Central PA Live

Yesterday, I have to say, as quite exciting for my family.  We headed out to State College about noon to go to our tv interview on the Central PA Live show.  We arrived at the studio about 3:30.  It certainly wasn't I expected.  It was very quiet, just the camera man and the host.  They certainly made us all feel comfortable. 

We watched the show from the conference room, or were allowed to go out and watch it live.  But when it's a live feed, the tv is delayed a few seconds, so hearing it on tv., and listing to her talk, it was hard to concentrate on one or the other.  So we wathed mostly on the tv in conference room. 

I tried to tell myself just to remain calm, as when it comes to talking about what I've started, what we are doing now, I am at ease with everybody.  It shouldn't be any different talking to somebody while being filmed.  There was no studio audience, so it should be fairly easy.  However, I still was nervous, regardless.  My husband said that I did a good job, that I didn't stutter or lose train of thought.  My son however, locked up a tiny little bit.  My daughter tried hiding behind us.  I guess their acting careers aren't going to start in the near future!  :) 

So here is the segment:

http://wearecentralpa.com/fulltext?nxd_id=377852 

After the interview, we met up with a co-worker and friend and headed to Delgrosso's Park, who is also one of my Rodeo Kids sponsors.  It was a beautiful night, and the kids rode some rides until about 8:30 p.m., and we headed home.  

We arrived home fairly late, and had to get up for work next morning, but I still rushed to the computer to see the clip!    Then of course thought about everybody I could send it to!  I thought for sure by morning, with the tv spot, I'd have 20 more likes on my Facebook page!  I acquired three.  :(  I told my husband, it's amazing what you think will bring traffic doesn't so much, then what you don't think will bring traffic, does.  He told me it was all worth it though, as it was experience for me, and it did get the word out there.  So maybe more will come to the rodeo Saturday night, more will look up Dreaming of Three at a later date.  Regardless, it will go on my website to the library of media, which is always a good thing!

On another great note, I talked with Connie Combs, and she agreed to give all TEAM DO3 members a subscription to her quarterly newsletter, Let's Ride!  So we have added yet another great benefit to the TEAM membership!

I will be working on a Press Release over the weekend regarding Connie's teaming up with TEAM DO3 as well!



As The Pony Herd Changes

Last night my family and I went to try a new pony for my son, Shane.  His little pony, Molly, he seemed to grow out of overnight! 

However, when we bought Molly a little over a year ago, I knew she wasn't going to be his mount for very long, but with him wanting to go faster all the time, I wanted to make sure he was on a pony that he wouldn't get hurt upon doing so.

One time we took Molly over to my good friend, Jeanie's ranch.  Her grandson, Gavin rode Molly for a little while.  From that point on, Gavin was awaiting Shane to be done riding her.  Everytime I'd see Gavin, he'd ask me "Is Shane done with that pony yet?". 

After the weekend at Venango, when Shane got 3rd place in the peewee barrels, Shane told me he wanted to go faster.  Then on the way home, a friend of mine told me about a larger pony for sale that was really nice.  Shane said he wanted to go faster in order to win more for DO3!  So, with that statement, I thought, well, now we HAVE to go look at this little pony. 

Last night, we did so, and Shane told me he is already attached to "Nikki".  He had a smile from ear to ear as he went around the arena and then around the barrels (only at a trott so far).  He will no doubt be running and pushing hard once he gets accustomed to her scaring me to death!  It's probably the #1 reason I never pushed my kids to get those barrel ponies right away, as it scares momma watching them go faster!  But, I imagine he has inherited that "need for speed" from me!

My daughter, Sierra, is just fine with trail riding her old little pony, Bell, for now.  She's a little more timid than Shane, but I have no doubt that with Nikki's help, she'll evenetually be ready to go faster as well.  For now though, she is going to enter the non-speed classes at fun shows, such as trail, egg and spoon, simon says, etc.  to win her donations to TEAM DO3!  I told her, that is just fine, she doesn't have to be a barrel racer for now.  To just do what she is comfortable doing and have fun!  That is all that is important.

While at Simmons Equestrian Center trying Nikki, I also got my last barrel run on Smoke before the rodeo this weekend.  With the new head gear, Smoke ran awesome.  I feel that I gained more confidence on him, and that I am ready!  He is such a good boy, and doesn't give any hassle's at all.  I feel he'll eventually be a great rodeo horse!



Donated by Horsehair Bracelets by Candance

I've received some more items for Gabby as well in the last few days.  She is going to have loads!

