, buy organic, buy ocean caught
fish, not farm raised, buy fresh meat and raw milk, not packed or processed. Eat
only natural carbs (potatoes, rice, oats) bake/broil or steam everything. Get 8
hours of sleep, reduce stress/risk (reduce commuting by car pooling, tight
schedules, cell phone use in the car, watch or read the news only once a day or
better yet once a week. Do one hour of walking, yoga or weight training every
day and it will make you strong, lean, you'll look great and get wonderful
complements from friends, coworkers and loved ones and the horse work will be
easier and more enjoyable.
6. Stay clear of negative people and those very
negative chat rooms and bulletin boards, they seem innocent but every time you
go to them you lose a bit of your positive self, they are truly emotional
vampires that will leave only a shell of a person. They are not based on the
truth, they are based on harassment, complaining, whining and dishonesty. We all
become tomorrow what we are around today, every person we come in contact with
defines who we are tomorrow so be careful who you choose for friends, even the
websites you go to as each of them affect who you are tomorrow. Do you want to
be a bitter, miserable, complaining person or do you want to be happy, inspired
and honorable, all that is affected by the decisions you make today. Stay away
from Toxic people and Toxic websites/forums that are negative or that spend all
their time talking bad about people and their horses. What you are around today
and what you are doing today is what you will be tomorrow. Stop Complaining and
be Thankful for what you have. If you become a target of harassment or anyone
saying anything negative about you, if you are doing only good, positive things
and not hurting anyone then ignore them, its all based on jealousy and a sick
sort of wish to be like you. They have the problem, not you.
7. Read at least one book on training your horse
and one on care each year, if for nothing else but just inspiration. SWAP has a
great library of books/videos that adopters can check out for just the cost of
mailing it.
Click
here to see our Library
8. Get carrots/apples every time you go to the
store, your horses will love you for it and always come running when you call.
Don't feed candy or anything sweeter. Carrots are sweet enough. Get rid of the
sweet feeds and you'll get rid of the hot horse once and for all.
9. Realize that if you are having a problem with
your horse, more likely than not, the problem is you. Learn more, practice more,
ask in a different way, be patient, change their environment or daily schedule
to better suit them. Taking better care of a horse always brings out the best in
that horse. Good feed/hay, time to rest in a quiet stall out of the elements,
lots of fresh water, time to be with you and time to just be a horse, time with
their buddies, farrier and vet care always done is a good start. The biggest
part of this relationship puzzle is you, not the horse. If you are struggling,
then you need to learn more and get better.
10. Ride at least once a week, regardless of
weather. Use this time as your down time for healing, your therapy, your time to
relieve stress and the pressures of daily life. Even if you don't ride, go sit
and read a book in the pasture with the horses or sit in the barn and listen to
them munch on dinner, away from the crowd and noise of your day. Enjoy the peace
and quiet, enjoy hearing happy horses eating dinner or grass in the pasture.
11. Spend time leisurely grooming your horse once
a week. Rubber curries are shine makers. You will have a beautiful horse and a
very loyal friend who will do anything for you.
12. Come and spend a week at SWAP HQ,
volunteering and focusing on helping a horse and giving will change your life
plus it will be the best vacation you ever had. Help an animal in need, whether
fostering, being one of our state reps that goes out to check on our horses in
their homes or helps us approve adopters in their area. Find horses in need and
help us find them homes. Buy a horse at a slaughter auction, get it fat and
trained and we'll help you place it into a good home. Foster and volunteer for
your local small animal adoption program. I promise, the good things you do will
come back to you a hundred times over. Every person has a talent they can offer
and if you help one horse or one dog or cat find a good home, you have changed
their life forever.
13. Know that every goal is obtainable and it
starts with a single step. Take that first step today!! No matter what it is or
how big, YOU CAN DO IT!! Every goal that is written down will come true
(really!). Every famous person, every great or notable scientist, author,
trainer/rider, parent or friend started out as just a thought, just a goal.
Remember to take one step today to reach your goals.
14. Start every day with thinking about, what is
the most important thing I can do today to change my life and make it better. Do
that one thing and in 30 days your life will be totally different. Can you
imagine what your life would be like if you did that for 60, 90 or even 365 days
a year. The opportunities are endless.
15. Want to keep your horse sound for life? (That
should be every horse owners number one goal) do a long slow warm up (cold
muscle is easy to injure, a warm one is nearly impossible to injure). The very
best cool down is hand walking your horse for 1 hour after every work out. Yes,
get off the horse and walk with it. Its great exercise for you and a good time
for you to bond. Stop riding your horse during cool downs and stop using a hot
walker, do something good for you and the horse, hand walking. Its also the best
rehab for over work and injuries, the only thing better is hydro therapy and
swimming your horse. Allow soft tissue and hard tissue to become more
conditioned before going into any training program... that means 3 months of at
least 3 days a week for soft tissues and 10 months of work for bones to become
strong enough to jump or do any strenuous training program. Don't start any
upper level work, jumping or extensive training until the horse is fit and at
least between age 4 and 6 and has been conditioned for at least 10 months
(especially if the horse has never been jumped/worked or not been jumped or
worked in the last year).
16. Appreciate what you have and be thankful.
Instead of looking at what you don't have, look at what you do. Thank those
people who have helped you and supported you. The more you give, the more that
will come back to you. When you give something away or give something to
someone/something in need, you make space in your life for something good to
come to you. We are all very blessed, if we just take a moment to look around
and enjoy those things.
17. Get used to using favorite mantra's and
visualizations every day, simple ones that are easy to remember, like 'I can do
this, I will do this', 'this isn't going to get the best of me' or even, 'I
deserve the best' or 'the gift of love, caring, and support always comes back'
and take two minutes every morning as you wake and at night as you go to sleep
to visualize the life you want, the you you want to be, Our thoughts become
things, what you see is what you get, if you expect the best, the best will
happen, change your self-talk from negative to positive and I promise your life
will change for the better..
18. Each person is put on this earth for a
reason, each of us has a mission. What is yours? Seek and you shall find,
finding is a journey ... in the journey and the search you'll find your life
purpose. If you died in your sleep tonight is there something you haven't done
that you need to do or want to do? Someone you need to mend fences with, burnt
bridges to fix? People you need to tell them how much you love them? Have you
fulfilled your purpose in your life? Ask yourself, Why am I here? How can I make
this better? Who do I want to be? Who am I suppose to be? What reason was I put
on this earth? What is my purpose?
19. Be an inspiration to your family, co workers
and friends. We all fall on our face, we all make mistakes, we all get
discouraged, most times we all get up and try again.... sometimes we need a
nudge. Instead of being negative or doing negative things, be their inspiration.
You do believe they can do it, so why not tell them. If their self talk is
negative, then you be their positive self talk.... eventually they will start to
say it and believe it too. Life is self fulfilling, failure feeds on itself or
causes more failure, achieving does as well. So if you or your love ones are in
a negative cycle, break the cycle by changing your thoughts, your self talk,
achieve something small to get yourself and your family back into the cycle of
achievement.
20. We all file a flight plan every single day
for our life. Where is your flight going today? Just like a pilot flying, the
winds, the gravitational pull will change your flight and take you off course,
so you must make small corrections along the way to make sure you make your
destination. Have you selected your destination? Have you picked the steps in
your flight plan to get there? Every goal is really that easy, pick the goal and
figure out how to get there. The easiest way to pick your flight path/plan is
find someone who has done it before you, then do what they did. Its all baby
steps you know. Just keep an eye on that destination and keep saying...."here is
my destination, this is where I'm going, this is where I am now, this is how I'm
going to get there.... I will arrive at this time on this day. You can do
it..... its just like getting in your car to go to the store, its just deciding
where you want to go and how to get there, then take that first step. You can do
it!! No matter how big or how outlandish you may think your dream to be... it
is obtainable.
21. Laugh every day and try (as hard as it is
sometimes) to find the positive and the humor in each situation (and have at
least one bite of a truly decadent desert once a week). Life is just too short
to not enjoy it thoroughly.
22. We learn the most and do our best work when
we have fallen on our face, when we are struggling, when we are worried, scared
or frustrated, when we are anguishing over something or troubled by it. It is
then that you have true motivation, when you think clearer. The most brilliant
ideas come to people when they feel lost, frustrated, or at the bottom, helpless
or hopeless. Cherish these times because its when you can come up with your best
ideas to your biggest problems and challenges. You see, there is a reason for
the rainy days.
23. You can't make everyone happy, its useless to
try and wasted energy to think you can. 50% of all people will not agree with
you at any given time, don't worry about it and don't let it stop you. 50%
becomes a lot of people when you are in the public eye. As long as you are not
hurting anyone and you are doing the right thing, then go ahead and do it. If
you are wondering what is the right thing to do, its usually the harder thing to
do, the toughest path to take. The easy way out is rarely the right thing to
do. Instead of worrying over what someone thinks of you or says about you, do
something amazing and outstanding to inspire them or at least have them sitting
on the side lines being jealous, secretly saying, "wow, she has guts". One
person with purpose becomes the majority, one way or another.
