Barrel Horse Saddle

thelmanelle · Barrel Horse Saddle

I am not a Barrel Horse Person and don't know many near me that do participate in Barrel Horse events, but a little girl got two used barrel racing saddles for her Christmas present from her mom and posted them on Facebook. It turns out some good friends of their had those two saddles stolen in October, so they spent the night at the police station with the little girl crying and the mom out the money she paid for the two saddles.

It is my understanding she needs about a 14 inch seat. So I am looking for a barrel racing saddle. Anyone got a used one that can be cleaned up for her?

Thanks.

sandra smith

Sonya You have such a big heart.

I wish I did have a barrel saddle. Good lick finding one.
Sandra

merle

Hi Sonya
I sent an email to a woman I know. I think she has a old barrel saddle, 14", that she does not use any more. I'll let you know what she says. Take care, Lori

thelmanelle

Lori,
That is so sweet of you. It would be great if we could arrange a way for her to get it. I surely pay for the shipping if she is ready to get rid of it. If she wants a fee for it let me know and Maybe I can clean it up for the girl and ship it from SHI as a Christmas gift. Thanks so much!

And you , too, Sandra. Nice of you to say!

Pedestal*Pony

I have a extra 15" Abeta (synthetic) barrel saddle that I am more then happy to give her and you for free. I dont know if I can talk Mandi out of trading her 14 for the 15 but I will try. They are the same saddle, just the 14 is solid black and the 15 is the indian pattern.

It will need a set of stirrups. If you could buy the stirrups, I will pay for the shipping. I can post pictures later today if you would like. I am going to be crazy busy for a while today till this afternoon.

merle

thelmanelle

Pedestal*Pony

thelmanelle

You are wonderful and will be making this child's sad Christmas turn around!

sandra smith

Bless all you wonderful ladies.

One little girl is going to be VERY HAPPY!!!

Sandra

bit

awwwwwww, you guys! Best group of folks EVER on this forum!

Pedestal*Pony

Here is a picture of the saddle. Will it work? I can also take it to a guy and trade it towards a leather one if you think she would like a leather one instead.

I forgot but it has a matching breast collar and cinch.

It is in great shape and very light weight for barrel racing.

Pedestal*Pony

I have found a pair of black stirrups on ebay. I can buy them and put them on if I can send the saddle out in a couple days when the stirrups come in.

Will that be Ok? Can you contact the parents of the little girl and tell them? Or would you just like me to send the saddle out?

I didnt have a box here at home and can get one at work tomorrow so I didnt send it out tomorrow.

I so love doing things like this!!

ElaineW

you all are awesome!!!!

thelmanelle

Jodi,
That saddle and all is fantastic. You send it. If you get the stirrups from eBay, I will pay for them and do some reimbursing to help on your side. You are so kind. That is a perfect saddle for a little girl. I'm seeing a purple pad or light blue. I think we can put a smile on her face with that saddle and the other stuff you mentioned.

thelmanelle

I will contact the parents. You are the really wonderful Jodi!

Pedestal*Pony

I will buy the stirrups on eBay. I have about $25 in my PayPal account from a bridle I sold last week. Do you want me to go ahead and send the saddle today with out the stirrups and send the stirrups when they come in or just send them all at once? Either way is fine with me. Just let me know. I think either a blue or purple pad would go well with it.

thelmanelle

Just wait until the stirrups come in and that way it is a one time shipping fee for you and then, I'll reimburse you for the stirrups and the shipping. Yes, I think a blue or purple would don nicely with it as a pad.

I pm'd you.

barnelda

This is the reason I LOVE the people here!!! MUAH MUAH MUAH

If there is anything I can help with just yell.

Pedestal*Pony

I am going to ship the saddle out tomorrow.

With Kristys (Ese' Sora ... on here) permission, I took the stirrups off her brand new black synthetic saddle to put them on the barrel saddle so I could send the saddle out tomorrow.

For Kristy giving up her stirrups for this girl, I am going to get her a red pair because her color is red for her and her horse.

