Oklahoma Relief and more.....

On May 20, 2013, Moore, Oklahoma and surrounding areas were hit with devastating tornadoes. More than 100 horses were lost in total by various farms.  One of the facilities, Orr Family Farm/Celestial Training Facility, took a direct hit and lost most of their barns.

What used to be Celestial Training Facility

My heart broke for those animals, who must have been so scared during that time.  Of course I wanted Dreaming of Three to help.  So once again, I called upon TEAM DO3 member, Sandra Whitcomb with an idea I had in my head.  Horses, running in fear from the tornado, and then into heaven in peace.  Sandra had some family in Oklahoma as well.  She didn't hesitate and had me the image the next day.

She captured the expressions on the faces of the horses perfectly.  Then, Dog Pound Printing created the tshirts perfectly.

 The shirt sales will benefit the Orr's Family Farm to help them rebuild so that the surviving horses have shelter.  The last I heard, they did have a little over 30 horses that survived.

Within a day of getting the Tshirts ready, my Texas State Captain, Carlie Hayes,  got in touch with me to tell me her idea to hold a benefit barrel race for the Orr's in Texas.  She quickly jumped to planning the Event!  It is this weekend, and the outpouring of support we received for this barrel race was incredible!  At present time we have $1500 added to the 5D, $300 to the Youth, plus Awards, PLUS a silent auction.

You can read more about this Benefit Barrel Race on Carlie's blog:  http://txteamdo3.blogspot.com/2013/05/texas-for-oklahoma.html

In the midst of all this, Carlie also stopped in to see Dominque McAllister, our Rodeo Kid #5, who we raised funds for through our See No Evil Benefit Barrel Race held a couple weekends ago.  Carlie presented the McAllister's with a $1,000 check to help them with anything through this difficult time.  Carlie will also be presenting a check to Stacey Miller, who was the other recipient of this benefit barrel race, as it was co-sanctioned and therefore the funds were split.  

Dominique, his father Billy, Carlie and her son, Carson

My family and I also, (reluctantly after losing Snowball-as this was Snowball's day to shine), attended the Hookstown Memorial Day Parade.  We borrowed a little mini gelding, Spike, from a supporter of Dreaming of Three, Carey Wimer.  She was very kind to offer him to us to keep as a donation for the Team mascot, however, we just aren't ready yet to make that replacement.  The only reason we had Snowball, was because he was my children's first pony.  The ONLY horse in the barn that I said I wouldn't sell after they grew out of him.  He always came in handy to babysit the barrel horses when we only would take one or two.   However, as we all have a horse that we take now to barrel races, Snowball constantly would remain home alone, and we always felt so bad leaving him behind.  So, at the moment, we don't feel it fair to acquire another pony, when Sierra and Shane have outgrown them, and we do not have room on the trailer to take along.  S

 We also picked up Shane's old pony, Molly. One of our Top 12 Trainers of the Extreme Retired Racehorse Makeover, Celene Jedrzejewski came as well with one of her minis and a cart.   The McCorkle clan could not make it this year, as Pat (the dad) was injured last week in a horse accident.  So, we didn't have a huge group, (3 minis basically) but, we still made it.  I really missed Snowball though.  He was always so calm, and loved visiting the little kids.  My kids really enjoy it however, as it's a fun day.  Shane really enjoys throwing candy "at" (I always tell him it's not "at", it's "to") the little kids.  He is like a celebrity, as all his friends from school shout his name as we walk through. 

 The Rhinestone Cowboy!

We didn't win any trophies this year, most likely due in part that my mind just wasn't there.  We forgot to register at the mini mart store before we got into line.  With this only being our second year attending, I haven't got all the procedures quite down.  

Perhaps in the years to come, we could find some rescues with minis or horses to showcase in the parade with us in hopes of finding them homes.  Spike is for sale, and with all his adorable pictures, I have no doubt he will find a wonderful home.    So, that is an idea I can toss around for next year's parade, as my barn of horses aren't really "parade" fit horses.  

