A nightmare of a dream come true

Well, the BIG day has come and gone!  I'd like to report, as far as people being interested and attending, it was a huge success.  The arena was packed.  Not overly packed as I had worried, but not too many empty seats.

Leading up to the big day, was quite the stresser however.  I don't think more bad luck could have occurred for one Event.  It felt like one thing after another was happening, that I had to put out fires.  From one of the trainers backing out four days before the big day, a demo rider that was in the program telling me 5 days before Event she just couldn't make it, the American Flag carrier having a sick horse, poor Melanie May sick as a dog Friday morning and not thinking she'd be able to sing.  I'm happy to say, she DID make it, although I know it took a lot of effort on her part.  I know she just didn't want to let me down and I'm so appreciative for her coming even though she felt terrible.

The Friday morning news of my National Anthem singer sick, put me over the edge, and I sat at the computer crying instead of getting out the door as I intended.  I was honestly winging this whole Event, as I've never done something like this.  From the start with creating the sponsorship package, to the ads in the Program, to everything associated with getting it all together, it was all new to me for a horse Event such as this. I tackled and figured out one thing at a time.   I've done party planning before, large parties, but a party is a party, an Event where people are coming to watch as spectators and be entertained is a whole other situation.  Especially a live version!

We finally made it to Simmons about 9 a.m. and got set up.  Most of the banners were hung Thursday night and tables set up.  I had Storme coming in at 12:30, so I left the arena at 11:30.  Unfortunately, her flight was delayed and not due in until 5:00, which I didn't know until sitting near the airport at a gas station.  So, being numb at that time, I headed back to the arena.  Storme commented on how calm I was, but I just told her, nothing was going to surprise me at that point, and I was just rolling with whatever happened.  If I had to, I had enough barrel racing friends there that could fill in for a judge.

So back to the arena.  Some more folks that were supposed to be there setting up, had car issues, and ended up late, and not setting up at all in the end.  I went back to the airport to get Storme, drop her at hotel for a bit to refresh and prepare, back to arena, to make sure all was in place, and back to hotel to get Storme.  By that time it was show time!  So I didn't get to see all my friends that attended, as I never was at the door. Didn't get a chance to talk to anybody really.

All seemed to go smoothly, however, the time frame was way late.  The Freestyles were taking a bit longer than I had planned.  The demo's took longer than planned.  The barrels pretty much ran as I planned, as that is what I am familiar with, running barrels and to run 10 horses, wouldn't take much time at all.  But when it was 10:30, and we had 10 barrels to run, and Awards, I was panicked about people being upset.  I felt horrible for the band, as I felt so bad they had to wait, as I thought things would be done about 10.  Well, most people left as it was so late, so the band only had an audience of about 20 and they were awesome!

People would constantly tell me I looked stressed, I was just trying to keep my head above the water with all the things going wrong, and to try to do as you always hear "the show must go on". I didn't get the chance to really take a look at my dream happening before my eyes.  To look at these 10 horses, that were having a second chance as they performed all that they learned the last 100 days. I believe overall it was a success, even with the late time. People seem to want to come back and they can't wait until next year!  I will certainly start it earlier, and cut out some things to make it move faster.  I have tons of ideas flying my way and a year to tweek it!  There has to be a first of everything, and with that, things get better!

Wilbur Wright piloting 1902 glider near Kitty Hawk, N.C.

So, let's get to the winner!  Lacey Tomasik won our first ever Extreme Retired Racehorse Makeover 2013!  With one arm to boot!  She rocked the house with her almost perfect score in her freestyle with an 8 out of 9 points, and ran a 17.4, giving her an end time with her handicap of 9.4.  

Lacey's Freestyle

Lacey Tomasik and her trophy saddle with judges Storme Camarillo, Patrick King and Haley Goodwill and myself.

