Extreme Retired Racehorse Makeover Barrel Race

Artwork by HorsnHayes Art

Having a barrel race for rescued horses has always been a dream of mine.  I am constantly looking through the nurse mare foal photos at several rescues, thinking how cool it would be to hold a barrel race strictly for these horses.  Therefore, encouraging people to adopt them, raise them and give them a fair chance at becoming a champion.  I know they aren't bred like the top notch barrel horses winning in many arenas around the U.S., but I thought, if you have a barrel race, with enough money involved, people will come.  The best part, would be that there would be horses saved!

Several weeks ago, I sat with my family watching "Wild Horse Wild Ride" showcasing some trainers in the "Extreme Mustang Makeover".  I thought how cool it would be to do one of thes Makeovers, but it be a barrel race instead.  Well, certainly in my area of PA/OH/WV there are no local mustang facilities.   So, as I follow several rescues who deal with "kill pen bound" horses, a bunch of the Team members and I started throwing around ideas.  A barrel race where the contestants would rescue a horse from an auction.   I suppose it's a great dream, and perhaps someday I can figure out a way to manage, but the logistics seemed a little too much to overcome, with quaranteen time, etc.  

Then, some of my team members who own off the track thoroughbreds suggested an OTTB Makeover!  BINGO!  In this area, with Mountaineer Racetrack in our back yards, OTTB's are plentiful.  I have numerous friends that own thoroughbreds.  So when I pitched this idea to them, and started throwing around our thoughts, people started getting excited.  How beneficial this Event could be now and in the future for the thoroughbred industry in this area. 

It certainly is an "out of the box" idea for thoroughbreds.  Although several team members already barrel race with their OTTB's, it just doesn't seem to be the norm.  So why not hold an event to prove that these horses after their careers on the track, they can succeed in the Western disciplines as well! 

We started a group on facebook to throw ideas back and forth to tweek the whole concept.  There were constant back and forths, with working with rescues, to rescues not able to participate, to acquiring sponsors, to losing them because this can't be a "research" type of situation with the very real possibility that we will have several trainers from out of state. 

I believe I changed the rules and regulations at least three times.  There were days I just felt like throwing in the towel on this dream, as perhaps I just wasn't the person to make it happen.  Fortunately, I am too stubborn to quit or to give up!

 Finally, today, I was able to finalize all the paperwork, rules, regulations, applications  and send out to all interested.  I hope we get a good response! 

I've talked to Steuart Pittman of the Retired Racehorse Training Project, and he felt it was a great idea.  He was able to give me some great pointers.  Then, I also talked to Storme Camarillo, Sharon Camarillo's daughter who was also excited about this project.  She is going to check on some things before committing to being one of the trainers, but certainly wants kept in the loop.  So, between these bigger names in the industry supporting this and all the others who are just as excited about this as I am, I do believe we can make this dream of mine come true! 

We will also have renowned sports and equine artist, Debbie Sampson painting live the night of the event! 

www.artsports.com

So, if you'd like to take part of this "out of the box" event by sponsoring, being a trainer, or just helping to raise some funds for some of the OTTB rescues in the area, visit www.dreamingofthree.com and the Extreme Retired Racehorse Makeover tab. 

Rodeo Kid #5, Dominique McAllister

When I started Dreaming of Three, I had no idea where it would lead me.  As I sat watching the NFR in 2011, seeing all the St. Jude's commercials, teary eyed thinking of a child having to go through what I had just watched my step father go through, I decided, I'd like to meet some of these families and try to give them a night without worry, fun and to show them I cared.  So I started the "Rodeo Kid" program in January of 2012, with Amy LeClaire. 

This program is so important to me, so when I realized to grow, I had to allow others to take the reins in other States, it was a slight tough decision.  I can't be in every State obviously, but with the help of State Captains, it would be possible.  Carlie Hayes, my Texas State Captain, had expressed interest to me in taking a child to a rodeo from the moment she joined.  She patiently waited.  During the last several months, Carlie has shown such passion for Dreaming of Three, that I knew she would certainly leave me with no worries for this task.