Donated by Southpaw Beadworks



I also asked Franco to sign a football for Gabby's brother, Joe.  Of course, he had no problem!

So, I'll be compiling all the gifts, and packing them up for Saturday!  I'm very much looking foward to meeting Gabby and her family and also running in my first IPRA Rodeo! 

Also, Rodeo News has told me that they will be finishing up my "Member Highlight" story here in the next few days!  So I'm excited to read that article!  Cowgirls In Style's article should be out in the next day or so! 

Today, is the tv interview with Central PA Live as well.  It will only be my family making the trek, as the other Team members unfortunately, are dealing with injured horses and awaiting vets.   I'm excited and nervous all at the same time!  However, I think it is a great opportunity to let everybody know about some of the things Dreaming of Three is doing.  I hope all goes well, and that I do not say anything dumb!  I plan on speaking from my heart, and hopefully that will make it all go well.





Crazy Mornings

Yestserday morning I woke up at 5:45 a.m., loaded Sis on the trailer to go meet my friends to haul to the vet in Somerset, PA. I got there, unloaded Sis, loaded her on their trailer, and we headed on our journey. We all were somber, as all three of us weren't sure if we were going to come back from this vet trip with barrel horses or retired barrel horses.

We managed to get 10 minutes down the road, and we got a call from the vet's office saying he had to cancel all his appointments for the day as his wife was in labor. So, we turned around, I unloaded Sis from their trailer, loaded her back on mine and headed home. (quickly, as I didn't want to waste a vacation day). Got home about 7:50 a.m., unloaded Sis and hurried to my car to drive that hour to work! Luckily, I made it in on time, so I didn't have to count a vacation day! However, I had felt like I was up and drove a million miles by 9 a.m.! shwew! The things we do for our beloved horses!

We rescheduled for Monday of next week. I am anxious to know the outcome and nervous all at the same time. I just want a report on her, so I can move on. Whether it be giving her a couple more weeks off, or if it's thinking about what stallion I want to breed her to as her career being over.

Shirt donated by Lope for Hope

On another note, I am quickly getting all the items for Gabby in as well and thought I would share some of the wonderful items with you. Everybody has been very excited about taking part of the Rodeo Kids program and I am just loving it!

Donated by Britt Hall & mom

Donated by Julianne Smith

Donated by Cowgirlz Flair

Donated by Jessicas Custom Creations

Donated by HorsnHayes a personalized coloring book and crayons/pencils (front)

HorsnHayes Coloring book back cover

Hat from Cowgirl Swank

Also,  all the items that people have given to me as a gift,  just wanting to do something nice for me for all my effort, has  meant the world to me!  All my years of barrel racing, I've never won a buckle or saddle.  It seemed like when I was on top, fighting for that top spot and at the top of my game, I lost the horse I was riding.  So the buckle and saddle has always seemed elusive for me.  I've won plenty of awards through the years, just not the buckle and saddle.  Now with Sis being down, I am watching the standings for IPRA and my name get bumped lower and lower and lower.  Until I am sure I won't be in the top 10 or top anything!  However, when I look at the things people have done to support me,  generously given to me or the rodeo kids,  it makes me realize that people notice all the hard work I've put into trying to make Dreaming of Three/TEAM DO3 a success and that they believe in it all.  Those items are more meaningful to me than a buckle or saddle could have ever meant in the grand scheme of things.  It's really made me realize, that I do want to continue to improve in the arena with barrel racing, but not to acquire a saddle, or buckle-but moreso to do more for those charities and for those kids that are fighting or who have fought cancer or heart disease.  That is what is important now.  To be successful in order to be able to give back more.  So, I'm going to close my eyes to all those points, and just make sure I am succeeding when I do compete, whether it be pulling a check or whether it be just making more people aware of what TEAM DO3 is all about and getting more riders involved so that our Team grows!

A print given to me from HorsnHayes

Note on backside of print!

Given to me by Sandra Whitcomb, after I described my "vision" of what I thought TEAM DO3 could be!
A calgary of riders, all disciplines, charing after cancer,heart disease and animal cruelty to conquer it-one ride at a time!
(can see my logo in the clouds!  How cool is that!)

Road Trip!

When I found out my draw number for the rodeo in Huntingdon, I decided to try to get some tv coverage!  Therefore, putting out some press releases.  I'm happy to say, that "Central TV Live" will be having us on the show on Thursday, June 14!  It is on at 4:00, and of course is LIVE! 

