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!

Spring is in the Air!

Finally!  The days are longer, and the weather has improved!  This means I can finally get Sis back into shape and start looking at races to hit over the next few months!  It is getting a little tougher to determine these days which shows to hit,  as my entire family is coming along, therefore, I can't hit those shows that last until 1 a.m., getting us home at 2-3 a.m.  I just refuse to do so to my family and to myself.  As typically, the next day after a show like that, I am worthless.  Worthless doesn't work on a weekend day when I need to catch up with chores before heading back to work Monday morning!  So I will strategically plan over the summer.

The Makeover is coming along nicely!  I am in awe of all the support I have received from sponsors along with the trainers getting sponsors as well!  It is certainly shaping up to be a much bigger Event than I had ever dreamed of in the beginning.

We have gotten some wonderful coverage, via newspapers, tv, and radio as well.  I will be on the radio show "Horsin Around Ohio" in the next few weeks, discussing how the Makeover all came about.

North Carolina Sunday Morning Front Page with Top 12 Trainer, Amelia Comar! (April 13)
http://www.jdnews.com/features/neighbors/trainer-to-compete-in-retired-horse-makeover-1.126653

Rohester, New York, on the 6 p.m news (April 4), with Danielle DeSain:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fPoR68F1i8

Then of course beyond the Makeover, we have plenty of things happening around the Country with DO3!  Our State Captain in Texas, Carlie Hayes, has turned her one day show to help raise funds for our Rodeo Kid #5, Dominique McAllister into a series!  The support she is receiving from sponsors is totally mind blowing!  You can keep up with all the happenings at the new website for this series at http://www.seenoevilrace.com  It has been approved by Better Barrel Races as well!

Then, over in Michigan, our State Captain, Andrea Cherwinski is doing wonderful things with her Clinic scheduled for next month as well!  She has been on a radio show in Michigan twice now talking about the clinic and how it will help raise funds for a DO3 equine charity, Horse North Rescue.  You can follow along with all the wonderful items they are receiving for their silent auction as well at the Facebook Events page:  https://www.facebook.com/events/558258980860717/?fref=ts

Barrel Racing Clinic being taught by Brian Bannerman and Will Eckert. This is a charity barrel clinic being brought to you by the Michigan Chapter of Team Dreaming of Three. All proceeds from this clinic will be going to Horse North Rescue. We will be bringing you more details as they become available we are still in the planning stages. For info on our amazing clinicians here is there websitehttp://www.bandwranch.com/

THEN, our Idaho State Captain, Christina Rasmussen is putting together a Team Penning Charity Event in June!  I almost can't keep up with all of my State Captains and all that they are doing for DO3 to help raise more and more funds for our charities!  It is awesome!  Exactly what I had hoped for when I open that door to the Team members!  It was a hard decision for me, to hand over the reins to another, but certainly is proving to be all what I had hoped for by doing so!

Our State Captain in TN, Mary Elzie put together a fund raising effort via Dally Up.

AND!  We even have Team members helping out as well, by putting together their own fund riasing ideas and events!  Such as Suzy Barker from PA holding a "Glow for a Cure" selling Partylite candles to help raise funds for DO3!   

So many thing happening!  It puts a huge smile on my face to see DO3 grow daily! Something that I started alone to help raise funds for the charities is now a Nationwide organization of people helping people and animals!    A year ago..when this all started, if you would have asked me where it would go, I don't know if I would have answered "far and wide"...and that is exactly what is happening!  We are spreading like wildfire across the U.S.!  We are getting noticed by larger corporations.  We are making an impact in individual lives as well as rescues organizations all over.  I can't even imagine what 2013 will bring!  I'm excited for it though!  I am READY for it!  I do believe that DO3 is unstoppable at this point!

Extreme Retired Racehorse Makeover Barrel Race Has Begun

It is truly exciting for me to see everything coming together for this dream of mine!  The trainers are all selected, the horses are being chosen, and the trainers are starting their approximate 100 days of training on their new mounts!  To see their progress already is amazing!  You can follow all the trainers, see all the horses on our other blog for the Makeover here:

http://extremeretiredracehorsemakeover.blogspot.com/

We are still trying to acquire sponsors to cover the cost of the Makeover.  I've added Team "Trainer" shirts so that each trainer can have their friends and family purchase to support them, but to also cover the cost of a saddle.

I also have finally been able to start riding Sis!  I should be able to start hitting some shows in a couple weeks, after she is fully fit!   It's great to have the Spring weather, and to get out and about again!

Getting Close to Kick Off!

Over the last several weeks we have been in the middle of the voting process for the Extreme Retired Racehorse Makeover.  I know for all those that were on the Voting Committee, it was not an easy task.  All applicants were very qualified!  When I first started the process of acquiring applications, I never thought that it would be so hard!  I actually worried I would get 12 to be in the Event, let alone have 25!!

When I first put it out there that this was a dream of mine, to hold a barrel racing Event in order to help some horses and to give them a second chance, I truly never thought that it would come to fruition.  However, once others heard, so many came to my aid.  I did exactly what Greg Reid says in the above.  I looked on the calendar to figure out what would be the best weekend.  I decided that perhaps a Friday would work best in order not to compete with barrel races in the area.

Then, I contacted Jen Ruberto, to figure out if we could find the horses before we started collecting applications.  She immediately jumped on board to help make this all come true!

