What's in a Name....

Over the past several months, with trying to spread the word about Team DO3, Dreaming of Three, I have often doubted my selection of a name for all of "this".  There is no "cowgirl", or "cowboy" or any words that relate to horses or riding in Dreaming of Three. 

When I first started this "journey", it was I alone that wanted to do something to grieve.  I had just gone through hell, watching my step father, whom raised me battle cancer, and lose.  I had to watch my children see their "pap", deteriorate before their eyes.   All of us knew the outcome.  Eighteen to twelve months is what he was given.  However, we tried to carry on life as it was normal.  We went to look at new homes with my mother and step father, John, closer to where my husband and I lived.  Knowing full well, we were just going through the motions to make John feel like things were "normal".  They weren't.  They were very very wrong. 

John & my Mother

 

He passed away on October 1, 2010, the first day of arhery, which was appropriate, as for him, he lived for first day of hunting season.  So have no doubt in my mind he was rushing to get the best tree stand in heaven! 

My family and I had to move on, somehow.  No doubt it was painful, and hard, and an aweful thing especially for my children to go through with somebody they loved so dearly.  We picked ourselves up slowly and tried to get back to our lives.

Three months later, on January 30, I recieved a call at my office, from my step mother telling me my father had passed away from a major heart attack.  I felt as though I had been picked up and thrown face down in the dirt.  We were just coming out of the fog from the pain of John, to have another death so close together of two people that were very important and loved very much. 

My father had chronic heart problems, so it wasn't such a surprise.  He had at least 4 other heart attacks, but it didn't make it any easier to hear those words. 

My Dad and his wife, Barb

So, once more we had to continue on with our lives from all this heart break.  When Spring of 2011 came, it took me a little while to get the energy, desire to start riding and competing again.  Eventually, I did however.  Riding was something that remained the same, just me and my horse, Sis.  Competing, was the same, just me and Sis and the clock.  So, I started hitting barrel races more weekends, and Sis and I started hitting our groove once more.  We started hitting that first division more often. 

However, even though my dreams were finally coming true with having a horse that could compete at the top, I would hear more loved ones struck with cancer or heart disease, hear more friends tell of their own loved ones struck with these diseases, and my heart remained heavy.  I continued to feel just as helpless as I did while watching John die.  I continued to feel helpless as when I heard my Dad had passed. 

I did NOT like that feeling of helplessness at all.  So, while awaiting to go into the arena one day, down because of yet ANOTHER person in my life having to fight through, I questioned "what could I do to not feel so helpless".  I slightly got upset with myself at that time, thinking "What is wrong with you!  You are sitting on a first division horse!  It's what you dreamt about all these years!  Since you were 12!  Yet you are moping" .  Then, I realized that winning really wasn't all that important anymore.  There are so many more important things in life.  So, my wheels kept turning, as "what I could do to not feel helpless".  (as I waited to be called into arena.  I typically am on Sis waaay too early, and warmed up waaay too early..so I am constantly sitting and waiting!).  As, I had all these thoughts, Sis reached around and nudged my foot.  This is when it hit me, Sis and I were in our groove, winning money every weekend! I could take this success and turn it into something to "give back", to "pay it forward"!  I declared I would donate mine and Sis' winnings in 2012 to American Cancer, American Heart and animal rescues close to my heart. 

So, as friends and family knew I was doing so, I thought I would create a Facebook page, a web page where they could all follow my season.  I started to write all those loved one's initials on my saddle crosses that had fought, fighting or lost fight to cancer or heart disease and even told friends they could add their own as well.  So I thought, for those people, they too might enjoy following where I'd compete, and stories along the way. 

I had always dreamt of having that one great horse!  Turning three perfect, quick barrels.  I'd doodle on paper in school, the barrel pattern...  so initially, I named this "journey", "Dreaming of Three", as I wanted to continue to succeed in order to donate the most money I could to Cancer, Heart and Animal Rescue~the THREE Charities. 

I drew my logo, with the wings behind me, as my step father and father watching over me as I did my best to succeed and donate as much as possible.  It was just something fun to do, so I had something to put on my Facebook page profile picture, and my website. 

I never intended to "market" anything.  It was all for personal use.  From the name, from the logo, to the website.  Never in a million years would I have thought it would have taken the turns it did to get us to over 70 members on TEAM DO3, to wanting to spread the word and get more Team members, more sponsors, etc, in order to raise more for the charities and causes.

So I didn't think about people finding me by a cool "horsey, cowgirl, cowboy" name for the organization.  I find myself at times thinking, "man, why didn't I think of a cooler name!  Nobody will find me when they "search"!  Then, other days, when I have a shirt or jacket on, and somebody asks me what "Team DO3" is all about, I think, perhaps it's not so bad, as it is a conversation starter.  If people saw "Team Cowgirl", they wouldn't ask many questions.  They would assume what it is all about. 
Dreaming of Three, truly came from my heart, and was not to sell a thing, not to gain "likes" on Facebook, or to be the most popular search on google.  It was to honor my step father, my father, my uncles, and all those that have passed in my own life from these diseases.

