Bliss!  The orientations went well.  We met a  great group of new folks, made very few mistakes, the horses were on good behavior and it seemed that everyone had a good time.  42 people attended! 
We also looked at a 14 acres plot of land on the base in the admin area which may end up being available for AFTEC's use.  It's easy to get to , has some nice topography and has access to some nice trails/gravel roads for riding and driving carriages.  We should know something by this weekend.  Think good thoughts for us!!
Happy Trails!
~c

     Today is our first Madison County Volunteer Orientation.  The weather has finally given us a small break and we will be able to do what we need to do safely.  The Orieintation Sessions will be at the Igloo Club.
     We've had a glitch in our technology.  The laptop we use for Power Point Presentation has developed a problem with the LCD screen-it's dark.  We can, however, access the PP on the projector.  Sheesh.  Computers, just love-em.  We'll have to send it off Monday for repairs.
     Wish us luck!
Happy Trails!
~c

     This has been such an incredible winter.  Snow again today up at the mother ship so we spent the day working on the Power Point for the volunteer orientation sessions this weekend. 
     Roy had a bad spell last week.  He started limping (one of the nice security guards at the base stopped when he saw us and said "That light brown horse out there seems to be limping" ).    We thanked him and he said he likes to stop and watch the horses.  So anyway, we palpated and stretched him (Roy, not the guard),  prodded and poked and decided it was probably his shoulder.  We decided to bring him home and the therapeutic trailer ride cured him.  He hasn't limped another step.  Mark took him back to the base yesterday so he'd be ready for his Madison County Debut Friday..
     It looks like we're going to have a good turnout for the orientation sessions.  It's exciting to begin a new season in a new place.  I can't wait to meet all the new folks. 
     We have to Fairgrounds "reserved" for all the Fridays and Saturdays in February and March.  We're gearing up for 2011.  Can't wait to get started!
Happy Trails!
~

     We went down to the Depot yesterday and worked with Peggy Watkins, getting her ready to be our first substitute care giver.  She did great and we began her horsemanship lessons. She's already a competent and experienced horse woman but this is new to her and she seems excited to learn this new way of communicating with horses.   She was a bit intimidated by the big girls- no surprise, they're HUGE- but she'll get the hang of them, they're sweeties. 
     The solar electric charger failed and we had to buy a new one.  Just a few minutes after we installed it Dena leaned over the fence to graze on the other side (always greener) and got a hit.  She's a believer.
     We've got 6" of snow up here at the mother ship.  All the horses are in the barn.  We do plan on going down to the base later this morning  to work with the horses and Peggy. 
     We've gotten word from Sam Hudson that the Rotary Club in Richmond will be sponsoring our Spring Fund Raiser!  They have big plans with a golf scramble, pig roast, carriage rides and a barn dance.   It should be lots of fun!  And lots of work.  I'm glad the responsibility is now being shared!
        Happy Trails!
        ~c