As you can see, Dreaming of Three continues to grow, continues to make a difference in the lives of others and we continue to meet so many wonderful folks along the way through our passion of horses.  I am proud of everybody who joined me in this adventure and journey.  I always look forward to what is around the corner for us and what new friends I will make along the way.

RIP Snowball

Unfortunately, yesterday, the vet called while we were at a barrel race.  All day we waited to hear something, hoping that no news was good news.  Just as I was tacking up, I looked at my phone, and saw a message, but decided to wait to check it until I ran Sis.

Sis ran awesome!  Unfortunately, one hole out of the money!  7th out of about 100!  For her first run of the season, without seeing any barrels all winter long, I can't be too disappointed.  Although, I really could have used the money to help me pay for the vet for Snowball.

I had a new bit on Smoke, so we took it slow his first run out.  I am not quite as confident in him yet as I am in Sis.

Shane took 1st Place in Peewee.  His first run of the year!

When I finally called the vet, she told me that he passed at about 5:30 yesterday.  Seemingly because of not passing anything and most likely ruptured.  My children were a wreck!  My daughter, Sierra, was hyperventilating as she was crying so much..wailing!  That is the toughest part..watching your children go through a loss of somebody they loved so dearly.

When we got home, my son started picking up all of Snowball's sheddings..to keep.  The vet said she would send a lock of his mane, as his tail she said wasn't good.  (not sure what happened to it, perhaps after he passed).

It's hard when something like that happens at the vets, as she asked me if we wanted to come pick him up to bury at home.  I had the same thing happen with Peewee in 1998.  Of course you want them home, but, for me, with Snowball, I couldn't bare the thought of getting his dead body and bringing it home.  Especially with the kids!  He is in our hearts, and will remain there.

Given to me by https://www.facebook.com/GregoryRAmbrose

It will be most difficult to walk in the Memorial Day parade this year.  (photo image above from last year's parade, where snowball was the hit, and we even won the trophy for best equestrian team!).  Now we will certainly have more of a reason to walk in the parade on Memorial Day...to remember Snowball, the little pony that raised my kids, the little pony who babysat my barrel horses at shows, and the little pony who had his own little mound of dirt in our pasture we called "Snowball's Mountain", as he would get on there, so he could be at eye level with the other horses and play.  That mountain will remain his and we will always remember the little white pony that stole our hearts 13 years ago and will watch over us from heaven above.

Inspiration

Last weekend my family and I took a trip to Washington, D.C.  My husband had never been there, nor my kids.  I had been back in 9th grade I believe!  So there was a lot I didn't remember.  It certainly is a very cool, clean, safe feeling city!  ALOT of museums.

The Natural History Museum was one of our favorites.  One of the things I came out of there with was the feeling that I certainly did not want to go through my life without making an impact!  Somehow, even if small or large.  When you see the sections of the war heroes, the section of the inventors, you just think "This person did something in life to be remembered".

  I certainly don't want my face in a museum at any point--not my desire, but I realized even more after going through there, that DO3 is my impact!  I may not be a NFR contestant like I had wished to be at one point in my life, but perhaps I am making a different "mark" on the rodeo world with the Rodeo Kids Program and that the Rodeo Kids will always remember us.  Perhaps with some of the TEAM DO3 members that will someday make it to the NFR and feel that DO3 inspired them to do better, to succeed, not just for themselves, but for others!  That perhaps folks will remember the first "Extreme Retired Racehorse Makeover Barrel Race" as a pioneering event that helped the OTTB industry showing that these horses can go into any discipline their owners desire.

I guess basically, the museum just confirmed that all the work I put into DO3, the countless hours spent in the evenings, or on my lunch hour, are all worth it!  I certainly hope that DO3 continues to grow and never fizzles, as I feel more people doing what they love to do, but yet helping others through that passion is a good thing.  As people are stopping and thinking about their good fortune in life and pausing to give back to others who perhaps are going through rough times.