1. There are at least two people in this world
That you would die for.
2. At least 15 people in this world Love you in some way.
3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you Is because they want to Be just
like you.
4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, Even if they don't Like you.
5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you Before they go to sleep.
6. You mean the world to someone.
7. You are special and unique.
8. Someone that you don't even know exists, loves you.
9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, Something good comes from it.
10. When you think the world has
Turned its back on you, take another look.
11. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.
Always in hope and admiration, Celeita
YOUR BANK ACCOUNT
A 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud man, who is fully
dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with his hair fashionably combed and
shaved perfectly, even though he is legally blind, moved to a nursing home
today. His wife of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary.
After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, he
smiled sweetly when told his room was ready.
As he maneuvered his walker to the elevator, I provided a
visual description of his tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been
hung on his window.
'I love it,' he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just
been presented with a new puppy.
'Mr. Jones, you haven't seen the room; just wait.'
'That doesn't have anything to do with it,' he replied.
'Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or
not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged .. it's how I arrange my
mind. I already decided to love it. 'It's a decision I make every morning when
I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the
difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of
bed and be thankful for the ones that do.
Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I'll focus on the new day and
all the happy memories I've stored away. Just for this time in my life.
Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw from what you've put in.
So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank
account of memories!
Thank you for your part in filling my Memory bank.
I am still depositing.' Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.
Our
lives with horses...
Our lives with horses are rich with feeling. You know this if you've
ever.... choked back tears watching a new foal wobble to his feet for the
First time ...or watched your good horse wobble to his feet after surgery....
or seen the ends of the reins float straight out as a reining horse spins
beneath them . . or chuckled to yourself as you watched a tiny tot on a
patient pony trot through a barrel pattern at a saddle club payday ... or felt
the building tremble as an eight-up hitch of feather-legged giants towed a
hand-carved beer wagon into the arena ... or had your heart stop when you saw
your horse lying motionless in the pasture on a sunny day and waited
breathlessly for an ear to flick ... or cheered at the screen when 'The Man
From Snowy River' slid Dennie down the mountainside, .. or when Seabiscuit
made his final surge to beat War Admiral ... or cruised along the highway and
seen a horse in a pasture and wondered what he's like to ride or pictured him
as a prospect ... or sucked in your breath as a horse and rider approached a
six-foot wall ... or sworn a solemn oath to your horse that together you would
triumph ... or flipped through the TV channels and stopped when you saw a
horse even when it was a commercial ... or laughed aloud when you rubbed your
horse's face and he rubbed back ... or gotten chills hearing Dave Johnson's
'and DOWN THE STRETCH THEY COME!' (or 'Run for the Roses' circa 1980 ish?)
... or stood in awe at your horse in morning play as he sprinted around the
pasture, then stopped, head erect, and snorted defiance at the rest of the
world
... or been thankful to see wild horses grazing casually at the foot of a hill
... or felt calmed by the sleekness of a silky
haircoat beneath your hand ... or felt your jaw drop as you watched a Lipazzan
perform a capriole ... or if you've ever seen someone in the grocery store
wearing a certain kind of hat, or boots, or buckle, or have a certain cut and
length to their jeans, and felt some remote kind of connection ... or felt
warmed by a soft nicker greeting as you entered the barn ... or slid your hand
under your horse's blanket to straighten it out, only to pause in the glowing
feeling that you get when you touch the
warmth of his coat... or riding on a trail with your horse, thinking how that
trail over there looks nice and almost without asking, your horse has sensed
your slightest movement in the saddle and he's now taking you there. ... or
pulled up to your barn where you board and only your horse greets you with a
welcoming hello from the sound of your car or your voice.
HEROES AND HORSES
SOME NOTABLE HEROES AND THEIR HORSES ARE MENTIONED AND WE KNOW YOUR HORSE IS
YOUR HERO AND VICE VERSA.
1. Kanthaka - Buddha's horse, the one he used when he was still Siddhartha
the prince, to escape from his father's palace and begin his journey toward
enlightenment. Kanthaka's hooves made no sounds as they fled together and he
is often depicted being lifted on his four feet by benign spirits.
2. Pegasus - the mythical winged horse parented by Neptune and Medusa and
ridden by Bellerophon to rid the world of Chimera, the monster. Athena, the
Greek goddess of wisdom, was able to capture and train Pegasus when he allowed
her to place her golden bit in his mouth.
3. Phosphorus (Light Bearer) - the great Roman racehorse immortalized by the
4th century Roman poet Ausonius (at the emperor's request) in a beautiful
eulogy: Fly with haste to join the wing-footed horses of Elysium; may
Pegasus gallop on your right and Arion as your left-wheeler, and let Castor
find a fourth horse for the team.
4. Babieca - famed white gelding of El Cid, Rodrigo Diaz of Bivar, the
Spanish hero who united Christians and Muslims against a Moorish onslaught
from Africa. Babieca lived to be 30 years old and carried El Cid into all his
battles. Babieca means "crazy" as Rodrigo made a crazy choice since the colt
was the runt of the herd.
5. Bucephalus (Ox-head) - beloved horse of Alexander the Great who bore the
Macedonian hero on his back from Greece to India. Odds against a horse living
past 20 in that era were great, but Bucephalus, in his 20s, endured until he
fell in battle in India.
6. Sleipnir - the eight-legged war horse of Odin, the Norse god, was able to
fly without wings and shape-shift.
7. Balios and Xanthos - a grey and bay, both sired by Zephyros, the West
Wind, who together pulled Achilles' chariot.
8. Vivasat - a Hindu sun-god who often took the form of a stallion.
9. Al Burak - Mohammed's horse, on whose back he ascended to heaven, was
brought to him by the archangel Gabriel
10. Chiron - the centaur who taught Achilles, Jason and the first physician,
Ascelpius, all he knew.
11. Rakhsh - blue-eyed and dappled red horse of the legendary Persian
warrior, Rustam. Rakhsh was highly intelligent and saved his sleeping master
from a lion's attack, killing the predator.
There are many more famous mythical and real horses and we will be adding to
our list. Can you help us add to this list?. thank you Harmony Horse Works.
The question is not: "do you support horse
slaughter."
The question is: "do you support the cruel, terrifying
transport for days without food and water in their journey to death?"
The question is: "do you support the torture and abuse of
the killer chutes, even for crippled horses, pregnant mares, wild horses,
protective mares with foals by their sides?"
The question is: “Do you support the horse slaughter
factories that lie to their consumers about the many chemicals that taint the
horse meat, and call it Organic?
The question is: do you support the breeder who breeds
hundreds of horses just to pick out the good ones and cash in the rest to the
killer buyer?
The question is: Do you support the person who uses the
horse its whole life and when it gets to an old age sends it to slaughter as a
thank you?
The question is: “do you support the slaughter workers who
cheer a horse on that struggles extra hard for its life?
The question is: Do you support the killer buyer who not
only buys up the strong, fat and healthy horses and leaves the meek weak and
unhealthy for society, but also bids against the good homes and horse rescues?
The question is: “Can you see though the lies of the ones
who stand to loose a buck with the end of horse slaughter?
The question is: Do you support ripping the last of our wild
horses away from their families and peaceful lives to be slaughtered?
The question is: As a nation, can we allow this to continue
and still call ourselves a civilized country?
The question is: "Can you look at the footage of innocent
horses with their eyes gouged out, hooves ripped off, legs broken, beaten by
the workers, faces smashed in from being on the transport trucks, horses
stabbed in their spines, horses conscious for the entire killing process and
do nothing?
That is the question, so what is YOUR answer?
