Equine training event to raise money to purchase hay

Susan Kirk never thought she would be in a position to have to ask for help, but when the catastrophic December flood of 2007 hit the area, she was lucky to escape with her horses. All her hay and feed was lost and she was left wondering how her horses would be fed.

And then she heard about the help offered by S.H.A.R.E.(Supporting Hay and Relief Efforts) and Friends of the Lewis County Animal Shelter (FOLCAS).

"The people at S.H.A.R.E. gave me help in a way that allowed me to feel good about accepting help in this terrible situation." said Kirk. "I had lost one horse and more were sick. S.H.A.R.E. came in with hay and FOLCAS gave me information about veterinary grants available for my horses as well as horse blankets that Equestrienne of Mason County had donated and I began to realize that with the help of these organizations, my horse family and I were going to be OK."

"It's now been almost 3 months since the flood devastated our area and hay and pet food are still being distributed every Saturday morning to animals in need" said Patty Kaija, President of FOLCAS. "We are going to need to continue to help these animals that survived the flood for the next 6 months."

In an effort to give back to the community and raise money for S.H.A.R.E. and FOLCAS to purchase more hay, Susan, a certified John Lyons horse trainer is putting on a day long horse clinic at Trails End Arena this Sunday, March 2nd from 8am-5pm. Trails End is located at 1500 79th Ave.SE Olympia.

10 riders and their horses have paid to attend a problem solving and obstacle conquering trail course clinic. Susan will also work with 1 "problem horse" in a round pen demonstration. All spaces for the clinic have been filled. Tickets are available at the door for $25.00 for anyone who would like to come and watch Susan at work. All money raised will be used to purchase hay for animals affected by the flood.

"Anyone who has ever owned a horse has enjoyed the unmatched pleasure of a horse’s partnership as well as frustrations associated with the relationship. This Clinic will be fascinating and educational for every horse owner, lover and enthusiast alike." said Robert McFadden of S.H.A.R.E, who is organizing the clinic with Susan.

In addition to the clinic, Pamela and Ken Pekola of Pekola Ranch in Rochester have graciously offered "Mighty Solid Design", a beautiful yearling liver chestnut gelding to be auctioned off at the clinic. The earnings of the auction will go directly to the proceeds of the clinic to help the flood victims. Mighty Solid Design is AQHA-APHA registered. He is sired by the triple registered stallion "A Mighty Sensation", APHA lifetime and 2006 APHA leading PAC halter horse with tons of other accomplishments as well, His dam is a Coosa/Barlink mare who has produced multiple futurity money winners and point earners. He is bred bright and can show either AQHA & APHA. He should mature at 15-15.1 H, HYPP N/N. He clips, bathes, trims, ties and hauls. Basics all done. He is just looking for some one on one time with his own person. He is sweet and smart and has definite performance possibilities. He is eligible for OPHB Triple Crown, WA Bred and NWSSA Longeline futurities. The auction for Mighty Solid Design will begin at 1:30pm.

"This is a great opportunity for all of us to enjoy a day of horsemanship while supporting  a fantastic and worthy cause," said McFadden "This clinic is already the buzz of the horse community. We hope that we will have the same incredible success of our S.H.A.R.E. benefit horse show that we held last December, immediately following the terrible flooding, where $11,000 was raised for hay."

Susan Kirk recently returned from the 2007 mustang challenge with her mustang "Mac". At the Trails End clinic she will be demonstrating her techniques for better equine communication and responses using the John Lyons methodology. You can see Susan on the February 2008 cover of "Perfect Horse" magazine or at her website www.blackriverquarterhorseranch.com. Susan will also be selling copies of her new book "Trailer Training For You & Your Horse" and will be available to sign copies during clinic breaks.

All money raised from this clinic and auction will be used to provide hay for animals affected by the flood. If you would like to make a donation to help the animals, please go to www.folcas.org or contact Patty Kaija at 360-508-0151 or pattyk@folcas.org . Donations can be mailed to FOLCAS, PO Box 1421, Chehalis, WA 98532. All monetary donations will go to purchase feed there are no administrative fees, salaries or overhead costs. Friends of Lewis County Animal Shelter is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization and all donations are tax deductable.

 Greg Biffle Foundation donates $10,000.00 to help animals affected by flood