She wont be with out stirrups, she can either borrow the pair off my other saddle or I am going to borrow a set off one of my sisters saddles.

thelmanelle

That is so sweet of your daughter. Hug her!

Pedestal*Pony

The saddle is on its way! I sent it out Priority today and it is scheduled to be delivered Friday but the PO lady said it could make it there tomorrow. My fingers are crossed for tomorrow! X X

I hope the little girl likes it!! Keep us all posted!!

Sonya, I sent you a PM.

thelmanelle

See this to me is so much better than getting a gift. Really. I mean, it was a bad situation and look what the forum has done. So kudos to you Jodi for being so kind hearted and having an extra barrel saddle you were not using. I am hoping the mom will give us a picture to share and smile in our hearts about what we could do when we step up to the plate. I think as a child if someone had done this for me and I had such an experience....I would be in shock and elated.

thelmanelle

From the Mom:

GOOD MORNING! Chelsea, told me that you were trying to get in touch with me. I forgot that I have that email attached to my FB, I never think to ck it. Sorry for the delay...I know you were thinking.. WELL!.

Just a lil history of the lil girl you are helping to heal her heart...She was a premie. She was 5months, yes 5 months premature. Weighing in at 1lb and 3 oz. She was not suppose to make it and the doctors told us IF she made it , we'd need for her to be in a GROUP HOME setting, as she would be in a vegatative state. Well, my answer to that was "GOD GAVE HER TO ME, SHE HAS A HOME NOW AND UNTIL I DIE". I WOULDN'T EVEN LET THEM SHOW ME THE BOOKS ON THE HOMES! SHE WAS BORN AND FOUGHT HARD TO SURVIVE, FIGHTING OFF INFECTIONS,ETC DAILY.....ONLY TO BE TOLD SHE WOULD HAVE TO HAVE HER EYE OR MAYBE BOTH REMOVED...THEY WERE DETACHING FROM THE RETINA (SP?) AND IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO REATTACH. I went into a hospital bathroom where GOD and I had a "come to Jesus " meeting as they say. I told God ," I refuse to believe that you put this baby here on this earth, had her fight so hard to survive and now you expect her not to be able to see it". I will not agree to this! He must have listened, the next time the eye doctor came in to ck her in a week , he came out and said, well it's no worse...I said OK, God's working on it, I want another week, the next week he came out of the exam room with tears and said , Sharon her retina's are reattaching, she has some eye issues but nothing we can't handle and after a few years has over come all her health problems. She is now a vibrant 14 year old with a heart of gold! She truly does, even though I am a lil prejudice..ha. Not sure what made me feel like sharing her story, but maybe this will give you a little bit better feel for this child that you so graciously offered to help.

I just can not thank you enough for your true heart. I know ppl think .. It's just material thngs, but not to a 14 year old and not especially when that was one of her main chirstmas gifts. I had saved for her a new saddle for Christmas, when I luckily (or so I thought) ran up on this deal on two... so I in turn sold her old barrel saddle as well. Thinking she had two new ones now. Then on Christmas night her friends mom called and said , hey I think those are my daughters stolen saddles. I am like OMG , what do I do now. So I told her to call the police and see what we needed to do. They asked us to bring them down and turn them in. Talk about DEVASTATED, Destiny was ! And so was I. Any way she ended up with a new horse and NO saddles to ride him in, And now no money to buy them with. So here we are looking for saddles . She has had some ppl offer to let her use one...but to have one that like you say will not be taken back will mean the world to her! And to me. I thank you from the bottom of my heart! She's my baby and it hurt me so bad that she has that memory of what should have been the best Christmas of her lil life. But we have met and made some wonderful new friends through this experience and I guess this really does teach her the true meaning of Christmas. It's ppl like you that make this world wonderful. Tks again from the bottom of my heart.