Resolve to make the world a better place for animals
(credit: PETA)
| If you haven't already done so,
have the companion animals who depend on you spayed or neutered. These
simple procedures help protect your furry friends from many types of
cancer and prevent thousands of animals from being born only to end up
abandoned on the streets or dumped at severely crowded animal shelters.
|
| If you live with a dog,
pledge to walk him or her every day, even when it's cold outside and you'd
rather hide under a blanket. If you share your home with cats, set
aside some "kitty (or horsey) quality time" every day to play
with, brush, and bond with them. It's sometimes too easy to overlook our
feline friends, but they can get bored and lonely too. |
| If there is a lonely "backyard dog" in your
neighborhood, try befriending his or her
guardian. Start by politely talking to him or her about the dog's needs,
such as companionship, daily portions of fresh food and water, and a
weatherproof doghouse filled with straw. Many lucky dogs have had their
lives changed because someone like you cared enough to intervene.
|
| If you're shopping for yourself or buying
holidays gifts for your loved ones, stay
away from fur, wool, leather, and companies that make or sell products
made from the skins of animals. |
NOTE: Crossed Sabers can not fully guarantee the accuracy of every page
on this website which is huge (38,000 files and over 300 pages). We do not
have the personnel or time to keep it up to date and accurate for every
situation as this Stable and all its programs have always been a dynamic
entity, ever changing and improving itself to meet the needs of horses and
horse people. We do try to make sure each page is up to date and accurate but
the best thing to do If you have a question, is email or call us. Additionally
Crossed Sabers can not guarantee anything that anyone says about us on line,
we have no control over other people and their websites, forums or ads, all we
can tell people is if you do not know the person, their name, address and
their experience, age or history/background/education and location do not
trust what they say. That is true for everything on the internet. Some things
said about us have been grossly inaccurate and did not come from CSS, some
come from past employees we fired for cause (for hurting horses or stealing
from us), people that are pro-slaughter and hate our mission and what we do
for horses enjoy trying to make us look bad, some are horse traders that we've
helped put out of business and some are people we helped put in jail on
neglect cases. Again, if you have questions about us, our services, our
company structure, how we are licensed, how we pay taxes, how we do things or
anything at all, please feel free to contact us, just don't assume that all
you read on another website is accurate because 99% of it is not true,
especially if you read it on a forum, blog or chat room and don't assume that
it came from us, just call 304-873-3532 or email us at
secondwindadopt@aol.com,
or better yet, come and see our operation and you will see how we do things. I
can guarantee it's 1000 times better than what the liars and frauds say who
are jealous of our work.
All programs and services listed on this website, including
SWAP is a part of Crossed Sabers Stable which has been licensed in WV for the
last 13 years. The Mountain State Horse School and Second Wind Adoption
Program, Inc. and Crossed Sabers International Horse School, Inc. was
incorporated on 4 Sep 08 to address the education needs and life challenges of
people and horses.
Buyer and Seller Beware!! Update on the
Robin Hollingsworth of Blacksburg, SC
(she has several alias's and about 10 fake names) fraud case for those
of you who have been asking. The SC prosecutor accepted a plea bargain from
her and dropped the case if she paid the people she ripped off (the people she
took money under false pretenses from when she sold them horses she did not
own), she did that so she was let go but the 3 arrests will stay on her record
and the record of what she did to all those people is still on the books and
will stay there. If she is caught again I'm certain she will go to jail but
people who are cheated by her must stand up and testify.. If more people that
she ripped off would have not chickened out and backed out because of fear
(Quote from them was we are scared of her, she is crazy) she would be in jail
right now but beware, she is still loose and still taking free horses or
companion horses that have things like ringbone and navicular and drugging
them and then selling them as high level jumpers and competition horses on the
internet. Her daughter works with her, Amanda or Mandy, she helps her rip
people off. Beware, I'm getting calls almost every month where Robin has
committed more crimes against people, taking horses, not paying for them,
bouncing checks, buying vehicles and horse trailers and not paying for them.
BEWARE OF THIS WOMAN!! If you want her history or to check a person's name
against our black list (our do not adopt to, do not sell to, do not buy from,
do not hire or even rent to list), then contact us.
BEWARE: Do not buy a horse from anyone you
do not know, ESPECIALLY ON THE INTERNET, unless they have websites like ours,
their names and addresses listed and they show they have a long long history
on their website and do not buy unless you go to see the horse and have it vet
checked and you have contact with the vet, not the seller or even trainer
telling you what the vet said. DO NOT GIVE YOUR HORSE OR SELL YOUR HORSE
WITHOUT A WRITTEN AGREEMENT AS TO WHAT IS TO HAPPEN WITH THE HORSE, RESELLING,
USE/LIMITATIONS, FACILITIES NEEDED, ETC. It you sell or give away a horse with
no agreement, they could go to slaughter the same day you release them or they
could be sold and misrepresented, living a life of neglect, abuse, over use
and miss use the rest of their lives. We hear stories all the time where a
best friend or neighbor, the nice lady you gave the horse to sent the horse to
slaughter or is neglecting it and there is not a thing the owner can do now
because they no longer own the horse and they made no written agreements
signed by both parties. If you need help doing written agreements, back ground
checks on buyers and sellers, just contact us, that is part of our 'SAFE
SELLING' SERVICES. Your horse's life depends on you being safe and thorough!
BEWARE: People are selling horses on the
internet that don't even exist so beware, the horse industry is full is liars,
cheaters, and thieves, even we have had to deal with them from potential
adopters who were in jail applying to adopt, to employees and former trainers
who totally ripped us off by stealing tack and tools, asking for huge advances
and then leaving after they get them, people who don't even know us or had any
experience with us slandering us on forums, harassing us and our supporters,
interfering with company operations and even adopters who don't think twice
about breaching their contract or forging their vets signature on applications
& annual updates or even selling their adoption horse to programs like ours
and even 501c3's public charities selling horses to slaughter auctions or
being put in jail for neglect and animal cruelty. We are bringing each person
that has wronged our horses to justice one at a time and winning all our cases
but that does not protect the general public from these liars, thieves,
con-artist and cheaters. Your horses life can easily be ruined forever, they
could end up in a fate worse than death so buyer and seller beware, your
horses life depends on you keeping them safe and you being thorough with doing
things like getting references and making sure the people have stable
employment, that they really own the farm they say they do, doing background
checks to check for criminal records. The horse world is full of dishonesty
which ruins it for honest people that really care and always try to do the
right thing, such a shame. Just be very careful and get proof that your horse
is going to a good home, get more than a feeling because we promise you about
50% of the time when it comes to horses, your feeling that its a 'nice' person
or a 'good' person' is wrong. And even when you pick a good home, they can
turn around and sell or give away to a bad home.
HOW TO STAY YOUNG
1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and
height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay 'them'
2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches and negative people pull
you down. People who like to cause trouble will shorten your life and make you
just like them... miserable.
3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening,
whatever. Never let the brain idle. 'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.'
4. Enjoy the simple things.
5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
6. The tears happen.. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who
is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love , whether it's family, pets,
keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable,
improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next
county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER :
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the
moments that take our breath away
| | 
INTERNSHIPS
"you can because you think you can....
Life is a self fulfilling prophecy"
We are always looking for riders/trainers and
horse type volunteers to come in and spend a day, a weekend, a week or two. What
ever you have available. Experienced horse people just come and spend personal
times with the horses, you can groom (bathe in summer), hand walk, ground
training, just take them to the ring or round pen and let them stretch their
legs, if you are an experienced rider or trainer, you can ride. Traditionally,
girlfriends come and spend the day or spend a weekend just for a cheap getaway
and a way to help horses that need you. Thank you to each of you who have come
in the past and to all those who will come in the future, this makes a big
difference in each horses life that you spend time with. All we need is a call
from you as to when you want to come. Our door is always open.
.JPG)
Congratulations to Kathryn
Byerly of New Richmond, Ohio for being selected as SWAP's 2004 Intern of the
Year. Kat has been critical to the mission of SWAP and helped us stay on our
feet during a very tough time. She has trained horses, answered phone calls
and emails, helped manage the barns and the large number of horses coming
and going, she's developed strong working relationships with adopters and
potential adopters a like, reviewed adoption applications and completed a
big portion of the tasks that must be done 7 days a week on a horse farm. No
task too large, Kat has taken it on with zeal and a fun loving attitude.
Besides being talented in so many ways, she always has a ton of energy and a
huge smile on her face, even when facing adversity and huge challenges. The
SWAP horses (and dogs) love her and so do all of us at SWAP. She will be
sorely missed. As SWAP's 2004 Intern of the Year, Kat received a $500.
Scholarship that will go to Ohio University where Kat was completing an
under-graduate program in Journalism. Congratulations Kat for a job well
done. Bravo!!
.jpg)
Congratulations to Teresa Rainey of Kings Mountain, NC.
She was selected as our 2003 Intern of the Year and
received the $500. SWAP scholarship for her great work and endless
devotion to our mission. This was Teresa's second summer at SWAP
and this year she really excelled. She took on all the
responsibilities of the Executor (barn manager, volunteer
coordinator, trainer, assistant vet and farrier, advisor, evaluator, quality control manager, matchmaker,
communicator, administrator, accountant, lawyer, transport
coordinator, logistics manager and the care taker of all the
horses just to name a few) and did them all admirably. A couple
more years and I think she could run this program alone. Since
Teresa has a full scholarship to the University of Florida, her
scholarship has been applied to any supplies she will need during
her last year of undergraduate school. Kudos Teresa for a job well
done and a very big THANK YOU from all the SWAP family and
horses!!
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR IN OUR
RIDING, OFFICE AND BARN INTERNS
-age 17 and up
-experience with horses required
-RIDING INTERNS MUST BE: a good riding seat required, at least
a strong intermediate rider (have been riding at least 3 times a week for the
last 3 years, have ridden hot horses, ridden more than just lesson horses,
ridden young or horses in training, can handle a buck and stay stuck in the
saddle, professionally trained, has a good
understanding of when to get on and when not to get on a horse.
