HAPPY ENDINGS 01

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

Thanks for asking about Top Notch. We call him Topper and we call Rag the Legend, Raggy. They are just wonderful! Topper had been giving me fit's with his feet, I had to have him shod every 5 weeks and he kept getting abcesses. Well, my Farrier told me about some stuff called Keratex hoof hardener. That stuff is a miracle. I have been using it for about 3 month's and I had him shod again this past Saturday. Great new's! His shoe's was as tight as when he put them on him and his hoove's had grown about 1/2 inch. He told me that I will be able to start getting him back in shape to ride in spring. I was just trilled. Of course Raggy think's he is still racing and we have to be pretty hard on him. But he is a very handsome horse. My grand-daughter love's him. I am going to try and get some good picture's on my digital camera and I will send them to you. I will send you pictures soon to. Thanks and keep up the good work. Linda Drake

Hi,
Just a quick note to tell you about the horses. Missy is about ready to
wean the colt (High Noon by Black Hawk). They are both fat and healthy.
Missy will be going to the trainer (whom I have known for 20 yrs) to be
trained to be ridden (by my grandkids, eventually) and to drive ( by me) as
soon as High Noon is ready to be weaned. I have traded High Noon to a
friend of mine for a 4 wheeled buggy for Missy. CJ Winner and I have not
made it together although he has been very good to work with. My future
daughter -in-law started to mess with him while she was staying with us
while she commuted to college to finish her masters degree ( graduates in
May, yeah). They have hit it off so well that I have told her she can have
charge of him. They have done a lot of ground work and is starting to do
some easy riding in the round pen. I am very proud of the progress they
are making.
We are pleased with the adoption. I wish there was more I could to help
SWAP. I have sent a small donation to hopefully help some others horses.
Shelle Privett

Celeita,

Here is Hero's tentative spring schedule. I will know a little bit more in a
few weeks.

Either Fence HT in Landrum S.C. March 27-28 or Spring Bay HT in Lexington,
KY April 10-11: he will only be running Prelim for his first time out this
year.

April 16-17: River Glen HT Newmarket, TN. He will run Intermediate.

May 1-2: Plantation Field in Unionville, PA. he will run Intermediate.

May 13-16: Jersey Fresh Two star in New Jersey. This is a three day two
star level event.

After that he will have the summer off and start again in the fall running
advanced. If al goes well we are shooting for the Fair Hill three star in
October in Maryland.

I will let you know more when I get more info. Still waiting on Ray to get
with me on Toby. I am still assuming he is being picked up tomorrow.

Kristen Kelly

We have a video of Hero, aka "Center Stage" winning the Intermediate Division at Poplar Place Farm last fall that we will be putting on the web site. Yes, Hero is an SWAP Adoption Horse!! Congratulations Kristen and Hero for such great work and bringing this boy so far. Karen O' Connor even offered to buy him last year. Kristen said that even if he wasn't an adoption horse she would not sell him. She said it was good to say, he's not for sale. Bravo!!

I have watched that video 50 times and tear up every time, especially when he takes off cross country. Go ahead and keep the video. I was able to copy my original so I have others here. Hero would love to be an "ambassador" for second wind. He is always looking to please someone. It does go to show that horses can come back from injuries and be great horses. His prior owner really thought he was damaged for good. I have also learned that a really badly behaved horse can be the best horse in a different situation sometimes not the fault of the owner or rider just the attitude of the horse. I will let you know when Toby gets here. Thanks.

A Little Horse Sense
     (By Linda Peterson. Reprinted from
Biography September 2003.)
During a 1998 business trip to New York City, computer consultants Janet
and Don Burleson decided to go horseback riding in Central Park. On the
walk from the stable to the park, the couple noted their rental horses'
calm demeanor amid the chaotic Manhattan traffic. They also noticed how
the animals sensed on their own when to cross the streets.
          As a trainer of Arabian show horses for 30
years, Janet was no stranger to equine
behavior. But the urban experience got her thinking--especially about
one of their pet miniature horses on their farm in Kittrell, NC.
Affectionate and companionable, two-foot-tall "Twinkie" often followed
the Burlesons around like a dog, and even rode happily in the back of
their minivan. Janet also remembered, as a young girl, once watching a
blind rider compete in horse shows. "The woman gave the horse
directions, and it took her around the
obstacles and the other horses in the class," she recalls. "It was
serving as her guide and was something I'd never forgotten." Piecing all
this together, Janet started wondering: Could a miniature horse be
trained as a guide animal for blind people?
          She already knew that horses had
intelligence, strength and stamina, superior eyesight--nearly a
350-degree range of vision-- and excellent long-term memory. "Once they
learn a task," she notes, they never forget it." Another plus: Someone
allergic to dogs would be unlikely to have the same reaction to a horse.
          Back home in Kittrell, Don fashioned a
harness with a handle, and with repetition as the key, Janet began
teaching Twinkie to obey basic voice commands such as "forward,"
"right," and "slow." She tried to steal an hour or two each day from
their computer firm and from their other business on the farm, breeding
Arabians. Over months of research, Janet read whatever she could find
about guide animals and training methods, also got help from
orientation-and-mobility instructors. Karen Clark, a blind woman from
Raleigh who had a guide dog, volunteered to walk with Twinkie and give
feedback on what the handler needed to get from the animal.
          Out on the streets and sidewalks, Twinkie
learned to signal her handler about changes in elevation (such as steps
and curbs) and to recognize hazards such as overhanging branches or a
pothole. And, in the same way the police train their horses, Janet
taught Twinkie to "spook in place" by exposing her to a lot of loud
stimuli, so she ultimately learned not to be distracted by noises and
crowds.
"Absolutely the biggest challenge is the traffic training," says Janet.
"We have to teach the horse how to keep a person safe in traffic. The
person makes the decision to go, but the animal advises the person
whether or not it's safe to go."
          At an indoor shopping mall in Raleigh,
wearing the tiny leather booties Don sewed from baby shoes to keep her
hooves from slipping on the smooth floor, Twinkie learned to negotiate
an escalator and elevator. At a local
restaurant, she was trained to stand under the table and nap while her
owners ate lunch. And she was housebroken within a week--tapping her
hoof at the door when nature called.
          As word spread about the unique little
horse, local media began to do stories, and the Burlesons appeared on
TV's Ripley's Believe it or Not.
          Given Janet's lifelong love of horses, it
isn't that hard to believe. Growing up in the suburbs of Charlotte, she
got her first pony at age eight and began training Arabians when she was
still a teenager. In 1998 she married fellow animal lover Don Burleson,
one of the world's experts on Oracle database
administration. "I was a Web site developer, and he wrote a book about
Oracle databases on the Web," Janet explains. "I had e-mailed him a
question and we started exchanging e-mail. We discovered we were living
about a mile from each other in Raleigh and decided to meet." It was
Janet's first marriage and the second for Don (both are 48), who is the
father of two teenagers, Andrew and Jennifer.
          When the couple began living on the farm,
they got their first pair of miniature horses, "to be lawn ornaments and
great little lawn mowers," Janet laughs. But as the experiment with
Twinkie progressed, Janet began to believe that the minis could be so
much more.
          From his early childhood on, Dan Shaw came
to expect a hard-knock life. His parents divorced when he was four, his
father "took off," and he and his mother left his native Oregon for
Lynn, MA. After his mom remarried and had four more sons, Dan felt
pushed away by his stepfather. The rebellious boy was sent to reform
school for three years, "and then I was passed around foster families."
One bright spot was a summer he spent at a camp for disadvantaged kids,
where he first encountered- -and fell in love with--horses. "I'd
daydream about how I'd run off with one," recalls Dan, now 47 and a
resident of Ellsworth, MI.
          When he was 17, Dan learned he had an
inherited eye condition, retinitis pigmentosa, that would eventually
take his sight. (His brothers had the same condition.) And the hard
knocks continued: After marrying at 19, he lost his firstborn to crib
death. He later had two children, Danny and Jessica, but his marriage
failed. Angry that "everything was not fair," he lived in denial. He
wouldn't admit that he had trouble seeing because, he says, "people
treated you different. They stopped coming around, they stopped being
friends." Still a rebel in his 20's, with tattoos covering his arms, he
rode his motorcycle--sometimes with the Hell's Angels--even as his
vision
deteriorated. He bounced from job to job, because he'd get fired when he
couldn't keep doing the work.
          It was not until his early 40's--with only
5 percent vision left--that Dan began to make concessions. He attended a
Boston school for the blind, where he quickly learned to read
braille--and after graduation, began teaching it to sighted children "so
they can relate to a blind kid in school." A craftsman most of his life,
he was taught to use his woodworking tools with adaptive devices so he
could still build things like birdhouses and arbors. An avid fisherman,
he opened a bait-and-tackle shop out of his garage.
          But his mobility problems in public
continued, due to his admittedly stubborn refusal to use a cane. In a
restaurant he'd bump into a table and spill someone's drink; in a
grocery store he'd stumble over little kids and get blasted by their
irate parents.
Eventually he was afraid to go out at all. Ann, his second wife, of 17
years (and mother of his stepchildren, Larry and Kelly), was growing
increasingly frustrated, and was tired of worrying about him while she
was at work. "He kept hurting himself to the point where I finally said,
`This is it--you need to do something now,´" she recalls. She had
brought up the idea of a guide dog before, but Dan resisted, knowing
their life expectancy was fairly short. But at Ann´s urging, he gave
in.
          And so it was that one day in March 2000,
the couple were sitting at the kitchen table filling out a guide-dog
application with the TV on in the background. Suddenly, Dan heard the
words, "guide horse for the blind." It was the Ripley's Believe It or
Not program about the Burlesons. "Ann," Dan said excitedly, "that's what
I want!" He was especially intrigued to hear that the average lifespan
of a miniature horse was 30 to 40 years, which meant he might be able to
have just one for the rest of his life. He tracked down the Burlesons'
phone number and became the first person to ask them for a horse.
          Or, as Janet Burleson puts it, "Dan
volunteered--he begged, actually--to be the first guinea pig. We told
him we were still testing the concept, but he pretty much talked us into
going to the next step." A few months later, their newly formed Guide
Horse
Foundation got a $30,000 donation from best- selling mystery writer
Patricia Cornwell. (She has visited their farm several times, and her
recent book, Isle of Dogs, includes a character who uses a guide horse.)
The money allowed the Burlesons to buy six of the smallest
miniatures, called pygmies (costing $2,000- $6,000 each, or more), one
of which they named Cuddles and designated for Dan.
          Over the next year, Dan called every week
to check on the 24-inch-tall (measured at the shoulder), 55-pound
chestnut mare. Finally, in March 2001, he flew to Raleigh for a
preliminary visit. As Dan came off the plane, the Burlesons were waiting
with Cuddles. Dan leaned over to pet her and got a lick on the face--and
felt an instant bond that brought tears to his eyes. The new team took
their first test outing at a pet store, where boxes were piled high in
the aisles--and Cuddles deftly maneuvered Dan past them all.
Overwhelmed at his newfound sense of freedom, Dan began to cry once
more.
          In May he returned for a month of
intensive training, then he, Cuddles, and the Burlesons all headed to
his home. The trip back to Maine included a stop in New York City, where
Dan and his pint-sized partner
successfully negotiated the subway and visited the Statue of Liberty
(Cuddles ate some of the lawn for lunch). "She never got nervous," says
Dan of their Big Apple adventure. "She never flinched. She kept me
safe."
          The Burlesons spent a week at Dan's home
getting the new team settled in, and they also provided another mini,
Nevada, who keeps Cuddles company when she's off duty. In his rural
backyard, Dan built "my babies" a corral and a tiny barn--complete with
a heated water pail and, yes, their own TV. "Cuddles likes to watch the
news because she's been on it so much," he jokes.
          Nearly two years into their partnership,
Dan reports that Cuddles has never spooked on him or lost her focus in
any way. "When I put her harness and equipment on, she's like a little
soldier," he says. "[But] when it comes off, she's just a regular little
horse. She'll go play with Nevada."
          And thanks to Cuddles, Dan--whose newest
tattoo is of his miniature horse--feels like a regular guy for the first
time in years. "My life has opened up with this little horse," he says.
When they're not taking long walks in the woods or fishing at his pond,
Dan and Cuddles often visit schools, or make presentations to civic groups to raise money for the Guide Horse Foundation. "Dan keeps himself pretty busy and is always out helping
somebody," says Ann, who no longer worries about her husband. "Cuddles
has brought us a lot of joy."
          The 80 blind people now on the Burlesons' waiting list hope to experience that joy someday, but they'll have to be patient. Janet is training nine horses but can volunteer only part-time,
assisted by Don and her brother, John Lavender. Early in 2003, a car
accident left Janet with a broken wrist, delaying the placement of the
next guide horse with a Pennsylvania woman. At some point, Janet hopes
that the Foundation will be able to hire other people to train the minis
full time.
          In the meantime, she stresses, her guide horses "are not intended to replace guide dogs or compete with them. We're just offering a new option for a blind person."
          To learn more about the nonprofit Guide Horse Foundation, visit www.guidehorse.com, or call 252-433-4755. Dan Shaw's Web site, www.danandcuddles.com , has a diary about his adventures with the world's first guide horse.