Then of course the sections of all the cavemen, the bones and mummies, just really made me realize how short our lives really are in retrospect to how long earth has been here.  So certainly made me enjoy my time with my family even more that weekend.  I will enjoy time with my friends this weekend while barrel racing, and have pride for the fact that I am doing things I love to do, with people I love, and doing so to benefit others.

My son thought for sure he'd see Obama!  He was ready to camp out in front of the White House! Was sorta fun to tell him when all black cars came out, that Obama was inside..as he'd get all serious, nervous..standing there waiting for Obama to roll down the window or something!  I do think he would have passed out if that happened!

It was a great weekend, but quickly Monday morning rolled around and back to work, chores, laundry, etc. Tuesday morning, was a little rough.  I looked out my kitchen window after turning the horses outside, and saw our mini and TEAM DO3 mascot, Snowball rolling strangely. Frantically, and to his back with his legs straight up in the air.  He got up, but my stomach got into a knot as I thought the worst...COLIC!  I was just heading out the door to work, and to take my son to school, and as we drove down the road, I saw Snowball do this roll again, legs straight up in the air as if a dead animal.  So, I dropped Shane off, and returned home.

Of course when I went to get him in the pasture, he was flat on his side, looking at his belly, a clear sign things were not good.  So I started to walk him, posted on Facebook I had a colicy pony, and called a friend to see if she had Banamine to help his pain.  

Within seconds, I was getting prayers from all on DO3, friends were telling me they would help, and a friend and TEAM DO3 member and neighbor who recently had a major accident on her horse, broken leg with screws, pins and I don't know what else is in there.... came down my barn driveway with some Banamine in hand for Snowey!  Natalie Larizza was certainly a hero that day as she got in her truck, crutches and all, and came to help.  Shortly, after Natalie pulled in my driveway, a long time friend, and one I call when I'm in a panic most times, Jeanie Bowersock came down the barn driveway as well with some extra.  At least Snowball would get some relief!

Snowball has become our TEAM mascot!  He has always been Sis's babysitter, as when I'd go to barrel races alone, she refused to go on trailer alone, so Snowball came along to be by her side.  He has been in my family since my daughter was four months old, as I needed something to keep my barrel horse company when we built our own barn.  He raised my kids to help them get comfortable around the horses, has given many little kids that visited my home a pony ride, and was an adorable parade TEAM DO3 Representative! He is a true sweetheart and I can't imagine my barn without that little whinny or nicker in the morning! He has become Smoke's "minnie me" and they always are playing down in the field..huge Smoke and tiny Snowball! He also tends to give my husband a hard time every time I am away, escaping and just messing with him, which I find hilarious!

I called the vet out Tuesday afternoon, as he still seemed agitated after the Banamine.  He tubed him with oil, said he didn't seem too bad, as no temperature and his gums looked good.   So we just had to wait!

Wednesday, he seemed ok, however, I didn't want to go to work without somebody checking on him.  TEAM DO3 members, Melissa and Megan McCorkle quickly volunteered for the job!  They stopped over twice to check him.. cleaned his stall, gave him electrolytes, checked his gums, checked if he drank water, etc.  He did drink, gums looked good throughout day, but no poop!   However, when I went back down Wednesday after getting home from work...ONE turd!  I was thrilled!  It was like a piece of gold in his stall!  I came up the house and announced it, and my daughter jumped for joy, hugged me and her dad, said how happy she was!  It inspired me to make the following post:

Not Snowballs actual turd however..it was just one little one!

Thursday, my kids told me Snowball was perky..wanted outside, seemed to have drank water.  I was calm at work, thinking he was coming out of it.  However, by Thursday evening, he seemed down again.  Standing, not rolling, but he wasn't right.  Therefore, I took another day off work, and my husband and I took him to a clinic in Ohio.

