Our Children

[Boyd R]

As our creator painted his portrait of the universe, with his last stroke of his brush he created the PASO FINO.

What an amazing weekend for my Kids and I am proud as proud can be.

Saturday was our benefit ride for Driving Magic. We had several individuals that needed a horse to ride so we loaded 4 of our own. Gally of course for she was the grand prize, Two Sus' ride, Porcy my ride, and Dina for whoever came along.

The morning started out as hectic as can be imagined, Volanteers not showing up, or just under the wire without full breifing of how things were to be run. Chris and I were the only two that bothered to interupt our scheduals last Saturday for last minute planning. And she fell into a fire ring first thing and was in no shape to do anything. A number of volanteers wanted to stay at the camp site so we were short for people to man the treasure chests on the trail. So I and Su had to go out on the trail and Chris in recovery and the newbie riders of course were late to get to the ride.

So out on the trail I went just imagining the mess I would return to. And of course while waiting for riders I sit down on a Yellow Jacket nest.
Mary (AKA Baily) was able to get Dina tacked up and out on the trail with little to no problem. And she can tell you about her ride herself.

As I was giving out gifts a lone rider of African decent came riding up the trail on this nice looking grey Paso. He exchanged his gift and we said our pleasantries and off he road on this horse with a mission. As he road off I could not help but to notice the saddle he was ridin was exactly the same as my daughters and with the same wool seat saver and pecularly enough the same rebel flag pad :shock: :shock: :shock: . And I could not help to think that, did this guy happen to help himself to my saddle and pad. Only to find out later that this was one of the newbies borrowing my horse, Two, and saddle. We later chatted and had a good laugh, about not recognising my own horse, and he could not stop bragging about the awsome ride he had on such an awsome horse. I was quite proud of this boy myself for taking such good care of this gentleman that had never ridden a paso before and does not own a horse. Two also gave an after lunch ride (two whom escapes me), and then another evening ride to a friend of Dave and Dixies.

Now for miss Porcy. She worked as well. first taking Baily for a ride, which she can tell you about and then took out a friend of Dave and Dixies, I don't know all the details but the smile on her face at dinner told all the story I needed to know. Then this morning Chris gritted her teeth and wanted to ride so we saddled up again but her horse Rebel was in fine troche and she could not take the pain so Porcy carried her the rest of the way home. As we came into camp Chris was ready to trade up.

Miss Dina gave Eileen, Maggies mom, an after lunch ride. Maggie had to stay home do to she decided she could get out of the trailer with the butt bar still in place. Enough said :roll: When Eileen got back she said " Boyd I have a lot of respect for you and the way you take care of the people and the horses you sell. And Dina is second choice if Gally ends up a bad fit for her new owner, But if you give Dina, This Treasure away I will put my boot so far up your hind end you will have the taste of leather in your mouth for a week".

Rebel also jumped in giving a newbie ride, and an evening ride to Dixie because Teeva came up lame.

So if you can not tell by now these horses are my life, my love, my passion and my soul, and I am so proud that they touch the souls of every one that stretches their leg across their back.

Now back to the Gally the grand prize. The first ticket drawn was owned by Sally Fuller, Her agent was asked to get her on the phone to make sure she wanted her prize. Sally graciosly excepted second prize and allowed another name to be drawn. The second name drawn was a fella by the name of Danny.

Now for a little back ground he and his girl friend were one of the first to greet me when I got there Friday night after 9pm. His first words were "So is that Gally my knew horse?" Followed by an immediate and stearn "You are not bringing home a horse" from his girlfriend, and each time we met up until the drawing he would comment on how he wanted to win miss Gally. Followed by a firm "No you are not" from his girl friend.

So when his name was drawn he jumped up as happy as a child that just seen a new bike under the Christmas tree. But there was equal disappointment from his girlfriend as she dropped her head into her hands. Danny quickly grabbed his helmet mounted his new partner took some photos and off down the trail he went. As he came back into the camp grounds several hours later there was not a soul around that did not know that Miss Gally was his treasure for the day.

As Su and I was walking through the grounds we happened upon a tearful girlfriend that said. " It just dawned upon me why Danny won his dream today. Two weeks ago I asked him with all of my love if my parents could move in with them? Without hesitation he said of course I would have it no other way. So I guess today is his reward.

In all aspects this benefit ride was a bust with only 38 riders, Food and gifts purchased for 300.

But in my eyes for a moment for several individuals our great PASO FINOS made this life we live complete.

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http://gallery.pethobbyist.com/data/44098lunch.JPG.jpg

This is Pam Borst. As you can see she was in Love with Gally and she purchased over $100 worth of items to get extra tickets to win Gally. She won third prize a beautiful western headstall My next mission is to get her a paso of her own but free is all she is allowed at the moment. I hope to let her keep one until it is sold.
http://gallery.pethobbyist.com/data/44098Pam_Borst_and_Gally.JPG.jpg

The phone call to Sally. You can see Danny in the back ground.