Dear Celeita,
Mistral is safe and sound in her new home! She is beautiful and so sweet. She was so calm and comfortable that the girls were able to groom her and give her a few treats. She ate, drank and met the other horses after they came back in from the pasture. As the only girl in the stable she is the rose among the thorns! We love her already. Thank you so much for all of your help.
The Bruno Family

Hi Celieta,

Maiden went to her new home last night. I talked to Pat this morning and it
looks like a good fit. She made the trip very well and already has a few
barn buddies. I am so happy you found a wonderful new home for her.
Unfortunately, my daughter has decided she is more interested in boys now
than horses (at least for the moment).

Pat has promised to keep me updated on her progress over the next few weeks,
so it sounds like she is a wonderful person and has a new best friend.

Thanks again,
Marion

thank you for your sweet card. I hope Christmas was lovely and not too hectic for you.
The children rode on Christmas Day and Robby (daughter) expressed an interest in hunting the little black stallion I rescued from the livestock market a few months back. They went out the following day and Thomas (16 yo son) rode Seth. They had such a wonderful time that they went out again on Sunday and cannot wait for the next meet. Both the stallions were beautifully behaved, in fact nobody realized they were stallions until Robby referred to "the little stallion" (we have to find him a name!!!!).
They trailer together and stand at the meet and checks. Neither care if mares come around them and they both jump all before them. Thomas is very impressed with Seth who he says jumps like a stag. I got to see them do one road crossing/in and out and it was very impressive. Apparently there was one very tricky coop in the woods and Seth was the only horse who did not rap the top board. He really seems to like it down here and thoroughly enjoys the hunting. It must be fun after a lifetime of mostly ring work. Tom says stallions in particular need stimulation and like doing things. these boys certainly live up to that opinion!
We are working on getting the paperwork for Toby but it is hard to get it over the holiday period. It did look like a non-commercial hauler was going to come and get him but that fell through. Rest assured we are keeping the pressure on at this end as I want him to start enjoying his new home as soon as possible. Have you heard how Newty is settling in?
Wishing you the very best for the new year, yours, Victoria

Celeita,

We rode Goodie a little bit while we had nice weather this weekend and thought you would like some of the pictures. They're not the best in world but as you can see he is great! The first picture is of Goodie and my Walker.....Sundance they are best buddies. The girl riding him is my neighbors daughter and the man holding his lead is my hubby. They also have become best buddies. I'll send more pictures as we take t hem

Karen

HI Celeita,
I just wanted to let you know that Lovey and Money finally made it home
after quite an unplanned for adventure! Anyway, they finally made it and
they are great! I really think somebody didn't really know what kind of
breeding Lovey has. She is a grandaughter of Northern Dancer, and also has
Tom Fool and several other extremely successful racehorses in her pedigree,
including Triple Crown winners. Money is very well bred also, so I hope to
have two nice babies next year. I'll definitely breed Lovey to something
quieter like a QH, and have plans to breed Money to a friesian stallion
nearby.
thanks,
tammie

Just wanted to let you know Jazz (Jasfar) and I are getting along much
better. I am hoping to show him in the shows at our barn this summer. We
just wanted to say Merry Christmas. I'll keep you up-dated
Jen

Thanks so much for keeping me up to date. I'm thrilled for all of you. Words can't describe the relationship that can be formed with horse & human in true partnership. One thing we as humans tend to forget is that child like innocence that was there when we were kids. We humans tend to 'expect' horses to be a certain way or do certain things for us. What we lose in that is the trust and the INTENT. We older humans go...well...we pay your board...we adopted you....we feed you...we vaccinate you....and because we do all that you OWE us. The intent changes as we get older. So...the horses...they know this. When we expect of them without proving to them that we will be their friend in any and all circumstances.. it tends to be a 'bad' relationship. Once we take the time that it takes and prove to our horses that we're trustworthy and that we'll be trustworthy with their bodies....well then....then.. the magic can begin. Its only when horses trust us with their bodies that they will turn control of their bodies over to us. Its only when the horse trusts us that they will willingly and happily follow our lead. Horsemanship is .....Love, Language and leadership = lightness. Keep me posted. I love hearing success stories. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. LOL.

Addy and I are well. He's a great big fat hair ball. We might go for a trail ride this Christmas day if this rain clears off. If the trails are foul...we might go on and ship over to the island. If Christmas day doesn't work...we're looking at new years day to meet several folks over on the island. He's such a begger...I was watching him yesterday go from person to person doing his tricks to see who had any treats in their pockets. I DO have the Spanish walk now...so he's added that to his bag of begging tricks. He'll take one big step with lots of hoof hang time...then switch legs.. paw the air then step forward. He's too much girl. Anything for a treat. He's one of the gluttons that Parelli talks about. He's says never say never, don't always say always ....all times say sometimes.. So...he's one of the horses that parelli says sometimes will do stuff for a treat. I'm having a good time with him. He I think...has a good time with me. His little pony went to his new home...so he and Sara are now sorting it out. Sara is definitely the lower one on the ladder. She should have never tried to move my boy off his food. If she'd have just left him alone with his chow...they wouldn't be having these issues. He wont let her anywhere near him when he's eating. He drives her around (driving game & circle me game) just for kicks. I think the problem is that when you play the games a lot with your horse...it also gives them skills that they turn around and apply to fellow horses. When we were at the rescue...Addy was pretty low on the pecking order even in the back field. Now...no matter where we've gone and what we've been up to ....only Charlie has bossed him around. He's been the boss in every other circumstance. He even bosses mares. Yikes. I guess my strong personality is lending him a new stronger personality. I love him girl and stay in touch with Emily. I sent her a couple pics of him late this fall with him all dappled out.

Here's and excerpt from my xmas letter:

This Holiday Season leaves me reflecting on both my future and my past. It’s hard to comprehend where I was as opposed to where I am now and where I intend to go. My entire life has been shaped by my passion for horses. The drive for excellence in horsemanship has also shaped who and what I am. All the wonderful friends that I have and all the wonderful horses that I’ve handled over the years have also played a significant role in making me the better person that I am now. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of my friends and all of their horses for without you my world would be a smaller and an infinitely more boring place. Within me live the horses of my past. It’s through my experience with them that I’m able to draw upon experience and knowledge to help the horses of my future. To quote a Parellism: “If I don’t see you in the future, I’ll see you in the pasture.”

Let me know if I can be of further assistance.
Love
Chris, Addy & Gigi

Fort Ann, NY

Celetia - Miss B has begun her training. I am told that if she's smart
(which I think she is...she has a great curiosity) that she can re-learn to
canter in approx. 60 days. I hope the trainer knows what he's talking
about. She is so much fun, so gentle and very very sweet. I'm glad I took
that "leap of faith" and just picked her off the Internet! You should see
her now. She has gained weight, is glossy from hour-long grooming sessions
(if you can't ride ... you can at least groom right?) and that Cowboy Magic
stuff has made her mane and tail so pretty! You're have a great "adoption
special" going on right now, and if I could afford a second horse, I would
get Kosmos or Country Lane to be her brother. Unfortunately, paying for and
shipping the horse is the cheap part! Anyway, Miss B is getting the best of
everything ... doctor, dentist, blankets, treats and stall toys (I even buy
her organic carrots). She's well and seems happy. She is so much calmer
and better behaved than most of her stable buddies. Everything I read about
Standardbreds is true. They have the best equine personalities. I've had a
couple of quarter horses, and their personalities can't compare. I plan to
take photos of Miss B's training session on Sat. and will send some your
way. What day do you leave for Germany? Who will take over for you when
you're gone? Pat

Dear Ms.Celeita,

I just wanted to let you know that I jumped Resolute today!! He did great!! I am so excited for the show season to roll around!! I hope to have lots of ribbons in the future to tell you about!! Thank you for this wonderful horse!!!

Thank you for keeping your fingers crossed for us! He is SO sweet and very gentle. My mom and I joke that he doesn't realize how big he is because when we are out on the field, he plays with us! He will take off running and look back as if to say, "Hey what's taking you so long!" When we finally get up to him he lets us pet him and then takes off like "Come and Get ME You SLOWPOKE!!!" I will make sure to give him a hug and a kiss from you!

Maddie

P.S. Thanks for taking the time to reply!! And Res has a knew trick, he knows how to bow on his knees!!!

I love playing w/ Resolute!!! My horsie friend think I'm crazy playing w/ a 1300# horse!! But oh well Resolute likes it and I do to!! Yea, life must be boring for a stallion so he must need all the company he can get from you.

Pictures of Res should be coming soon. Some of him u/s and just out in the pasture playng. We have to get them loaded on the computer first. Our first show should be around March or April, it's going to be the fun show my 4-h club is hosting!

We just got back from the barn. I took Resolute for a walk in the snow. He seemed to enjoy it. I gave him a good brushing to get all the dirt off of him so we could put his blanket on. He loves his blanket!! Poor guy has no winter coat what-so-ever!!!(typical TB) ~Maddie

Celeita,

You won't believe what has happened now. The horses made a daring escape last night. Nothing like 30+ horses running through the neighborhood.
My friend's dad woke up this morning and they were grazing in his front yard (about a 5 acre yard). My friend drove up the back way and all but a few went back in the pasture on their own when they saw the truck (feeding time).
Trippin cut his nose on something and had to have a few staples. The vet said it shouldn't even leave a scar. Bandit banged his knee and is on stall rest for a week. He isn't lame but the vet said not to take any chances and keep him in. All the others were fine.
A strange man lives in the trailer park that is adjacent to the farm. We caught him in the pasture last summer looking for arrowheads. We put a lock on the gate he used and put up "No Trespassing" signs. Unfortunately, the lock broke a few weeks ago and I keep forgetting to put a new one on. I didn't think he would be out in the cold but it has been in the 50's the last few days. I guess he must have taken advantage of the missing lock even though we told him to stay out of the pasture. It takes all kinds I guess.

Karen

hi its Olivia i just wonted to tell you that i got Annie to jump 1 foot high last weekend she is doing vary well we bought her blanket yesterday. she is having fun she will stick her tongue out at me and ill say don't stick your tongue out at Me then she will turn her head side ways and smile she has become vary trusting of me and will do anything i ask she canters regularly now and will even gallop if i let her on the grassy parts of the trail its official Annie is the fastest horse at the barn when every one is cantering she is trotting or jogging look at pic at bottom of Annie at the new barn.

Oliva Tarlow

Hi Olivia, That has got to be my favorite picture ever. Annie looks wonderful and you two look so happy. I can tell she loves you a lot because she looks so relaxed and happy to be next to you. You two make quite a pair. I love her blanket with her name on it, very pretty. Thank you for giving her such a great home and for taking such good care of her. I'm sure you are her favorite person in the world for that.

PS. You've grown up so much since you and your dad flew out from St. Louis to come and see her!!

Celeita

Hi Celeita. I wasn't offended. Knew you were swamped. I'm getting too old to wait around for "deals"! LOL It's now or never where I'm concerned, so will go to Colonial Farm Credit and see if we can run through some numbers. The land is gorgeous, so keep your fingers crossed for me. If we can swing this, within a couple years I might have room for another Scarlett! :-) Although I talked to the lady who's leasing her and I may have to fight to get her back! hahahaha She's totally in love with her. Says she's the absolute sweetest mare. Her farrier loves her........ She's getting so spoiled there she may not want to come home! She's getting the best hay and plus her sweetfeed/biozin/flax diet I had her on she's getting beet pulp, tons of carrots and an awful lot of attention and told every day how special she is. Cindy went out and bought a coffee grinder to grind the flax like I do so that it's more absorbable. And she couldn't find any in the feed store so she's buying it in the HUMAN specialty shop and must be paying an absolute fortune for it! I shoulda sent more home with her as I get it for $20 for 50 pounds. As for me, I really miss her because she IS so sweet. Sis is much more standoffish - more of a you can touch me if you really insist, but don't think you're doing me any favors kind of mare. And her filly's pretty much got the same attitude, while Scarlett's babies are affectionate, come right to you, follow you around and all that, so she does pass the temperament on. Sorry, didn't mean to go on and on, but you know how we all are about our "children" and even when they go visiting elsewhere it's soooo nice when they make you proud of them! At any rate, she's in very good hands and Cindy updates me about every 2 weeks as to how everything's going with her. We're already looking forward to seeing how gorgeous she looks all braided and dolled up when she and the baby go to the inspection. She's hoping to get her into the premium mare book! I'll keep you updated. Later. Kristie

Yes, B is getting a second evaluation tomorrow (Bill wasn't around when his "assistant trainer" rode her on Sat.). I will pass on what you've said about Standardbreds. I suspect neither one of these guys have ever trained a Standardbred. Bill has raised Arabians since he was a boy (literally) and Jason can ride anything. But as you know, we don't have a lot of Standardbreds here in Texas. I suspect she'll go into training right away. I bet I'll be riding her in about 6 weeks. (I was watching Monty Roberts video tapes tonight and I thought "We can do this...no biggie."). Hope I'm right! Have a good week. Pat

Hello Celeita!