With the help of the Ronald McDonald House in Ft. Worth, we found our next Rodeo Kid.  I reached out to Billy McAllister once I was given the information, but I wanted Carlie to get to know them moreso.  So she could enjoy the whole experience. 

Meet Dominique McAllister!

 

 

By Team DO3 Texas State Captain Carlie Hayes

 

It's that time again and Dreaming of Three has finally found the next Rodeo Kid. This time around I have been entrusted with the huge responsibility from Jackie to take on this monumental honor. I decided to to voluteer for this and was so eager and excited to make one day for an amazing child as special as possible. This whole experiance is such new territory me and I am going to try my hardest to fill Jackie's shoes and get the job done right. Dreaming of Three has really touched my heart since I have joined, but now that I am getting to know this new family, it's taking what DO3 is all about to a whole new level.

I would now like to introduce you to Dominique, and his story of extroidinary courage though something that no child or adult should ever have to go through. Dominique is your regular 11 year old little boy, who battles something not so regular everyday, Leukemia. Him and his father, Billy, are currently living at the Ronald McDonald House in Fort Worth trying to live as normal life as possible. Last year in August Dominique was diagnosed after going through a series of illness that started at Summer Camp. What began with nausea and throwing up, led to strep and thrush, and then ultimitley his diagnoses. Since then he has been getting treatments 3 days a week and will continue on for the next 3 years. So during this time in a little boys life that can be so hard to begin with, life threw Dominique a curve ball that will be making things a little bit more difficult as well. The great thing about this little boy though, is that he doesn't let it get him down and continues on doing all of the regular things that kids love to do like sports, video games, and watching some Dallas Cowboys. I think that is what makes kids so incredibly resisiliant. They have that ability to go on, keep their head high, and live life to it's fullest despite any detours.

After talking with Billy about Dominique it made me so much more eager to actually meet him. He told me about his love for bowling, even though he could only play about a game or so before getting tired and then he runs off to go play some video games in the arcade. He told me about how much he loves animals and horses. That he likes to play soccer and dodgeball with his friends. And about how he especially loved a school field trip where they went down into some underground caverns!

Dominique also has a younger brother Samual, who is 10, and Zoe, who is 8. Samual is the class clown, easy going and always says what's on his mind. Zoe on the other hand is a girls girl who loves playing with her Barbies, painting her nails and always making sure her is looking good! The one thing that all three of them love is of course, video games. They really like all the Mario versions that they play on their Wii.

This will be the first time for Dominique and his father to go to a real rodeo and I couldn't imagine a better one the the Cowtown Coliseum at the Fort Worth Stockyards, also known as, "Northside" by the locals. Going down to Northside is like taking a step back in time to the original Wild West Days. There are cowboys riding down the roads on horses, all the boutiques and restraunts are like a modern wild west town, they have a daily cattle drive right down the middle of the street, and right in the center of it all is the Cowtown Coliseum, where Billy and Dominique will be hootin' and hollerin' for the cowboys and cowgirls to run faster, rope quicker, or stay on longer!

So in about a month I will honourably be escorting this family to the rodeo in Fort Worth for a night that they will hopefully never forget. A night full of smiles, gifts from our wonderful sponsors, unforgettable memories, and most importantly, a night where they can forget about treatments, and only think about each other and what a great time they are having! 

 

Carlie Hayes

Carlie Hayes, Team DO3 Texas State Captain



    
 

 

Interview with our first Rodeo Kid, Amy LeClaire

Just about a year ago, I started the Rodeo Kid program.  I can't believe it has been a year already!  All I knew at that time,  was that I wanted to try to make a special night for a family who had gone through similar situations that my family and I had gone through with my step father.  I remember as my step father was battling for his life, I had no clue what to get a dying man for a Christmas present.  I thought long and hard and decided it was the memories and love that you take with you no matter what.  So I got my mother and him tickets to a broadway show and gift certificates for dinner.  I can still remember him telling me all about that evening and how much they enjoyed it. 