The first clinic I was told would perhaps be able to take him, as a friend had taken her horse there for the same problem, was not very polite at all to me when I called.  I had left a message with the emergency operator, told them we were coming up and the problem.  She told me a vet would call me back.  I figured, since they opened at 8:30, I wanted to get up there soon after.  I was hoping to perhaps drop him off..and try to get to work a half day.  Well, I was reamed for loading my animal in the trailer and heading up without talking to the vet. I was told because 1. Cause I didn't know if they could help my horse. (I thought since they had helped a friend's horse with same problem, they could help mine.  I did not realize they were not an emergency care facility.  2.  That they would have to see if they could fit me in.  3.  In the end of the conversation after I get reamed, and brought to tears..there was no vet there anyway.  I kindly asked (which perhaps she should have just told me there was no vet there at the moment for us, and referred me to another that WAS emergency care), if she could tell me of another facility that may take him because they didn't want me to bring him in.

The last time I had to take a horse to an emergency clinic was with Peewee, my good horse that I lost during finals weekend back in 1998.  Back then, I boarded with Jeanie and her daughter, Pam drove me and the Peewee to this facility.  I am very fortunate since then I have not needed to use such a facility,  but I was a tad clueless of where to take Snowball for proper care and what exactly was the protocol.  I'm certainly not trying to be rude by bringing my horse to a facility without an appointment, I simply had what I felt was an emergency at that point..wanted him to be seen and started with treatment, and thought I was taking him to the proper place.

The second facility, Valley Vet in Dover, Ohio was very kind and compassionate.  Snowball is there now, hopefully on the mend.  I imagine it will be a few days before he is well, IF he gets well.   I know for most, they wouldn't spend the money on a pony that is 20, has foundered before, (although most times he is well, just can't leave him out on alot of grass), and not a $20,000 horse...but to my family, he IS family!  To TEAM DO3, he is our mascot! So, he HAS to survive!  If I have to skip a few barrel races to pay for his care and vet bill, it's what I will do. ...as luckily now, I have a whole TEAM out there riding..a whole TEAM who cares and wants to make a difference...  and many friends and family and a whole fan base that is pulling and saying prayers for Snowball! (Almost 9,000 fans on Facebook!).

Right after dropping Snowball off, I also had an interview with RFDTV to talk about DO3 and the Makeover!  That was a tad tough with tears still in my eyes from thinking the worst, and trying to pull together to have half a brain while talking.  It went well, besides the feed going silent on me and me not being able to hear the newscaster.  Hopefully, we go the word out a little bit more though!  I do believe it will be aired again at some point. (8 a.m. tomorrow morning I hear)

I must have faith that we will hear his nicker and whinny in our barn again, and that the kids in the Hookstown BIG Memorial Day Parade will be able to pat his nose and say hello again.

A Cut Above Buckles "Make a Difference" Challenge

Today I was totally surprised when my Texas State Captain, Carlie Hayes wrote me an email telling me that she had nominated me for A Cut Above Buckles, Make a Difference Challenge.  Not only did she nominate me, but that I WON!  I was totally shocked, and brought to tears when I read their post about the winner.

www.acutabovebuckles.com.

Announcing the Winner of the A Cut Above Buckles Make a Difference Challenge:

Mrs. Jackie Harris of Pittsburg, PA

For her ‘cut above’ hard work and dedication towards helping sick children and raising funds for cancer Societies and animal welfare, “saving lives one ride at a time” through her organization ‘Dreaming of Three.’ (Scroll Down to see Jackie’s Story).

Jackie will work with our designers to choose a design she likes (or create a new design!) for her hand-crafted personalized buckle she will receive for winning the Make A Difference Challenge.

We were overwhelmed with amazing stories of many people who are ‘a cut above’. We were so inspired by many of these stories that we are going to award custom key fobs to 14 additional nominees who are also working very hard to make a positive difference. These hand-cut custom key fobs will be designed by A Cut Above Buckles Founder Andy Andrews and Vice-President Kyle Graff.

The 14 additional nominees receiving hand-cut custom key fobs are: Mark & Donna McCain, Brian Whitehead, Joe Powell, Paul Riggs, Michael Minix, Chance Long, The Riders of Innisfail Trail Ride Against Cancer, Penny Mitchell, Tia Borden, Pam Wolfe, Zac Peterson, Mark Drum, Stephanie Castle, and Justice Barker.