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the exceptance

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http://gallery.pethobbyist.com/data/44098My_new_horse.JPG.jpg

[Linda Y]

What a great day! I don't see how you could call it a bust when you made so many people happy.

[Boyd R]

only financially

[Mellifluous]

Crap crap crap crap crap crap

I WISH I HAD GONE! I let Kev guilt trip me out of going...some crap about having my priorities straight and staying home to help him build a shed. Grrrrrr. :-?

I am glad that everyone had fun. Sorry that it was a bust financially. There were so many other things going on this weekend, I guess people were torn? I spread the word and could not get any takers.

[Heidi]

What a wonderful day for Danny and Gally. Boyd, you ROCK!
I hope Q and I can attend your next Paso gathering...

[echo]

Thanks for sharing, Boyd. Sounds like a perfect day!

[motorgypsy]

Boyd we were all packed and ready to go early the next morning before dawn and went over to feed the girls the evening before and a third one had come down with the "nationals flu". We were so disappointed so please don't think we didn't support you. We were really looking forward to it The first two that had it seemed to be pretty much over it (no they weren't at nationals) and the two we were going to bring were symptom free all along but we just couldn't risk them spreading this virus because they never had any symptoms at nationals but two of our home guys got the virus from them somehow anyway and with the third one just coming down with it we just couldn't risk passing on a disease that is so very contagious that horses not even in the same pasture with it are getting it. Isn't that just the pits!!!

Sounds like you had a wonderful event. Considering the price of gas, 38 is a really good number. Even the Biltmore ride doesn't always get that many but I do wish there had been a lot more after all your work!! You and your family and your horses did a fantastic job. Congratulations and it's a privilege to know such generous and kind people. Please keep us informed of any future rides and hopefully this "headcold" will run its course and we'll be able to go!

By the way - our guys have just a "headcold" type thing with a minimal cough and clear runny nose. No fever, loss of appetite or loss of energy, but you never know how it might affect someone else's horse and we felt better keeping them away from other horses until the 17 days is up for incubation period and time for the cold to run its course.

[Moniece Dickerson]

I WISH I WISH I WISH I lived closer!!!!!!!!!!Next year about this time i'll have vacation time and if you have this again maybe just maybe i'll beable to make it.It looks like SOOOO much FUN!!Glad you all had a great time!!!Your friend,Moniece

[motorgypsy]

You know this would be a great yearly event - like the Myrtle Beach ride! It sounds like so much fun!!!

[GeorgeGuns]

WOW. Looks like Danny and Gally were meant to be, that was NOT coincedence! Very interesting reflection on his girlfriend's part too. Gally will win her over, she will soon find that a man who is happy with a horse is a much happier man than one without!

Yeah, I'd be feeling pretty silly if i didn't recognize my own horse, but what wonderful compliments you got about Two.

[Boyd R]

I definitely want to turn this into both a spring and fall ride. The people that attended were very excited and glad they did not miss it. And I at least heard of no complaints. We learned a few lessons on how to run the next one. None of us had ever done this before except for one lady and she was the source of all of the registration problems. She wanted to do it her way not ours and messed up everything. Then left and Chris and I had to go around and ask who paid for what. Volunteers will have to make a promise of commitment. And a pre function meeting and arrival will have to be mandatory.
A few new ideas have even come into play. The treasure chests will be run diferent. NO PEEKING. plus it would add to the entrigue. In a way only 38 riders was a good thing because if everyone would have picked and choosed what they ended up with all the high doller items would have been given away.

It was a great day, Yellow Jacket stings and all.

[motorgypsy]

Boyd you need to find a yellow jacket repellant. I've never known anyone to have such an attraction for them. Sounds like you can market this skill to help people find and eradicate their yellow jacket nests. I can see your ad now

NEED TO FIND THAT PESKY YELLOW JACKET NEST??? BOYD TO THE RESCUE!!! I'LL FIND THEM AND YOU EXTERMINATE THEM!!!


Sound like a plan???? ;-) ;-) ;-) ;-)

[hast]

I wish I could have come, I'm sure I'm moved in and not as busy next time, so maybe then.

You just dont' know how happy I am that Miss Dina is working out so well. I KNEW she would be an awesome horse with a little more consistent training.

[Jennifer]

Thanks again, Boyd...We really had a great time this weekend. Can't wait to do it again!

[baileyholc]

I loved my ride on Lady Di. She was wonderful. Even if she wasn't in gait all the time. I am usually nerves when I first get on a horse that I don't know. But not with Dina. She was great. I didn't want to give her up but Eileen wanted to ride her so I bit my lip and let her go. And ran to get Porcy. LOL I love riding her too. She is so nice. She is the caddie of all Paso that I have riden so fare. She loves to be in the lead. She is Not a follower. Dina wanted to be in the middle of everybody and didn't want anyone behind her eather. LOL She didnt mind being in the lead eather as long as she could go at her own pace. lol I had so much fun. It was a pleasure to met new people and make new friends and to see the other faces that I had already met before.

Dave and Dixie I hope Teevia is doing better. She really does not like to be by herself, but I know she loved the attention she was getting from use. Sue gave her treats and Boyd tried to teach her to give kisses. OOOPS! I shoudn't have said that.