From Me:

Hello,
I heard about the saddle situation through Stolen Horse International and was so upset about it. So I asked my horsey friends on forums to consider the situation. One lady has and extra 15 " barrel racing saddle that she is sending me. She is waiting on the stirrups that she just got. We were thinking that a solid colored pad would be perfect for this saddle. it comes with a matching breast collar. It has been so nice of this lady to offer the generosity. I just want you and your daughter to know some people are good and we are sorry about her Christmas. So we want to give her a saddle and not let Christmas be spoiled. It is used but it is no longer being used. I hope it gives her many rides of pleasure. I will need an address so when I get the saddle I can send it to you for a surprise that will not be something taken away from her as a gift. Hopefully, she does not have to face this in the future. At Stolen Horse International aka www.NetPosse.com, we see bad things so many times. But, this was something that could be made right. Have a Happy New Year! And kiss and hug your daughter.

Stolen Horse International Volunteer
www.NetPosse.com Volunteer

whisperingwindfarms

You all rock!

ElaineW

Thank you for sharing the story!

and I agree with Erin

You all Rock! how wonderful it is to help others like this..
i hope we can see some photo's when the saddle arrives and they are riding!

thelmanelle

Elaine,
I am going to ask her for some photos and I am sure Debi will want to do a story. Jodi wants to remain anonymous in this kind gesture. But, she would love to be a fly on the wall. I wonder if the mom could do a video for us to have and enjoy. That would almost be the fly on the wall?

PasoBaby_CarolU

What a great story...and a great thing to do Jodi!

You are all the BESTEST.

thelmanelle

Hello,
We have been so excited about the saddle and getting it to her. I should get soon to send to you. But, we want to remain anonymous and give credit to SHI aka Stolen Horse International as anonymous donors. One thing we would love is either a video or her getting the saddle or picture and of her riding and enjoying her new horse. If you don't mind. The forum that is doing this is so excited to be doing this for your daughter and SHI.

I did copy the email without the address and mine to you without my name to let them know about your struggles. So they are really excited. You have made their Christmas and New Year's by letting us do this as a forum for your family.

Thank You!

Stolen Horse International Volunteer
www.NetPosse.com Volunteer

Response:

Awww. I guess that's why God put it on me to share a tad of her story , which she HATES for me to do. I tell ppl the story of how she got her name... Destiny Hope Childers.......Destiny, because I tried for two months flat of my back to stop her delivery...Hope, Because the doctors weren't giving her any..so we gave her HOPE. She embarrasses really really easily... so if it could be private between us and them. She doesn't even let us sing happy bday to her (not even as a family) they say its from her not being socialized immediately at birth (cause she was born in Oct and Christmas day was the first day we held her and not alot then) that she is so shy and a "don't touch" kinda person.

. And this whole thing has embarrased her enough, but with ppl like you atleast she understands there are more good ppl in the world than bad! I am so excited. I told her that she was getting something soon in the mail. I didn't tell her what. I will def forward you pic

thelmanelle

Jodi,
Can I at least give your first name?

I just feel you are giving the most and I do know what we have discussed behind the scenes. But, I'd like to at least say a nice lady name Jodi donated...but, I won't if you decide not to do so and we'll both just let it be anonymous from us for the SHI story and anonymous angels from a horse forum.

thelmanelle

This is our girl:

Thanks to all!

ElaineW

thanks for the photo's!!! she's beautiful...

Pedestal*Pony

PasoBaby_CarolU

thelmanelle

Will do!

Pedestal*Pony

I just called the PO and they said it is in transit. WELL DUH! I KNOW THAT!!! He said he was sorry. I guess I am let down!

I so wanted it to be delivered today. I could and should have drove it because it would have been quicker!

He said it should be delivered tomorrow.

thelmanelle

The office is closed until Monday, but I will get it from hubby asap. My horse has surgery that day, again. There is a tack store near by and I will be looking for a saddle pad or two. Don't worry, we will get this thing on it's way asap. I don't use priority because my sister works for the USPS and she says don't waste your money. It gets there when it gets there.

I will stop by the office and see if it is in the supply room...just in case.

thelmanelle

The saddle arrive and I opened it and took pictures to show you and then, will send it out to Alabama to our girl!

I have been in surgery with Belle for 5 hours today. Up at 4:30 a.m. to do chores and feed everyone but her. Then, drive 2 hours and 5 hours of sedated surgery and eat lunch in the process. Then, drive back with Bob and Belle. Take pictures for the vet so he can do some educational seminars on her situation. Can I say tired. But, that box is leaving for Alabama tomorrow and we have 70 to 100 % chance of rain...so it will be leaving the farm to go to our girl!