Hope your Thanksgiving was a great one! All the gang here received a basket of apples, carrots, sugar cubes and treats as an extra special something for them!

You sure have a great adoption special going on - if I had the time to get down to South Carolina before the holidays, I would nab up Azim and Belle. They both sound like wonderful horses to have around in case you don't have a bombproof model for the friends that would enjoy riding with us.

Everyone here is doing great - my husbands dog chewed up the cable to our digital camera and I can't download the pics I took in the snow earlier in the week, but as soon as I get them downloaded I will email them to you. The horses were having a ball! We are expecting 8 - 12+ tonight into tomorrow - BIG YUCK! I will snap a few more tomorrow when I have them on turnout while I am doing their stalls - I just love watching them play in it!

I just wanted to say a quick hello and to see how everything is going for you - I saw on your website that you are going to Germany for a few years. I wish I lived closer to you - I would have helped you fill in while you are gone!

Take care and if we don't chat before, have a great Christmas!

Joni

Celeita,

I would much rather you discourage an adoption that isn't a good fit than to encourage an unsuccessful one. Goes to show what a quality program you run. I know of some that would place any horse anywhere to get them out of their barn. FYI Goodie weathered his first snow with us very well. I got both he and Sundance very thick winter storm blankets and I swear he purred while I was putting it on him! He seemed a little jumpy with the sound of frozen rain on the barn's tin roof but settled right in as soon as he figured out it wasn't a horse eating monster out there. Janeen sent me pictures of him from when she got him and from when she entered him into your program. Boy! What a difference! He can be a little defensive of his food sometimes but Geesh who wouldn't be after going through what he did. And for him to have kept such a sweet personality.........he's a wonderful, wonderful horse who definitely deserves his life of leisure ( with a few trail rides thrown in there). He has really bonded with my hubby which is great! Hubby was such a hard nose saying he supports my horse habit but not to expect too much as far as him bonding with one........well, he is absolutely in love with Goodie!

Have a Great Holiday Season!

Karen

Hi Celeita,

I just read your email and I'm sure my dad wouldn't mind coming down and taking a look at things for you. Would you mind if we wait until around the 15th of December? I know that's a little over a week away, but next week I have final exams (even one on Saturday the 13th! how cruel is that!). I'd love to come down and maybe work skynrd a little and get some better pictures and such of him. If that's okay with you we'll plan to come down around the 15th and make definite plans a little closer to that date.

As a side note, Suki's jumping bloodlines are coming to play as I have now witnessed her jump the paddock fence from a standstill about 4 feet from the fence. This is her second time in just a couple months, I'm hoping this doesn't become a reoccurring problem or I will have to find another barn or something. .. but it is kind of cool too :) Anyhow, she's wearing all of her tack now and I'm patting the saddle and such, so as to get her used to that movement. I'm planning on sitting on her sometime over Christmas break just to get the idea in her head and maybe hop on her once a month or so until she's 3 in April, then maybe we'll start baby rides around the barn. I'm busy, busy, busy with school, but I love it. It also keeps me from wanting to go too fast with little Suki. By the time the school year is over she'll be at a good place to start riding and the right age, so it should be perfect. Well, hope all is well. Talk to you later.

Lin

Celeita,

Hi! I adopted Delilah from you about 2 years ago this upcoming Feb. I just wanted to let you know she is doing wonderful. She is a true joy to be around and ride! Her and Jackson have become inseparable with each other. Thank you so much for her! If we ever are looking for another horse in the future we know where to come. If you scroll down there are several pics attached, but there is one of her by herself and then one with her and Jackson. I received the entire attachment from my mom and did not know how to get rid of the other pics - sorry :)

I lost contact with Dandelion's new home mom - do you have any pics or her email address?

Thanks,

jenny

Celetia - I met Miss B Isidore for the first time today. She is as friendly as a big dog. She saw me and my friend from probably 60 yards away and just began walking toward us! Came right up to the fence and we shot this photo. She loves to be scratched and rubbed, and as you said, she is amazingly calm and gets along well with all the other horses (but she does stand up for herself if another horse starts something...we got a demo of that when a jealous Arabian came up and began acting like we were there to see her instead). She is going to be great. What kind of bit did you use with her? Do you think she would work well with a hackamore? Thanks a zillion for doing what you do. I feel so lucky to have such a great and friendly equine in my life. Pat Pape

Celeita

Tonight I went out to groom her. While I was in Colo. I read all these books about how you work with them, make them trust you, etc. etc. (Parelli wants you to buy all that expensive stuff and work up to making them work with you.) Well, in one grooming session I touched her every place on her body probably (including the underside of her tail) and she just stood there cross-tied with her eyes half closed. She loves to be groomed. It just puts her in a trance. You can rub her eyes, ears, everywhere. She is truly a puppy dog! I guess I have to read some new books now!

I am going to enjoy her so much, but I have sworn that I am NOT going to spoil her. Tonight she got some carrots and an apple after her grooming (that woke her up) and she got a little pushy afterwards. So treats only twice a week. And only in her bucket...not from the hand (although she figured out EXACTLY where they come from and started sniffing my hands). Also - I have to go buy some Cowboy Magic for that wirey mane and tail! She looked good when I left, but after they turn her out tomorrow, I'm sure we'll be back to Square One in the grooming dept. Will send many more pix. Pat

Celeita,

Yes, she did. I have his Coggins in his file here. I try to email her every few weeks to let her know how he's doing. He is definitely Mr. Personality. So is my TWH so I have two hams on my hands! It's so great! You know how you can just look in some horses eyes and know they are so smart and there is just so much behind those eyes. That's how it is with both boys. We are so very blessed to be able to provide a home for Goodie. We hope to have many happy years to come. He was definitely worth the wait to find just the right fit.

Thanks Again!

If you need any more recommendations in the Roanoke, VA area let me know I'll be glad to toot Second Winds horn.

Karen

Just wanted to let you know what a beautiful horse Seth is. He seems to have settled right into the menagerie here. We are keeping him stabled since he will start competing in the new year with Tom. Tom gave him a blanket clip as it was a bit of an adjustment for him from CT to VA weather (particularly as his arrival was followed by an Indian Summer.) he was wonderful to clip and stood with the rope slack. Robby (14 year old daughter) and Thomas (16 year old son) have been hacking him out as well. He is not quite as quiet as advertised but nevertheless is a total gentleman. I am so glad we got him, I am even glad the measuring was “off” because I might not have taken him knowing he was only 15.1 but his build means he “takes up your leg” and Tom fits him perfectly.

Hope you have a wonderful holiday. Victoria

Hi Celeita,

Just wanted to let you know how pleased we are with Goodie. He and Sundance have become best buddies. Where you see one, you see the other always. Even in the stalls. Of course they don't share but with the barn being open like it is they often "check in" on each other. Goodie did the cutest thing this morning.......his good morning nicker is sounding more and more like a purr... he's been drawing it out so long. It is so cute! It was quite windy this morning while I was checking their water he walked up behind me pressed his head on my back and "purred" he is something else!! We put him under saddle a few weeks ago he did fine. The saddle didn't fit him well so we didn't want to ride too long about 15 minutes is all but he seemed fine checking everything out. His saddle arrived about 2 weeks ago but unfortunately I've broken my arm and haven't been able to ride. I plan on trying him with his saddle as soon as I can hold the reins. I'll let you know how it goes. I don't expect any problems. No one believes he's an "adoption horse" He has really helped dispel the myth that all adoption horses are problem horses around here. Keep up the good work! and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

God's Speed and Stay Safe while in Germany,

Karen

Celetia,

I wanted to send you some pictures of Matt. He is absolutely the greatest Trail horse. Nothing bothers him on the trial...not deer jumping in front of us or 4 wheelers coming from behind. (My other horse, Tucker...absolutely HATES 4-wheelers. ) Mattie and Tucker....are best buddies and hate to leave one another. Matt is so calm. He likes to crib...but that's about it as far as faults go. I absolutely Love him!

Jan wanted me to tell you a little about Knighty too. I haven't ridden him in a little over a year...but he was really good on the trail. I never got him to break stride...but he did trot...then pace. He is a really nice boy. I would adopt him....but if I were to ever get another horse...I really wanted it to be a draft horse/cross (have always wanted one). Then I saw Silas and just have to ask about him.

I was looking at Silas on your web site and wondered if you had any other info on him. Is he still available and how is he under saddle?

I'd really have to do some sweet talking to my husband...but who knows..???? Anyway...Just wanted to let you see Matt...I know it's been quite a while since we have been in touch.

Talk to you later........./ Kathy DeWitt

C-- Just wanted to let you know the trainer was out today and rode Resolute..she adores him and he didnt take a wrong step. We just did flat work but he was very good. Maddie rode him and the trainers feels they will do fine..even thou he is a big boy. He has been nothing but a dream since he got here and we just adore him.

We are still kinda shopping for a pasture mate for him..something Maddie's friends can ride on weekends while they are here, maybe a companion who can handle light riding now and then. Im not really willing to spend a lot, but if you come across something local please let me know.

Did you have a chance to snail me a copy of his coggins?

Thanks-

Marissa

Ms.Kramer~
                   Hi this is Maddie, I adopted Resolute along with my mom Marissa Sutton. We are so happy to have him with us. He has not made a wrong move. I love his big blaze. I had a lesson on him today, he did great as expected. He has the best temperament in the world. He's so big. (out with the ponies in with the horses) He's got all these little dressage buttons that I have to admit are a little confusing , but he handles them like a pro. I just wanted to thankyou so much for bringing us this great horse! We hope to have many exciting experiences to tell you about.Watch out Large Hunter Horses here comes "Rhythmic Resolution".
                                                             Thanks,
                                                                         M

C-- Farrier came and put front shoes on him, he didn't feel he needed back ones..He was stone bruised pretty badly but he should feel better soon.

Maddie rode him today--we lunged first and then lunged him with her on him and then they just walked by themselves..I think he was bored lol but very well behaved. Didn't do much because of his feet about 15 minutes.

Can you snail mail me another copy of his coggins?? The dog at the barn ate it when it flew off the car today ACK!!

Thanks-M

Hi All,
Doitright Tobe (aka Tucker) did it right! Three year old Thoroughbred
that he is, Tucker tends to get a little overexcited in new places,
particularly horse shows. So, in the interest of safety and sanity, I had
my trainer ride him last weekend. Once the rather opinionated discussion
was over between them, the two fellows attempted to conquer Training
Level Tests 1 & 2. Test 1 was a little erratic on everyone's
part...including mine, since I actually managed to read the test wrong so
the team went off course *blush*....but they still earned a solid 55%.

However, on stage for Test 2, with some more preparation, Tucker put on
his "show face" and settled into the course like a pro. This time, he
earned a 65.4% and the blue ribbon! The judge was very complimentary, and
said he had lovely, steady rhythm....a nice horse.

Chris, my trainer, who drove down from Massachusetts here to New Jersey,
really put in a good ride for us. It was just a small schooling show, but
the perfect place for a young horse to get his feet dirty in the dressage
arena. Tucker looked wonderful and very correct in his way of going. If
we can work out some of the emotional kinks when he first gets to the
show grounds, he is going to be a star. He is very talented and athletic
and really looks the part of a dressage master. Already his canter is
balanced and beautifully cadenced.

Looks like Crossed Sabers/Second Wind has adopted out another winner!

Tucker says "hi" to you all. He's bit full of himself about his victory,
but he still remembers his humble beginnings....sometimes. *G*

Take care and Happy Holidays!
Jean Dvorak

Hi Celeita. You really can't tell from the picture, but Scarlett's winter coat came in all dappled. I was so excited. Other than the bout with EPM she just continues to improve. It's amazing how long it actually takes to come back to full health, inside and outside after such debilitating starvation.