[Pasogirlz]

That is an awesome story Boyd. You are the greatest. 8-)

[pjorcutt]

Hi Boyd:

Sounds like everyone had a great time. I wish Frank and I could have made it. My mistake with scheduling work. I will do better next time. I spoke with Samantha the next day and she had Steve had a good time. She gave me a blow by blow of the raffle drawing and it sounds like Gallie now has someone to love her.

I can't beleive you got into yellow jackets again. I guess you needed me and Julio there as yellow jacket bait. That is if you don't mind the screaming :!:

You and Su and everyone that worked for you, did a great job. We will be there next time.

Pam

[DebbieS]

How wonderful! That Gally is beautiful! What a prize!!

Sounds like a great weekend!

[Bonnie M]

Sounds like it was a lot of fun, well, except for the yellow jackets!

[Dave]

We had a great time at the treasure chest ride. We camped all weekend and had a chance to ride lots of kids! :lol: Many thanks to Boyd, Su and Chris for putting on a great event with everyone involved coming away with prizes and lunch. Watson Mill's trails are perfect for gaited horses with level, sandy trails and a fantastic campground with hookups and stables. Congrats to Danny for coming home with a new Paso, here's a shot after his first ride on Gally!

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f161/ddelozier/IMG_0597.jpg

[Boyd R]

A big thanks to Dave and Dixie for Supper Sat. and Lunch on Sunday. We really appreciated it. One day we will get better set up for camping. And this time even with to trucks and trailers we still had no room for cooking stuff. Hey Dave Dina has the same sappy bumps on her leg today that Teeva had. I'm thinking fire ant bites.

And the biggest thanks to Hast that made the donation of Gally possible by getting Dina to me. So Danny can really thank her for his new treasure.

Pam have you made a decision yet. I have to give Danny until Saturday.

[pjorcutt]

Yes Boyd, I have made a decision. I'll keep my fingers crossed that Dina is still available.
Pam

[Dixie]

I wanted to thank Boyd, Su, and Chris and all other volunteers for all the hard work they put into the benefit ride! I believe everyone had a terrific time. I certainly did! I also ended up with a nice pair of riding gloves (without peeking). We bought a lot more tack at the sale and had lots of raffle tickets, but I think it was fate that Danny had the winning ticket. He was really excited, and Gally is going to a great home.

We rode out Saturday morning with Samantha and Steve and we were having a great ride. Then, when we were about as far away as you can get from the trail head Tiva starts limping. So we take turns riding Domino and walking Tiva.

Thanks to Boyd, Su, and Chris for letting us go back out on their horses with our friends who were coming to visit. They had a great time on Two and Porcy.

Then I got to ride Sunday on Domino with the group. Thank goodness we made it through the initial separation anxiety from Tiva. Domino's never gaited so consistently knowing that Tiva had to be at the end of the trail.

We really had a great time. I think the trail ride has great potential to grow in the future! Thank you again.

[Brigitte]

That's a great story ! You must be very proud of your horses

[wildfire503]

This is a huge "THANK YOU" going out to everyone who helped with the Driving Magic benefit ride on Oct. 7th. From behind-the-scenes people who sorted, priced and bagged prizes; picked up food & drinks for the lunches; and especially those of you who were able to come out and enjoy the incredible day we all had. We may not have had a huge crowd for our first time out; but I believe everyone there had a fantastic time. Stories, food, horses, laughter and smiles were shared by all - that's what made this a success. :D Matt Lindskoog of Driving Magic was there as well as some of their students. He gave a very nice speech explaining what Driving Magic is all about.

FYI - It looks like we made around $1,500 - $1,600 for Driving Magic after all. Waiting for our GPFHA Treasurer, Kim Willis, to verify all the figures I sent her.

Also, I want to thank Dave, Dixie, Boyd & Su for inviting Tommy & me to dinner Saturday night. We had a great time. (By the way, Brandy said to tell you her head is OK now!). I look forward to helping set up another fundraiser through GPFHA for next Spring.

[Boyd R]

Could it be Ms Chris has finnally made it to the board. Girl you deserve all the credit on this. You and the work you done to get the workers and Amerifleet to be so generous.

[Barbwire]

http://www.jammerbabe.com/flotilla/images/smiles/groupsmile.gif

[swaite]

Wow - that does look like a great day - alot of work but well worth it all around :smile:

[wildfire503]

Nope - I just gave everyone a little push. I am very fortunate to work with such a generous, caring group of people at AmeriFleet. They also help with Georgia Special Olympics Summer Games, and hold an annual golf tournament to raise funds. Guess that's what spurred me to "take up the reins" and give a try at community service. It's becoming something very rewarding and enjoyable.

Also, if it wasn't for Blue Ribbon Landscapes fronting the money needed to purchase all the food and prizes up front, the trail ride never could have happened. If we can get more GPFHA members (and any other groups) exceited about pitching in, just imagine what we can accomplish! Next up - CHRISTMAS PARADES! Any takers???