I wanted to give more memories and love to other familes as well.  I wanted to shower them with gifts, make them feel like they were Super Stars, and hopefully give them a night at a rodeo that they would never forget. 

I had asked my boss's sister, Luana, if she knew of any familes that had a child fighting or who had fought cancer that would enjoy going to the rodeo one night with me.  She knew of just the family and got me in contact with Amy's mother, Andrea.  She told me her story and thus started Dreaming of Three's rodeo program.  If you haven't had the chance to read Amy's story, you can do so here:
http://www.dreamingofthree.com/rodeo-kids#!__rodeo-kids/vstc2=amy-leclaire-rodeo-1/2012

I made this video from all the wonderful photos Andrea sent me to try to tell Amy's story through photos.
https://vimeo.com/35385421

A year later, I thought I would check in with Amy, say hello and do a short interview.  Amy also received the jacket that all of Team DO3 pitched in to purchase for the rodeo kids just in time to attend this year's Stock Show Rodeo.  She also has the boots and DO3 shirt on that we gave her and is looking awesome for a night at the rodeo!

Interview with Amy LeClaire

Jackie:  Amy, you were my very first "Rodeo Kid", so I thought I would allow DO3 followers get to know you a little better, as truly you inspired me to continue finding more families to take to rodeos in the future.

Your smile and charm made it so easy for me that night. To think of all the things you had to go through at such a young age makes my heart sink. You are so full of life, smiles and such a beautiful girl.

Jackie:    What/who helped you get through those tough times when you had to have chemo and all the dr.'s visits?

Amy:  My dogs, my parents, my brothers. Everyone was very helpful.

 

Jackie:    What would you like to be when you grow up and what things would you like to accomplish?

Amy:  I would like to become a veterinarian and dedicate my life to animals.

 

Jackie:   I know that rodeo that we attended with you and your family was not your first. However, I hope that it was one that you will never forget. What was your favorite part of the evening and why?

Amy:  Every thing was my favorite part, going to the rodeo is one of my favorite things, plus I got to meet you. Thank you so much Jackie.

I also wanted to thank you for the beautiful jacket. It was my favorite Christmas present. Love, Amy

 

The best things in life aren't things.

All Dreams Are Possible if We Have the Courage To Pursue Them

With the holidays over and a New Year here, it was time to start thinking about the 2013 season!  Having over 100 members to start the New Year, certainly made me realize the potential of the good things Team DO3 can accomplish!

When I started all this, I wanted to keep the charities to THREE:  Cancer, Heart or animal rescue orientated.  However, with growth, means we can expand, helping more charities, more people, more kids with our Rodeo Kid Program. 

In September, here in the tri-state area of  PA, OH, and WV, the Best of the Best Charity Barrel Race produced by On The Road With Dawn & Clea raises funds for target="_blank">United Cerebral Palsy through Team Marley.  Dawn & Clea are so passionate about their charity and it is such a wonderful cause, that I felt it would be the perfect addition to the charities that the Team members could donate to.  We've already had a few of the Ohio members sign up
to help Team Marley and I hope we continue to acquire more! 

 

With a New Year, comes new sponsors for our Year End Reward Program.  Our newest sponsor,  /www.cowgirltuffco.com/" target="_blank">Cowgirl Tuff Co.!    2013 Year End Rewards should be exciting and bigger and better!  It really is so thrilling to watch how many people want to be a part to make a difference. 

More exciting
news, this week I was asked by the Mahoning County Youth Saddle Club to speak at the Equine Symposium in Canfield, Ohio on March 16.  At first, I declined, as I do not do well speaking in public unless they are people I know.  They assured me, that it would be 4H kids, so it wouldn't be as bad as a public speaking event.  They want me to discuss "Advanced Competition".  So, I've put some thoughts to paper and I do believe I can manage this task.  I've asked a few of my sponsors to supply me with some coupons for the kids, I'll make a handout pack for them, and we'll even set up a Team DO3 booth there at the symposium.  So should be something exciting and I'm looking forward to it, as certainly it will enable me to also spread the word about the Team!

