The Free Rein Auction that was held February 2nd was a big success. They sold out all their seating and will be looking for a bigger location next year.  Mom and I helped set up on Friday afternoon and were able to preview some of the items in the silent auction. I bid on and won 2 new Free Rein shirts, one pink and one red, and gift certificates to Youthful Horizon Theraphy where I get my massage therapy. I have already used one. The dinner (pulled pork barbecue) was delicious and they also had a dessert auction which was really fun.

We are on winter break at Free Rein until February. I gave the horses some carrots for Christmas, and carmel corn to the volunteers.

This fall one of the volunteers at Free Rein brought her two minis to visit the riders. Their name’s were Mr. Owl and Pooh Bear. They are sooo cute and can literally put their head in my lap! This also was the day that my friend Lynn from Life Center Church came out to watch me ride. It was a great day!

I am excited to report that we have started riding again. I am in a class with two new young ladies and had a great time in class last Friday. We are the ‘Triple A’s’; Andrea, Amber and Allison. Free Rein has two new horses in training. They have started a “Dreamer Fund” which will be used for future medical care for any of the horses in an emergency in honor of Dreamer.

Our Free Rein horse, Harley, retired as of the end of August. Also there was some sad news at the barn this weekend. Dreamer, their appaloosa, got very sick with colic. He was trailered to WSU, but they were unable to stop the colic from becoming fatal. Riding was scheduled to begin this week after a Labor Day break, but because of this news and the need to reschedule classes; we will not start again until next week.

Spring is almost here and we have started our new riding session. I am riding Friday mornings again. I am doing great and getting stronger every time I ride.

Saturday, February 25, 2012, is the Free Rein Therapeutic Riding Barn Dance. There will be a silent and live auction, western bbq dinner, and dancing with the Vagabonds Traveling Show. I am going to be doing a presentation about my riding experiences at Free Rein.  If you would like to go contact 509-979-1468  or freereinspokane@hotmail.com

Friday was our last Free Rein riding session for the winter session. I know the horses would love the work and attention, but we get cold. We will be back in the saddle the end of February.