That was HOT!!! Especially out in the sun. Under the tree, in the shade, was not too bad. I also got to sit in the booth announcing for the first classes of the day, during the rain that, thankfully, it lasted a very short time. The rest of the day I got to sit, sell t-shirts with Windsor Baer and chatting with people. Another spectator couple and I were commenting on how it sometimes surprises us how well a lead-liner transitions to youth classes, untethered to Mom or Dad. Yes, we have to admit age.

August will soon be upon us, as will the last regular show of the season. The final results for year-end trophies will be decided for some at the August 10th show. PLEASE make sure you know the rules we have for qualifying for Year-end High point and Reserve trophies, which classes the rider collects points, which ones the horse gets credit. I really do not want the complaints of “I didn’t know”. Read the Rule book, please.  
We are participating in the GLAD Hearts Cowboy Games 2.0, and I was again sitting under the tree, selling t-shirts and collecting the cash donations. What is sometimes forgotten is the “Stroke” part of the Heart & Stroke foundation, the cause for which we are fundraising.

Yes, the “zippers”, the transplants, the valve replacements, the stents, the treadmill test, etc. are
all heart related. But what about Stroke? “A stroke now occurs roughly every five minutes in Canada, with almost a million people living with stroke nationwide. Our aging population is one reason for the rise, along with increases in risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes in younger people. Fortunately, more people are surviving thanks to research breakthroughs, awareness and better treatment and care.” (H &S Foundation)

Recently, I have lost both a cousin and a childhood friend to the “afterwards” of a stroke. Yes, there were age and health-related issues that brought about their passing.  Survival depends on many things. I had an uncle who survived many years, post-stroke. He discovered a hidden artistic talent in macramé during rehab. A friend’s sister-in-law survived because of quick recognition and diagnosis. During her recovery she renamed a “fork” by replacing the middle two letters with “uc”. It was just how her brain speech center was re-organizing itself. Then there is Todd. He still rides, farms and works, but with challenges. There is long term survival.  

Ride, volunteer or donate, not just for Greg, but also the others you know. Make that YOUR Purpose.
Get your entries in to Tyrone Whiston  and start your Fundraising. OR let Bri Dales know you can lend a hand on Sept 14th.
Whether you are riding or volunteering, make a page and raise money for this worthy cause. Go to https://heartandstroke.crowdchange.ca/112682. Click on "Join this Fundraiser", then click on "Create a personal page" and fill it all out. Once you are done there, post it on your Facebook page; harass your friends and family to donate. If you want to get your stable mates and ride friends together, create a page with them. E.g.: "ABC Barn-buddies". Have some fun with it, just as I did making Windsor’s page.
For whom are YOU riding?

Hoorah Lads!
Anne