Last but not least for this post, I watched a wonderful documentary/movie over the weekend, Wild Horse Wild Ride.  In my ever turning mind, I thought, how cool it would be to have an Extreme Mustang Makeover for a barrel race.  I was informed that the BBR (Better Barrel Races) already held such an event last year.  Then, as I chatted to some of our Team members, we thought how cool it would be to do such a barrel race to rehabilitate "kill pen" horses.  Most of us at some point or another in our horse ownership, has attended a horse & tack auction.  I can remember attending with my step father and mother as a kid.  It always tore my heart out to see the horses waiting to enter the pen to be auctioned off.  I remember it so vividly walking through the stalls, seeing some of the injured horses, skinny horses and ponies and knowing that when they entered the arena, the kill buyers in the stands would be bidding.  I wish I owned 100 acres to be able to save all these sweet souls. 

 

One of my dreams was always to be able to rescue such horses, and turn them into barrel horses, or therapy horses.  Even the Nurse Mare Foals I felt how cool it would be to raise one, train it, and in my BIG DREAM, I imagined that foal heading to the NFR!  I know, crazy!  But, with the 4D format in barrels, a horse doesn't have to have the top of the line breeding in barrels to succeed.  So, I thought, what if DO3 held a competition to save and find homes for some of these horses.  No doubt there are diamonds in the rough!  We have several team members who have adopted horses from auctions and rehabilitated them.  These horses look amazing and it amazes me they were discarded as such by their previous owners. 




Team member Julianne, with her two rescues, Misty and Roxy!

Team DO3 Member Kalie and her rescued horse Astro!

Most trainers wouldn't dream of acuiring their next prospect from an auction.  But what if there was enough money in this particular barrel race?  Isn't that what draws people to the arenas?  To draw them to purchase or breed to a certain stallion because of the potential earnings that horse could accomplish?  The fame of sitting on a 1D horse and succeeding?  If I could pull it together to have a huge added money 4D Jackpot for up to perhaps 50 horses/trainers, I think it could be a success!  I have no doubt it would be of media interest in whatever area it is held. 

The details I haven't figured yet, but in a quick idea process, I thought there could be a two week period in which each trainer could attend auctions locally and purchase a prospect.  The age, breed, etc, would all be up to the trainer.  We would document each team that is made and check receipts from the auction to verify the animal was indeed purchased from the auction house. We would follow them throughout the 100 days through video and photos supplied.  Then, the big event!  Event!  Wouldn't just be your normal jackpot, it would perhaps be like a rodeo atmopshere with excitement and entertainment!  It would be a 4D format, with awards and notararity for the trainer that wins!  We could then auction the horses afterwards to raise money for a determined horse rescue/animal rescue of choice of the trainer.  They would of course recoop their initial fees from the auction, but the 100 days of care and their time would be a donation to their charity of choice.  (My only concern would be getting enough of a crowd, in order to get all the horses homed that night!  As what happens if they do not get bid upon, and the trainer has to sell on their own.  That's my only snag in my mind.)

A sponsor actually works for a tv network, and plugged my idea to them.  So we shall see!  Wouldn't THAT be a cool reality tv show?  To follow these trainers/horse teams?  Imagine what a heart warming story it would be especially if the adopted horses end up on TEAM DO3, earning money to save lives himself!  From the kill pen-to being saved-to saving lives!  I think it would be a horse fairytale type of movie/tv show!  But, that is just me again dreaming!   But, without dreams, where would any of us be?  This whole thing of Dreaming of Three, Team DO3, etc, would not exist.   So, we'll see if I can pull this one into reality.

All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them. ~ Walt Disney

 Some of my ideas work, some don't.  So, time will tell.  Until then, we will continue earning money for the charities through our weekend competing, daily trail riding, and even our daily barn chores!

Our Youngest TEAM DO3 member, Van Martin, doing his barn chores for allowance he wants to donate to his animal rescue!

The Very First TEAM DO3 Member, Beth Penland

I thought since reaching 100 members, I would take some time out to let you get to know my good friend and very first Team DO3 member, Beth Penland!  Without her saying "yes" the Team would have never been formed!