The patient will be in a stall. I will be feeding 6 times a day and irrigating and giving pain meds after this day. But, we got success today and we go back soon to get another visit. I think I need to move there and work for them. I fit right in as a dental hygienist and RN. We traded secrets on dental hygiene practice. I may do a dog to show him how I did people. LOL!

But, the saddle is here and leaving tomorrow. It is nice! Woot!

ElaineW

sounds like great news all around!
woohooo!

thelmanelle

It was about using the mirror with the instruments in the mouth. They were not taught that...I can teach him that...easy!

Pedestal*Pony

YEA! I am so glad it got there and Belle's surgery went well!! Keep us all posted on how she likes it!!!

thelmanelle

I will , right now I am downloading the pictures I took and headed out to feed. Then, it gets to the feed store for UPS to handle and it will get there very soon. I will give the mom, Angela Kirby, Michelle Gordon and Debi Metcalfe the heads up.

thelmanelle

The saddle:

http://s970.photobucket.com/albums/ae189/AGYG2010HOOVES/

thelmanelle

The saddle is shipped and my feed store was so thrilled about the story.

Plus, the Core SHI folks were so excited when they saw the saddle as they said, " Nice, light weight for a child and when it gets dirty, you can hose it off! We love it!" Then, another one said she would contact the mom to let her know the saddle was on it's way.

I put in a card from the forum, no name. I hope that was okay with y'all since I do not use my real name here anyways, it won't matter. I did not sign it.

So Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from us to them. We decided to make a child's Christmas be right after someone made it wrong. That makes my heart smile. Yours, too, I know.

ElaineW

That's wonderful!!!!

thelmanelle

Right now, we might not share this on SHI as a story due to another story that is different and I can't say any more. But, I will keep you updated on what I learn from this one. Sometimes, background noise happens and we get on the alert from a false case using us. That is all I can say.

But, the saddle is getting to our girl!

Pedestal*Pony

To be honest, I could care less if our story ever made it anywhere. For me, it isnt about who did what or who gets their name in the spotlight or the title of being the "hero". Thats not me and not for me.

For me, it is all about the little girl and making a horrible wrong into a great right! To show her that the whole world isnt made of bad mean people, that there is still loving and good strangers out there that really do care.

To me, that is what it is about.

ElaineW

thelmanelle

I got an email from Angela yesterday and Destiny is so embarrassed about the whole thing that her mom says she would be embarrassed about the story. So Angela says we may get a note and a picture. That will be really nice. I'll share it and then, send it along to you Pony Girl for a keepsake.

From Angela:

Honestly, I think that will work out best anyway, because her mother said Destiny is very embarassed over this whole thing.

I was thinking maybe if Destiny sent a nice note and pic for you to share on that group ... but you tell me.

I know they are very appreciative of everyone's donation :-)

Aj

Pedestal*Pony

Awe, tell her not to be embarrassed. She will miss out on so much fun in life being shy. I was when I was younger.

Tell her a note is not necessary!!! It would probably be too hard for her. I dont want to mentally do that to her. If a picture shows up then that is fine because you all know how we LOOOOOOOVE pictures on here.

But, if she just dont want to do a picture that is totally fine and I am sure everyone agrees.

I hope she will get past being embarrassed part and enjoy the saddle and in her heart know that the world isnt all bad.

If I had a hundred more saddles and there were a hundred more kids in need, I would pass them on too.

thelmanelle

I basically told Aj, we were just happy to do it and if something was sent great. But, it was okay either way. I agree with you.

dkgoodman

THELMANELLE & PEDESTAL PONY -

I'm late to this topic but have read it with much emotion...you are so wonderful.

The gift you gave this girl, she'll remember for the rest of her life and I'm going to bet that it will be life changing for her.

God bless you!

bit

Feels good to help folks out. Hope this young lady has a wonderful horsey life! My kid would have been embarrased too. I think it might me a 14 year old thang. See if mom needs anything else, ok? I have a nice show bridle I can send with split reins, and a 5 star one inch pad. Not using either one.