I received a video of Ideal (the stallion Scarlett's in foal to) and a bunch of his offspring from foals to 5 years old. I was blown away! He evidently puts a lot of premium offspring on the ground and passes on his movememt whether he's bred to another warmblood, morgan, arabian, quarterhorse, whatever. I can hardly wait to see this baby. I think he has a website, so, if you ever have any free time (hahahahaha) you can pull him up. I'm seriously considering breeding to him myself or maybe La Cavalier, a young Belgian warmblood stallion here in Virginia who's also rapidly making a name for himself. Might as well, as Scarlett should already be approved (can't imagine why she wouldn't be) so i wouldn't have to incur the extra costs of having the mare inspected, just the baby. And, in the meantime, everyone who meets Scarlett falls in love with her. Hope all's well on your end and that the winter will treat you kindly. Kristie

Click here: FOUR STAR STALLION IDEAL August 24th 2003 Hi Celeita. Here he is. And my error, he and La Cavalier are Oldenburgs, not Belgian. The pictures don't do him the justice that seeing the movement on the video does. Kristie

Hi Sarah,

Zoe is doing GREAT !!! She is in foal to "Sir Chamberlain", a German
Trakehner stallion ( frozen semen), and the baby should arrive mid March.
She already looks very pregnant - big belly! You know, you said she is by
Saluut II, and Saluut was standing at a farm just 25 miles from us !! We
went and looked at him, and they are so much alike - he now is 22 years old
and still stunning . We would love to get her registered into a stud book,
either Holstein or ISR/OLD-NA , and we can prove with DNA, that Saluut is
the sire, but it would also be good to have some info on her mother - do
you remember, where you got her from, so we may be able to find out more
about her dam. She is such a beautiful mare, has all you want in a
broodmare - size, substance, frame, confidence, personality and leadership
- only Ginger, the boss mare, is above her in the pecking order !
She does not have any problems with accepting the bridle, and we lunged her
with saddle with no problems. Will wait with mounting until next summer.
I took pictures last weekend - prints- give me your address and I will send
them to you. You also are very welcome to visit her any time, we have the
former owner of Bunny, our 'grandma', coming for a visit end of this month.

Take care, and don't worry, she's safe and loved.
Zorana

Hey,
I was looking over Magic's dams paperwork and she is
double registered with the Arab association and the
pinto association, so theoretically, shouldn't Magic
also be able to be double registered in the breeding
stock division? I'm pretty sure he can, but I'm going
to need another set of copies of his mom's
registration. I can't register him as pinto until his
Ara papers come back, so there's no hurry on that
paperwork. As soon as I get his certificates back, I
will send you copies so you can have them for your
files. Hope everything is going well, if you need me,
let me know. I finally got a job up here so I have to
work every other weekend, but I'll do what I can for
you. Magic is doing really well, surprise surprise
and he knows me now. He'll leave the other horses and
come over to the fence line to come see me! How
Cute!!
See you later,
Jenai

Re: Doubtful Debt

Adopted 10/2002

Currently located in Richmond/Powhatan, VA

Celeita,

I will be forwarding the Follow-Up form to you this week. It didn't occur to me that it was supposed to do that in June. Sorry for the delay. Anyway, he is doing GREAT! I'm so proud of him. He's put on weight and his topline has filled out quite a bit and his back does not bother him like it had in the past. He still sees the chiropractor on occasion for an adjustment. He's also mellowed out a lot! He's a wonderful horse and I feel fortunate to have him. I will be moving him at the end of the month from Monacan Farm to Holly Hill Farm. It's just a few miles from the barn he's in now. The new facility is just much nicer with more amenities. I will send pictures of the property along with the address with my follow-up report.

If I've overlooked anything in my follow-up report, please advise me by e-mail at

Thanks,

Michelle McNaughton

Boule is finally here!! He is so sweet and laid back, he needs some weight on him but Dr Mason is coming to see him so she can give me some pointers.

I got your stuff in the mail yesterday, I just wanted to drop a few lines. Past adopters said that he was nervous, well this guy is a dream he has so far never done anything that I would think he was. I can sit in the pasture field and he comes up to me wanting petted, nice in stall just racks his teeth against the boards at feeding. I let him out with my gelding yesterday and those two were in heaven, I thought that this morning I would go out and he would be lame, due to the fact he carried on so much yesterday. They would run, buck, rear up and kick out just playing. But when I walked him out of his stall he was fine and as soon as I let him go to took off running and bucking. Only time will tell I guess just nice seeing him enjoy his self. Started dropping the percentage on his sweet feed down and blanketing him at night so he don't get cold. He does need some weight and I think his teeth need floated he drops a lot of feed but Dr Mason will get that. She had to go out of town so she has only been taking emergencies the last couple of days before she goes.

Patty

patricia yates

Hi Celeita, I'm always emailing you about Will, so much that sometimes I feel like a pain in the butt. But tonight (while I was brushing and loving Will) I thought about how much this little soul means to me. I truly love him. When I lost my tb Tanner I thought that there would never be another that could hold my heart as much as he did. Then there was Will....

My other horse Monty isn't the affectionate kind. Must've been all that cruel treatment he endured over the years, because he doesn't let you nuzzle or anything. Will is just a love, the total opposite of Monty.

I feel as though I've had Will for years, it almost seems that way. We get each other in some odd way (hubby even likes him). Sometimes I'm so interested in telling you how much he does now, that I forget to just stop and tell you all the little things, how it felt to hug him, or how his nose felt when he rested it on my shoulder. He is so different now, I can't even explain it.

We joke he is the reincarnation of my tb Tanner, since he has all the mannerisms that he had. I think he's his own happy soul, who just reminds me of a horse I loved dearly. Either way, I thank you for the ad in the back of the magazine that brought me to your web site, and got my lazy butt to actually fill out the form. For a little scrappy paint.

I can't imagine a day without his pretty face, or his growing soul. I'm so happy and so in love with him. Thank you Celeita, thank you so much. Alice

Robin,

Glad to hear Dante is doing well. I always felt he would thrive in a southern climate with ample amounts of turn out. He does have a very strong personality. Sounds like you are someone who appreciates it.

Sound like you are enjoying the ride. We always worked with him on being light on the aids and responsive to leg, hand and weight. Beginner riders who have ridden him have some times had a difficult time and been scared. Not everyone like or can handle the "well tuned sports car".

Jean and I are heartened that he is doing well and has landed in an appropriate situation for him.

Chip

Omni is great. I have some really nice pictures I took of him I want to send. One is of a dressage instructor who, while riding Omni, stopped to salute a flag (in the foreground that you can't see unfortunately) Well, Omni was in every bit as much attention as the rider, head up, ears forward. Its great. He's still quite frisky too. Actually, I think hes feeling better and better. We generally trail ride about 2 or 3 times a month, and he loves it. I have to keep shoes on all around and year round or he gets sore, but that's ok. My farrier is out every 5 weeks. No one believes Omni's in his late 20's. He has a good home and is happy.. you can rest assured! Thanks for asking. rena

Celeita,

Foxy was up this morning. She ate the small amount we gave her and was demanding more. I couldn't tell if she pooped last night because she makes a mess of her stall at night. Anna and Beth plan to spend the day at the barn and can monitor the poop. That is the only thing that really concerns me. If she can pass the oil from last night, I think she will be okay.
Anna and Beth are going to work with Smitty today if it doesn't rain. We are having unusually warm weather right now. I really scared Beth and her parents on Halloween. I told them that Smitty had been adopted and they freaked out. Beth's mom fell in love the first time she saw him. She has groomed him and pampered him from day one. She would have taken him herself but she doesn't ride and they already have Beth's horse and Susan (Beth's 7 year old sister) has been riding Star. Doris was almost in tears until she heard Anna laughing and then I told her that Smitty wasn't going anywhere.
I'll keep you posted on Foxy's progress.

Karen

Celeita,

I forgot to tell you what old Daisy did to me a few days ago. The temp got down a little low so I blanketed the old-timers. The next morning there was no sign of Daisy. I drove into the pasture and there she was on top of the hill all stretched out. She didn't move as I got closer so I thought the worst. I told Anna that I thought Daisy was gone. I wasn't as upset as if it had been a young horse. I expect to find one of the old ones has died in their sleep someday. In fact, I would prefer that to the alternative of having them get sick or hurt and having to make the decision to let them go. Anyway, back to Daisy. My next thought was how to turn her over to get her blanket off. Her blanket looks almost new and no since wasting a good blanket when there are other horses that could use it. The closer I got to her the more sure I was that she was gone. I was almost to her when she suddenly sprang to her feet like a youngster and looked at me like I had disturbed her beauty sleep. After a good shake, she was ready for her breakfast and a nap.

I just read on your website that you're going to Germany. I hope you have a safe journey. If I didn't have all these guys to take care of, I would be hauling my behind up there to help you. I plan on mentioning it to my aunt and uncle. Between the two of them, they could do most of what you need done. He is a retired army major and has experience in accounting and such. My aunt has always worked with animals, mostly horses. They aren't really looking for full time jobs but may be willing to do it for the 2 years you will be in Germany.
I also noticed you were going to open a new facility in SC. If you would be interested in setting something up in my area, let me know. I'm within an hours drive of several major intestate highways going north into VA and the eastern seaboard, southeast to the Carolinas, south through GA, AL and FL, west through Nashville, west through Memphis and north through KY or I-77 up your way. There are several facilities in the area that could temporarily house horses, esp if they could use it as a tax deduction. We have a local college that offers several equine degrees with students that would be willing to volunteer as well as several colleges and universities that have to do community service for a nonprofit as part of their humanities courses. We've been looking into starting our own nonprofit but being associated with SWAP, I think we could help more horses and have a better chance of soliciting donations for the local facility and SWAP headquarters. I've been working toward being able to devote all my time to the horses sometime in the next 5 years and this is an area that I am definitely interested in. This is one of the major areas that Julie and I disagreed on. She was all about what the horses could earn her in terms of reputation as well as money; I'm more interested in helping the horses than what I can gain.
Just let me know what you think.

Karen Harlan
Bristol, TN

Hi Celeita,
Sorry I haven't written in a while, but I have been in a mad rush to get ready for the Pennsylvania State Horse Show. Adam is so sweet! It has been so long, I don't remember where we left off. We got his back shoes put on and he is a totally new horse! The vet said he was fine to ride. I have ridden him everyday, and he is perfect and has not taken a lame or sore step since his back shoes were put on. And he LOVES getting a bath. He is so funny, in his pasture we have a big rubber water tub and he loves it. He goes out, gallops to the water tub and paws in it and then he sticks his head in it up to the middle of his head. He thinks that is so much fun and he makes a lot of noise doing it! I want to video it and I will send you a copy. Jenny loves Henry and is having so much fun riding! Thank you so much, both of us have our dream horses thanks to you! I hope everything is well with you and all the other horses (and dogs).
Thanks again,
Sam & Adam

Sounds very exciting for you. And thanks for the reference. The lady in Atlanta never sent in her video information, so I guess that she decided against the appraisal.

I will see what we can do for photos. We took Beau to a quadrille demonstration a week ago when one of the team horses became lame. He was in a new ring on a new farm and with an audience to boot. Beau looked at the people and just puffed up -- it was so cute. He then proceeded to show everyone else how teamwork is supposed to be done while all of the other horses acted out. Got to love him.

I did connect with Cornell, but they wouldn't give me any information and I called the previous owner with no luck either.

Janet

Great!! I am so glad!! My plans and I know I have to have anything ok'd by you 1.. Get him settled first, then if you have any past vet diagnosis's x-ray results any information on exactly what they say is wrong with him I would greatly appreciate it. I would like to see what Rood and Riddle would have to say. My other horse will be so glad to have someone to play with!!! He just may be a pretty thing to look at but I feel he has a lot to offer me.

Patty

patricia yates

Hey Celeita,
Magic is still awesome. Today I put the surcingle on him and
hooked the side reins to his halter rings and taught
him to bend and frame up. He caught on pretty
quickly. I was surprised considering all he had to do
was resist because there was no pressure in his face.
He's just so willing to please.
Anyway, you mentioned possibly doing a sale like one
day this week. I was wondering if that was going to
give people enough time to get applications in? You
might want to consider doing like a week long,
liquidation, for lack of a better word sale. I don't
know how low you can go before screwing yourself over,
but it's just a thought. You could post a heads up on
the site, I could put up some fliers in local barns,
there's a lot we could do. But I just thought I would
run that idea by you, I don't know much of what the
business end of the program is like, but maybe
something like this would get a lot of the horses out
of the barn.
Let me know whenever you need any help,
Jenai

I am so glad you got the pictures. He is a cutie, I just spent an hour hugging and kissing him. My husband says "I'll leave you two alone, while your mother is lovin' on you" I just hug him and kiss him, even while he is eating and he does not do anything. In fact, it is so funny because when he sees me walk into the barn, he starts to whinny. Then he is sniffing my pockets and my hands for carrots, apples or treats. Celeita, he even reaches for my face as if he is kissing me. I know he really does not understand what I say to him, but it sure feels like he does. He looks at me, right in the eyes, when I tell him I love him. I mean I choose to believe he knows what I am saying. He is spoiled, but he listens so well. Our friends say "she doesn't love that horse now does she" LOL Well I am gonna go, talk with you later.

Tracy

This was taken today. Indigo aka Cash is becoming very sweet and affectionate. She still has a long way to go but maybe by next year we well be able to get her to move along more. She is really quite green not knowing basics like trot and canter. But we are working with her and giving her time to slowly adjust. So you can see our babies are quite big. Especially Sequoia aka Cash 2. He is wearing size 76 blankets!!! Maria

Hi Celeita,

Just wanted to let you know that Goodie arrived yesterday. He is absolutely beautiful! Such a big boy! Everything went smooth from loading onto the trailer, traveling, and his arrival. The "boys" seem to be getting along great, not a kick, bite, or even a snort were exchanged ( even at feeding). I'll send more info and pictures when he gets a little more settled in.