Now, during the winter months while I'm not keeping Sis in shape or headed down the road to a barrel race, I sit here Saturday and Sunday mornings surfing the internet for beautiful photos to match up to heart felt sayings or poems, or quotes, so that I can post them, and people will share them and perhaps ask themselves that question as well, "What is Dreaming of Three?", and stop over to see what a wonderful group of cowboys and cowgirls, equestrians that make up TEAM DO3. 

 

 It may not be the best "marketing" tool, but for now, it's free to do so, and the best I have to spread the word.  I've been in several magazines, trying to get it out there as well.  Seven months ago, when Team DO3 was started, I would have never thought I would have been filing Incorporation papers, or 501c papers, as it was just myself, grieving in my own way.  Now, I am driven by wanting more Team members, so that our tally rises and perhaps TEAM DO3 will be a known name in every equine industry!  Why am I putting so much effort into it all? 

 

To conquer the feeling of helplessness.

To grieve.

To give others an avenue through their passion of horses and rodeo to conquer helplessness and to grieve.

 

So, the name of what will soon be a registered Non-Profit Organization, Dreaming of Three, may not sound like a organization regarding horses, cowboys, cowgirls, or rodeo, but when you look deeper to find that it was all built on true heart break, true friendship and true determination, instead of marketing a product, or competing with others, you will love the name as much as I do, as it has true meaning.  

 

 

 

 



This is why we ride.....

Team DO3 member, Ashley Richards-Schuetz tells a little about why she rides with Team DO3:

Just wanted to share who I ride for and why i am passionate about raising money for the American Cancer Society... July 2011 my daddy was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer, he had less than 6 months to live and my wedding was in 2 months. We all knew what was coming,
but I never let it my dad know how scared I was. I would go to the restroom in the hospital, cry my eyes out, wash my face, compos...

e myself and force a smile as I walked back into his room. I sat thru two 8 hour brain surgeries for him, went to every appointment and meeting...I never left his side. He always supported me, I wasn't going to let him go at this alone. Even on his worst days he came to my barrel races. He sat in a pop-up chair with a blanket and mustered smiles and jokes with all my lesson kids. My daddy saved his strength to walk me down the aisle and to dance with me at my wedding. Unfortunatly, the very next day after my wedding he started his down-hill decline. He suffered multiple seizure that left him without the use of his left side. I couldn't take it, as a daddy's girl, my life was ending as I watched his fade. Soon he was bed-ridden and could barely swallow or speak. He tumor had come back with a vengence. We found ourselves in the hospital again for another surgery...a surgery my daddy never fully woke up from. My dad was in the neuro ICU for 20 days. FOr 20 days I held his hand, wishing he would wake up and smile at me. For 20 days I watched his monitors until I was just about to go insane. He finally woke up enough ope his eyes, nod his head and to mutter "Bubba" which was his nickname for me. We knew....we knew these were the last days. On that day, the day we knew he wouldn't make it thru the night, we all took our turns with him. Telling him what we wanted him to know, that we loved, that we would take care of mom. He never cried. I asked if he was scared. He shook his head no. I promised to be just as brave as I held his hand one last time......time passed and the depression set in. The loss of my dad was more than I could bare. In the midst of it all, I had lost my passion. My horse sat in my barn. My best friend, my team mate....I had no desire to saddle up....until....that dream. That dream I had were daddy said he was happy were he was at and he showed me his nice new house and the new deck he was building. He told me to ride...ride for him...NEVER GIVE UP your dream. The next morning I pulled the blanket off my horse. He looked aweful....4 months of exercise got him back into shape and ready to run rodeos. We were at the pay window...holy hell we are at the pay window waiting for our check at a Pro rodeo. It was daddy...he rides with us =)

The Northstar Rally

This past Saturday was the very first Northstar Equine Foundation Inc. Rally!  I have to say it was so much fun and turned out to be a wonderful event!  Jayne May, President of NSEF and a friend of mine did a wonderful job organizing and putting everything together!

It started with a "Ride In" for Northstar's Law. There were I believe over 75 riders/horses that participated to demonstrate the support that so many riders have for this law that will hopefully be passed. 

 

My eyes welled up as I saw all the horses, healthy and capable of being ridden, walking down that road.  I thought about Northstar and how much Jessie (Northstar's owner) would probably love to be a part of this all.  Unfortunately, he is still at OSU trying to overcome the horrendous act of a terrible person.

 

My camera battery died shortly after these photos.  Luckily, the news cameras were rolling and the whole event was captured on the Erie news.