The first step would be to write the application, the rules, permissions, etc.  I looked through several forms, and adapted everything to what we needed for the OTTB's.  This was a long tedious task no doubt, but eventually I finished and was able to get it out to all those interested in applying.

We started to acquire sponsors to cover the costs.  I'm proud to say that Purina/Agland are co-headline sponsors for this Event! I contacted Joe Coalter to announce and he agreed to do so as a sponsor, and he was also willing to  give us a sponsorship through the Horsemen's Corral.  We will be in this publication in April, May, June and July.   So the sponsorships seem to begin to roll in, which made it alot easier to concentrate more on the rest of the Event.

I contacted a wonderful band, The Hillbury's who graciously offered to play that evening.  I also needed a National Anthem singer. A friend recommended Melanie May, and Melanie was also thrilled to be a part of it all!

A friend of mine, Chrissy Elick, contacted me to be a part of it all and agreed to write the blog for the 100 days.

So step by step, things started to come together.  The dream, was seemingly taking shape!  I just tackled each thing I felt needed done one at a time.  I still have alot to do, but one at a time, I will get it done and conquered, as I am determined to make this dream come true!  With all the help I am receiving, the support, I know and realize there are so many who have joined me in this dream!

Now, we will be announcing the Top 12 trainers on April 1!  I am excited and nervous all at the same time!  I wish I could have put all of the applicants in the competition, we just didn't have the funds this year, and wanted to keep it somewhat smaller to get a handle on everything.  We certainly plan to increase the number of trainers next year!

This week has also deeply moved me emotionally.  I had sponsors respond to my letters letting me know that they were going to assist DO3 for the Makeover, as they would like to help our "inspirational organization".  To start to receive those "yes" answers, along with wanting me to know how thrilled they were to take part of this Event!  All these wonderful words from Company's so large that I felt would never take notice of DO3, had me in tears at times.  I just couldn't believe it sometimes!

Also, several weeks ago, I helped our North Carolina State Team DO3 Captain, Heather Jarman with her mother's benefit.  Heather's mother has a form of cancer, and Heather came up to hold a small fund raiser for her.  I unfortunately couldn't attend, as we had already scheduled to be at a tack swap, but I did my best to get her some big ticket items for her silent auction.  I certainly NEVER do anything for anybody expecting anything in return, but when I came home from work one night, to find a package from Carlie Hayes, our TX State Captain (who is making Awards for the Makeover as well and who I ordered a birthday gift for a friend), I thought Carlie messed up sending me the present I had ordered twice, or that she was really early at getting me the Makeover items.  To my surprise, the beautiful set of brushes has MY name on them, and a note, from Heather Jarman!

I am not used to getting stuff like that for what I do for others as it's just what DO3 is all about really, so it was VERY much appreciated and also brought tears to my eyes.

So, as you can see it's been a wonderful week!  Amazingly, I even got on Sis tonight (My husband called me  a die-hard, I'm just tired of NOT being able to ride, so I decided I was gonna...in SNOW flurries and mud!)  I sure hope the weather breaks soon, as I have become a "fair weather barrel racer" as I get older.  I don't enjoy riding when it's freezing.  I love to barrel race, but if I can't feel the fingers due to being frozen, I'd prefer to be inside! (Doing my DO3 work..  :))

So stay tuned to find out who are the Top 12 for the Makeover, which Companies join us in our Dream and become a sponsor, and as always, never give up on your own dreams, as nothing is impossible!  Something I have learned very well these last few months!

Rodeo Kid #5, Dominique McAllister

This past weekend, Dreaming of Three expanded it's Rodeo Kid Program!  I am totally thrilled to see something I started a year ago on my own, just to give some families a night out without worry, has grown and other Team members are able to take part in these wonderful experiences.

I was hesitant at first, as I wanted to make sure the Team members who would take the families truly understood what I wanted to accomplish by adding this Program to DO3.  I wanted them to have the same enthusiasm as I did.  I wanted them to give the family a fun evening, filled with gifts and rodeo fun, and a chance to let their minds be free of the worries they have.

I knew I wanted to give these families these nights out without worry, because it was what my step father and mother needed during those months that he was fighting cancer.  I  got a gift for them of dinner and a Broadway show for Christmas.  I was able to see how it lifted their spirits and refreshed them just to have an evening out, thinking nothing about their troubles, but simply enjoying dinner and a show.  THIS is why I started the Rodeo Kids Program, but instead to entertain the family with my favorite show, RODEO!

When Carlie Hayes, a Texas Team member joined, she would always tell me how she would love to someday take a child to a rodeo like I had done through our Rodeo Kids Program.  I decided to acquire State Captains for each State, therefore allowing me to work closely with each Team member who took the role so I would know that they had compassion and enthusiasm for DO3.  Each State Captain is allowed to take a Rodeo Kid if they desire and Carlie quickly accepted.  We worked with the Ronald McDonald House of Ft. Worth and they found the McAllisters.

Here you can read more about Carlie's and TX Team DO3's night at the Rodeo with Dominique, Rodeo Kid #5!!!
http://www.txteamdo3.blogspot.com/2013/03/do3-rodeo-kid-dominique-mcallister.html

Upper Row:  Becca Mead, Erica Cole, Trenton Cole
Bottom:  Billy McAllister, Dominique McAllister, Carlie Hayes

THANK YOU TEXAS TEAM DO3!  You all did an awesome job!!!!
Certainly made DO3 Proud!!!