-Neat and detailed person, will keep everything in its place and puts
everything back where it belongs, keeps themselves, their room, the office and
the barn clean, neat and picked up
-loves animals and wants to help animals
-good work ethic, hard work does not scare you at all, in fact you thrive
on it.
-physically fit
-can keep a positive attitude no matter how badly things seem
to be
-patient with people and animals, especially when they don’t
know as much as you
-mentally flexible, can handle most any change or surprise
well
-can work independently at times
-Heart and willingness means more than knowledge
-knows how to do at least basic things like feed, water, deworm,
wrap legs, clean a stall
Duties of ALL Interns (we can
teach you everything below but riding interns must come with a very good
seat): Doing anything we need to help, feedings, turn out, cleaning and
filling troughs, bathing horses/dogs, grooming/clipping horses, preparing
horses for visitors, helping visitors decide on the best horse for them by
getting to know the horses and getting to know the adopter, cleaning up after
yourself and cleaning the barn/tack/tack room/office and guest house, showing
adopters horses, answering the phone, making calls and getting updates on
horses in their homes, reviewing applications and calling references, hand
walking, wrapping horses legs, doing barn laundry, cleaning stalls at times,
unloading/stacking hay or pick up hay in the hay field, ground working horses,
driving horses, working on the website, taking pictures/video of horses in
hand, in round pen and in arena being ridden and driven, help the executor put
them together and put on website, answer emails, follow up with people
approved to adopt or that have asked for horses, host adopters visits, teach
other interns/help other interns learn/work as a team, teach one class or
lesson, assist with clinics, train horses, work on areas they are having
problems/concerns either physically, mentally or emotionally, figure out what
each horse needs and attempt to provide it, do initial evaluations of horses
and the paperwork, filing, updating horse files, updating the horses
description on the website, give lessons and help adopters with problems
Application Dates and Selection
Dates
1 May (Selection of Summer Interns, all applications must be in)
1 August
(applications are due for fall semester/quarters, selections shortly there
after)
1 December (applications are due for spring semester/quarters, selections
shortly there after)
Internship starting Dates (and
dates to Remember)
15 May (8 slots available for the 1st summer session)
15 June (8 slots
available for the second summer session)
15 July (8 slots available for the third summer session)
Fall
Semester/Quarters run between August to December (college credit and 4 slots
available)
Spring Semester/Quarters run between January to May (college
credit available and 4 slots available)
Levels of Internships (summer)
Freshman (first year interns regardless of age)
Sophomore (second
year intern and at least 30 days internship experience at SWAP)
Junior (3rd year
intern and at least 60 days of internship experience at SWAP)
Senior (4th year intern and at least 90 days of internship experience at
SWAP)
Assistant Trainer
(5th year intern and at least 120 days of internship experience at SWAP)
Trainer (6th year intern and at least 150 days of internship experience
at SWAP)
-Summer interns stay 2 weeks with us (adults or highly experienced volunteers can come as their schedule allows, if they just
want to get away from home and help, too!).
-Selection of Interns are done May 1st of summer
interns, August 1st for fall interns and December 1st for spring interns.
Advanced approvals can be done to fit college schedules.
-School year interns must stay at least a
semester or Quarter is your college is on the Quarter system (August - December or January - May).
-College Credit is available (ask about the
requirements if you are interested)
-Directions to
Crossed Sabers/Second Wind International Headquarters
-There is a liability release that all
persons, and parents
or guardian (s) must sign if anyone under 18 wants to ride here. It
would be simplest to print it out from this site and bring it with you
already filled out. Both Parents are required to sign this form for any
person under 18 to be able to ride at CSS & SWAP.
-It is recommended that you bring your own
saddle if you ride a lot, as you will be more
comfortable in your own gear, and we will provide the bridle, girth and bit
to fit the horse. We will also provide a saddle if your saddle does not fit the particular horse you are
riding.
-No bit except a simple
snaffle (or less, like a bosal or hackamore) will be used on adoption horses
while in the program. Extreme bits will never be allowed or used on any
adoption horse or any other attachments that force the horse into a
collected frame. If the horse has no brakes, the horse needs more training,
not a more stringent bit.
-The required uniform for
riding is either breeches or jeans (with or without) chaps and either paddock boots,
dress riding boots or field boots for riding hunt seat or dressage saddles,
for show saddles or cut back saddles the appropriate attire is jodhpur pants
and jodhpur boots (or jeans and paddock boots). For riding in a western or a stock seat saddle jeans
with either cowboy boots, lacers/paddock boots, riding tennis shoes or any smooth sole shoes with
a smooth short heel. Dress shoes or boots with any sort of tread will not be
allowed. Riding helmets are required for all riders riding all seats. Riders should
come prepared for all types of weather as all our riding facilities are
outside but clothes should not be loose or extremely big. It is not only dangerous
because the clothes can get hooked on the horses saddle but its really not
functional. Long hair should be pulled back in a pony tail or braid and away from the face in a way
that the rider has all peripheral vision and allows for your helmet to fit as
it is designed. Jewelry should be kept to a minimum, especially no hoop
earrings and rings that can get caught on saddles and tack.
-All riding starts in the
facility round pen with a join up and then once we realize you can handle the horse you are
riding, you can move to the large arena. Only riders that have proven they
can ride the horse in all gaits easily will be allowed to venture out beyond
the round pen. Horses are never taken out on the trail or outside the round pen
and arena without a second rider and another experienced trail horse as lead.
Only very experienced riders can venture out of the round pen and arena,
visitors are never allowed to ride outside of the round pen or arena.
Interns of the Year selected every year!!
$500 in scholarship money goes to the Intern of
the year. Applied to your college bill or for full ride students or high school
students can be applied to anything educational.
Interns of the year also get a written
recommendation to one of the grand prix riders we have worked with, of course,
in your discipline.
Must be an upperclassman Intern or trainer to be
selected for Intern of the Year. If there are no upperclassman here during the
summer, then a freshman or sophomore level intern will be considered.
- (put your name on everything)
-$ for food (or food) and activities (roughly $50. a week depending on how much you
eat and how much we do as a group)
-Remember to bring healthy food for meals as well.
-barn clothes for all weather, including wet weather
-riding clothes (english and western)
-For english, bring breeches or jods, paddock/dress or field
boots
-For western, bring jeans and cowboy boots or lacers
-riding boots (smooth sole only, with short heel) or riding tennis shoes (no
regular tennis shoes or any type of street shoe will be worn riding)
-muck boots that mud or manure won’t ruin
-riding helmet
-your saddle (the saddle you prefer to ride in if its already broke in
and you are most comfortable)
-pajamas
-shorts/shirts or casual non-working clothes
-toiletries/shower supplies
-bath towels and wash clothe
-laundry supplies (there is a farm laundry in the farm garage)
-alarm clock
-notebook (3 ring binder) for notes and information
-Laptop with wireless, there is broadband on the farm that reaches to
the guest house
-dress clothes for a couple of activities like (movies, going to the
races, going to events like Equine Affaire or shows)
-camera and film or digital camera (not required but recommended)
-phone cards to call home, your cell phone or lap top if you have one
-swim suit and beach towel (there is an inground pool at the farm)
-all bathing/grooming/first aid equipment for your horse
(only for school year interns who are bringing their horse)
-bug spray
-sun screen
-chap stick
-contacts or glasses (if you wear them)
-health care and insurance information
-picture ID card and drivers license, health insurance information,
emergency contact information
-big water bottle, bottled water or jug (staying hydrated becomes critical)
-healthy snacks (granola bars, fruit, etc) anything to keep
blood sugar up on hot and long days
- -Summer interns stay with us at least 4 weeks with us (adult or highly experienced volunteers can come as their schedule allows, if they just
want to get away from home and help, too!).
- -Selection of Interns are done May 1st of summer
interns, August 1st for fall interns and December 1st for spring interns.
- -School year interns must stay at least a
semester (or a quarter if your college is on a quarter system) (August - December or January - May).
- -College Credit is available (ask about the
requirements if you are interested)
- -Directions to
Crossed Sabers/Second Wind
Adoption Center
- -There is a liability release that all
persons, and parents
or guardian (s) must sign if anyone under 18 wants to ride here. It
would be simplest to print it out from this site and bring it with you
already filled out. Both Parents are required to sign this form for any
person under 18 to be able to ride at CSS & SWAP.
-
- -It is recommended that you bring your own
saddle, if you will be more
comfortable in your own gear, and we will provide the bridle, girth and bit
to fit the horse. We will also provide a saddle if your saddle does not fit the particular horse you are
looking at.
-
- -No bit except a simple
snaffle (or less, like a bosal or hackamore) will be used on adoption horses
while in the program. Extreme bits will never be allowed or used on any
adoption horse or any other attachments that force the horse into a
collected frame. If the horse has no brakes, the horse needs more training,
not a more stringent bit.
