Why I Love Ecogold

I know I said I was getting back to regular posting today.  And I am working on a post about Naughtie's first show.  But I just had to put this up.

You've heard me talk about Ecogold on here before.  I was lucky enough to blog for them at Rolex in April and I'm continuing to do so on their new site Horse Junkies United.  I am honored to be connected to them even very loosely through that site.

When word first came out about the fire at True Prospect Farm, my first thought (after I could form coherent thought that is) was how can I help?  But I am also a cautious person.  I didn't want to just donate money to something unless I know that it was going to help Boyd.  As much as I like to believe people are honest, I know there are some who would take advantage.  And I wasn't the only one who felt this way.  When no word had come out by the afternoon of a way to help Boyd and the others, Patricia (marketing VP for Ecogold and our commander in chief for HJU) decided to donate 6 of Ecogold's Secure XC pads, one for each horse.  100% of each of those pads would go directly to Boyd.

As soon as I saw this I jumped on it.  I wanted to help Boyd, and it didn't hurt that I'd been drooling over the Ecogold pads for a while now.  I just couldn't justify spending the money.  But spending the money to help a truly great horseman through such a difficult time, and get a great saddle pad?  That I can justify.

The 6 pads sold out in record time.  So Ecogold is continuing to donate 50% of their sales to Boyd.  Already they have almost $3000 to donate.  This is continuing through this weekend.  So go buy a pad and help Boyd.  As an Ecogold sponsored rider you know he will be getting the money.

I've said it before and I'll say it again.  I am so proud to be a part of this community.  They way we all band together to help each other is amazing and inspiring.  And to see that not only from individuals, but also from companies like Ecogold and Five Star Tack, who is donating 10% of their sales for the month of June, is just incredible.  Go buy tack, support Boyd. 

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I'm Amazed

I'm still in shock.  I have lost count of the number of times I have started crying when I think of what happened early Tuesday morning.  Yesterday Boyd posted on his blog, thanking everyone for their support.  He said, "Your support has lifted our spirits in this very dark time."  Of course reading his post brought on a new round of tears.  When I saw that he and Phillip had gone into the barn after being ordered not to by the fire chief, to drag Neville out, I couldn't help but cry.  Because anyone of us would have done the same thing for our animals.  I would not hesitate to rush into a burning building for my horses, regardless of the danger to me. 

But as Boyd said, Life goes on.  It's hard, and it still hurts but we must move on.  And so in that vein, I will be resuming with the posts I had planned for this week.  Naughtie made her showing debut this past weekend, and we kicked off the open show season at Canfield.  I'll be back later to tell you all about our trip to South Farm.

One last thing, I would just like to say how proud I am of the eventing community.  And the equine community as a whole.  The quick way everyone moved to support Boyd and everyone involved at True Prospect Farm was just inspiring and amazing.  I'm proud to say I am part of that.  As tragic as it is, I'm sure it must bring some comfort to them to know how much everyone is here for them.  Stay strong.

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Our Hearts Reach Out

Like many of us I spend a good part of my morning procrastinating by reading Eventing Nation.  Words cannot describe the heartache when I saw the news of the barn fire at True Prospect Farm.  A barn fire is one of those things I can't even think about.  To see the pictures of that barn ablaze and know that 6 horses did not make it out is just devastating.  My thoughts and prayers go out to Boyd and Silva, his team, the owners and everyone else connected with them.  4 horses are currently being treated at New Bolton; Neville Bardos, Otis Barbotiere, Catch A Star and Ambassador's Rose.  I'm sending healing thoughts their way.

While I am still grieving for the loss of those horses, I am amazed and inspired by the way the eventing community has rallied to show their support.  Within hours Denny Emerson announced he was donating 50% from the sale of his book to Boyd.  Ecogold has announced they are donating 6 pads, one in memory of each horse, 100% of the proceeds going to him.  Both Boyd and True Prospect Farm have ways to donate on their websites.  Check out Eventing Nation for more information on how to help.

In the mean time, go hug your horses.  Be grateful everyday you have with them.  Tonight, I know I for one will be fighting the urge to sleep in the barn.

**UPDATE**

The Ecogold saddle pads quickly sold out (one will be on it's way to me) but they have announced that 50% of all sales in June will be going to Boyd.  Visit their site: Boyd Martin Fund

You can purchase Denny's book through Amazon.com and like I said, he is donating 50% of the proceeds through December to Boyd.

The True Prospect Fire Recovery Fund has been set up to help everyone affected by the fire.

Boyd has set up a tax deductible donation fund through SCES.

Doug Payne is donating half of the proceeds from his Rider's Eye DVD.  The DVD can be purchased through his online store.

Five Star Tack is donating 10% of all sales in the month of June to the True Prospect Farm Fire Recovery Fund.

As for the horses being treated at New Bolton, Ambassador's Rose has been released.  Both Catch a Star and Otis Barbotiere are still there, but they are comfortable and doing well.  They have changed Neville's medication and he is much more comfortable.  Minataure Du Passoir, the fifth horse rescued from the barn, has been transported to New Bolton for observation but he is doing well.  In good news.  Remington was turned out for the night and so he was safely away from the fire.

To Boyd, Silva, Caitlin, Lillian, Ryan, Faye Woolf, Abbie Golden, Bonnie Stedt, Anne Hennessey, the Juvonen's and everyone at True Prospect Farm-We are here for you.  I can't even imagaine what you must be going through, but I hope it helps just a little to know how much you are all loved and supported by not only me, but the entire eventing community.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.

In Loving Memory

Call Me Ollie ~ Charla ~ Ariel ~ Phantom Pursuit ~ Cagney Herself ~ Summer Breeze

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