When we all became members of True Prospect Farm
| June 1, 2011 | Posted by Patricia under In Loving Memory, Patricia's Corner |
Yesterday, we all became members of True Prospect Farm
Latest from Boyd’s blog (Thank God for the good news):
“This morning all of the horses are continuing their recovery and are doing much better. They are more comfortable and able to rest more peacefully, which will help in their recovery. With smoke inhalation, the most important process is to keep them comfortable and enable the horses to expel the affected tissue from the smoke and for their lung tissue to heal.” Link to Boyd and Silva’s blog here
From the brave, sweet, wonderful Lillian Heard: “We are okay; we are sad and a bit lost but okay and thankful for all of your care and attention.” Link to Lillian’s blog here
As probably most people who know Boyd and the True Prospect Farm team, I am still quite affected by yesterday’s tragedy. I was deeply saddened all day yesterday, but was able to keep it together by being busy. Setting up the saddle pad donation in memory of the 6 horses, writing our blog, preparing a press release, posting updates etc. Keeping busy makes you feel useful and helps distract your mind.
But later in the evening, when I saw those saddle pads being snatched up so quickly and especially, after reading some of the comments that people wrote on the orders and our Facebook page, I completely lost it. I don’t think I’ve been able to regain my composure since. The horse community truly has the kindness gene ingrained, and it is a privilege to be part of it.
This morning, I witnessed a 8-yr-old boy fall from his skateboard onto the pavement. He remained on the ground. A man walking his child to school was right behind him. He just walked by without saying a word.
Yesterday, I witnessed a community become one, uniting and reaching out to help some of its members that were hurting. And it wasn’t only the tight-knit eventing community or friends of the victims. It was broad and wide: dressage riders, show jumpers, photographers, organizations, companies, the media. The entire horse community was in grief and coming together to support people that they might not even know. It was overwhelmingly touching to witness.
Thank you. I’ve never been more proud to be part of the horse community. Decidedly, I’m in the right place.
OK, onto what WE can do to help:
- Download a training video - One thing that hasn’t been mentioned yet, is purchasing Boyd and Silva’s Training Videos, which we have been reviewing every week on Horse Junkies United. As they are self-produced, purchasing them directly helps Boyd and Silva. They are not expensive, so it is a great option. Available here
- Buy a saddle pad – Ecogold is donating 50% of the proceeds of the sale of Saddle Pads to Boyd and Silva: Available from this special link.
- Buy a DVD – Doug Payne is donating 50% of his and Jimmy Wofford’s DVD, The Rider’s Eye. Available from Doug Payne’s website.
- Buy a book - Denny Emerson is donating 50% of his book How Good Riders Get Good. Available on the USEA Webstore or Amazon.com.
- Buy a bridle – Our sponsor Five Star Tack is donating 10% of their sales from the month of June: Available here
- Send gift cards – Another idea, is to send gift cards from Pennsylvania stores to Lillian, Caitlin and Ryan, who have lost their belongings in the fire.
I’m sure there will be other ways, but that’s what we know for now. Thank you to everyone who has contributed in some way.
Or simply Donate! If you want to donate any amount, you can do so by clicking on the PayPal button below. This relief fund is a general fund set up by True Prospect Farm to help everyone at Windurra LLC and True Prospect Farm, as well as Boyd’s owners and riders who have been impacted by this tragedy.
Horse people are unlike others in their sense of community and family. The level or cost of the horse doesn’t matter because the loss and concern for those who loved them is all that matters. Members of the family have been lost and like in all families it is felt by all.