You can view it here:

http://www.erietvnews.com/story/20063095/rally-raises-funds-for-northstar

 

A new video was also released regarding Northstar's progress (I did not do this video, Wendy Bumbera was the creator).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=gQ_pe_YeHwk

 

There were so many chinese auction items it was unreal!

 

 

It is amazing how much support there is out there in the World for Northstar.  My kids had an awesome time chosing which items to put their tickets in to win a prize.  Out of all the items there were, my son, Shane, wanted to win the lotto tree!  He's all about more money!  He ended up winning the lotto tree.

 

Does he look a tad bit excited?  Unfortunately, he didn't win any money,  but another free ticket! 

 

It was really good to meet some of the women on the Northstar Equine Foundation Inc. Board, as I had only met Jayne and Jessie.  So to put faces to voices (that I've talked to a half dozen times or so on conference calls) was really nice.  It was a relaxing day and I think everybody that attended enjoyed hanging out, listening to the music, waiting for the chinese auction items to be drawn, and being in the company of others that love Northstar whether or not they have met him or not.

 

We raised over $9,000 from that rally!  I have to say that this organization certainly ROCKS!  Northstar is certainly in good hands!

 

I'm sure we will have more fund raising functions in the future to raise awareness for Northstar's Law that will hopefully get passed so that criminals that do such things to animals won't get put back out on the streets with just a slap on the wrist!  To help more horses like Northstar in the future and to continue to bring folks together who are passionate about these wonderful animals.  If you'd like to follow more of the story and updates, please go to www.helpnorthstar.com. 

 

On the Dreaming of Three side of things, the Holiday/Winter shirt sale is over today.  Tomorrow I'll be placing the orders.  There weren't as many as I had hoped sell to help the Nolls, but I suppose every little bit helps and will perhaps give them a little better Christmas!

I really thought I was quite creative with this design too and that others would be just as excited I was about it!  But, perhaps I've just overdone the shirts lately.

So therefore, I've moved on to other items to raise funds for DO3.  Next up are the lounge pants! (with or without the logo on the butt for those that don't want it there)

http://dreamingofthree.bigcartel.com/product/team-do3-vintage-jersey-lounge-pant

 

 

These pants will help with rodeo kids, operating costs, and everything surrounding DO3/Team DO3.  We'll see how they sell for this first round.  I know for myself, I love lounge pants after work and to and from a barrel race! 

 

The Year End Rewards are rolling in constantly!  I'm so excited to draw the names from the charity checks that are also rolling in!  I think next year's "Year End Rewards" will even be larger as of course we have the breeding to Sinnsuous Firewater firstly, then we'll be a certified 501c3 by next year.  So I know more companies will step up to donate items with it being a tax write off. 

 

http://www.dreamingofthree.com/team-do3-year-end#!__team-do3-year-end

 

Speaking of year end, my local barrel racing organization, Penn Ohio BRA, posted their Final Standings.   I didn't make any top 5's, but I was 17th in the Open First Division and 9th in the Masters, which to me, isn't too shabby being that Sis was out of commission for about three months this summer.  The Masters class I decided after getting her back that running her in a class with only 10 or so horses, only winning a minimal amount, was not what I was after.  I was supposed to be running to earn money for the charities, and being that I can only run her once now with the bleeding, I felt I needed to run her in the Jackpot class with more money added and more entries instead of the Masters.  Therefore, winning more money towards charities.  It's a tough class no doubt to earn points.  Alot of 1D horses in the area, but I plan on keeping at it next season!  Getting our groove back early and hopefully having a full season to earn more for the charities.

 

This Saturday is the Forever Safe Farm Gala.  I'm also excited about this fund raising event for yet another one of my good friends and one of our animal rescue organizations.  I think it will be one awesome evening of music, food, fun and friend!  I hope some of you will join us!

 

 

Dreaming of Three and Team DO3 will continue to keep things interesting throughout the winter. I  hope you'll stay tuned!

 

 

 



 

 

 



A Morsel of Hope

My mind constantly spins in regards to how to make Dreaming of Three/Team DO3 better.  It seems that is all that I want these days, more for the Team members who have joined me in "giving back" through their passion of horses & rodeo and more for the Rodeo Kids. 

 

When Team DO3 started, it was mostly my close friends whom I have known for years who stood by my side to help me through a really rough time.  Then, as it grew with more and more members, I feel like each and every one are also my friends as those I have known for years.  Some, I've never met in person, but yet I can tell they too share the same desires, passions and big hearts. 

 

 Last weekend my family and I headed to the All American Quarter Horse Congress in Columbus, Ohio.   My birthday is November 2, so I headed there thinking, I'm gonna pick out some really cool things for my birthday gifts. I came away with nothing for myself.  Not because I didn't like anything there, but because my mind was more on collecting business cards from companies with really really nice items that I thought the Team members would be really excited about receiving in the "Year End Reward" drawing. 