So, I called to my posse of TEAM DO3 riders, and asked if any would like to be on tv with me!  As I would do so much better with some support from my Team!  Along with my family, I have seven Team members making the road trip so far!  Hopefully, I will hear from more!  I surely wish I would have ordered some of those car flags with our logo to put on all of our cars on the trip out! 

I wanted the show to come to the rodeo Saturday night, so that they could interview Gabby as well, but their schedule did not permit.  So, we are literally "taking one for the Team", and driving out Thursday and back Thursday, as any exposure or coverage is great to get more awareness for what TEAM DO3 is all about!  More awareness, means more sponsors, and more team members and in the end, more for all of the charities! 

I sure hope we can continue doing such things as a Team!  It truly was alot of fun being in the parade on Memorial Day!  The tv show will no doubt be fun as well!  Then of course, the rodeo on Saturday with Gabby and her family!  So alot of fun things happening with TEAM DO3 besides our normal activities on weekends with our beloved animals! 

Paige Campf

One of our Team mothers, Karrin Campf said this to me the other day -- "Paige is even more aware now of what other children are going through and I credit that to you!!! Our sitting and talking with her has sparked the thought process for her about caring for others and above all is a lesson in empathy..something our culture is starting to lose!!!"   No doubt that TEAM DO3 is more than us raising money for charities, it is also teaching some very important values for our kids! 

RIDE ON!!

This IS my first PRO rodeo!

Did you ever hear the saying "This ain't my first rodeo"?  Well, the Huntington, PA rodeo won't be my first rodeo, however, it is my first IPRA rodeo.  My first Pro Rodeo so to speak.  I have to say, that I'm a tad nervous, as I am taking Smoke, a horse I've only owned for about a month and only have had 5 runs on so far.  I doubt he has ever been in the rodeo atmosphere either.  But,all rodeo horses have to start somewhere.  Unfortunately, there isn't much "tipping your toes" in the water for rodeo.  Not like I can make an exhibition run, just to acclimate him to the surroundings.  All I can do, is arrive early and ride him a bit to let him see the sights.  Then, hope for the best once the crowd arrives.  Smoke seems fairly laid back, and doesn't seem to be bothered by much.  So, I'm keeping my fingers crossed! 

My draw is #6 for Saturday night, June 16.  I had to ask a friend a million questions it seems-how do I know my draw?  What do I do when I get there-sign in?  Not that I'll place, but in curiosity, how would they pay out those 6 placings?  Unfortunately, that evening, there are no barrel racers that I know, so I am on my own!  Nobody to hold my hand behind the chute!  Guess I'll have to make a friend fairly quick! 

I went to the website of the rodeo, and looked through pictures as well.  Trying to get a feel for the arena!    All I could think was "holy smokes!  is there any room behind that 2nd barrel-or is it right on the fence".  It was confirmed, right on the fence!  So, as Chelsea Toy told me-ride two handed and push up in each pocket.  I know I've ridden in small pens, even on Smoke, that the barrels sit right on the fence.  He did fine!  I know I just have to have confidence, so he'll have confidence, and do our best!

At the age of 43, I feel like I am fish out of water.  I would imagine most girls that barrel race, start going to rodeos earlier in life.  As I mentioned, I have been in a few, but never too far away from home, and always with the same friends and competitors that I familiar.  But, when Sis started placing in the 1D, I felt like it was now or never-as it was something I always wanted to do.  Of course, I'm not getting any younger! 

Also, taking a "Rodeo Kid" while also being a competitor will be a little bit trickier.  As before, I had no worries of saddling up, riding in grand entry, etc.  All I had to do was concentrate on the "Rodeo Kid".  So, I will have to feel my way through this one, and try to organize it the best I can.  I always want to be there when the family arrives, and to give them their goody bags, etc.  So hopefully, the Polizzi family can get there a little early-to get all that done before I have to throw my leg over the saddle for grand entry. 

The Central PA Rodeo committee, Sam Swearington of Rawhide Rodeo Company and Mike Short, Jr. (the Country music entertainer for the rodeo) have all been very supportive in wanting to make Gabby's night very memorable!  So with all the help, I have confidence all will go well!  Regardless if I just lope the pattern!  (if pen is small..Smoke is large..has such a large stride..  geesh..don't know if he'll be able to open up much).

So the countdown is on!  10 days from now, we'll be headed down the road, to my first IPRA Rodeo, to meet the Polizzi family and to have a wonderful night at the rodeo! 