At A Cut Above Buckles, the phrase “A Cut Above” stands for more than just our name. We think it's a way of life- to do more, go farther, last longer, and be a little bit better every day. Jackie and the additional 14 nominees recognized have gone far above and beyond to help others, overcome obstacles, and work hard to make a positive change in the lives of others, their community, and society.

Thank You again to all who participated in the A Cut Above Buckles Make a Difference Challenge. Stay tuned for our next Challenge.

Jackie’s Story:

Jackie Harris is the founder of Dreaming of Three (DO3), a non-profit organization to help raise funds for Cancer Societies and Animal Rescues by equestrians donating a portion of their winnings to these groups. She started up Do3 only last year after she lost both her father and step-father only 3 months apart from Cancer and Heart Disease. She only started Do3 expecting it would just be her and small group of people, but it quickly spread like wild fire and now Do3 is over 100 members strong dotted all over the U.S. Riders and Rodeo Competitors from all disciplines are welcomed to join and may choose to donate in many different ways. Some donate through winnings, some through hours in the saddle or pledge per ribbon won. Others who cannot ride can donate by matching another members donation.

Do3 also holds numerous fund raisers to help animal rescue groups. After hearing about Northstar, a paint horse who was doused in Kerosene and set on fire, Jackie immediately set up an online Auction and over $7,000 was raised to help Northstar. The story was so remarkable that the Northstar Foundation was set up, to help other animals who have been afflicted with trauma from humans.

Another amazing party of Do3 is the Rodeo Kids Program. Jackie started this when she first started up Do3. The Rodeo Kids program is set up for State Captains of Do3 to take a child who is battling or won the battle with cancer/disease for a fun filled night at the Rodeo. The child can watch the Do3 member compete, and typically if applicable, the rodeo announcer gives a shout out to the child and the child gets to meet the Rodeo Queen, Bull fighters, and others. They also get to have dinner at a nice local restaurant nearby and are showered with gifts from members and sponsors of Do3.

Jackie's most recent large endeavor has been the Extreme Retired Racehorse Makeover Barrel Race for off the track thoroughbreds. Many Thoroughbreds are very capable of having success in the western discipline, and the challenge is to match 12 capable trainers with 12 off the track Thoroughbreds. After 100 days they compete in a free-style class and barrel class. The race has picked up a ton of momentum and is getting news coverage all over the US.

Now that Do3 is really getting on its feet members are able to hold their own Do3 Events to help out even more. For example, a local ‘See No Evil Benefit’ Barrel Series helps raise funds for the Texas Rodeo Kid Dominique McAllister, and what started out as a one day race has expanded into a series due the over-whelming response received from sponsors and locals.

According to the friend who nominated Jackie, none of this would have ever happened if it wasn't for Jackie and her endless task of "Saving Lives One Ride At A Time"-

“She is the epitome of inspiration and has done so much for so many in such a short amount of time. I absolutely cannot imagine anyone more deserving than her. She without a doubt deserves recognition for creating Do3 and making such a difference in this world.”

When I read through "My Story", I was brought to tears.  You see, I have been barrel racing since the age of 12.  Before that, at the age of 5 or so, I would count my pennies crying I would never have enough for a horse.  So, once I got the pony, then the horse (that we realized barrel raced, wondered what that was, and was hooked up with Sue Bologna and I started with lessons from her at age 12), my quest for being at the top began!    

Countless hours in the saddle, countless lessons, barrel races, and horses to try to find that perfect one!  I'd dream of barrels..I'd doodle the barrel pattern, remembering all the cues I had to give, for that muscle memory advantage.  

Even though I received a buckle for being on the PA QH Congress Youth Team, it wasn't one I won.  It was one they gave because I was one of perhaps three kids that barrel raced at that time on the team, so therefore I got to go to Congress that year.   I just never seemed to make it to win the Champion spot.  Then, I was married, my husband stationed in Hawaii, therefore I had to sell the horse and was without for two years while we were stationed in Pearl Harbor.  