1. Before TEAM DO3 existed, you went with me to Denver for the very first Rodeo Kid rodeo at the Stock Show. I had no clue how to make everything come together to give Amy LeClaire and her family a memorable night, but with the help of Chelsea Toy (Barrel Racing Blog) and you, it was the start of something very special in the story of Dreaming of Three. How did this rodeo and meeting Amy and her family affect you?

Flying to Denver, CO with you was a blast! I was really on the fence about going to CO. I'm REALLY a homebody. If it doesn't involve me going barrel racing, I'd just as soon stay home and relax here on the farm. But years ago, a friend of ours said to me "Sometimes you've got to get off of the farm, Beth!" and talked me into doing something completely out of character for me. And this seemed like another great adventure!

Attending the rodeo with you is a memory I will cherish forever. Watching Amy and her brother's faces light up as the Rodeo Queens (There were many Rodeo Queens at this rodeo!), clowns and cowboys came around and introduced themselves was priceless. Having 3 children of my own, I understand how parents would rather have the hurts in life happen to us and not our children. The words childhood and cancer should never go together. I don't cry very easily but this night really choked me up. I am very passionate about sponsoring for the Team D03 Rodeo Kids. Chelsea was AWESOME about having all the rodeo folks coming out to the seats and meeting Amy and her family. I had to stop and take it all in and do some deep breathing or I was going to be a basket case sobbing in a Kleenex that night.

2. I would have never in a million years asked friends or anybody to join me in raising money for charities through barrel racing on a consistent basis. However, when I was backed against the wall~and reached out to you to help me, you didn't hesitate. We all have gone to barrel races, whereas they are charity barrel races to raise funds for different causes through our entry fees, raffles, food booth, silent auction, etc. Team DO3 is a consistent fund raiser through donating small portions every time we earn money in the arena. What does it mean to you to be a member of TEAM DO3, riding for more than just yourself, awards, fame and glory~riding to make a difference every time you throw your leg over the saddle and enter the arena?

I had no idea that me saying "Yes!" to you that day would be the start of all of this. It just goes to show that even the smallest gesture can have a HUGE impact in this world! I felt so bad for you that day, at the race, when Sis, your horse bled. I have had past experience with a horse that bleeds so I knew that your horse would need at least 30 days off. I remember telling you this at the barrel race and the look on your face. I hurt so much for you that day.

Am I ever glad I answered you a "YES!" I'm a good person but I am no saint. I knew that my April earnings would enable to help you get started with something you were obviously very passionate about. In the grand scheme of life, April's earnings didn't seem to be such a big deal to me so I said yes to your idea. (I plan on donating this year's April earnings to Team D03 also!) Today I'm so proud of being the first member of Team D03. I love being able to ride for Team D03. I am very excited about having a Team D03 rodeo shirt to race in this year and help spread the word about Team D03. When I have a bad weekend, I realize that my bad weekend is something that the Rodeo Kids would be thrilled to have. It really helps me keep things in perspective.

3. What does your family feel about you being on the Team?

My husband loved the idea of helping you out and the idea of maybe a team forming. It is because of him that I made it to Colorado with you in the first place! He had to schedule around it and shove me out of the door! None of us had any idea that Team D03 would grow to all that it has grown. Our son is planning on Team D03 being around for a long time. He's already said this will be his charity of choice in the future. Our daughters have LOVED wearing the Team D03 shirts and tell everyone they know about how their mom and her friend helps out with this charity. I think I have bought more Team D03 shirts than anyone because each family member has more than one shirt and our daughters want them all! It makes me feel good to know that I can give back by doing something I love and that my kids have a great example about giving back in this life. I believe our children are learning to pass on the good stuff whenever they can throughout their lives.

4. Other than being my friend and wanting to help me with this dream, is there a personal reason that inspired you to be a part of TEAM DO3?