Thanks so much for everything!

Karen

Hi Celieta, you will not believe this... A guy at the barn named Tony put his trailer out in an area so a bunch of us could use it to train our horses to load onto the trailer ( we have four babies at the farm, and two problem loaders ). I took full advantage of it. The first day, Will walked up to the trailer with no problem, and stared at it for a while, he wasn't getting on it, but he wasn't running backwards afraid of it either. He was just Will, checking it out, and assessing the situation. I left him alone for a week without bringing him out to even show him the trailer.

Then one blustery day I had some help, so we took big brother Monty out with him to the trailer. Well Monty the trailering pro he is, just walked onto it. BUT, Will still wouldn't get on next to Monty, he just stared at the end of the ramp like he had before, assessing. We unloaded Monty, opened the divider, and sure enough he walked right on!!!! I guess seeing his big brother give no problem, he decided it wasn't a big scary monster. We unloaded and loaded twice that night, just Will, with no problem. I was going to lunge him that night, but he was so good I didn't have the heart to....

I haven't brought up the issue since, but plan on putting that on the video as well. We're almost done, but my husband was in a car accident, and threw his back out, so my last two visuals on Will will have to wait. I need to get it done in the next two weeks, as I'm meeting Sue Moline at the Equine Affair in Mass at the beginning of November ( I promised her one as well ).

This little guy ( who's getting bigger everyday ) is constantly amazing me. Has it only been five months?!?! It just goes to show, a little patience and a lot of love can go a long way... Talk to you soon Alice

Oh P.S. he's all healed from the castration, and off meds and doing fabulous!!!

Celeita,
We picked Lil'Bit up today and she was great about getting on the
trailer. She walked into my barn without a fuss and acted as if she'd
always been there. She is the calmest horse I have ever had come in. She
didn't scream at everyone or act excited at all, although she was
interested in meeting everyone as she walked down the aisle. Everyone
fussed over her and she loved it. We just adore her already. She will
spend the week getting introduced to my other horses and we will find an
appropriate group of friends for her to go out with.
I will let you know what my vet say's about her lameness, she will be at
my barn tomorrow.
Thanks,
Pam

Hi Celeita,

Back at the Ranch (my barn) things are seriously progressing beyond any of my expectations. Brendel is AWESOME!!!! My trainer told me he is the best horse I own. She said he has tons of potential and that he is the one I should be really concentrating on working with now. Danielle just loves him, hopefully she will take him to a show next month. Also wanted to let you know we are planning to breed Classy in Feb. to some famous Arab named Armani- USA & Canadian Champion I'm very excited! I can't thank you enough I never dreamed I would ever have such wonderful horses.
Wendy

Hi just thought I'd send some recent pictures of Emmy she has really stated to grow. In fact she is 15.1 in the rear and 14.3 at the withers. She has become a favorite at the barn, I have started getting on her a couple times a week , LOL what a naughty little horse, she definitely has her own idea of how things should go, I have started many babies of many breeds in my life and nothing as ever given me such a hard time.. I just have to laugh at her strong willed is an understatement, but of all the fussing, bucking , and rearing when she decides to just go to work she is the nicest filly to ride. I do think it will be a while before Kersti gets to ride, but she loves just brushing and leading her around she is definitely a proud mom. I have decided I would love to breed these hard headed little horses someday. I also have been in touch with both her former adopter who promised she would find and send her papers, and her first mom. Hope all is going well at second wind .
Take care Celia

HI Celeita,
Just wanted to share with you what's going on. The farrier is coming Tuesday and the vet will be back also next week. Adam is doing really well. We have found that he loves to play in water. We gave him a big plastic low tub for water in his paddock which he then sticks his head into the water up to his check bones and proceeds with stomping his front hoof in the water splashing water 12 feet into the air. It is hilarious! He's a great little guy.

I wanted to also remind you that Dr. McDonald is scheduled to come to your farm on the 16th for Adam's old x-ray appointment, I didn't know if you wanted that appointment before I cancel. Because I realize how hard it is for you to get a vet to the farm.
Talk to you later,
Jenny

Hi Celeita,

Harry is in his new home, he left here on Friday and laid over every night on the way. Sounds like he will do fine, we sent him there a little bit fat but I always get them a little bit heavier coming into winter. She sounds like a wonderful home for him.

Wendel is doing great, I bought an arab as one of my business horses and they are really tight and it looks like black beauty and ginger out there, with Wendel being chestnut and the arab being black. Rick wants me to keep the arab as a pal for Wendel, I might just do it.

Here's Pam's note about Harry, below.

Take care, Janice

Subject: Re: Harry

Hi Janice,

I just wanted you to know that Harry arrived about 2 hours ago. He is so quiet and accomadating. He has already had a short play in the paddock, a message and a bath. He is now working on lunch.

Thanks so much for your generosity. It has been a pleasure to work with you.

Sincerely, Pam

PS. Please forward this to Celetia for me. I don't have her email on this computer.

Hi Celeita,

Merry finally had her baby. It was born Oct 2 in the afternoon. Here are some pictures when he was about 4 (we think) hours old. I am sending them in two batches in case you have a dial up connection.

Both are doing well and the vet assured me her weight is fine. I was afraid to let her gain too much weight with her breathing condition and her breathing seems to have improved some.

Julie Garcia

More Baby pictures. I forgot to mention it was a boy somewhere around 50 to 60 lbs and healthy.

Thanks,
Julie Garcia

Hi Celeita!

Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. The baby got here around 7:30pm Sunday evening and I took the day off work yesterday to spend with her, so I haven't been able to check my messages until this morning. She is absolutely gorgeous! Settling in quite nicely, too. She's been eating and drinking very well. My vet will be out within the next day or so to give her a once over and administer the last of her vaccinations. She was so sweet yesterday - I was in her stall just scratching her all over, and she walked right over to her hay and plopped down to take a nap. I sat down right next to her and we just laid there together for the longest time. It doesn't seem like a whole lot phases her. She has been pretty laid back so far. I'll make sure to send you pictures real soon!

Thanks again,

Christy

Hey Celeita,
Just wanted to let you know that Magic loaded and
unloaded beautifully...no resistance at all! He's
already made friends with some of the horses and looks
so happy. Everyone at the barn thought that he was
absolutely beautiful and oh so cute! :-) We got some
cute pictures of him too, I'll get doubles when I get
them developed so you can have a set. I still don't
know when Paula wants me to come down, so I'll call
her in the morning and figure it out and then I'll let
you know!
See ya,
Jenai

Hi Celeita,
This is Sam, I just wanted to tell you I LOVE Adam, he is soooo sweet. He loves attention and getting brushed. He really has adjusted well and seems to love his new home. He also seems to like his "new friends." The vet came yesterday to take his x-rays. We are waiting to hear for the results ( I think they will be perfect.) I can't thank you enough, I really love Adam!
Thanks Again,
Sam & Adam

Celeita,

Just wanted to let you know how Vinny is doing. He has gotten used to his new home, and has adjusted well. As much as I hated to turn him out today, I did it and just about cried. He loved running and eating all the grass he wanted too. He has 115 acres to run and enjoy his life. I had kept him in the barn and paddock area for a week to get him used to everything and the people and other horses. Well, he just loves the mares that are there. I will be taking some pictures soon and will send them out to you, probably within a week I will have them all taken and developed. I can't wait for you to see him, he has gained weight and is really, really doing well....I am as proud as can be with him....Every day I see him, I think of you and how greatful I am to have him. Please pass it along to his previous owners, that they trained a great horse. In my heart, he is the greatest and will never be replaced in my heart...He grabbed ahold and never will let go...Well talk with soon.

Tracy

Dear Celeita,

I just wanted to give you an update on Red. He's been here since late March and seems to be a really happy camper! I've attached several recent pics so you can see how nice he's looking. He has 24/7 turnout with his buddies. He gets worked lightly and regularly. And he gets lots of TLC. I just love him and I think he's pretty attached to me as well. We get along great and I can't stress enough how highly I think of him. He's just my angel! Thanks again for allowing me to adopt him.

Sincerely,

Colleen Hill

P.S. We haven't had any problem with his anhidrosis as I have him on supplements and keep a careful eye on his body temp.

Hi Celeita,

Michelle Morris here. This is just a quick note since we still have no power since early Thursday. Quincy and the rest of us made it through the storm. :) We had several trees down in our yard. The barn had many trees down around the pasture where the geldings are, and the mares pasture had many trees down and the fence destroyed. No escapes though. The barn lost all the skylight coverings including Quincy's stall. I am glad he was out, he would have freaked with the roof falling apart above him. Quincy didn't have a scratch on him, in fact only a few of the horses had only that, scratches and scrapes. Thank God!

My husband and I went out to the barn twice when the storm quieted down a bit to check on all of the horses, that was quite an adventure.

Just wanted to let you know we were ok. I hope I get power soon!

Thanks again Celeita for all your support.

MichelleT

Celeita,

Well we have had Hershey 1 week now. He has settled in very nicely. I must say that it has gone far better than I thought it would. He gets along with my other two horses great! My mare was apprehensive the first couple of days but then she didn't mind him at all. I have ridden him 3 times now. The 1^st time he was fine once we got away from the barn. The next two rides he has done very well. He gets nervous around new things but I am working with him to trust me. I think we will do wonderful together! I will send you pictures soon! Sorry we missed you when we were up there... I will update you often with his progress... Thanks for suggesting him and placing him in my home!

Joel

Hope all is going well for you. Saw that some of the others are going to Robin's in SC, too. She must have a nice place with lots of room! Sounds like a super job for Socks though, he is the perfect "guest packer" horse (I used him for that a time or two, no hassle whatsoever).

Better get back to work!

Angie

P.S. Did I tell you that both Denny (Roady) and Tubby did get their qualifying scores now so both will compete in our state championships show in October. Such good boys this summer! I also hope to take Siggy to a schooling show later in October. He's been doing very well again lately in training so time to "hit the road" again...

Celeita---

I had a bunch of pictures to leave for you when I was out and I forgot! Sorry... I'll drop them in the mail this week, along with the new photos I'm getting developed from the last show.

Yes, both Denny (Roady) & Tubby have come along nicely. They make showing enjoyable...Siggy, too, of course. I learn something new from each of them almost every outing and am so pleased with them (usually!) that the ribbons and scores are just "icing on the cake."

Thank you again for some super horses!
Angie

Celeita,

Hi! Wow, has my life changed since I've met you. That is another story.

To start off, I do love these horses. They are doing good. The mare, Missy, is a doll. Great disposition. However, I felt that I could not call her Missy, since I also have a mare called Mystery (call name Myst) too confusing. So I have named Missy - Celeita. It seems to fit.

On August 31, Celeita foaled at high noon. The colt is coal black, so that indicates that his sire is the Tennessee walker. He also shows great action. Before he was even 24 hours old, he was running and showing off his high action trot. I have named him High Noon. He seems to have the good disposition of Celeita. When he was only 6 hours old, he let me pet and rub all over him. I am really going to have fun raising this colt.

Just thought I would let you know the news. I will keep you informed of the progress of all.

Sincerely,

Shelle

Just thought I'd send a couple of photos of Durban during a lesson last week. I adopted him almost 2 years ago (gee has it really been that long?) He is a joy and a pleasure to have in our family. He is as sweet, willing, handsome and talented as he looks in the photos (even if I do look down TOO much!) I really never thought I would have such a well bred horse (D line Han.) school master. I also never realized how nice it would be to have a horse that already knows so much. I highly recommend to potential adopters that they seriously look at the older well trained horses and not pass them up because they are getting on in years or maybe have some limitations (Durb is going on 18 and has ringbone in RF) but does it look or act like he has problems, not hardly! The instructors love him, he is loads of fun and will probably always know more than I do. Can't get much better than that!

Karlene Jones

Sorry everyone...I realized after yesterdays send that I needed to convert these to jpg format. They were in Max format which takes a picture editor to view. So...this should be a universal send/view format.

Descriptions:

1) This is how my weekend started...they lined me up with other adults of the community and proceeded to make us w/t/c....do sliding stops and spins in the 'mystery class' on Saturday. Mystery translates to adult stick pony. Yikes...LOL Shannon who is on the far left won the class...she's a student of mine...I guess if you're going to get beat...its best to be beat by a student. LOL

2) is Addy approaching the tarp for a pass over it on the ground on the 22' line.

3) this is addy yo yo ing on and off the tarp.

4)Addy jumping the barrel jump. If you look closely you can see how he calculates and jumps only as much as he needs to. Its a sign of a horse who is comfortable with the obstacle. Horses that are scared going over jumps sail them very high because they're afraid of touching the obstacle with their feet.

5) this is addy taking a bow after his ground performance. He's a kick. Will do anything for a carrot.