Lindsay Jensen took the Reserve Champ, with a barrel run of 17.6 and a Freestyle handicap score of 5.5.  She woke the crowd up with her mounted shooting skills upon Porsha for sure!  (I don't have many photos yet, but will post when Wendy Davis gets me the cd, as my hubby's camera wasn't taking such great shots in the indoor arena).

Tara Jones took 3rd, and certainly proved to be the favorite Freestyle performance with an almost perfect score of 8.75.  The lights went out, and Tara lit up!

Tara plans to move on performing at many Events with her nighttime performances on horseback.   She has been accepted to the equine extravaganza.  So great things are going to continue to happen for Tara and her light up performances!  Perhaps we'll get to see her again at our next ERRM!

If you missed coming to the Event, we are offering for sale the DVD for $10 in our store.
http://dreamingofthree.bigcartel.com/product/extreme-retired-racehorse-makeover-2013-dvd
Hopefully, between the photos being sold once they are available and the dvd's we can raise more funds for CANTER and Bright Future Farms.  As this year, unfortunately, we are lucky if DO3 breaks even for all the start up costs associated with putting this Event on.  We will have the final numbers soon as far as what we are donating to the charities.

All in all I feel pretty proud of it all.  My dream came true, even though the day leading up to it seemed like a total nightmare.  With folks scanning the rescue sites, checking out the OTTB's for the next barrel prospect, it shows me my plan is working.  To showcase them in a different discipline than what they are typically shown.  I hope to continue to do so, with a bigger and better show next year, with things tweeked somewhat to run smoother, and to ultimately show them as great barrel horses.

I wanted to take a month off from even thinking about it, but my mind is spinning already with new ideas. Folks are excited and shooting me ideas like crazy.  It's a good thing!  So...onto 2014...bring on the trainer applications come January!

Countdown Is On!

Approximately eight months ago, when I decided to voice my dream that I had of holding a barrel race that would help give horses a second chance, I couldn't even fathom at that time that it would all come together and  become a reality!

I guess after telling this dream to some friends and TEAM DO3 members, their encouragement and excitement helped me to move forward to the next step, and the next step and then next.  I simply started with a date of when this barrel race would take place.  I was told things such as "You know it takes a lot of work to put on a barrel race, how are YOU going to pull this off, do you have help." and "that date is already taken", but I moved past that stuff, picked a date and one by one figured out the rest.

Now we are less than a week away!  My garage is filled with awards, decor items, tshirts, and everything else I need to create the image I have in my mind.    There have been a lot of ups and downs through the whole process that is for sure and even some drama, which I do not like in the least.  In the beginning, there was some back and forth from some potential sponsors.  I imagine as it was a totally new idea, and we were going to be the pioneers for this, companies weren't wanting to take the risk of being involved, which I can totally understand.  I was willing to try at least, if I failed, it would be my embarrassment.  But if it turned into a success, it could potentially put Dreaming of Three on the map in the Equestrian World!  I was willing to take that risk.  I felt that if more people knew about DO3, that would mean more equestrians would be turning their passion for horses into an avenue to give back.   I felt if it were a success, and we held it every year, it would help more and more horses find a second career and to give them a second chance.  These two reasons made it a risk worth taking!

I think these last eight months, I have been so focused on making this Event a success, and although I knew we were getting some really big coverage in both radio, tv, internet and print (most recent article: http://www.wkbn.com/2013/07/27/horses-get-new-life-after-the-racetrack/  I have two pages now of coverage!) , I just didn't slow down enough to let it sink in.  This weekend, things started sinking in!  I am having some slight anxiety attacks at times thinking about it all.  I wake up in the middle of the night, heart racing, unable to catch my breath.  When I hear our host hotel is sold out.  When I hear our sponsor and my local feed store, Hookstown Feed, tell me how a lot of folks from the track (Mountaineer Race Track) are coming into the store talking about it and are planning on attending. When I hear that we will have a live feed from Channel 27 WKBN, Youngstown news at the Event.  When I hear some of my big sponsors higher executives are attending.  I just cannot believe it!

The trainers are starting to roll in from out of state too, so that makes it all that much more of a reality!