Ahhh... personal reasons. Yep. There are many personal reasons. First, I thought what you were wanting to do in honor of you father and step-father was truly admirable. I watched that journey of yours over the past couple of years and my heart broke with each precious loss in your family. And when you mentioned an idea of a team it was a light-bulb moment for me too. I could envision it. Every little donation counts you know-- every $5 adds up. Team D03 is like a water drop which creates a ripple and the ripples reach out and go from there. I'm glad I made a ripple here. And cancer sucks. I've lost close friends and family members to cancer and have friends and family members battling it currently. And heart disease sucks. I also have a family member living with this. And animal rescue is awesome!

Give me a "T!" Give me a "D!" Give me a "O!" Give me a "3!"

A Year in Review - 2012

2012 - A year that I had plans for one thing, and it turned out to be something totally different. 

At the end of 2011, I was pumped to bring on 2012 with getting my Pro Rodeo Card, hauling down the road with some friends, earning as much as possible on that first division horse I had always dreamt about.  Hitting some rodeos, hauling to jackpots, having a busy busy year of competing, earning money for the charities.  Barrel Horse News even had interest in doing a story after I had won the Kick Ass Cowgirls, Cowgirl In Need Contest in October, 2011.  So, I made sure I had a photo with me in a hat, which I borrowed as the one I owned was over 20 years old!

Unfortunately, BHN never did the story, as the writer who was heading it up, left the magazine.  She has since started her own online magazine called Barrel Racing21, and I am happy to say she did put my story in her magazine!  There were plenty of articles through 2012-Equine Journal-Horse & Rider-Fast Horse Resource-Rodeo News (2 times, plus an article on one of my Rodeo Kids, Aaron Amon)-Cowgirls in Style-Barrel Racing Report, and even an appearance on Central PA Live and a newcast at the Venango County Fairgrounds during a barrel race.  So, I feel I was able to spread the word and get some aware of Dreaming of Three/Team DO3 and our efforts through all the PR I managed. 


I legged Sis up early. and was ready to go by the end of March.   First run out, she bled.  So that seemed to set the tone for the rest of my year on her.  I would say I had about three months down trying to figure out the best plan to control her bleeding.  In the meantime, my husband gave up his trail mare, in order for me to purchase a back up horse, Smoke.  (which I have get to sync with and shut off the clock as I do with Sis!)

As you all know, because of this setback, is why Team DO3 came into my World.  I never set out to have an organization, let alone a non-profit organization.  However, as the year went on, with a Team of riders, it seemed together we could do more and more to help others in need.  From our first big fund raising effort, the Colorado Wildfires, with a hay drive gathering over 600 bales of hay, filling a semi and sending out to those in need in Colorado and also a tshirt sale to send to a ranch that was damaged due to the fires. 

 

We walked in the BIG Hookstown Memorial Day Parade!

We of course also had four Rodeo Kids in 2012-Amy LeClaire, Trenton Noll, Gabby Polizzi, and Aaron Amon.

Gabby

Aaron

Trenton

Amy

This program turned out to be so important to me, even more so than my competing.  As, even though my plans of hitting rodeos with Sis crumbled, hitting rodeos to take these kids and their families turned out to be much more gratifying.  It's amazing how for a big part of my life that is all that I had hoped for, to finally get a horse worthy of entering some rodeos, then, once I finally had one, and although I didn't get to many rodeos, that dream changed.  Now, I'd much prefer hitting more rodeos with more families with children who are fighting or who have fought devestating diseases in order to give them a worry free evening of fun at a rodeo.  Amy's Rodeo was in Denver, so I didn't compete of course.  Trenton's Rodeo was in Harrisburg at the Bullmania which I was not qualified to run due to not competing over winter, Gabby's Rodeo, I competed, and Aaron's Rodeo the entry fee was a bit high for me to enter Sis who had only run one rodeo at that time.  (I knew better than to throw $100 away, I preferred to use that money to give Aaron a better night at the rodeo).  I have to say, I much preferred NOT competing while having a family with me.  As with Gabby's rodeo, rushing around, trying to spend time with her and her family, was a bit intense, and I felt as though I didn't get to know them as well as the others.  My kids and her bonded however fairly well.