I'm going to finish the attachments on a different email...I'm afraid to upload too many more photos onto this one because they're pretty big.

Chris & Addy

ok to continue on....

I'm feeling just a little bad that addy lost that weight. When I look at these pics...I see him a being a bit thin. He's not bad... but I think he lost a little condition/topline when we moved. He fretted over being away from Charlie and being in a new spot. He was doing some fence line walking and wasn't relaxed enough in his new surroundings to graze like he did. I have him on plenty of food and he's gaining back...but I feel bad that we lost that ground. Its funny how horses will teach us what makes them fret and for him this translates into moving. He did the same thing for about a month after we moved him here to VA from WV. He'll come back to me...but I want everyone to be aware that I'm aware he's looking light (bleached blonde too) in these photos. He's been much happier for the last 2 weeks now that he and charlie are back together. Charlie moved in with us at the new farm the day before the clinic.

1) Addy standing patiently while I'm teaching

2) Addy completing a sideways movement over ground poles. I wish we had gotten better pictures of him yo yoing over the ground poles both forwards and backwards. He was just great.

3) Addy showing his wonderful lateral flexion.

I'm so proud of him and where we're going. He's my bud.
Chris & Addy

Hi Celeita!

Sunrise has settled in well and is such a delight; he is a wise, kind gentleman, and the children adore him. Sean our 3-year-old has been afraid of any horse larger than his welsh pony since he got stomped by that other horse last May, but over the months, Sunrise has completely won him over; he now sits on Sunrise's back bareback while he is eating his feed in the barn and has ridden him. He has been the perfect mount for Alexis, since he is so quiet and easy going. I just cannot say enough about this wonderful little Quarter Horse. Thanks so much for bringing him to us. Here are some pictures of the kids riding him.

Warmest Regards - Marisa

Marisa St. Claire DVM, MS,

Hi Again!

Here is another shot of Sunrise while we were saddling him. He has put on weight nicely and is so smart- he sneaks up to the barn w/o the other horses at exactly 5 each day, knowing that's when I get home and he will get his big bucket 'o feed - I have been giving him glucosamine and he hasn't had a bit of lameness.

Also, I was wondering if I could correspond with his previous owners from his life at Questroyal Farm in NY? Thanks so much :)

Marisa

Hi!!!

Jonesy is doing fantastically.
He is an exceptional and very talented horse!
I would like to have a barn full of horses just exactly like HIM!

More updates later! Just getting in from chores....very late! Sleepy!

THANKS for HIM!!!!!

Hi Celeita-

Love the new pictures of Scooter the “pintaloosa”. Talk about looking like both Mom and Dad! Looks like she is enjoying life, and was a sweetheart her first time under saddle. The chestnut filly Cantata that she grew up with has also had a few bareback experiences with Miriya this past month, and it was like she had been doing it all her life. Tate is doing great, and while not thrilled with dressage and jumping, has become a reliable safe mount for even complete beginners. I’m grounded for the rest of the year...had 3 cervical disk herniations that required removal, bone grafts and titanium plate in June, so I haven’t had a chance to ride my Percheron Hannah. We have a 15 year old girl helping us who has fallen in love with her, so Hannah’s dressage training has been progressing well.

Second Lunar’s son Sam is doing great. Alena’s best friend Terri who lives with us is taking him under her wing…she has loved him from the day he was born, and is thrilled that he’ll be sticking around (my birthday present to her along with lifetime place for him to live). She wants to drive him and ride western and trail.

Hope things are going well for you and all the horses. We try to keep up with Second Wind. Good luck with the pups you recently adopted. Unfortunately, we’re at our limit. Alena volunteers at a shelter in Charles Town, and I’m amazed we’ve managed not to add to our crew (8 dogs in my parents house when we’re up there…4 at each residence).

Keep up the great work.

Julie

Celieta, I think the name is a hoot too, I'm glad you like it ( the one thing my husband did help me with him..Ha-ha ). Will has filled out a little more since the last pictures, we're watching what he eats because we don't want him too fat for his age, stressing out his joints. I really think he has a lot of tb in him, because he's tall and lean, small bones. Boy does he muscle up nice though. The nicest thing is his calm nature, and his mind, he picks things up quick.

One story I left out because I didn't want to scare you is a testament to his demeanor. I guess I'll tell it now... I use a nylon hay bag for both of my horses, as they are both slobs with their hay (it'll end up in the middle of their stalls, pissed all over). Will's hay net is on the front grill of his stall door. Well I did say that my other son Monty taught Will to kick at his front door if I'm not quick enough with his breakfast (he no longer does this). One morning , half awake, I walk into the barn, and begin my morning ritual, minus one hungry stud kicking at his door. I didn't think much of this, since I'd been getting after him for doing it, and thought he'd learned not to.

When I get to his stall door I see him, hoof caught in the hay bag ( I then remembered the one loud kick I'd heard upon entering the barn that morning, then nothing ). As I open his sliding door, I see his leg up past his stomach hanging in the hay net. He wasn't scared, there was no look of terror that Monty might have had, just a confused look. He allowed me to unhook the bag and release him from his capture, without much as a snort. I think I was more scared than he was! I kept thinking he'd flip out and hurt himself ( although it wouldn't have taken much energy to break the cheap bag ).

When I entered his stall, and he didn't even try and move away from me, is when it really truly hit me, he trusted me! His breathing never changed. As I began to pet his neck, to help calm any nerves, he nuzzled me, then looked at his leg as if to say "Mom, enough...Get me out of this!!!" He truly has grown into an amazing partner. When I asked him the first time to put his leg into the plastic bag for prep for the whiteline treatment, he never even gave up a fuss. A fellow boarder said ( to my amazement of this feat ) "he trusts you", but I don't believe it ever stuck as a possibility to me, it was just a couple of months ago that he ran like crazy from me. Now he comes when I call ( although at his slow laid back pace ).

I'm not sure he knows the importance of his twice weekly soak, following a white line treatment of white lightning and vinegar, but he puts his foot into the bucket either way. I'm not sure at this point he even knows what long lining is, but he does it. Why I put my fingers in his mouth ( to simulate a bit ), he drools on them and plays with them. Or why I put that strange thing on his back ( this is either the saddle or blanket ) he's like the Will you knew, stiff, and unsure, maybe a little scared. But he stands like a pro. Wormer, I know he doesn't understand that foul tasting thing!! The only thing I know, at the end of the day is that he lets me hug and play ( possibly spoil ) him. He is the biggest start to my morning ( and I hate mornings! ), and the wonderful end to my days at work. He makes my job seem more bearable.....just don't tell Monty that, he thinks it's him!

I want to know if either of the two mares have a paint....I may have to have one of Will's babies. Although, knowing my boy, I'm sure he didn't have a clue, kinda like now...You know men, the prettier they are, the dumber they are ( don't tell my husband I said that ). Talk to you soon Alice

Hi Celeita,

The summer has been very HOT! My one hour lunch break is driving to the barn, hosing Quincy off, and rushing back to work. I am making sure that he is getting the best of everything, he deserves it. We drive an hour to Smithfield VA, they have the best hay in our area. I have the greatest farrier, David is very gentle and caring, he takes all the time he needs with Quincy. When Quincy had the abscess a couple of months ago, David was out there when I needed him, he met the vet out there with me as well. We put shoes on Quincy's front feet, the vet and farrier agreed that would be best for his flat feet and thin soles. Dr. Sweeney with Coastal Equine is a doll as well. He always takes the extra time Quincy needs with shots, and explains everything perfectly. I go to the barn every night, Quincy is either waiting for me when I get there, or comes galloping across the field when he sees me, that's the greatest! Everyone is jealous of how he comes running to greet me, the vet was impressed with that as well.

Quincy has a terrific life of leisure, he has given me so much pleasure too. I am looking forward to some cooler weather, I hope soon, for more enjoyable riding. I need to get him back in a trailer as well to hit some of the parks for trail riding. His last experience in the 3 horse slant load was not a very good one, I hope that it was an isolated incident, if not I'll work with him. He really is doing great Celeita, we are a perfect match I think. He does still crib quite a bit, but it doesn't bother me, the vet and I agreed not to bother with the cribbing collar, he seems to get worse the more you try and correct the problem. His dropping food has nothing to do with his teeth needing to be floated, the cribbing has worn his front teeth and he has a gap which is the reason why he drops some of his food. If you give him enough grain, it makes up for what he drops and he keeps his weight on. If you have any suggestions for more muscling on his haunches and top line, let me know, he still hasn't filled out in those areas yet, more work is what everyone has told me. They say hills would be best, we don't have many in Virginia Beach though, in fact none that I can think of.

Well enough rambling for now Celeita, just wanted to keep you updated. I will get a picture of me and Quincy ASAP as well. Thanks again for everything!

Michelle Morris-Sussman

Hi Celieta! I've been out of touch for a while, our hard drive went on our computer, we just got it fixed, and I just got online for the first time in a month...ughh...Well Will is doing great, he got his white line treatment ( the whole boot thing for 45 mins ), and let me tell you he almost fell asleep on those cross ties! We couldn't believe it. We're following up with white lightning twice a week, and I should know more in 2 weeks when my shoer comes down next.

We started long lining Will yesterday. After the initial what the heck is this, he got the whole process. I'm holding off on riding for a while, due to the white line, and his bad start with everything. Maybe in another year or so we'll try, but I'll let him tell me when he's ready, we still have the rest of our lives to conquer riding... He's a funny guy with lots of personality coming out more and more every day. He's figured out a way to get a treat from even the most stallion afraid people at the barn. He just stares with those doe eyes of his, and waits, patience, and the fact that he's so damn pretty seems to pay off every time in an extra carrot or two.

I did manage to get him registered as a pinto. My husband insisted on picking the name ( and since he was called Wild Willie ), he picked Paint Me Wilde. I think it fits. Although he's anything like wild, more like lethargic! He has zero energy. He'd much rather lazy around the field all day than actually run, I guess the grass is more appetizing than exercise. The only thing he does do with gusto is remove his fly mask on the same rail sometime after I leave in the morning. He'll never do it in front of mom, but I'm sure his partner in crime Monty knows tha game.

The video should be done soon, and I'll hopefully have it out before years end... Will keep in touch.....Alice

I wanted to let everyone know what a star Addy was for our local at the county fair...bombproofing clinic. He was soooo good. I laid out the ring with a tarp...a 3 barrel squeeze...a 3 barrel jump.. irregularly placed groud poles ...cones set up in a barrel pattern and a line of 6 cones for bending. I stood on a chair and send him around on the obsticles....we ran the barrels on the 22' line. I just couldnt have begged for him to be better. He was also the 'cooler' horse to help to show other horses how to get through the obsticles....that if he didnt die...they werent going to die. I had a very up...anglo/trak....2 quarter horses...an appy and a t'bred. We worked to get everyone through all the obsticles first on the ground and then in tack. I rode him with 35 spectators and 5 clinic participants in just the rope hackmore. He was such a good fella. (with the demolition derby people coming onto the grounds as we asked them to do the scary stuff...after the f15s, warthogs and a10s...addy says whats a little loud demolition derby car?)

Emily...I cant express how much I love this guy. Hes my partner and my best friend. He will do just about anything I ask of him with relish and enthusiasm. You must come visit. I have to tell you though...hes a bit like a bleached blonde at the moment... he loves the living out (with shed) lifestyle. Only the bugs drive him into the shed. Hes putting weight back on...he lost a bit when I had to move him...but we caught it right away and got him back onto some hay cubes with corn oil and hes porking right back up again. His mane is long...I have him in a morgan competition pull so it follows his jugular vein to his shoulder then tapers up to his withers......his tail drags the ground and is huge and fluffy...I just love his kinky hair. He had so many people compliment him for his 'being' and his presence and training. Hes a big floaty mover and now hes starting to enjoy jumping. I havent asked it of him in the saddle...but you point him at anything on the ground and he'll sail it. He just loves working...but by the end of today...he was like ....are we done yet? He worked lightly for about 5 hours. He was just super. The Parelli Success with HOrses Tour is coming into Prince Georges equestrian center outside of DC in oct. We have an extra bed in our rooms if you want to come...!!!

Joanne....Im going to be ordering my trailer this week. Mom & Dad have donated the old van for use when I want. They say it will take 5 to 8 weeks to get it made. Adams is going to custom make me a 2 horse stock slant load with dressing room. As soon as it gets made...Im on the road...woohooo. Im psyched. We'll have to do a fair hill thing. Im going to try to schedule one bombproofing clinic for early or mid sept. Im going to try to get up for the gold cup...but then Im booked up right through til the Parelli thing. I have to judge a horse show that following saturday...then Im going to get some stuff scheduled here at the new farm. I have tons of demand after today. I kinda knew I would. Only Nancy and Jeanette had met Addy. Now about 50 folks have met him and see what he can do. Im so proud of him and myself. Ive had to change me so much to get where I am. My people dealings have suffered... but Im getting really good at the horsey thing. LOL.