Me and Amelia Comar (North Carolina) at Mountaineer Racetrack this past Saturday.

  Several of the trainers are starting to haul to the arena to get some practice in as well.

Lacey Tomasik on Sassy

Lacey giving us all a heart attack, with her separated collarbone doing trick riding.

Laura Wiencek and Jessica Endres

Laura and Lacey (don't try this at home)

At first, when planning this whole thing, it was because I thought my own circle of barrel racing buddies were going to take part.  I thought perhaps I'd get 6 outside folks I didn't know.  When it came down to the wire, none of my own circle ended up applying due to schedules, etc.  So everybody that applied were strangers.  I didn't know any of them before it all started.  However, I can honestly say, the 11 remaining trainers have certainly all become what I can call a "friend".  My "circle" of horsey friends has certainly grown in these last eight months!  My knowledge of Thoroughbreds as well, as I really didn't know much.

Jen Ruberto, shown in this photo with Lacey (Jen owns Sassy), has also become a friend.  She was right there in the beginning, my guru of OTTB's.  I had to ask somebody that knew the breed better than I, to make sure it COULD work.  Jen is a CANTER volunteer and works with a lot of trainers and owners to find homes for their OTTB's.  She was totally thrilled when we talked, and as excited as I was and I certainly could not have done it without her!

The amount of support I've received from people I've never known before any of this, is mind blowing!  Joe Coalter, my announcer for the Event, was another one of those supporters from the beginning.  Joe not only was on board, helping us spread the word with ads in his Horsemen's Corral, but also getting me onto his "Horsin Around Ohio" radio show this coming week (will air Wednesday).  What amazes me even more is a week and a half ago, Joe drove a couple hours to Simmons Arena to look over everything with me for placement of the stage, sound, etc..  I know full well he did so to put me at ease, as this really is "my first rodeo" for such an Event that I am the "producer".  (Producer, I've been called that several times, but still makes me chuckle hearing it.  To me, I'm just a barrel racer, mother, wife and a daughter who lost her father and step father within 3 months of each other, decided to do something other than just grieve by creating DO3)

No doubt this week will fly by, as I question "Am I ready for this?".  I know I have the support of TEAM DO3, my husband and my kids and all the people I've met along the way who have supported me, supported this cause, and of course all the  new friends I've made this year because of dream of mine.  I hope in my next entry I will be able to tell all of you what a huge success it was, that we raised loads of money for CANTER and Bright Future Farms, and that the trainers involved got lots of inquiries for training and folks swarm CANTER or other OTTB rescues looking to locate and adopt an OTTB for their own.  I have no doubt and am planning on "wrinkles" in the evening, things I didn't know, or even cross my mind, but I'm prepared for those and won't let them get to me.  I'll deal with them, and move forward.  The most important thing is that the last 100 days have been a success....we gained alot of attention, showed everybody the versatility of these beautiful animals and I know made more folks aware of DO3.  Therefore, we have already succeeded.

I hope to see you at Simmons Equestrian Center in Negley, Ohio on August 2, this coming Friday at 8:00 p.m.!  Come celebrate with us!

Imaginations and Possibilities

First, I'd like to apologize for such long periods in between blog posts.  Things have gotten busier and busier with summer here.  I find little time to myself to put thoughts to paper.  But, I want to keep those of you who do not have Facebook updated on things happening with Dreaming of Three.

Second, I want to say I am so thrilled to announce we raised almost $7,000 for the Oklahoma Tornado victims through our benefit barrel race held in Texas, our Tshirt Sales, Cowgirl Tuff's silent auction, Clyde Saddle Club/IBRA PA silent auction and also a Team DO3 Stud owner, Jean Hovan (http://www.mhprimetime.com) who also raised $300!  What a TOTAL TEAM effort it was!  We sent checks down to our Texas State Captain, Carlie Hayes for Orr Family Farm and also Horse Feathers Horse Rescue who was helping alot of the private horse owners in the area.  Originally she wanted to deliver in person, however with circumstances, she is having to simply mail the checks.  Regardless, the money will get to those in need.