-
- -The required uniform for
riding is either breeches or jeans (with or without) chaps and either paddock boots,
dress riding boots or field boots for riding hunt seat or dressage saddles,
for show saddles or cut back saddles the appropriate attire is jodhpur pants
and jodhpur boots (or jeans and paddock boots). For riding in a western or a stock seat saddle jeans
with either cowboy boots, lacers/paddock boots, riding tennis shoes or any smooth sole shoes with
a smooth short heel. Dress shoes or boots with any sort of tread will not be
allowed. Riding helmets are required for all riders riding all seats. Riders should
come prepared for all types of weather as all our riding facilities are
outside but clothes should not be loose or extremely big. It is not only dangerous
because the clothes can get hooked on the horses saddle but its really not
functional. Long hair should be pulled back in a pony tail or braid and away from the face in a way
that the rider has all peripheral vision and allows for your helmet to fit as
it is designed. Jewelry should be kept to a minimum, especially no hoop
earrings and rings that can get caught on saddles and tack.
-
-
-All riding starts in the
facility round pen with a join up and then once we realize you can handle the horse you are
riding, you can move to the large arena. Only riders that have proven they
can ride the horse in all gaits easily will be allowed to venture out beyond
the round pen. Horses are never taken out on the trail or outside the round pen
and arena without a second rider and another experienced trail horse as lead.
Only very experienced riders can venture out of the round pen and arena,
visitors are never allowed to ride outside of the round pen or arena.
-
- -Arrival dates are all set for the 15th of
each month, there are no waivers for arrival times as we have set training times
and dates after everyone's arrival, (waviers can be made for upper classman
and trainer level interns). There are only 18 slots
available for the entire summer, 6 for May, 6 for June and 6 for July, 2 of
those are for trainer level interns during each session. There are 8 intern slots for fall
and spring semesters, 6 for fall semester and 6 for spring semester.
- -expect to learn a lot
- -expect hot humid weather in summer and cold, wet winters with both mud
and snow in winter, bugs and sun in summer
- -expect night turn out in summer and day in winter, horses are in
during all inclement weather (sometimes out for a warm summer rain as long as
its brief and lightning/thunder is not in forecast).
- -expect 16 to 40 stalls and at least 16 horses, many times more than 16 and sometimes
as many as 55 horses, if we’ve
done a rescue
- -expect long hours that some times go beyond the normal work day of 9am to 6pm
- -expect a daily work out session in the farm gym (either yoga, training
with a video, dance, weight training, spinning, swimming in the farm pool or
circuit course) Yes, this is in addition to riding daily.
- -expect a wide array of horses (young, old,
all training levels, gaited, race horses, harness horses, hunter/jumpers,
rodeo, with various training and health issues) and cats and dogs to play
with, work with and care for.
- -expect a hectic schedule (this always surprises every one how busy we
stay)
- -expect a fun environment, work hard and play hard types
(but the work must be done before we play)
- -expect to attend clinics for free and
assist with clinics
- -Watching different training films of various trainers and training
techniques weekly
- -getting weekly free lessons from the head trainer
or a more experienced intern/assistant trainer
- -Expect to learn about all riding disciplines, all training techniques,
traveling and lameness considerations/care, injuries and illnesses and even
learn to drive
- -helping horses be safe under saddle and in hand
- -helping horses get healthy, fit and fat
- -helping horses get the right home, helping
them be successful in their new home
- -helping people find the right horse and helping them be successful
with that horse
- -helping adopters who may be having problems with their
horses (or horses that may be having problems with their adopters)
- -helping us evaluate every horse that comes to us
- -work day starts at 9am and goes until 6pm on most days (which includes feeding, cleaning stalls
on weekends or when our regular stall cleaner does not come, health care, turn out, grooming, getting pictures/video, sometimes
riding/working horses, working in the office, preparing for a stable event,
giving or taking classes, etc) but on some days we will ride in the
evening when its cooler and do office work or have projects inside during the
day.
Many evenings are just to rest and relax and watch the 62" big screen TV, read
or surf the web.
- -on rainy days, we usually get our barn work done and do bathing/grooming
or office work throughout the day, plus sometimes just regrouping, having
meetings or brain storming sessions.
- -feedings are at 8am and 5pm.
- -Viewing is scheduled daily by appointment,
which is the time when visitors come to look and ride potential adoption
horses, every
morning we clean the barn, groom horses and prep paperwork (horse lists,
applications, etc)…... Sometimes we may have to ride a horse for an
adopter or ride a horse before an adopter…… sometimes our time with a
potential adopter ends up being a lesson for them because they are
inexperienced.
- -Tuesdays are our staff meetings, everyone attends (noon). We
review all stable and office issues, go over incoming horses, out going horses
and just general updates for both the office and stable. Each intern reviews
their current projects with the group.
- -The normal stable crew is off on Saturday
and Sunday. Sunday is everyone's day off but we schedule 2 people each week to
feed and turn out and do the very basic things that have to be done in the
barn and if visitors are coming, then they work with the visitors. Sometimes
on Sundays if we have horses in the barn that are experienced we might do a
group trail ride or just sit by the pool. Saturday and Sunday are also laundry
days.
- -Bring at least 7 days of work/riding clothes because we can't wash on
a daily basis, it will run the well dry.
- -Everyone sort of takes care of their own food and clean up but sometimes
we all eat together, sometimes we get lucky enough to get someone in that
likes to cook, then we eat good, many times we go out and get fast food and
sometimes we are running to the barn with a sandwich and a piece of fruit.
Eating will be on the run on many occasions so bring things that you can make
quickly. The microwave, a sandwich and cereal
becomes your closest buddies but try to select healthy choices to keep your
engine running.
- -Each intern will have either a private room or will share a room with a
same sex room mate. All the female interns use the bath in the guest house.
Every intern will have their own bed. We will have room for as many as 6 live
in interns at any given time. Because we have many more female interns than
male, its very hard to find room for male interns for housing. Lower classman
have the bunk beds and upper classman and trainers have either private rooms
or rooms they share with regular full sized beds.
-
- "If your hearts in the right place, it will be a summer you will never
forget. It will be the work that wears you out but you love it anyway."
A myth: Interns only clean
stalls.... not at CSS and SWAP!! Interns become a vital part of the process for
us to evaluate, train and find homes for horses. They advise us and the adopter
on the horse. They are critical to us being able to find the right fit for each
horse and adopter.
SUBJECT: INTERNS OBTAINING COLLEGE CREDIT (THE EXECUTOR
HAS A MASTERS DEGREE IN EDUCATION AND EQUINE SCIENCE AND SHE WILL WORK WITH
ANY COLLEGE TO MEET INTERNSHIP REQUIREMENTS/REPORTING AND GRADING).
WE REQUIRE EACH STUDENT TO DO THE FOLLOWING OVER THE COURSE OF
THE SCHOOL YEAR:
-
-TRAIN TWO HORSES (CUSTOMER, ADOPTION OR STABLE HORSES
)
-
-TEACH RIDING LESSONS TO AT LEAST ONE CUSTOMER/ADOPTER
-
-COORDINATE/COMPLETE ONE ADVERTISEMENT AND 2 NEWS RELEASES
-
-PLAN ONE
STABLE EVENT
-
-TEACH ONE
CLASS TO THE BARN STAFF
-
-COMPLETE
THEIR PRIMARY & SECONDARY DUTIES (SEE ATTACHED) AS STABLE HELP, BARN
MANAGER, INSTRUCTOR OR TRAINER
-
-EACH HAVE
2 MONTHS OF PLANNING, COORDINATING & IMPLEMENTING ALL HEALTH RELATED DUTIES
(VET, FARRIER, WORMING, MEDICAL RELATED WORK)
-
-COMPLETE AT
LEAST 20 INITIAL EVALUATIONS ON NEWLY ARRIVED ADOPTION HORSES
-
-DO ONE
QUALITY CONTROL EVALUATION
-
-DO ONE
SAFETY EVALUATION
-
-DO ONE
MONTH OF COMPLETING ALL ADMINISTRATIVE/FINANCIAL/LOGISTICAL PLANNING/RECORD
KEEPING FOR THE STABLE
EACH STUDENT WOULD BE REQUIRED TO KEEP A NOTEBOOK FILLED WITH
ALL RECORDS, JOURNALS, EVALUATIONS, ETC TO TURN IN AT THE END OF THE YEAR. I
WOULD EVALUATE EACH STUDENT AND YOUR COLLEGE ADVISOR WOULD BE THE SENIOR
EVALUATOR (AND FINAL GRADER).