To all of my friends...and people who have helped me along the way...and most of all again to Emily. Thank you. I so love him and together ...him with his bad right shoulder/withers...me with my bad L leg....we make one whole entity. Know that he will always have the best of care...the best of training and the best life I can possibly give him. He trail rides....gives clinics...gives lessons...goes swimming...we do all sorts of fun stuff together. Maybe someday we'll show...but showing is just not as satisfying as knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that your relationship with your horse is far beyond what most people accept or even imagine they can have with their horses. Hes my soul teacher and he makes me a better human being.

When I get pics developed...Ill send them along. I had my assistant shoot them all on 800 speed film...so they should be good.
Chris

Thanks Celeita for Emmy's information. I did see that she was under saddle. I am very excited about her new adopter, I defiantly know Iron Springs Farm! I really appreciate you keeping me informed on how she is doing and where she is at. She is very special to me and I am so glad that I had a program like yours so I know she will always be safe.
Thank you!

Lori Frazier

Hi Celeita,

Jane is doing so awesome!!! That is the happiest horse in the World!! She is always so happy that its annoying at times because she is so fidgetty! But we are still loving her to death. Before Sunday, Jane had not been ridden in almost 4 months because I have been so busy showing my stallion and Jane just stayed out with the broodmares. But Sunday, we took her to out local County Fair show. She won the HUS out of 12 horses and was 2nd in the Open Western Pleasure out of 18 and also was 2nd in the Sr. Western Pleasure out of 16. So she is such a dream! She went to that show, did awesome and hadn't been ridden in I don't know how long. But we still love her to death!! Talk to you soon, Taylor

Hi Celeita,

Thanks for your kind words regarding our care of Sid. My husband says if we had room in the house, he would live inside with us. He's half-kidding, half-serious.

Our earlier showing plans have so far been put on hold as Beth and her husband, Matt, who is stationed at Dover AFB were involved in a serious auto accident in July.

In the spring, I hope to breed Sid to Jade, our purebred mare, if the vet okays her for breeding. Boy, I will really be looking forward to that baby!!! Thanks, again.

Take care,

Betty Bente

Hi Celeita! The girls are amazing! Willow ADORES the mud. She is such a
clown. She loves her buddies and loves to be outside. We just had her
rechecked and she is almost 2 months along with a TB/Welsh baby. We cannot
wait! :)
Jillian is the sweetest mare ever. Why did someone not snatch her up? She
has had no episodes of tremors and is just so happy to be here. She is 17
days pregnant as of today! We will keep a close watch on her and have a
couple more ultrasounds to make sure all is well.
I can't tell you how much we love the girls, they are excellent examples
of TB mares, both having show careers before their broodmare duties. I will
send pictures soon, if I can keep the mud off Willow for more then 2
minutes! :) Maria

Maria Ludwig
Frosty Oak Stables
Millville PA
www.frostyoaks.com

Well briosio is what I am looking for and he is doing fabulous. I love him. I had a lesson on him yesterday and my Dressage Instructor was floored at the beautiful trot he gave me. He was being stiff and grouchy at first, but with the weather we had had and last week & Bri kick something and took a chunk out of his back hoof, he was sore on it so I have him 7 days off & some bute. And then out of no where WOW! I never rode a horse that moved like that.

I don't like to ride Bri everyday, I do every other with him, my daughter rides the other.

Gail

Sorry I haven't gotten to you about Emmy , Really got busy with her arrival. Anyway she got here about 8:30 pm on Tuesday. She was very calm and had a small bite to eat and hay. She just went out with a friend today , a smaller pony gelding whom she was quite pleased to boss around, lol she'll be going out with the other two mares soon. She did have a bit of a snotty nose? But no fever so think she'll be fine. She had one rearing incident but got in trouble for it and hasn't done it again, seems to be really smart and figures things out very quickly seems to only take one time of getting in trouble and that's enough. We have her tail all brushed and her mane pulled( she really wasn't to happy with me over that, but put up with it well). My daughter just loves her, and a great surprise for us was to find out she and Emmy have the same birthday. They are pretty good friends all ready Emmy follows her everywhere.
Finding out she has a late birthday has made us decide we will not be riding her for a while, I myself really like like them to be almost 3 unless they are just really large and mature, I don't think it will hurt to wait with Emmy , in the mean time we are going to do some ground driving and maybe start with the saddle late November.
All in all we love Emmy and are very pleased with her, she has a super personality , and I believe she has above average intelligence. I will send pictures of Emmy as soon as i download them. Thank you so much for allowing us to adopt Emmy , everyone at the barn is very impressed with her.
Thank you again,
Celia

Hi, just wanted to let you know how Fanelli's been
doing, and send some pic's. He is doing great! I am
so lucky to have come upon this beautiful baby, I love
him so much, he is so gentle and attentive, and wants
to learn, even though he's a little older, I have been
riding him western, just on trails and down the road,
well my daughter is now going to cross train him in
dressage, and see how he does, if he does well she try
to jump him, he looks like he'd be a great eventing
horse, she has been riding for about 10 years now, and
has done local showing, but hasn't done eventing yet,
so if she does it, it will be beginner eventing, I
think he has the stamina and the ablility for this,
anyway we are taking day by day to see how he
responds, here are a couple pic's the two with my
daughter riding him, this was his first english riding
lesson, and then the other is him getting into the
apple tree, this is a treat for doing so well, thanks
so much again for this opportunity, and will let you
know how he does, as we go. Christine Higgins

I'm Lonni, the senior Vet Med student that adopted Black. I wanted to let you
know what a joy he is in my life.
I dont need to walk up to him in the pasture, he comes right to me. I love
spending hours grooming him and just taking him for walks- it's too buggy
right now to ride out on the trails. I've been doing some longeing and ring
work with him. I love his gaits. We work on a lot of down transitions, half
halts and shortening-lengthening his stride. He's perfect for me, and I'm in
love! He has started to pick up weight and is looking good. We're still
working on another 75# or so.
I wanted to let you know that this horse has met his final owner. I'll keep
him til the end! Thank you for helping us connect!
Lonni Neavear

Hi Celita,

I wanted to let you know both Foxy and Merry are doing well. They really like being out in the pasture and other than needing to buy them some scuba gear they are enjoying the freedom. I sure hope you do not still have the flooding we do.

Merry was confirmed in foal last Friday Aug 8th 2003. The vet took one look at her and said "I don't need to do a pap". He thinks she could foal anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks although this is just his guess. She has already bagged up. Once the foal is on the ground we will be able to treat her more aggressively for the copd as the vet said we can then treat her with DEX. She has a very sweet personality just like you said.

Foxy is very kind and seems to be a very well balanced and talented mare. She does tend to get flaky like a thoroughbred sometimes but I think we can work through all that. I turned her out in the pasture Friday and she took a couple of steps then struck off on a perfectly balanced canter, never rushed. I heard the neighbor oohing and ahhing over her as she cantered by. I sure hope I can get her to the point where I can ride her as she looks like she will be a lot of fun.

I will let you know when we have the baby on the ground. Hope all is going well for you and the program.

Thanks,
Julie Garcia

Celeita,

Here are some new photos of Smitty. He looks better everyday. Miss Poppit thinks he's wonderful. She is in a stall next to him and pulled down the tarp we had up. The stalls only have walls 1/2 way up so we hung tarps up to keep the peace but Miss Poppit likes Smitty so she ripped hers down.
Smitty has made quite an impression on everyone here. I've had several requests for me to adopt him. I'm considering it but want to reserve final judgment until he has regained his weight and we can try him out. At the rate he is gaining we may be able to ride him in the next few weeks.
Our new barn is here and the site has been prepared; however, it has rained almost every afternoon since it was delivered. The holes have been drilled for the support beams but the ground won't dry out enough to pour the concrete footers. We've picked out stalls and have our diagram for the arena and cross fencing but we seem to be in a holding pattern for now.
They took Daisy's man away and she is heartbroken. There were 2 older geldings in the pasture next to us for a while. Daisy was making "eye" at the old App and he was making "eye" back at her. Poor things, they only had 2 good eyes between them. They moved them off the property several weeks ago and Daisy would go over to the fence and wait for him for days after they were gone. She seems to be getting over it now but she still has to contend with Trippin following her around. Don't know what it is about that old girl but the boys just love her.
More news later.

Karen
Bristol, TN

Hi Celeita

Just wanted you to know that my three adoption mares and Thunder Boy are all doing WONDERFULLY. I will try to send pictures soon-they are all fat and happy.

Myrt, Becky and Lauren each had an outstanding baby this year! All three babies are conformationally perfect and very classy.

Myrt accidentally kicked her baby in the eye when it was a week old. The vet was out everyday for two weeks and managed to save the eye. Her vision is limited in that eye and it is a bit recessed but nothing too bad. A few weeks ago Myrt was bucking and playing and accidentally kicked baby again, this time breaking her nose! Baby is just fine, although she now has a "camel" nose!! I am glad that Myrt had a filly, and since she is so well bred we will keep her as a broodmare rather than as a race prospect. Next year if Myrt wants us to keep her baby here, I hope she just says so rather than giving us all of these hints!

Becky and Lauren's babies are unscathed (so far!) and really going to be nice. I am so grateful to Roger Davenport for his donations-I do love all 4 of my kids from him!!

We still miss Elizabeth (Secret Blush). Haven't had the heart to put her pictures back up yet. Maybe next year.

Hope you are all doing well.

Gail Ackerman (SWAP babies in NM)

Things are going much better for Jennifer and Jasfar. Today they were speaking the same language. Trotted well in both directions using the full ring. They did very nice circles, too.

See you Tuesday!

Milt and Jennifer

Just a quick note to let you know how very talented Jonsey is!!!! I have not ridden him yet...just lunged him in the indoor round pen,...letting him acclimate to his new surroundings and new feeding program; however, I do not believe he will be in the lesson program at all here, but in time, he shows much promise to be on a top show string!
Thank you for being there for him and making it possible for me to have him here! I adore him!!!!
He is an exceptional horse!

I WILL keep you posted...

Teressa E. Phillips
Peavine Creek Farm

Celeita,

So far,...I LOVE Jonsey!! He is even better in person!
Thank you sooooo much!

Gave him 3 more flakes of hay and a big carrot before I closed the stable.
He was napping in front of his fan ...

                                         Teressa E. Phillips

Dear Celeita

Any word on how The Fox is doing? Our guys continue to do well. Sky does not do well in the heat (what did he do in AZ?!) so lives in most of the time with a fan on him (except for hand grazing and riding). He is very happy as long as his pal Aries is there but gets upset if Aries leaves for PC or jumper shows so we are considering getting Sky a donkey or a goat to keep him company… (if you know of any needing a good home, please let me know!). Right now poor old Aries is on stall rest. We think it is a sore back and we will be able to fix it. If not I might put him in the program as a light hacking horse. He is a smasher but if he cannot jump he does not really fit our program. He was a school horse at a local university and is a great schoolmaster.

Zig continues to be a total character. Robby jumped him the other day at Grayson and they were amazing together. He is actually kinder to her than me (funny how horses know when they have youngsters on them.)

Yours, Victoria

Hi,
Magic is doing better at eating. He manages to eat all his grain and most of his hay VERY slowly. He is totally infatuated with the minature donkeys, he wants to be with them and play with them more than he wants to be with the other horses. It's so cute because thier backs don't even come up to his belly, we can see about 4 inches of daylight there. Gotta get a picture!

He doesn't care to go out in the pasture with the other horses much. He will go out with them for a bit but then he comes back to the run in area and stands under the canopy most of the day. He drinks a lot of water and thats where most of the water is concentrated (3 large troughs, only one trough out in the 40 acres) so I don't know if he is staying near the water or if he just likes being near the barn where all the activity is.

He loves being groomed and will stand completely still as long as April and I will brush and scratch. We haven't tried riding yet as we would like to put more weight on him first. But if he's half as good riding as he is on the ground I'm sure it will be OK.

We are enjoying the big guy!

Melody and Mike Crowder

Hi Celita,
I know that it has been a while, but I wanted to give you an update on George and Dillon.
They are both very happy in Cherie's ever expanding farm. Cherie's son Adam is Dillon's best buddy and main rider. The two of them get along great and have a lot of fun together.
Unfortunately due to work and home commitments I have not been able to ride and work with George as much as I would like. I was hoping to do some small fair shows this year, but I don't think that we will be able to. I don't think that George minds one bit. He is such a great horse, so smart and willing to learn and patient with me as I learn. ( I always rode Western, George is a retired eventer) He has learned more western than I have learned English. I started teaching him tricks and he has been picking up on the bow much better than the shake. This past weekend the town where Cherie lives had a "Heritage Days" celebration and we were invited to give "pony" rides. Dillon gave a few rides, but was more nervous than George, and her other horse Raphael was in the same mood as Dillon. None of the horses seemed to like the fife and Drums that were circling around, but George got used to it somewhat. Dillion and Raphael also got scared by some big bad cows, of course they were so busy watching the cows (to make sure that they wouldn't be snuck up on) that they didn't even notice the single engine plane that was buzzing by and waving at everyone about 15' above the ground. They didn't even look up when the plane was passing by. When they are in the pasture I ride up close to the fence on my motorcycle at times to get them used to different things, and they never mind that either. Maybe I'll paint it like a cow and see what they do.
Anyhow, George gave about 30 kids (and one adult) a nice ride and got lots of hugs, carrots and oatmeal cookies. He did awesome and I was very proud of him. I am still recuperating from walking in circles for about 10 miles, but it was a great day. I am looking forward to the day that I can afford another horse (or three) and I will call you when that happens. I was so tempted to get Showboat for my son... I always keep an eye out for what you have available though. Good luck and thank you again.
Mona Konig

Devin had fun riding George around on just a saddle pad. He even trotted around for a while. Devin has a natural seat and I hope that he continues to ride.