The Team continued to grow throughout the year.  I met so many wonderful people, so many sponsors who showed their support for the rodeo kids, for myself, for the Team, I am forever grateful. 

Then, the end of August, the Northstar frenzy hit me and my family.  Northstar, a horse I learned about through a friend who had intentially doused and lit on fire near Erie, PA.  I wanted to do something different for him other than a tshirt sale.  So, I thought I would gather a few items from the Steelers, from my boss Franco Harris, and put them up for silent auction.  Little did I know, that my intended several items, would turn into about 200 items!  Once I opened that door up, the donations kept rolling in.  It seemed my life was overtaken by my buddy Northstar.

It was truly hard to keep up, as I wasn't prepared.  People were texting me items through Facebook, emailing me, I didn't have a good organization for it, as I had never intended for it to grow so large, but I certainly wasn't going to turn people away who wanted to help.

What I thought would have raised a couple hundred dollars, turned into over $7,000!  This money was to help his vet bills.  Through all the craziness, the ladies who also stepped up at the same time as DO3 to help Northstar, decided to form a non-profit organization, which is now Northstar Equine Foundation, Inc.  We decided not only would we help Northstar, we would continue to help other horses and their owners who were victims of crimes such as this, or who needed help with vet care from catestrophic injuries. 

In the process of the silent auction, the people who were following wanted tshirts.  So, having a Team, I had asked another Team member, Sandra Whitcomb, who is an artist, to draw an image I had in my head regarding Northstar for our tshirt.  She didn't hesitate, and quickly had me the art.

Once again, I never expected the response that we received from these shirts.  We sold so many, that I had to ask Team DO3 members to come and help me pack them for shipping.  Tycally, with the Wildfire shirts, then also the Oklahoma Drought shirts, I'd sell perhaps 100-150, with Northstar first round of shirts, we sold over 400!!!  So, we had a little tshirt packing party!

It was a fun day to say the least!  After all was said and done with the tshirts (3 Rounds), we raised over $8,000! 

I did get to take a ride up to OSU as well to meet Northstar, some of the ladies on the NSEF and also Northstar's owner, Jessie.

At the end of 2012, I learned from a sponsor, Heather at Island Cowgirl Jewelry of another person in need.  A man named Mike Dodge who is the founder of H.O.R.S.E. rescue who was dying of lung cancer and whose dying wish was to have all his remaining horses safe.  He made a promise to them all, and DO3 wanted to try to help him keep it.  So, together as a Team, we decided upon a winter cap to sell to help. 

Today, January 1 is the last day to order.  I hope we are able to help Mike keep his Promise, even if just in a small way. 

I had some flops as well throughout the year.  I tried to order beach towels to sell for the hurricane equine victims (Hurricane Sandy).  However, they turned out to be hand towels, not beach towels, due to the china man who thought we measured in cm.  (not sure how a beach towel in his world is small enough for my 5# dog)

I will still try to sell them the next time a hurricane hits, but unfortunately, they will be hand/golf/doggie beach towels!

I thought I'd have a clinic, to help members better benefit the charities as well in 2013 with Sharon Camarillo.  Perhaps it was a bad weekend, I do not know, as it was scheduled for Memorial Day weekend.  However, I ended up only having one signed up come December.  I know it's the winter months, and most aren't thinking about their competing yet, but with losing $300 for beach towels that turned into hand towels, thinking about having to be thousands to a clinician with only one signed up, was stressing me out.  I had already spent so much money trying to make DO3 what it is now, I couldn't afford to lose several thousand more in the name of trying to raise more for the charities.  Perhaps I pulled out to quickly, and should have given it more time to fill, but I didn't want to mess Sharon up either, as figure if I gave her several months to fill that weekend, she would be better off. 

So, for 2013, I am hoping for more unexpected wonderful things to happen.  I did not plan on the year that I had for 2012, but looking through photos for this post, thinking about all that I/we as a Team have accomplished, it turned out to be so much more amazing than I would have ever imagined! 

I hope that all the Team members stay with DO3, and more continue to join in every discipline imaginable in the equine world.  Together, we can certainly make a difference, one ride at a time!