Carlie was also interviewed by Barrel Horse News in regards to our benefit barrel race, and it will be published in the August issue!  FINALLY, DO3 getting some coverage in BHN!

It seems right after the Oklahoma tornadoes, disasters and a need for fund raising came at Dreaming of Three fast!  From the Colorado and Arizona wildfires, to a rescue of numerous horses, dogs and cats at a facility that had horrible conditions  in Mississippi!  Dark Horse Rescue, our MS State animal rescue took in 22 of the horses from this situation.
See youtube video here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0bqjor2GrE

It's really tough to hold two back to back successful fund raisers through tshirts sales.  So I tried my hardest to come up with something different, perhaps not quite as expensive, but yet a way to get some funds to these causes.  We decided to get some bumper/trailer stickers with DO3 logo and our phrase "Saving Lives, One Ride At A time" and also got together with a TEAM member to hold a fund raiser via Scentsy.
The link to the bumper stickers is here:  http://dreamingofthree.bigcartel.com/product/team-do3-4-x-6-oval-bumper-sticker

And the link to the Scentsy fund raiser is here, just click on Dark Horse Rescue:  https://alanger.scentsy.us/Scentsy/Buy/SetupPrompt

Christy Loflin also put out a call to help her hometown barrel racing association, Mile Hi Barrel Racing, in efforts to help those in need in Colorado by raising money for a fund that was set up for the horse owners.  I thought instead of doing a whole new tshirt design, I'd have a period of time where any shirt in the store that was in stock sold during that time period, funds would go to help the special fund set up in Colorado.  Unfortunately, we sold one shirt during that time.  I truly wish there was a better way to spread the word other than Facebook!  As Facebook has put a damper on things with only allowing several of the followers on the DO3 page to see our posts.  Otherwise, we have to pay to promote.  Well, for a non-profit, trying to raise funds and not make a profit themselves, for us to pay $50 for all of our almost 9000 followers to at least see and share our posts, that basically takes a huge chunk of the funds we just worked so hard to raise!  So makes little sense to promote. So I have to rely on the ones who do see the posts to share it, and sometimes it just doesn't get far enough to help.  I do think that rules should be different for non-profit organizations on Facebook, as we are simply trying to help others.  (ok that is my rant on Facebook for now)

So as you can see, we continue to try and do our best when a need arises, but when they hit back to back, it's tough for a small organization like DO3 who is still "wet behind the ears" in non-profits, to raise huge amounts back to back.

In the midst of all these disasters and needs, I was contacted by an artist, Cameo Anderson, who wanted to donate a portrait that she had just finished to help us raise funds when needed.  It couldn't have come at a better time!  We decided for now to simply get posters printed to help with any upcoming causes.
http://dreamingofthree.bigcartel.com/product/art-print-poster-by-cameo-anderson
It is such a nice gesture and was totally unexpected, so I am just so honored to be noticed by such a wonderful artist who wants to help "pay it forward" through DO3!

Of course, as always, I am constantly thinking of new shirt designs, some are successful, some aren't and I sell a couple, then need to print at least 12, so I end up with having some inventory of certain items.  But again, I think it is all in the way I can spread the word.  I must find a different avenue, I just don't know what that is yet!  I know folks would enjoy purchasing clothing that helps others in need, especially those in the equine World.  People can be proud of the DO3 name brand they are wearing as they will know they are purchasing it to directly help others like themselves.

Saving Lives One Ride At A Time Tank
http://dreamingofthree.bigcartel.com/product/cross-tank

I also finally got around to taking some photos for A Cut Above Buckles for the "Making a Difference" Challenge.  

I am truly in love with this buckle, as it has more to do with what I've done outside the arena, than what I've done inside.  To be recognized for my efforts over the past year, is truly humbling.  I certainly never did any of what I've done to win any awards, I just was on a mission to make a difference through my riding, to help others in any way I knew how.  I am certainly going to continue to wear this buckle with pride in the years to come!