Hi Celeita,

Just wanted to let you know that Jubi is still doing well. I've got her on
a senior feed and she really looks great. She still follows Comet
everywhere unless she gets fed up with the bugs and/or heat and goes back to
the shed. The fly masks and fly spray help a lot, but she is pretty
sensitive to the bugs. I'm pleased that she lets my husband catch her and
brush her. We gave her a bath the other day and when he put her back out,
she gave us that indignant Jubi look, went and rolled! We just love her
personality!

Kelly

He made it safe and sound and really settled in without a problem. He backed out of the trailer rather quickly (that should come as no surprise!) and was very good. He hesitated going into the barn, but that could of been because it was so bright and the barn was darker. After a couple of minutes of coaxing he walked right into his stall and settled in. Jennifer took him on a tour of the facility and walked and trotted him around the ring. Hey, it's flat! What a thrill to see Jennifer light up while working him and groom him.

She will be going over tomorrow afternoon to be with him and hopefully ride him. See you Thursday.

Thanks for a WONDERFUL program. I can't tell who will benefit more, Jennifer or Jasfar!

Milt

Hi Celeita, just an update. My shoer was down today, and Will's front left (if you're facing him, the one that had the abcess) has white line. My shoer says that horses with white feet and socks a succeptable to it,and from the looks of it, he's had it for some time. He's pretty sure the reason he missed it last time was that the abcess caught his attention first. The other three feet he assures me are fine, and in really good shape to boot.

We do have a treatment that is supposedly great to wipe out white line (my shoers horse got it in all four feet, and one treatment knocked it out). But Will will have to wear a boot up to his knee for 45 minutes while the medication is in effect to make it successful. Guy (my shoer) was going to do it today, but considered the boys history, and that my husband was there (I couldn't get out of work), and decided to wait til I got to Will first. Now if I can just facsimilate a boot up to his knee we'll be fine. The boys a quick learner, and with a plastic bag, and some shipping boots we're sure to get him used to it in a week or so. Then we'll get my shoer back down to medicate.

The 45 minute stand won't be any issue. He stands on cross ties well now, after only 2 weeks, and even if not on them, he'll stand for at least 30 minutes while I thoroughly brush him. We can also fondle his ears now (once taboo). Everything will work out fine, as I have the upmost confidence in him to get any task done, and done well after some practice.

Some people, even at my farm only want any "easy" horse to deal with, and at first I was told I was a fool for taking on Will. Now after only two months, they all have seen what some hard work, and consistant determination can do to change the life of one animal. We work well together, and for any little set backs, come all the big rewards right around the corner. I'm off to bed now, so I can be bright eyed tomorrow morning when I go down to let Will and Monty in for their grain tomorrow morning. Alice

Hi Celieta, I know you're really busy with all things concerning swap, and I don't expect a response from this email, but... my husband and I are trying to get together a video of Will, from first day to present, to show potential adopters the rewards of working with a rescued horse. Hopefully this will help you in the adoption progress at swap. You can use it in helping people realize how much goes into working with an untrained horse. Unfortunately, we didn't use our video camera in the first few weeks Will was with us (he was so afraid of other things, like us in general), but hopefully it can show all the little things we did to create a passive yet happy Will.

I'm one of those people who feels it's my job to help anyone in need when it comes to our equine friends, and would just like to show how little it took, other than the daily training, to achieve this with my stud. He of course has always been an excellent student with picking things up, but I know you have some babies there that need some work and time to get there.

And while Will's not at pre st georges, he does have the basics to take him where ever the skies may take him. And I take it day by day with any progress, and or set back we may have. Did I mention he halters fine now, and goes out without a halter all day. He comes when called, and follows me when I clean out his paddock?

I know people want a fixed horse, one who does all we want them to, but my husband and I thought that showing how you can work with a younger abused horse, it may help you out, as well as educate some potential adopters.

Maybe I just want to showcase my boy, I'm divided on that front because he's so wonderful. I just thought if I could help out it would be because of him, and through him. I stared at swaps website for a really long time before I got on the site. I thought it would be too hard or too much to handle. And where certain horses need more than others, this guy really needed a chance at a normal life. I hope that I brought him that. He seems happy enough. If it seems like a dumb idea feel free to let me know, as I certainly don't feel I'm an expert on this subject. I just thought Will's story could make people more aware of our horsey friends and what it takes to get through to them through kindness and love. Alice

Dear Celeita,

Just a quick up date on Rosa (Paso Fino), we have her confirmed in foal with a pinto Paso Fino. We hope for some great color next year. She has been on two weekend trail rides now and does very well. She continues to be the horse of choice with our granddaughter and daughter (that is just learning to ride); she has a laid back attitude that makes it easy to work with her. Thanks again for your efforts in finding homes for great horses that need a second chance.

Debbie Price

We have a partner who owns Presto Paso Fino II he has 16 acres and a 3 stall barn. Located in Lebanon, TN Rosa is often over there for riding, since my granddaughter lives there. She is in the pasture with 2 other mares and a new filly. We just wanted to let you know. I haven’t talked to Lynn in several months to know if Nadia had her foal yet and how she is doing. But I’m sure she is fine. We’re keeping our eye out for a Hackney Pony mare we will keep an eye on your list.

Have a great day and hope you find great homes for all the wonderful animals at SWAP.

Sincerely, Debbie Price

Hi All,
I just wanted to give you another update on Tucker (Doitright Tobe). So
far we have about two months of training under saddle behind us and
Tucker is proving to be a star. He does have his silly moments now and
then, but he is already starting to work on the bit, stretchy and round
for his first lower level tests in dressage. As he is still
growing...16.2+ at the moment....and only 3, I am taking my time with him
to be sure the basics are solid before we try a show. My trainer is
pleased with is progress and deemed him a "nice horse." (That is quite a
compliment from him!) By the way, Kenny Harlow, who was integral to the
saddle breaking also told me I had a really nice horse too. This phrase
is not to be taken lightly from professional trainers who deal with
hundreds of horses in their careers.

Tucker is a "happy camper" here at home and by the end of the summer I
hope to have an additional stall built onto my barn just for him. Right
now he lives in a sectioned off part of the main aisle. He loves it, as
does his older "brother," PJ, especially with the fans blowing on them to
help cool them off during these summer months. But, I really do need the
aisle space, so I will be adding a run-in shed roof on the west side of
the stable with one section of that enclosed as a stall. Since the horses
have free run of the stalls and sheds most of the time, it will be
interesting to see who stakes a claim on the new "room" when it's
finished. I want my "Boys" to be happy with their space, so I will let
them pick their own stalls.

I will be in touch at Tucker's next great adventure, whatever that may
be.

Take care,
Jean Dvorak

Hi Celeita,

Michelle Morris here. Here are the majority of the pictures of Quincy. I'm still working on getting a few more. No one is ever at the barn to take one of me & him. I believe I just need to send the worming schedule, and negative coggins.

I'll get those to you asap! Let me know if I've missed anything.

Thanks!!!

Michelle

p.s. I wish I could adopt 20 more! :)

Hi Celeita, just a quick note that Willow is 16 days pregnant today! :) We had her ultrasounded and she took on the first try! Of course it was AI but we are so tickled, so she is bred to Halcyon Sir Lancelot, the little welsh stallion and we are hoping for a large pony hunter! :)

Jillian just came into heat the other day and we bred her to our Cleveland Bay Sporthorse stallion last night, so it will be a couple weeks before we see if she is bred or not. Both girls are doing wonderfully and Jillian has had no episodes in three weeks we've had her. She is an amazingly friendly mare. Willow is too but is more of the "princess" type! Touch me if I want you to, where Jillian just soaks up the love and attention. :) Maria Ludwig

Celeita,

All I can say is WOW! Boy is he gorgeous! The pictures didn't do him justice. He got here around 4:40 yesterday and I guess decided this was his getting off place because he didn't even wait for Ray to lead him off the trailer, he just broke the trailer tie and backed himself off all in the blink of an eye! Once he was out though he just stopped and looked around and was a perfect gentleman. Ray was quick enough though to grab him by the halter during his escape so it was all pretty controlled but I must say there were a couple moments when I thought oh no!

I want to thank you so much for everything you've done, everything you've said about this guy appears to be as you promised plus. I'm spreading the word about your place and am trying to figure out ways in which I can bring some additional cash flowing your way. I'm giving Cory a week or so to adjust (got to get the farrier out too as you know) so I'll email you after my first ride. Again thank you so much, I'm so glad I took the chance, he is so worth it.

Ann

I will be talking to my insurance agent about getting him insured (I'll get back to you about that) and do you think that March Enders would mind if I called her or emailed her? I'd like to thank her also.

Hi Celeita,

It's only been a couple of weeks since my last update, but like a doting mom I must tell you all I can think of involving my boy, Will. Well first the bad news.... the vet was down last week, but yet again, he wanted to hold on to them for a little longer (ha-ha). We're going to try again on my next vacation in early October for the castration. He's not even a mild issue as a stud so I'm not the least bit concerned about it. He can stay intact for now, although my husband is rooting for him to stay that way (must be a man thing). He's a gentleman, and has an ongoing affair with Gretel, the pony mare at our farm, from across the fence line, so I suppose he's fulfilled with that.

The good news is we reach leaps and bounds everyday. I am serious when I tell you this guy amazes me. He's a thinker, so we try to give him things to think about... There is no problem with haltering, bathing, brushing, picking his feet, brushing or even touching his face or forelock. Not to mention he's great at leading, ground tying, fly spraying, and putting on a fly mask. We threw a loop in that mix, and tried to put a sheet on him, we got it the first try, and he was just fine. Then the BIG TEST!!! (drum roll please)... We put a saddle on his back, no problem what so ever.

That was just the saddle, two days ago, today we put the saddle on him and put a girth on, just tight enough that he could feel a little something under his belly. He wasn't thrilled but he just stood there, with a disgusted look on his face. He walked around for us with no problem with the whole thing on. We think in a week or so he just won't care anymore (seems to be the trend) and then we'll try with the bridle. That'll be the big test...

We're constantly trying to stump him with something, but seem to be coming up short, ha-ha!! He's doing great. He is now 15.2 in the butt, and almost that in the whither. My vet says he'll probably top out above 16 hands. He's still growing.... I'm still 5'3", remember? I guess I just need to get used to a lot bigger than I thought. I better get over my fear of heights!!!

I took some great pictures of Will in the saddle (I didn't think you'd believe me), and some of him and Monty and George the pony out in the grass ring at night, so you can see how he is doing. I also have some after Will's first full bath, when he's really clean head to toe. We found palomino in his mane and tail ( looked like dirt before the bath), I know there's a tri color paint, but a quadruple? Well the pictures should be back by tomorrow, Thurs the latest, so I will email them to you. Hopefully you can convince people that rescue horses are so rewarding to work with, and so eager to win your affection. I love my (wild) mild Willie, and cannot imagine life without him.

Again Thank you Thank you Thank you...............Pictures will follow soon...Alice

Celeita, I just had to email to tell you how much I adore both these mares! WOW is all I could say when I picked both up. Willow is doing wonderful. I have had her three weeks now. We got her gradually acclimated to the herd of two other mares. She had been on limited turnout and only alone so we took it slow. She LOVES being out with them! She is a bit of a mud pig though. We've had lots of rain and she wallows in it an covers herself head to hoof. If she can find a mud puddle she is playing in it. We adore her. We have not seen her in heat yet and are planning on breeding her to Halcyon Sir Lancelot a champion welsh stallion. Hopefully we will figure out her heat cycle soon!

I just got Jillian last night. I cannot say enough about how beautiful this mare is! She takes my breath away! We picked her up and met Nikki and her mom, what great people. Nikki gave me so much information about her and a video! Jillian settled in really well and we turned her out with two yearling fillies and another mare and she did really well. She is such a big mare and so gentle and kind. We are going to love her! No I am sorry we already love her!

Both these mares are exceptional equines. I cannot believe our luck at adopting them! Thank you so much and we are keeping in touch with the original owners and will keep you updated! Maria Ludwig Millville PA

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