STANDING OPERATING PROCEDURES (RULES & REGULATIONS
THAT WE LIVE BY) ARE COVERED UPON ARRIVAL
| EMERGENCY, STABLE ALERT ROSTER |
| BUDDY SYSTEM (TRAILS, RIDING, PADDOCK,
GOING OFF THE FARM OR OUT) |
| EMERGENCY NUMBERS, HORSE SICK OR HURT |
| T/O NOT IN RAIN OR WHEN GROUND IS SATURATED |
| T/O IN ARENA (NOT MORE THAN 3 GELDINGS, 2 MARES OR 4 YOUNGSTERS,
ONLY ONES THAT GET ALONG |
| FARRIER, WORMING, DENTIST |
| CLINICS, OPEN HOUSES, ACTIVITIES |
| RESPECT OF OTHERS, THEIR HORSES & EQUIPMENT, DO NOT USE
W/O ASKING, CLEAN/DO NOT BREAK |
| SAFETY FIRST, NO HORSE GETS HURT, NO PERSON
GETS HURT! |
| ASSUME NOTHING, ASK QUESTIONS IF YOU DON'T
KNOW |
| USE OF FACILITIES, CLEANING
|
| NO TAKING STABLE EQUIPMENT/BOOKS/VIDEOS OFF PREMISES |
| ELECTRIC, WATER, LIGHTS |
| SMOKING, DRINKING, BURNING CANDLES IN
BEDROOMS, MUSIC AT THE HOUSE AND BARN |
| NO STORING FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS |
| APPROPRIATE CLOTHING |
| REPRESENTING THE STABLE |
| PROPRIETARY INFORMATION |
| ADDRESSING PROBLEMS WITH BARN MANAGER, TRAINER,
EXECUTOR |
| USE OF ARENA, ROUND PEN |
| USE OF ADOPTION HORSES |
| PUNISHMENT OF HORSES OR NEGATIVE
REINFORCEMENT/POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT, |
| RIDING OTHER PEOPLE’S HORSES |
| LIABILITY RELEASE |
| USE OF HOT WALKER, TRAILS, PADDOCK |
| DON’T CHANGE EQUIPMENT OF STABLE, IF YOU
HAVE TO CHANGE A BIT, CHANGE IT BACK WHEN FINISHED |
| USE OF STABLE TACK, OTHER TACK, CLEANING TACK |
| CLEANLINESS |
| GROOMING EQUIPMENT |
|
STABLE
HATS/SHIRTS AVAILABLE |
| TACK BOX SECURITY |
| SECURITY OF TACK ROOM/FEED ROOM |
| CAN NOT RIDE STABLE HORSES W/O TALKING TO OWNER |
| NO LOOSE HORSES IN ISLE WAY, CLEANING UP AFTER HORSES |
| NO MOUNTING IN BARN, ONLY IN ARENA AND ROUND PEN |
| NATURAL PROGRESSION OF TRAINING…. ROUND PEN, ARENA, PADDOCK, TRAILS |
|
HANDLING
VISITORS, POTENTIAL ADOPTERS AND DONORS |
| NO JUMPING |
| NO HELMET, NO RIDING |
| IF YOU BREAK IT OR LOSE IT . . YOU PAY FOR IT OR REPLACE IT
IF NEGLIGENCE IS INVOLVED |
| PUT AWAY EQUIPMENT |
| GENERAL STABLE RULES |
| USE OF PHONE (OFFICE AND BARN) AND OFFICE COMPUTERS, OFF DUTY HOURS, DO NOT
CHANGE CONFIGURATION OF ANY COMPUTER, NO OPENING ATTACHMENTS |
| NO REMOVING STABLE EQUIPMENT |
| HOURS OF OPERATION |
| REPLACEMENTS FOR WORK, IF YOU CAN NOT BE THERE |
| BEING PUNCTUAL, CONSIDERATE TO OTHERS |
| SECURITY |
| FIRE |
| GATES CLOSED AT ALL TIMES |
| ATTIRE AND PROFESSIONALISM |
| SAFE DRIVING |
| ALL TACK IS KEPT IN TACK ROOM |
| PUT NAME ON ALL EQUIPMENT |
| FRONT OF STALLS WILL BE CLEAN
|
| USE OF PERSONAL TACK BOXES |
| BUDDY SYSTEM AND SIGN OUT SHEET FOR TRAIL RIDES W/ ETR & ETD |
| USE OF ROUND PEN |
| WORMING, SHOTS, HEALTH CERTIFICATES, COGGINS, HEALTH CARE OF
HORSES |
| THINGS THAT COME WITH ADOPTION HORSES,
TACK, SUPPLIES, SUPPLEMENTS |
| FARRIER AND VET DAYS |
| LIABILITY LAW |
| COATS, CLOTHES HUNG UP |
| DIRTY TOWELS, LEG WRAPS, SADDLE PADS IN LAUNDRY |
| PROTECTIVE HEADGEAR, CLOTHES/SHOES TO RIDE IN, DRESS CODE,
|
| 20 PERCENT RULE AND WEIGHT OF RIDER |
| EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER/ POLICE PHONE NUMBER/ FIRE |
| ONLY STABLE OWNER, BARN MANAGER OR TRAINER CAN CHANGE THE FEED
AMOUNT OF HORSES |
| NO DRUGS ARE GIVEN TO ANY HORSES, BUTE AND
SMZ'S ARE GOVERNED BY THE EXECUTOR AND ONLY USED WHEN NECESSARY, PENICILLIN OR
BANAMINE SHOTS ARE ONLY GIVEN BY THE EXECUTOR OR HEAD TRAINER
|
| ACE IS NEVER USED BUT IN EXTREME CASES WHEN
THE HORSE WILL ABSOLUTELY NOT LOAD (EVERYTHING HAS BEEN TRIED) OR WHEN A HORSE
IS GOING OUT FOR THE FIRST TIME AFTER A VERY LONG STALL REST. |
| ACE OR BUTE ARE NEVER GIVEN TO ANY HORSES
FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAKING THE HORSE EASIER TO RIDE... AND DOING SO WILL MEAN
IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL FROM THE INTERN PROGRAM. |
| NOT LEAVING PADDOCK W/0 PERMISSION (TELL
SOMEONE YOUR GOING) AND RIDING TEST BEFORE GOING OFF W/ BUDDY |
| HAND WALK SICK HORSES (THAT ARE NOT RESTRICTED TO STALL) |
| QUARANTINED HORSES |
| OUR WAY OF DOING THINGS IS FINE TUNED, DO
NOT CHANGE ANYTHING WITHOUT ASKING. IF YOU THINK YOU KNOW OF A BETTER WAY, WE
NEED TO DISCUSS IT IN A PROGRAM MEETING BEFORE HAND |
| WHEN IN DOUBT ABOUT ANYTHING, ASK THE
EXECUTOR |
| DO NOT RIDE, TURN OUT OR FEED NEW HORSES UNTIL YOU READ THEIR
PAPERWORK FROM OWNER (LOOK AT CURRENT FEED, CURRENT WORK OUT SCHEDULE, SPECIAL
CARE, SPECIAL SHOES, LAST DATE RIDDEN/DRIVEN, PHYSICAL PROBLEMS, TRAINING
ISSUES AND CONDITIONING LEVEL) |
| READING A
HORSE, UNDERSTANDING THEIR LANGUAGE, KNOWING WHEN TO STOP AND WHEN TO
CONTINUE, BE 100% AWARE OF WHAT IS GOING ON AROUND YOU AND WHAT THE HORSE IS
DOING |
| BLANKETS/SHEETS REMOVAL |
| HANDLING
STALLIONS,
BABIES AND UNTRAINED HORSES |
| NOTHING WILL BE GIVEN TO STABLE, BOARDER HORSES, HORSES IN
TRAINING OR ADOPTION HORSES WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL FROM THE BARN MANAGER OR
HEAD TRAINER |
| COMMUNICATION MUST BE CONSTANT WITH BARN
MANAGER, TRAINER AND EXECUTOR! |
| SPEAKING TO CUSTOMERS (ADOPTERS AND
DONORS), BE POSITIVE, FRIENDLY AND HELPFUL, EMPATHETIC, ASK QUESTIONS TO
UNDERSTAND, ASSUME NOTHING, |
| TAKE NOTES ON ALL CALLS YOU TAKE AND GIVE
IT TO THE EXECUTOR, APPROPRIATE ACTIONS WITH CUSTOMERS/POTENTIAL ADOPTERS AND
DONORS. |
| PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT CSS STUDY OUR RULES FOR ADOPTION, GET TO KNOW THE DONOR REQUIREMENTS,
KNOW OUR MISSION STATEMENT, LEARN WHERE EVERYTHING IS ON THE WEB SITE AND BE
ABLE TO DIRECT SOMEONE THROUGH IT IN DETAIL |
| INTERN FORMAL
EVALUATIONS (SEE BELOW) DO NOT BE INTIMIDATED BY THIS, IT IS ONLY A VEHICLE
USED TO LEARN |
| NEGLIGENCE IN DEALING WITH THE HORSES,
LIEING OR STEALING MEANS AN IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL FROM THE PROGRAM |
| SOMEONE NOT FOLLOWING OUR RULES OR THAT HAS
A BAD ATTITUDE WILL GET TWO STRIKES BEFORE BEING SENT HOME.
