Ten years ago today, September 26, 1997, we woke up to an empty pasture. Idaho had been stolen. Little did we know then how much that would truly change our lives. Today I am reminded once again that miracles do happen as I sit here watching her graze in the pasture. She is our beacon of hope.

My birthday is the 28th and I have a request. For my birthday I want nothing more than another secure year for SHI so that we can continue our educational programs and services for victims. My family started this a few years ago as a surprise so some of you know what is coming. Could each NetPosse member make a small donation to SHI. In the past we have asked for just one dollar. This year due to growth and increased expenses I am asking for whatever you can send to go toward the education funds.

I would like to say "thank you" to all who have participated in one of our affiliate programs or who have donated money or a product for our upcoming eBay auction. This month Country Supply will send a little over $60.

Sadly, sales that fund almost everything SHI does are down this month. Donations have almost screeched to a halt since Hurricane Katrina. I am sitting here this morning looking over the events for SHI in the months to come and wondering how I can keep doing this on so little funding.

Maybe if I explain some of SHI's expenses in dollars you may understand why these funds are so greatly needed. All of these events are wonderful for educational purposes and networking. For each event I attend I turn down 4-5 requests.

For each event I attend, there are travel expenses to be met. I know most of you think that the event pays for this but unless you are one of the big clinicians there is usually little money paid to smaller presenters. I try not to attend any event that does not provide a booth in exchange for my speaking fee but sometimes it is necessary. I hope the following estimate expenses will help you understand why I am asking for your help. Please keep in mind that Harold and I are not paid one cent for our time or wear and tear on our personal vehicles.

If you know anyone who would like to sponsor SHI to one of these events in exchange for advertisement we would love to hear about them.

Oct. 27-29, 2006 ~ Across America by Horseback Fall Trail ride at Graves Mountain (Virginia) ~ The organizers of this event will be paying for the lodging for myself, Harold and two horses. I will be doing seminars and if I am lucky, I may even see the back of a saddle, which is a rare event. There will be a silent auction with proceeds to go to SHI. SHI will cover gas and food for the event which is estimated at 800 miles of travel. SHI will also provide 3 days of meals for us and the horses. We should be able to do the gas for $480 (big truck and pulling trailer) plus meals.

Nov. 17-19, 2006 ~ Florida Equestrian Celebration (Jacksonville, FL) ~ A booth is provided which saves SHI $800. Travel expenses include gas ($432), food ($250) and lodging ($400). If I have help from another volunteer then food and lodging increase. During my speaking sessions, it is important to have a knowledgeable volunteer manning the booth.

Jan. 27-28, 2007 ~ 2007 Alabama Horse Fair (Montgomery, AL) ~ This event is under consideration depending on time factors and expenses, but SHI will need to pick up travel expenses including gas, food and lodging. Angela Kirby lives in the area so she would volunteer at no extra expense.

Feb. 1-4, 2007 ~ The Equine Affaire in Pomona (California) ~ Again, a booth is provided which saves SHI over a $1000. There will be airfare for two involved as we will be traveling from NC-CA. I am trying to find the cheapest airfare possible. A car rental will be necessary plus food and lodging.

Feb. 8, 2007 ~ The Horse Industry Leadership Council Meeting for HorseTV ~ I have been chosen by HorseTV as one of their Horse Industry Leaders and will be attending their meeting in February. I have to pay the airfare, which will be combined with the Pomona event to eliminate two flights west. Once there they pick up lodging and food.

TRADE SHOW DISPLAY ~ SHI is in great need of a new trade show booth display. The one I have is a table top and although it is easy to carry it will now cost me more to fly with the booth. The booth weighs more than the weight limit so each time it goes on a plane I have to pay extra of $50 or more a trip. Once I pack some of the booth necessities inside the shipping container it may cost even more.

I would love to have a booth that is in three sections and weighs less than 50 lbs. You pull the pre-printed screens up and hook them on a banner stands and you are set up to go. We need this so badly. The estimated cost is around $1,500-3,000 depending on the setup and quality. If you know anyone who can give us a discount rate I would love to hear from them. I have had no luck getting one myself so far.

Now you can see why I loose sleep at night. These are just travel expenses and do not include general office and operating expenses.

So, for my birthday, if you feel what I give is worth something, please send a donation to the Education Fund at

Education Fund
Stolen Horse International, Inc.
PO Box 1341
Shelby, NC 28150