Once we returned from Hawaii, I went through several horses until I found my "make it to the top" horse, Peewee!  It was my Novice Rider Year in an organization called Buckeye Barrel Racing Association.  Peewee had me in the top spots every time!  I was winning that saddle!  Winning that buckle!  Finally!  I was 30 years old, knew I would be starting a family soon, THIS I felt was my last shot to finally get what I had strived for all these years!  I was on top of the World!

However, the week before Finals, my Peewee got extremely ill.  We rushed him to the vet on Thursday night.  Finals started Friday, therefore my good friend, Jeanie Bowersock leant me a horse she had to at least make my runs to try to hold onto my buckle, my saddle.  I couldn't concentrate, my eyes were just filled with tears sitting in the holding pen.  Peewee was the horse I saved for, Peewee was the horse that I had to trade up, add money to, to finally be able to afford him.  I made my run Friday night barely able to see through my swollen, tear filled eyes and as I walked into the barn to unsaddle, I saw my husband.  He was ill that weekend with the flu, so wasn't able to come out to watch, so I knew when I saw him, the news wasn't good.  Peewee died.  I dropped to my knees crying, sobbing.  The big black horse I had ridden, Bubba, just stood there patiently.  My friends gathered, and helped me get Bubba untacked.  Needless to say, I was in no condition to ride well that weekend.  My whole season just went up in smoke.  (to me at that time anyway..it was what I felt was my last chance, knowing we were going to start a family and that family would most likely come first and that I couldn't concentrate as hard on the barrels~which at the time, I thought was the most important thing in the World!). Ironically, I had just called Equine Insurance to insure Peewee, cause I had the most money in him that I ever spent on a horse.  They never told me I could bind him with a credit card.  So when I got home that night, there the papers sat for me in the mail, to fill out and send in.  Not only did I loose my buckle, my saddle, my horse, but also the $10,000 that I had in him.  For me, that was huge!  I never had spent so much on a horse!  I kept adding to horses I'd trade to get better ones, and finally was able to trade one horse, add some more money and have my Peewee.  So now, I would have to start from scratch again.  

After having my kids, I always continued to barrel race.  I actually bought that big black gelding, Bubba that took care of me so well for that finals weekend.  I got a second job in the evenings to pay for him.  I just never seemed to be able to hit those barrel races as consistently once the kids came along.  Family functions, birthday parties, other things took priority while my children were small.  

Then, (without telling the whole story again of how Sis came along), in 2011, I seemed to be able to get Sis going more, she stepped up her game, and that is why in 2012 I was going to hit the trail hard! Not for myself to win a buckle or a saddle, but for money for the charities, as SHE became my "make it to the top" horse that I had hoped for!  Again, we all know that story as well, and how DO3 was born.  

This past week, I was just telling a good friend of mine, Karrin Campf how in the past, as a teenager and through my 20's that's all that mattered to me, getting to the top, the buckle, the saddle, but after losing my dad and my step dad, and creating DO3,I realized how there are so many more important things in life than "winning" or being on the top.  (I want to win now, but for totally different reasons..to give back..whether it's 1st, 2nd or 3rd..)  I have received so many gifts from friends, sponsors, and people who appreciate everything I do as a thank you or in support for what I was doing and giving back. Those items mean more to me now than any buckle or saddle I could have earned inside the arena.  These items were given to me because of what I do outside the arena!  I wear them and know that the sponsors that donated them, had faith in my plan.   I have so much pride when I wear them, when I see them on a shelf in my home or on my wall in my office.  I know these items are very unique and special.  

This buckle that I won from A Cut Above Buckles, will be worn with extreme pride!  I can't thank Carlie enough for nominating me nor A Cut Above for choosing me.  I thank them for awarding me my FIRST Official buckle!  It may be in a different way than what I had planned at the age of 12, but, at the age of 44, I  must say, this is a whole lot better!