 

Although, I have to say, my shyness didn't really get me involved in too many conversations with companies there. (yes, shyness to those who know me and laugh at that phrase in regards to me!  With people I do not know, nor that know me, I'm very nervous explaining Team DO3, as I feel like they look at me like I'm nuts and why is this woman telling me all this! I'd rather people hear about us, come watch what we do with fund raising, believe in the organization and what we want to do-compared to giving somebody a sales pitch.  As I never intended for all of this to become a sales pitch.  It was something I alone was going to do along with the few sponsors that believed in me from the beginning.)   I collected more business cards and wrote more letters when I returned home.  I still haven't heard from any of those companies, but I don't let it discourage me.  I'll keep on plugging along, hopeful that eventually these companies will take notice and want to also be a part of Team DO3 in the future. 

 

A couple weeks ago, I thought it would be cool to have Team DO3 Stallions.  Each stud owner could sign up just as a member would, but instead donating an amount per stud fee.  They could choose however much they desire to donate to their chosen charity.  I also thought, there could be a "Team DO3 Official Stud of the Year"!!  Therefore, I called a stallion owner  that I would LOVE to be able to have a colt from someday!  (Just not so sure I want to reproduce Sis!  I love her to death, but would really like a horse that I don't have to worry so much about kicking.)  Jack Reddick was happy to participate and  I am proud to say that we HAVE a Team DO3 Official Stallion! 

 

His name is Sinnsuous Firewater from Oklahoma!  In 2013 for the "Year End Reward" we will draw from those members who turn in their charity checks for a breeding to Sinnsuous Firewater! 

 

 

I think this is a great benefit to being on the Team!  To have a chance at a foal from this beautiful talented stud! 

 

My next goal is to find a company (s) to donate a vacation for two to the NFR!  This will be another drawing from those that send in their charity checks at the end of 2013 as well.    So not only will I draw for the breeding, for the other great items (I plan on getting items donated just as I have this year through sponsorship), but also for the NFR trip!  (hopefully).  That is my main focus for 2013! To get my 501c status, and to acquire more sponsorships to benefit the Team members & the Rodeo Kids!

 



We continue to get new members and new State Team Captains!  Below are the current State Captains:

 

 

Haylie Burch - MS

Mary Elzie - TN

Carlie Hayes - TX

Brandi Reicheneker - OK

Brittney Barnett - CA

Andrea Cherwinski - MI

Heather Jarman - NC

Jamie McKinney - KS

Christina Rasmussen - ID

Emily  Miller - SC
Eventually, I'd like to have a State Captain in each state!  Even in Western Ohio and Eastern PA, as I can't get to those areas.  If you are interested in becoming a State Captain, please contact me at Jackie@dreamingofthree.com.  Firstly, you must be a member of TEAM DO3 of course, and get your feet wet to see what we are all about. 

The State Captains we currently have certainly mirror my desires and passion for this all.  I can tell with all of their enthusiams!  It truly makes me feel like I made the right decision in handing the reins over to these members to grow the Team within their own States. 

My Kansas State Captain, Jamie McKinney wrote to me recently:   Thanks again for starting this whole thing, it feels good to be able to make a difference, even if you can't donate a lot, every little bit helps, and I love the fact that my daughter is more determined and competes even harder now!

 
This is truly what I wanted for everybody that joins!  For them to feel as though they are making a difference, as every little bit counts~and to have that desire to ride longer, harder and more aggressive, as you know you are out there competing for more than just yourself!  (or spending time in the saddle trail riding for more than just your enjoyment~you are giving back through your joys).

Next weekend is the Northstar Rally!  I hope it will be a great success to raise more funds for Northstar's care.  You can keep up with Northstar and get tickets to the rally at www.helpnorthstar.com. 

Rodeo Kid #4, Aaron Amon is in the current issue of Rodeo News too!  (page 120)

http://digital.turn-page.com/title/8411

 

It is a great article!  Dreaming of Three ordered a copy of the article displayed on a plaque for Aaron to always remember his night at the rodeo with Team DO3!  Perhaps when he's at the NFR someday in the future, he can give a shout out to us! 

 

So as you can see, things continue to happen for DO3.  Although I send out more letters of sponsorship requests than what I recieve back, I continue to forge ahead!  The spirit of this Teamis strong!  We will continue to hope for bigger and better things for the Team, for the charities, and for the Rodeo Kids in the future.    We have some wonderful fund raisers to come with our charities, State Captains have some awesome things up their sleeves, and we are on the search for our next Rodeo Kid in the Ft. Worth, TX area.    So stay tuned, as I will make sure that we continue to keep it interesting even through the winter months!

 

The human spirit is strong. It seems to run forever on nothing but a morsel of hope. Without it, you have nothing. With it, nothing else matters.