Nelson Bilyea

For those who aren't aware there was a tragic fire in the area at Nelson's barn. He lost many horses including his wonderful stud Ginnin Cowboy. My heart goes out to Nelson and also to Kathy his wife who lost her beautiful mare as well.
I sincerely hope that this wasn't a fire set by someone. Everyone is thinking it but no one wants to say anything, and I don't blame you, it's too awful to think of.

I used to work for Nelson, just mucking stalls when I was younger. Once I remember Ginnin Cowboy getting cast in his stall and being completely upside down. He thrashed around a bit then just stayed put and glared at me to go get help. I ran up to the house but no one was there so I called my father and waited for him. I was younger and was told strictly not to touch the stallions, insurance just doesn't cover that lol! Once my dad came (to spot me - he knows absolutely nothing about horses..no offence pa)I went into his stall and pulled his tail so he away from the wall enough to turn over and get up. The look on that horses face when he got up was so funny, if he had been a person he would have smacked me for taking so long to come to his rescue. This horse was a beautiful athletic horse who made for a great stud, hopefully he will live on through his foals.

Nelson and his family are great people and I just wanted to say that there is a silent auction, and dinner/dance coming up (I'll get the facts posted of when and where when I know) and if you'd like to support him and get him back on his way this would be a great way to do it.

Our pony club is doing great and I will be organizing a fire safety meeting for sometime next month, parents are welcome as well as friends and neighbours, as you are welcome to any other meeting. The fire safety meeting will help us to learn how to prevent fires, and to learn how easily they can be started. I'm currently in the process of getting a guest speaker from the fire station.

The unimaginable can happen, and I am deeply sorry that it happened to such great people and great horses.

This is April??

April means spring, warmth and sunshine.... It doesn't mean locking the old horse inside because she's shivering! Poor Dolly has shed out most of her winter coat already, which isn't a whole lot since she is a thoroughbred.
It's not too bad though she at least is keeping Zeus company while he's on stall rest for a few weeks.

Hopefully this cold weather doesn't last a few weeks though! I want summer now!!

Anyone want to move to Georgia with me?