PasoBaby_CarolU

thelmanelle

That, I was not expecting. Jodi did so much! Y'all are very sweet! BTW, Deb, I love to let her be surprised with that from us as an additional since she got two saddles that were stolen as accidental gifts. Plus, the mom, you know, would never have sold the old saddle to get the two saddles for a big surprise!

Really, the entire forum has been the blessing in all this for me. We just saw a need and fulfilled it whether we knew the person or not. Yes, she will remember this act and we will, also.

Please pray for Belle Belgian, we are post-op day 4 on the surgery and sinus surgery is such a hard thing to heal. if I ever smell a bad tooth again, I am headed straight for this vet because he is the man!

PasoBaby_CarolU

Oh yes...Jodi is the great giver here...but none of us would have known if you hadn't posted, and then there is what you did for Niek, what you do for all the stolen horses, and what you've done for me so many times. You're a good person Sonya...grin and bear it!

thelmanelle

Thank you!

Pedestal*Pony

thelmanelle

We have another person who is stepping in to do something else. I was unable to find a pad as the tack stores were out and this person has mentioned a bridle and a pad. So I did request and I do hope it can be done that a picture be posted of them. It's just nice to see them before they go to Destiny.

I hope you don't mind doing this one picture set for us.

ElaineW

yay!!

it just keeps getting better and better!

thelmanelle

bit

Sending the bridle. It's real nice, montana sliver (gold color) show bridle. That saddle, does it need a pad? Can you ask if this pad is what she needs? Going to oil up the bridle tonight and send tomorrow. Let me know about the pad.

CoolsLadyInRed

Wow you guys! I just found this and don't know how I missed it. Ya all have such big hearts!!!! I am proud to know you and be allowed to be a part of your group

You have done so much for that gal. She will always carry this in her heart.

thelmanelle

a 5 star one inch pad. Not using either one.

The above is what I read from you and I thought since I could not find a pad for the saddle....yours would do if you were not using it. Either way, she will be delighted to get a surprise after what has happened.

thelmanelle

Yes, Beth, it's been a group effort and now, you know you are part of it.

bit

Okey dokey, one pad coming up! Pics are on my computer, which is with Tony right now in Ga. He's getting some work done on my truck. I'll send a note from IATH. If you can email mom and see if she needs the bridle as well, then get back to me, I can send both if needed.

thelmanelle

Will do. I know it would be a delightful surprise to get an unexpected gift from another place in the country. I will email the mom and contact Aj.

Tony knows it is cold in Ga. right now!

Pedestal*Pony

thelmanelle

BTW, we have a donor you has step up to the plate on shipping fees and is sending Jodi the money for the shipping fee. You can let us know if that person will allow herself to be thrown into the pot!

I am sending you a pm, Jodi.

Pedestal*Pony

Here is the stuff that I came up with to send to Destiny. What do you all think? Everything in both pictures (except my baby girl

)

Included is:

Brown seat saver,
green/blue/white rope halter and white/red lead with a parelli twist snap,
bag of cookies for her lovely horse (A MUST!),
bag of black small rubber bands for braiding her horses mane (

)
burgundy tail bag
hole punch
2 Oster brushes and 1 Oster hoof pick
barrel racing place mat
fun little basket hand made out of a larriet rope
medium bristle brush
soft face brush
rubber scrubber brush
2 double end hooks
2 small green key chains, one is a bell boot and the other a curry brush
pair of scissors
horse hair tassel for fun
roll of vet wrap
mane and tail comb
tack cleaning sponge/scrubbie
hand croched fly bonnet
tube of corona medicine
and a sweat squeegie scraper.

Again, not included is my brown baby with white feet and chest!

This is fun! My girls are included in donating some of this. If any of you think that there is something that should NOT be sent, let me know.

misstux

I think she's one lucky girl and we have some fabulous people here.

thelmanelle

Thank you, that is sweet.

She is going to be so surprised!

I emailed the mom and Aj to let them know to expect some things from different states.

