Keep Pushing Forward

The last few weeks have been spent organizing things to get the Extreme Retired Racehorse Makeover a reality.  I'm happy to say, that after many many hours spent typing and re-typing Rules & Regulations, Application Forms for trainers that everything was finally finished.  We started taking applications the beginning of February and continue to do so until March 1.  Seeing the applications roll in, just makes me feel I am that much closer to watching my dream become a reality.

There have been a lot of "ups and downs" so far in planning it all.  At times I wanted to throw in the towel, and say, I just can't get this accomplished.  But, then again, if it were easy, it would have been done long ago I suppose and I am not one for quitting.  (As if that were the case, TEAM DO3 would have never been born!  I may pout, say I want to quit and tears my flow out of frustration, but I don't quit!)  There has been a lot of back and forth's with potential sponsors saying "yes" to being a "Headline" sponsor, to backing away because not all the trainers will be in one location in order to do some research with the horses.  I have written over 50 letters to Companies requesting sponsorship, and although several have responded with a "yes", about 75% of those letters go unanswered, or I receive a "no thank you".  I certainly won't let that stop this from happening.    If I have to, I will just create more shirt designs to sell to help raise the funds to put this on, and to gain the trust of potential sponsors in the future since they do not know DO3 nor me.  I've worked for Franco Harris for 20+ years and part of my job has been organizing one of his bigger Events every year at the National School Nutrition Association Conference.  I believe it's given me the experience for organizing such large events, and with the help of friends knowledgeable in the Thoroughbred industry, horse show world, it will all come together beautifully.

We started off working with some rescues, whereas we thought we would acquire all the horses so that the trainers could take on as a "foster" horse.  However, without enough horses that fit the build in the rescues care, we had to abandon that idea.  I believe with this being an "out of the box" idea for retired racehorses, people want to see things happen before they get involved.  I think the stereotype of barrel racers are perhaps in play here as well.  This is why we are having the freestyle judged portion of the Event, to show that these horses have been trained not only to go through the "obstacle" course we call barrel racing, but also to show that they have the skills to go in any direction their owners wish.

I believe I am working with some of the best, knowledgeable people in the industry.  When I mentioned my ideas, my ultimate dream of having a barrel race for horses to help give them a second chance, alot of people did not hesitate to help me plan.  Jen Ruberto, a CANTER volunteer has been a huge help in getting this all together.  I do believe she wants this to be a success just as much as I do.  Having another area where the smaller Thoroughbreds can go after their careers on the track are over, will only help place more horses in the future.   Jen sees alot of the larger horses go to dressage, jumper, eventing homes, but the smaller ones fall through the cracks.  This Event will hopefully show the OTTB versatility in all disciplines and help place more of these smaller, stockier TB after they retire.    Jen has also been a huge help in gathering demos in dressage, jumping and a Eventer Judge for the Makeover, as I do not know a thing about that World.  Wendi Neckameyer from Special Horses is also holding a Silent Auction to benefit Bright Future Farm, one of the rescues we are donating funds to from this Event and to help us raise funds as well.

We have our three judges gathered.  Patrick King, a Natural Horseman,  has competed in the Extreme Mustang Makeovers.  I chose him because of his knowledge in working with all breeds, and his experience in training horses.  Storme Camarillo, our barrel racing judge is part of Team Camarillo.  Sharon Camarillo suggested Storme to me, as her passion for working and helping the OTTB's and of course her experience in training barrel racing horses and her success in the field.    Haley Goodwill, is our Eventing judge.  Jen Ruberto knows Haley, and tells me that Haley is thrilled to be a part of this.  Haley will also be demonstrating  jumping on one of her OTTB's at half time before the barrel racing portion.

Patrick King

During our half time demonstration, we will have several "Success Stories"  One of these horses will be Frazee's Folly. Megan Bolte (age 14 in photo). She is now 18 years old and adopted Frazee's Folly who won $537,602 in 90 starts in 2009. You can read more about Frazee's Folly here:  http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/48871/inside-track-folly-good-fellow AND read more about Megan and Frazees Folly here: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/55159/new-vocations-adopts-330-plus-horses-in-2009

We've been speaking to some bands as well for the evening, and should have that information and announcement soon!  So as you can see, we all continue to work hard getting things together to make this happen, to make it fun for the participants, and to make it entertaining to all those that follow throughout the 100 days!!

While we are working hard to put the Makeover together, another rescue and friends of mine had some heart break the end of January.  Rob and Karrin Campf lost their rescue zebra Zimmie.  He was at OSU for several days and passed away on January 29.  I know how much their hearts are breaking as well as all of us who knew and loved Zimmie.  DO3 of course wanted to help raise funds to help Forever Safe Farm cover the cost of Zimmie's vet bill, and therefore we started to put together a silent auction with all zebra print items.  This auction will run from February 23 - March 2 from our Facebook page.

As always, when there is a need, TEAM DO3 members always step up to help!  Sandra Whitcomb, who also did the Northstar Tshirts, quickly sprung into action to create a design for Zimmie's shirt.  I told her what I thought the quote should be, and she created the perfect piece to put on our Tshirts!!

We will have these Tshirts in our store soon!  All proceeds from the Silent Auction and the Tshirts will go to Forever Safe Farm!

DO3 continues with our efforts raising funds for rescues, planning Rodeo Kid nights, and doing our best to make a difference in this World--One Ride, One Child, One Event, One Tshirt, at a time!