|
| REVIEW LAMENESSES, TRAVELING ISSUES AND
CONFORMATION BEFORE ARRIVING AT YOUR INTERNSHIP |
Click here to see our stable facilities at SWAP HQ
See the pictures of the guest house and interns
rooms/bath. There is a 3 Bedroom guest house with kitchen and a bath and a 1/2,
great room with living room and dining room, patio and covered porch, located
right beside the big barn and behind the office, garage and main house
- APPLICATION FOR INTERNS
-FULL NAME
_______________________________________________
-AGE: _____________
-FULL HOME ADDRESS
_______________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
-YOUR PHONE NUMBER (HOME & SCHOOL)
__________________________________
-PARENTS FULL NAMES (IF UNDER 21)
________________________________________
-WORK AND HOME NUMBERS OF BOTH PARENTS:
___________________________
-ALL OTHER CONTACT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS:
________________________
-FAX (IF AVAILABLE)
________________________________________________________
- YOUR E-MAIL & YOUR PARENTS E-MAIL:
_____________________________________
-DATE WHEN YOU WOULD BE AVAILABLE AND FOR HOW
LONG _______________
-DO YOU HAVE ANY PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS
__________________________________
-LIST ALL ALLERGIES:
__________________________________________________________
-ARE YOU ON ANY MEDICATIONS? IF SO, PLEASE
LIST _________________________
-DO YOU HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE FOR BOTH
ACCIDENT & ILLNESS? _______
-WHAT IS THE NUMBER OF YEARS YOU HAVE BEEN
RIDING ON A CONSISTENT BASIS
(MEANING AT LEAST 2 TO 3 TIMES A
WEEK)?_____________
-HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A HORSE OWNER?
_____________
-HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN THE PRIMARY CARE GIVER
OF THAT HORSE? (MEANING YOU HAVE BEEN THE PRIMARY CARE GIVER, DONE FEEDINGS, CLEANING STALLS,
WATERING, TURN OUT, TRAINING, FIRST AID AND GENERAL CARE.)
____________________________
-DO YOU DRIVE? _______ DO YOU HAVE A VEHICLE
& INSURANCE? __________
-AGE ________ SEX ________ HEIGHT _______
WEIGHT ________
-WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS WITH REGARDS TO HORSES?
_______________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
-TELL ME ABOUT YOUR SUCCESS STORIES WITH
HORSES AND STRENGTHS.
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
-WHAT ARE YOUR
WEAKNESSES?___________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
-TELL ME ABOUT YOUR HORSE OR
WORK EXPERIENCE, CHECK EACH ONE THAT YOU HAVE DONE & TELL US HOW LONG YOU’VE
BEEN DOING IT ON A CONSISTENT BASIS:
_____SHOWING, # OF SHOWS EACH
YEAR _________, # OF YEARS ________
_____PREPARING HORSES, TACK
AND YOURSELF FOR SHOWS
_____TRAINED A HORSE, HOW MANY
HORSES __________
_____OWNED A HORSE, HOW LONG
_____________
_____RIDING, HOW LONG
___________
_____RIDING HOT HORSES (TB/ARAB)
____RIDING GAITED HORSES _____________
_____HANDLING OR WORKING AROUND HORSES THAT HAVE NEVER
BEEN TOUCHED BY PEOPLE OR WILD HORSES
_____RIDING UNTRAINED HORSES,
HOW MANY __________
_____RIDING UNBROKE HORSES,
HOW MANY __________
_____HANDLING OR CARING FOR
UNTRAINED OR UNBROKE HORSES
_____TEACHING CLASSES OR
LESSONS, HOW MANY __________
_____PARTICIPATED IN 4-H, HOW
LONG _________
_____PARTICIPATED IN PONY
CLUB, HOW LONG _________
_____ASSISTING VETS
_____ASSISTING FARRIERS
_____RECORD KEEPING
_____MARKETING, ADVERTISING OR
SALES
_____WRITING STORIES OR NEWS
RELEASES
_____SPEAKING IN FRONT OF
GROUPS
_____RIDING IN FRONT OF PEOPLE
_____DOING TAXES OR ACCOUNTING
_____WORKING WITH CUSTOMERS
_____REPAIRS/FARM MAINTENANCE
(MOWING, WEED EATING, MENDING FENCES)
_____BARN MANAGEMENT
_____CLEANING STALLS AND
BUCKETS, HOW LONG _________
_____PUTTING UP HAY FOR WINTER
_____PLANNING/COORDINATING
& IMPLEMENTING EVENTS
_____GROOMING HORSES AND DOGS
_____DEWORMING HORSES
_____MATCHING UP PEOPLE WITH
HORSES & VISE VERSA
_____FEEDING & SOLVING
NUTRITIONAL PROBLEMS
_____WRAPPING LEGS
_____HORSE FIRST AID OR HANDLED EMERGENCIES
_____FITTING SADDLES, BITS,
BRIDLES, GIRTH TO HORSES
_____SOAKING FEET OR TAKING
CARE OF ABSCESSES
_____GIVING SHOTS TO HORSES,
DOGS OR CATS
_____TRIMMING FEET OR PULLING
OFF A LOOSE SHOE
_____FIRST AID ON STRAINS,
PULLS, PUNCTURE WOUNDS
_____COOKING FOR YOURSELF OR
OTHERS
_____COMPUTER EXPERIENCE,
ANSWERING E-MAILS
_____ANSWERING A BUSINESS
PHONE
_____FILING, GETTING MAIL OUT,
MAKING COPIES
_____HAVE YOU ATTENDED ANY
FORMAL TRAINING WITH HORSES, HOW MANY _________
_____HAVE YOU TAKEN LESSONS, HOW MANY
_________
_____HAVE YOU ATTENDED CLINICS, HOW MANY
___________
_____HAVE YOU GONE TO EVENTS
LIKE EQUINE AFFAIRE CONGRESS, ETC
_____HAVE YOU WORKED OR
VOLUNTEERED AT A STABLE, HOW LONG (IN MONTHS) _______
_____DO YOU HAVE ANY TECHNICAL
TRAINING (FARRIER, ESMT, ETC)
_____DO YOU HAVE ANY UNDERGRADUATE OR GRADUATE
SCHOOLING THAT IS
RELATED TO HORSES OR ANIMALS (EQUINE STUDIES,
ANIMAL SCIENCE, PRE-VET, VET-TECH, ETC)
-CIRCLE 5 WORDS/PHRASES OF HOW YOU THINK YOUR
FRIENDS WOULD DESCRIBE YOU:
GOOD W/ HORSES LOVES ANIMALS NICE EASY TO WORK
WITH
GOAL ORIENTED SMART LOYAL GOOD COMMUNICATOR
OPTIMISTIC GOOD ATTITUDE NEAT LIKES EVERYONE
NEVER QUITS OPEN MINDED FUNNY ORGANIZED
A LEADER PROBLEM SOLVER HAPPY LIKED BY ALL
POSITIVE OUT GOING QUIET LIKES
TO TALK
-LIST 3 REFERENCES W/ PHONE NUMBER AND E-MAIL
ADDRESS, ONE MUST BE
FROM YOUR SCHOOL OR FORMER EMPLOYER, ONE SHOULD BE
A
FORMER/CURRENT EMPLOYER/TRAINER OR STABLE OWNER
YOU HAVE
WORKED WITH AND ONE SHOULD BE A CLOSE PERSONAL
FRIEND OR FAMILY
MEMBER)
- ____________________________________________________________________________
-
- ____________________________________________________________________________
-
- ____________________________________________________________________________
- PLEASE WRITE AN ESSAY (500 WORDS) AS TO WHY YOU WANT TO COME TO WORK
AT THE SECOND WIND ADOPTION PROGRAM AND WHAT YOUR GOALS WOULD BE IF YOU WERE
SELECTED TO COME HERE.
I HAVE READ THE RULES OF OUR STABLE AND THE RULES FOR INTERNS/EMPLOYEES AND VOLUNTEERS AND WILL CHEERFULLY ABIDE BY THEM AND WILL WORK HARD TO DO THE RIGHT THING FOR THE ANIMALS IN MY CARE.
I WILL BE KIND AND CONSIDERATE TO ALL ANIMALS AND PEOPLE I WORK WITH. I
UNDERSTAND THAT THE MAJOR RULE IS THAT NO ONE GETS HURT AND NO HORSES EVER GET
HURT. I UNDERSTAND THAT I AM HERE BECAUSE THE HORSES NEED ME TO HELP THEM AND
I PROMISE TO DO MY BEST.
SIGNATURE ____________________________________
FOR ANYONE UNDER 21 BOTH PARENTS MUST READ
AND SIGN THE ATTACHED LIABILITY FORM.
WARNING! PLEASE READ AND SIGN
IT IS RECOGNIZED THAT EQUESTRIAN ACTIVITIES
ARE HAZARDOUS TO PARTICIPANTS, REGARDLESS OF ALL FEASIBLE SAFETY MEASURES WHICH
CAN BE TAKEN. EACH PARTICIPATING IN AN EQUESTRIAN ACTIVITY EXPRESSLY ASSUMES THE RISK OF
AND LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY INJURY, LOSS OR DAMAGE TO PERSON OR
PROPERTY WHICH RESULTS FROM PARTICIPATION IN AN EQUESTRIAN ACTIVITY, ON OR AROUND
A HORSE.