I told the mom that this was an act of several folks coming together for the forum as a whole to give to Destiny.

I needed to see this last. Made my heart smile.

thelmanelle

Y'all are going to love this and it came at a time when my heart was heavy and it lifted a burden.

Ok... once again I find myself in tears at how very very sweet this is. Of course you can send her things. It touches my heart that ppl care this much! She is thrilled with her saddle. I sent Angela the pic and I will attach to this email as well. She and her friend rode in it this weekend. I wish each person involved in this amazig act of kindness could have seen this lil girls face....as she opens the saddle and says to me..".MOMA, this was sooooo very sweet of them...they don't even know me." I said.. "See Dessie , God has many more good ppl than bad" And I would like to thank each one of you for helping her KNOW this. I have to brag on "OUR" lil cowgirl. She ran her first 15sec barrel pattern this weekend. She actually ran two 15 sec patterns. She was thrilled. I wish you could have seen her , she ran, went put her horse up , came running through the arena , ran into my arms and said "Moma, I knew Lacie could do it, I knew she could!"
I so love this chld and LOVE each one of you for Loving her right ng with me! She is truly a sweetheart and I believe GOD gave her to me to teach me to be humble and thankful...because she is the essence of these two words.
THANK YOU ALL , FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!

and then, this came:

I just sent you an email.. YES YES.. she loves anything to do with her horse, ha. I went to the website on the card , that came with the saddle, I didn't know if I should put the Thank You on there or if I can just send through you? Dessie would like to write a thank you card...what address would I need to send to? I want to make sure everyone involved knows who very much I love and appreciate , each one of you! You all have helped replace and AWFUL Christmas memory , with one of Christmas Miracles from some Christmas Angels......for this I thank you soo much.

Much love,
Sharon

Pedestal*Pony

Awe ... sniff ... sniff!! I am so happy!! This totally made my bad day great!!!

I am going to send her box out Friday when I get paid. I so love things like this!!! It makes my life!!!

Im gonna see if I have anything else I can add to the box before I send it out.

thelmanelle

Well Jodi. I could just hug you! I needed this after leaving the Belles at the vet again today. So thank you! Sweet!

thelmanelle

I woke up to this after I responded to her last night...

Me:

If a thank to the forum is to be sent, i can either accept it or you can post what Dessie would like to say. Or let her write it and you take a picture and post it to the forum? I will do what ever you want. We love her 15 second runs!

The Mom:

I so love to watch her run. It's the only time she smiles from within. She's so quiet ...but you put her on her horse and she's a different person. Yall have made a little girl feel very special! I am soooo about memories and I thank you all for turning these around for her. I will get her a card and let her write on it what she wants and then I will take a pic and post. It may not say much.. or it might.. just according to her "mood", for lack of better word.

....you just never know with her. Ha. Again tks and I will talk to you soon

Pedestal*Pony

Awe! Here I go boohooing at work! I am so filled with joy right now!!!! Destiny IS a VERY special girl!!!! I wish she wouldn't be so shy. I was extreamly shy too. It was up until like 10 years ago that I started opening up. I am 45 now. She will too in her own time.

ElaineW

What a Blessing this story is!

thelmanelle

I got another sweet email this morning from the Mom and Dessie:

Hey, hope you had an amazing weekend. Dessie wrote a small thank you note. I have been trying to get it to upload for over an hour .. not sure why it wont load (she doesn't talk much , so it wasn't a long note...ha) . I am gonna keep trying. Just wanted you to know what the hold up was. If I cant get it to load I will get you to send me your address and I will forward to you and then maybe you can paste it to an email.

Love in Christ,
Sharon and Dessie

And this one:

Yay.. here it is. Finally got it to load. Few words but straight from the mended heart of a 14 year old girl... Thanks to you all! You all have a place in our hearts forever.

GOD BLESS EACH ONE OF YOU! May you have a BLESSED week ahead.

thelmanelle

The note from an attachment the mom sent me via email:

ElaineW

How Wonderful!!!