Blood, Sweat and Tears

Seemingly, the last two weekends that has been my theme-blood, sweat and tears.  Between last weekend cracking my skull open and being a bloody mess.  Kids screaming and crying as if I were dying.  Sweating it worrying about making it up to Venango in time for the t.v. interview-to this weekend.  I tried Sis on something a little bit less harsh than the Lasiks, and it didn't work. She bled.  So, I have a bleeder, which just has to be treated as such I suppose, using Lasiks always when I run.  But, she will need several days of taking it easy and anti-biotics.

From talking to friends, I know it's not the end of the world, as alot of horses out there are "bleeders".  Janet Kerr told me her vet won't even fail a horse on a vet check when it's a bleeder, as he feels it's not that big of a deal.  Those words really helped me alot.  I certainly tried to do everything possible to help her to not be a "bleeder", but, is what it is-and I can't let it get me down. 

So, for 10 days she needs on anti-biotics, therefore bringing me right up to the rodeo with Gabby in Huntingdon PA.  I really don't think I should be running her that first run out at a rodeo, where there will be a lot of things she needs to acclimate to with the rodeo atmoshere.  Perhaps, I'm being a worried "mom", and it's no big deal to do so-just give her lasiks and run.  But, for me, that first run out after, like it was at Venango, I have that worry shadowing me. I'm certainly not at my focused best-as more so in the back of my mind, I'm thinking "please don't bleed, please don't bleed"-as I'm worried for her.

I think once I know she won't bleed on lasiks, and I can still run her, and everything will be fine, I'll get over the worry.    But at the moment, I don't know what the outcome will be.  Will I lose her for running barrels?  Is she going to be a trail horse only?  If so, should I breed her?  Does the world really need another "crazy train" on earth?  She has been awesome to me all these years, even though she left a little to be desired in the attitude area outside of the pen.  She has an amazing heart though when it comes to running, and I have no doubt she gives me 100% every time out-regardless of how she is feeling that day.  She is a turning machine!   

So the big question in my mind, before Wednesday of this week, is do I enter the rodeo for the weekend of June 15 or 16th when I had planned on taking Gabby and her family.  I wanted Gabby to feel special, with a rider in the grand entry waving at her.  To have a participant come back and sit with her, etc.  Do I swallow my pride, and take Smoke, a horse that I'm not really sure even how to run quite yet?  He's certainly not bad behaved, we just aren't such a great team as Sis and I usually are in the pen.  I need some time on his back, and I need some runs on him.  So far, I've only made 5 runs since owning him.  I know from what my hubby and friends tell me, it will be good experience for both Smoke and I.  But, I've waited this long to get my IPRA card, as I waited for that horse to come along that I felt was worthy of being in the rodeo pen-so I didn't embarrass myself trying to run with the Pros.  So to have waited so long, to finally have gotten that horse, her not able to compete, to I swallow my pride and not go in that arena to win?  To go in perhaps looking like a fool just trying to run with the "big dogs"?  Or just forget all that b.s., and go in that arena to make a little girl's night at the rodeo a little bit more special? 

Since starting to barrel race at the age of 12, that was my dream, my goal.  Rodeos!  To be a participant.  To have the crowd cheering me on as I tried to shut that clock off in record time!  Somehow, with starting Dreaming of Three, and the "Rodeo Kids" program, it's changing me.  Meeting the families that I have met so far, hearing their story, being in the presence of such strong, courageous kids-and enjoying a night at the rodeo just being a spectator..it's just as exciting and amazing to me.  So far with Amy and Trenton, I didn't care I wasn't down there tacking up with the rest of the girls.  I was more excited about gathering gift packages, meeting Amy and Trenton and getting a hug! 

So, perhaps my role in rodeo, isn't going to be Rookie of the Year, or seeing my name in the standings or making it to Finals...but perhaps my role and dreams are changing a bit.  To continue to be able to take families with a child fighting or who have conquered cancer to rodeos through an organization I started because of the heartache I went through with my step father and father.    To give these families night out that they will always remember, where they can leave cancer at the door and forget about it for a couple hours.  To bring people together in the horse/rodeo world for that one little child for that particular night, reaching out and letting them know "we care".  Hell, my worries now days, aren't anything compared to these families and what they have gone through.  I know I have the support of my family and friends and of course of TEAM DO3 behind me always.  So whether I smoke run, (pun intended-I hope Smoke can smoke a run!), or not, I should not be concerned with that-just that hopefully, I can put a smile on the face of a little girl, who has gone through alot in her 7 years on earth. 