CROSSED SABERS STABLE &
THE SECOND WIND ADOPTION PROGRAM
RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT
I ACKNOWLEDGE THE INHERENT RISKS WHICH ARE INVOLVED IN RIDING AND
WORKING AROUND HORSES, DOGS, HORSE EQUIPMENT, FARM EQUIPMENT, FARM
FACILITIES, STABLE OR FARM PROPERTY, ESPECIALLY WITH A LOW BUDGET OR
NON-PROFIT OPERATION. THE RISKS MAY INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, DAMAGE
TO PERSONAL PROPERTY, ILLNESS, BODILY INJURY, TRAUMA, OR DEATH RESULTING
FROM A FALL OR WHILE RIDING OR BEING IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO HORSES AND DOGS.
I FURTHER UNDERSTAND THAT BOTH HORSE AND RIDER CAN BE INJURED IN THE NORMAL
COURSE OF EVENTS WHILE RIDING, SCHOOLING, TRANSPORTING AND THERE FORE AGREES
TO INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS CROSSED SABERS STABLE AND THE SECOND WIND
ADOPTION PROGRAM, IT’S EMPLOYEES, INTERNS, VOLUNTEERS, OR ANY INDEPENDENT
STABLE HELP AND FURTHER RELEASE THEM FROM ANY LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY
FOR ANY ACCIDENT, INJURY, DAMAGE, OR DEATH TO THE PARTICIPANT, PROPERTY,
HORSE THE PARTICIPANT OWNS, ANY FAMILY MEMBER OR SPECTATOR ACCOMPANYING THE
PARTICIPANT WHILE ON THE PREMISES OF CROSSED SABERS STABLE AND OFF THE
PREMISES WHEN PARTICIPATING IN AN ACTIVITY SPONSORED BY THE STABLE. THIS
RELEASE IS EFFECTIVE FOREVER ONCE SIGNED. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT IF I USE ANY
UNACCEPTABLE, UNSAFE PRACTICES WITH ANY STABLE OR ADOPTION HORSE OR DO
ANYTHING BEYOND THE MENTAL AND PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES OF THE HORSE AND DAMAGE
TO THE HORSE OR PROPERTY OCCURS THAT I COULD BE LIABLE FOR THE HORSE OR THE
PROPERTY. SIGNATURE OF PARTICIPANT DATE
NAME PRINTED
____________________________________________________
FULL ADDRESS PRINTED W/PHONE NUMBER
_______________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
1ST PARENT SIGNATURE, IF UNDER 21 BOTH PARENTS OR
LEGAL GUARDIAN MUST SIGN
_________________________________________________________________________________
2ND PARENT SIGNATURE
| |
Every Dream Starts with a Single Step, Take Your Step Today!
Women from History Who Dared To Change the World (credit: O Magazine)
600 B.C. TO 200 B.C.: Tribes of statuesque women (and men) roam
the Eurasian steppes. The fearsome Amazons of myth? Not exactly. But
archeological evidence suggests that among these nomads, the women were the
warriors.
Circa 39: Dynamic sister duo Trung Trac and Trung Nhi amass a
Vietnamese army in a revolt against Chinese rule. For four years, they lead
the rebellion.
Circa 395: Fabiola, a Roman aristocrat whose divorce and subsequent
remarriage were condemned by Christian society, founds a hospital for the
poor and other outcasts of her city. It's likely one of the first hospitals
in the Western world.
Circa 1001: Murasaki Shikibu begins writing The Tale of Genji,
an epic portrait of court life (twice as long as War and Peace),
considered by many to be the greatest masterpiece of Japanese literature and
possibly the world's first novel.
1429: Peasant girl Joan of Arc commands the French army in a series
of victorious battles to liberate her homeland from the English; she is
burned at the stake for her trouble.
Circa 1579: Grace O'Malley, a swashbuckling Irish pirate known for
raiding ships, fights off an English government expedition sent to stop her.
Circa 1613: In her graphically violent painting Judith Slaying
Holofernes, Italian artist Artemisia Gentileschi slays the ideal of
submissive womanhood: Her heroine is fierce, powerful, and ruthless.
1777: Teenager Sybil Ludington rides all night long through a storm
to alert the 400 men in her father's militia that the redcoats are coming.
She's called the female Paul Revere—but Paul rode with two of his buddies.
And he was captured by the British.
1805: Sacagawea joins Lewis and Clark as their expedition's
interpreter, traveling thousands of miles across the Rockies with her
newborn babe strapped to her back. Who says life ends when you have kids?
1814: As the British torch Washington, D.C., First Lady Dolley
Madison remains in the White House long enough to rescue historic
valuables—running out moments before the soldiers charge in.
1862: Sarah Rosetta Wakeman, just 19 and dressed as a man, enlists in
the Union Army. In a letter home, she assures: "I don't fear the rebel
bullets nor I don't fear the cannon."
1867: Ida Lewis rescues three drowning men from wind-whipped swells
in Newport Harbor. Then she rows back to save their sheep. Ida later
becomes the country's first female lighthouse keeper.
1872: Victoria Claflin Woodhull becomes the first woman to run for
president. A colorful candidate, she advocates for free love.
1906: Madam C.J. Walker hawks shampoos and serums door-to-door. The
orphaned daughter of former slaves, she becomes one of America's
wealthiest businesswomen.
1912: Astronomer Henrietta Swan Leavitt discovers the
period-luminosity relationship (later used to calculate the distances
between Earth and the stars).
1914: Barnstorming adrenaline junkie Georgia "Tiny" Broadwick makes
the first-ever free fall from a plane.
1916: In a tenement neighborhood in Brooklyn, Margaret Sanger opens
the doors of the country's first birth control clinic. Outside at least
150 women are waiting.
1916: Movie star Mary Pickford insists on becoming her own
producer. America's Sweetheart is no sucker.
1937: Amelia Earhart disappears on the ultimate adventure—her
attempt to fly around the globe. In a note to her husband, she explains:
"I want to do it because I want to do it."
1938: Anna Mary Robertson Moses sells her first paintings, at age
78. Known as "Grandma" Moses, she continues to paint for 23 years,
becoming one of the century's most renowned folk artists.
1941: Protofeminist superhero Wonder Woman first appears in a comic
book, fighting off Fascists in star-spangled hot pants.
1946: Super-geekette Dorothy Hodgkin cracks penicillin's chemical
makeup with an X-ray crystallographer. (Eighteen years later she'll earn
the Nobel Prize.)
1953: Jackie Cochran flies an F-86 Sabre jet through the sound
barrier. She learned to fly so she could travel around selling cosmetics,
but it turns out trashing speed records is a lot more fun.
1959: On the edge of the Serengeti Plain, Mary Leakey digs up and
pieces together a 1.7-million-year-old hominid skull, one of the most
important finds in the history of archeology.
1960: At the Rome Olympics, Wilma Rudolph (left)—once partially
paralyzed by polio—earns three gold medals in track-and-field, the first
American woman to do so.
1963: Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova becomes the first female
to fly a spacecraft around the globe.
1967: Kathrine Switzer dares to run the all-male Boston Marathon,
while an irate race official chases her.
1981: Alexa Canady becomes the first black female neurosurgeon in the
United States.
1985: Just 175 miles from the Iditarod finish line, Libby Riddles
heads into a blizzard when other mushers opt to stay in camp; this gives her
a six-hour lead and, ultimately, the win.
1989: Performance artist Karen Finley smears her body with chocolate
to illustrate that women are treated like, you know, dirt. The National
Endowment for the Arts rescinds her funding, but she ultimately gets it
back.
2005: Roz Savage quits her corporate job, leaves her unraveling
marriage, and rows across the Atlantic by herself. Midlife crisis averted.
2008: Sandra Andersen, a barista at a Starbucks in Tacoma,
Washington, learns that one of her customers needs a kidney to live. So she
gives the woman hers.
2009: Navigator Ann Daniels leads the Catlin Arctic Survey, a 74-day
journey from the Arctic Ocean to the North Pole to measure the thickness of
sea ice.
******************* The Warmth of A Horse
When your day seems out balance...
and so many things go wrong ...
When people fight around you
and the clock drags on so long ...
When some folks act like children
and fill you with remorse ...
Go out into your pasture and wrap
your arms around your horse.
His gentle breath enfolds you as he
watches with those eyes ...
He may not have a PhD but he
is, oh so wise!
His head rests on your shoulder
you hug him good and tight ...
He puts your world in balance
and makes it seem all right.
Your tears will soon stop flowing,
the tension will be eased ...
The nonsense has been lifted.
You are quiet and at peace.
So when you need some balance
from the stresses in your day ...
The therapy you really need
Is out there eating hay!
|