CoolsLadyInRed

bit

The pad I was going to send, I had to keep. My new pad works for Eclipse, but not for Bit. Old pad I had to keep for her.
I did send her out my Montana silver show bridle today. It's a gorgeous bridle, split reins and hopefully she can use it, or sell it and get something she likes.
I think about all those people that have helped and are still helping me out, and it's just paying it forward. I told her, If she loves horses, her family is bigger than she can imagine. Signed it IATH.

whisperingwindfarms

Did I say this before? You all rock!!!!!!!!!!

thelmanelle

We all rock! Some chose to pay for some of the shipping fees.

Pedestal*Pony

Her box of goodies is going out tomorrow. I have been so busy at work, I havent had a chance to get to the PO.

I bought her a bottle of sparkles too.

I hope she likes the stuff!!!

CoolsLadyInRed

Jody, I think she will love the sparkles

Great job done by all!!!! Deb, I am sure she'll love the bridle, too

ElaineW

thelmanelle

She's going to be delighted by all of this generosity. I just want to say thanks to all involved in their hearts and in giving to make up for what so a tragic event.

Sparkles will be delightful!

thelmanelle

This from the mom today:

Just had yall on my mind. HOPE and PRAY that you all have a very blessed day!

bit

Hope she learns that sometimes when it feels at your darkest, that's just the pause before your whole world lights up.

Pedestal*Pony

thelmanelle

Don't worry about the price tag. It is the thought that counts. That is all. The thought. The mom and Dessie know that we are so loving them and making what was wrong right.

I am so delighted about each of the forum members whether they donated something or money or just gratefulness to help brighten her Christmas after such a bad situation.

That is all. And we did just that. Feel blessed. I do.

thelmanelle

Another sweet email from the mom:

I have never felt such gratitude. I just recieved a box from yall. I opened it thinking it was a set of spur straps I had purchased her. ITS A BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL HEADSTALL and REINS , along with what is the sweetest letter. She will be soooooooo happy with them. I will forward pic later ,when she gets home from school and recieves it. She will be tickled to death over it. I am speechless at how very very sweet yall have been to my baby girl .

I find myself wanting to share her life with yall on a daily basis. You have helped to reinstate her belief that the bad ppl are few! And Good ones are many! I just can't believe it myself. I have never experienced such blessings of love and kindness, as yall have shown to Dessie . And as a mother, this is the ultimate gift for me. You have turned what was a bad memory into a BUNCH of good ones, that now outweigh that one bad. And this was my goal and I could NOT have achieved it alone! From the bottom of my heart .................THANK YOU ALL!

A lil tidbit on Dessie's goings on........

I have convinced her to ride in the Andalusia Civitan Queen Pagent. It simply consists of an interview (which she was not happy about), and horsemanship (which she is thrilled about). Please say a prayer for us a safe trip and above and beyond winning or anything else that she has a GREAT time and is a shining example of God's Child, to someone in our path this weekend. I will forward you all pics, of "OUR" girl all dolled up this weekend.

I hope you all have a VERY BLESSED WEEK!

Words from Dessie to you:

She said to tell yall and whoever gave her this... LOVE IT! I think the smile tells it all! It's not often we get this big of a smile from her!

bit

Whoot!

CoolsLadyInRed

Fantastic!!!!! So happy for her and mom. Will be prayin'. Miss Sonya...did you say you were going on this trip with pneumonia??!!! REST!!!! is your word for the week

thelmanelle

Farm daughter Maggie went with me and the vet office would not allow me to do anything. So there you have it MD and Vet orders...rest! Or I can't have the Belles back!

sandra smith

You had better toe the line if you want to get your team back.

Seriously, do take it easy for a while. Spring and better weather is coming.You want to be in tip top shape for all the summer rides and drives.

Sandra

thelmanelle

Beth,
The Belles had to be cared for and I physically could no longer do it, so off topic...Farm daughter Maggie went with me to keep us safe and I was not allowed to lift anything. I am not contagious and I am sleeping a lot. I am staying home as of yesterday. Being lazy, okay?

Sandra, Yes ma'am, tow the line or else is what I was told!

CoolsLadyInRed

Good girl Miss Sonya. Following doctor's orders