So Gabby-I WILL enter the rodeo on Smoke!  But, I do so for you-as otherwise, I'd be to embarrassed to do so!  But I'll take a big gulp as I enter that pen that night... and do it so I can see that smile of yours after.  As I'm sure, never being to a rodeo, a run will be a run..whether slow or fast, perfect or a train wreck.  My objective is just going to be to give you the most memorable night I can possibly give to you with the help of a lot of friends, family and people in the rodeo community!

(To all my rodeo friends, who may be there that night...don't watch!  ;)

Covering Each Other's Backs

I am not sure about other sports, but with barrel racing and each community of barrel racers we seem to cover each other's backs when it comes to having a horse that is injured when entered in events, clinics or even battling for that top spot in organizations. 

Several years ago-well (more like 12..), when I had my very first good horse, Peewee, I was winning the Novice Rider division in the Buckey Barrel Racing Association.  It was a close race no doubt, and it came down to the finals weekend.  However, all those dreams of finally winning my first buckle, saddle, etc, went up into smoke, when Peewee fell ill, and ultimately died that Friday of finals.  Before I even knew he passed away, my good friend, Jeanie Bowersock, allowed me to borrow one of her horses, Kickin Booty, a big black gelding.  I ran him Friday night, (if you want to call it riding, I was in tears and a mess, but "Bubba" took care of me, thankfully).  When I finished my run, my husband, Sean, was in the barn waiting for me.  I saw his face, and being he was sick with the flu and still managed to drive out, I knew it couldn't be good news.  He took me outside for a moment, and told me Peewee had died.  Was like a knife through my heart!  To finally make it to where I had a decent horse, to have spent the money to get the decent horse, and to have it be all gone with those words.  Bubba wasn't even untacked yet, as I cried my eyes out trying to untack.  Friends gathered around, untacked him for me and comforted me at that time.  I ran the rest of the finals, but, being I had just sat on Bubba's back that weekend, was a blubbering mess, I of course lost that buckle and "champion" status. 

During that weekend, what I didn't know, is that my friends and barrel racing community came together to donate money to help me cover the vet costs for Peewee for just that 24 hour period he was there.  The papers to sign to insure him were in the mail the day he died, so I lost all that money I had invested, plus vet bills.  So although we all compete AGAINST each other every weekend, it certainly was proven here that we watch each other's backs regardless. 

I of course, acquired Sis at one point, and she was increasingly improving.  Chrissy Elicks horse passed away, and she was in the same situation as I was, fighting for that top spot in an organization for the Youth class.  I let her use Sis for the weekend.  She did awesome on her, winning the Youth class that weekend, helping her to secure her spot!  Then, another time I loaned Sis, was to Natalie Davidson when her horse was injured.    I just want to be able to do the same for others, that my friends have done for me.  I am happy to be able to do so!

Then of course, this past April, when Sis was injured and I was signed up for Connie Combs clinic at Equine Affaire, my friend Melissa Kelly offered her good horse, Harry for me to take and still participate.  She trusted me with her horse, hauling three hours away for the weekend.  Again, covering each other's backs. 

Had it not been for Melissa allowing me to use Harry that weekend, I would have never gotten in contact with Connie Combs.  Connie is going to be working with Dreaming of Three in several ways, one of which is putting on a clinic where some proceeds go towards the charities!  We are still discussing all the aspects of her being a part and I will certainly let you all know the details once we iron out!  But, it is because of friends that make such things happen!  Without Melissa and Harry, perhaps the connection between Connie and Dreaming of Three would have never happened! 

So of course, when a friend of mine, Marissa Mooney asked to borrow Smoke, as her horse was injured when already scheduled and entered at IBRA Cloverdale this weekend, it was a no-brainer.  I surely hope Smoke wins Marissa some cash, as she is going to donate portions of any earnings on Smoke to the charities! 

I have no clue if other sports are like barrel racing.  Do race car drivers offer their cars to other competitors when they wreck theirs?  Do golfers offer their club to each other if their club breaks?  Do tri-athletes have extra bikes to loan other competitors their extra one if they crash theirs?  I have no clue!  But what I do know, the barrel racing community and no doubt the rodeo and horse industry are the same-We watch each other's backs even though we compete against each other every weekend!  THAT is sportmanship like conduct!