I suppose I am not your typical barrel racer as far as "awards" go, because the items I treasure most in my gear, have nothing really to do with my performance in the arena.  Oh I have plenty of Top 5 Awards in my barn and trailer, collecting dust (never an award saddle or buckle though, as seemingly when I was at the top, something devastating happened to make me lose that top spot, like my horse passing away or kids coming along, or parents being sick, etc.  I guess it was destiny, that my first buckle I won was for something other than winning first place in the arena, as it made receiving it so special, as was truly my first!)   I have my old old old saddle that I bought probably 20+ years ago, that is one of my best friends and mentor's, Jeanie Bowersock's design.  It's nothing fancy, I didn't win it, but bought it used, but because it's super comfy and what I know, and because it's stamped with her name and she's taught me so much, and has always been there for me through good times and bad (sometimes late evening sobbering calls because a horse was hurt and I didn't know what to do to supporting each other as both of us have lost so many loved ones due to cancer), I continue to ride in it.  I sometimes see beautiful saddles, with tooling, and color..and salivate over them, but in the end, I don't want to give up my good ole' trusty saddle~with my best friend riding with me in every run.

I have a halter as well that another friend, Carol Ritter gave to me back when Sis was a Jr. Horse.  That year was tough, with alot of great horses running.  I hauled and hauled Sis, seasoning her, doing our best.  But, we were always just out of the payout.  At the end of the year, we were 6th and the organization only awarded 5.  I met up with Carol Ann a few shows after the end of the year, and she had a halter made for Sis and I, with our names engraved.  She told me, "you and Sis were such a great team, worked so hard, you deserved something".  I refuse once again, to get a fancy halter, as all those out there are wearing now, with bling, cowhide, etc, as that halter, means something.  It reminds me of friendship, and how hard Sis and I worked that year.  I earned that one more for respect and friendship than kickin bootie in the arena!

Of course there are also all my sponsored items, from my cowboy hat in these photos from Star of the West hats, my saddle crosses from Cowgirlz Flair, my joint supplement from Lubrisyn, my tack set from KB Custom Kreations, prints and items made for me from Craft & Crown and Hors N Hayes art~none of these had anything to do with my stardom in the arena~I'm not saying Sis and I don't shut off the clock and have won our fair share of 1st Division checks, but these items were sponsored to me because these folks believed in me, believed in my mission of "giving back" through horses, and ultimately gave me more desire to succeed and to make it all a success because they did believe in me.

I have no doubt in my mind, if I wanted to spend every weekend hauling to barrel races that Sis and I would be in the top spots every year.  But, instead, my focus has shifted slightly to such things as the Extreme Retired Racehorse Makeover Event, doing things such as the Rodeo Kids program and perhaps travelling down to Texas come fall to support our Texas State Captain, Carlie and her series barrel race finals to help raise funds for Rodeo Kid, Dominique.  I find myself not hauling for points any longer, to be in the Top 5, but moreso hauling where the added money is, in hopes to win more to give back.  I feel I have nothing to prove by wearing a jacket that says Top 10, or a saddle pad that says Champion.  I'm not saying I wouldn't LOVE those items if I managed to win one at a barrel race and I am not saying I don't always put my best effort to win forward, however, now I enter the arena every time with much pride in what I've accomplished in this last year and half and instead just trying to win more money to give back, not to win awards for myself.  I would have never imagined my gears would have changed in that aspect, as when I was able to haul alot before my kids, I was a "point chaser".  I'd skip friends weddings, parties, family functions, cause I just couldn't fall behind in points for year-end awards.   I have no desire any longer.  I, instead, will chase more ways to help others~more ways to make a difference in this World, through the passion of horses with TEAM DO3 and all those who support the efforts of Dreaming of Three!


The only person you are destined to
become is the person you decide to be.
–Ralph Waldo Emerson

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.