Refuge Farms (www.refugefarms.org)

They say that pictures say a thousand words. It was a magical evening and these pictures will show you the magic. Here is the Annual Fall Gala & Auction in pictures.

Many, many thinks to Angie Vaidich of Afton Woods Photography for sharing her talents with a camera. An excellent job, Angie! Hugs to you from Lanna!















































WHY WE DO IT ALL


















THANKS, DOC!



THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!



Enjoy the journey of each and every day,
Sandy and A Grateful Herd

I published a blog last week recalling the success of The Gala. However I'm hearing from people that it is not being seen. It's an add-on to the November 15th blog so it seems to be getting buried. So, to make sure it is seen, here it is again.

P.S. Have a gloriously wonderful Thanksgiving! We all have blessings in our lives. Some are just harder to see, that's all.

Now . . . . settle back and come with me . . . .

It is Friday, November 6th at 4PM. We walk into the University of Minnesota Equine Center to find a horse arena. Simple as that. No tables, no candles, no linens, no food, no horses, no auctions. Just the arena in all its glory.

In a blink it is Saturday, November 7th at 4PM. We walk into the University of Minnesota Equine Center Arena to find tables draped in linens, candles twinkling, crystal water glasses at the tables, a bar serving light wines, tables loaded with silent and live auction goods, music playing, and horses. Yup, right there in the middle of the gala festivities there were horses.

It was sheer brute strength and determination that created that transformation. People from all walks of life and from all geographic areas came together and worked hard. Very hard. But with smiles and good humor. Willing to pick up and move something when asked. Willing to setup and test something when asked. Willing to adjust when I changed my mind. What a crew!

The Annual Fall Gala & Auction was a huge success. Our attendance exceeded my expectations. New friends were met and I was able to put faces with names. Friends that I have worked with over the telephone to save lives were now in the flesh in front of me. Finally. And familiar friends came complete with their warm hugs. It was an evening of memories and hopes. Introductions and rekindlings. The arena was filled with an aire of excitement.

Dave K., our Specialized Farrier, was my companion during The Presentation of The Horses. Miss April was Dave's first escort and she showed us all her new found abilities to buck and kick! What a treat and a thrill to see her so able to move! The next pair were little Unit and huge Handsome. Even the big Handsome trotted a bit to show off his jiggling form! And finally, Lanna and Laddee, The Little Belgian Mare were added to the corral. Five of our best stood for all to pet and marvel at in their condition and their shine. The shine, of course, a result of many hands beginning at 9AM that morning brushing, brushing, and then doing a bit more brushing!

Dinner was wonderful. A good meal with excellent service. The music was a great addition to the ambiance. And the chatter at the tables was robust. The Refuge Farms Volunteers spread themselves around the tables and so insured that questions could be answered and, of course, a few stories could be told.

It was time for me to thank everyone and again, I just had to thank The Volunteers for another year of hard and diligent work. While standing, it was once again told to them that without them, there is no Refuge Farms. Bravo, Volunteers! Bravo for a great year and a remarkable event!

The story of Andy Durco, Jr. and Frances Andrew seemed appropriate. It is just now a decade since THE FARM entertained its first guest. A decade of saving lives and 'specializing' in the diers. A decade of thrills and rescues and hard work and tears. I talked of "Pivot Points" and how these two creatures had literally turned the tide of Refuge Farms. First Andy created it and then Frannie turned it.

It was then that I decided to disclose one that I believe is another Pivot Point of Refuge Farms. Laddee, The Little Belgian Mare. She has a story. A huge and remarkable story that is still unfolding. And I know this horse is a Pivot Point in our history. I know it like I know my name.

The story of Laddee was closed with a video created by Gary S. showing her life since literally dropping out of the skies. The video is set to music and tells us of her journey while with us. I could not look at any of you. I stood partially hidden so I could be free to absorb myself in the music and her story. At times, it was difficult to stand. She is one powerful, magnificent story. A Pivot Point living among us right now.

Dr. Don Hoglund, DVM was given the floor for his story of the White Sands Missile Range Rescue and to give us his insight on how the free-roaming unwanted horse issue is, in fact, creating the domesticated unwanted horse issue. In the days leading up to The Gala, I found Doc to be a remarkable man. Did you know, for instance, that Refuge Farms is the first horse rescue that he has agreed to join for the purposes of fundraising? What an honor we have been given! And did you know that he was in a car accident en route to a radio interview on the Thursday prior to The Gala? An accident that totalled both vehicles and placed the other driver in the hospital?

Yet, not one word about swollen knuckles, scraped and bruised knees, sore backs, aching necks, or feeling "kind of like being just bucked off a horse!" What a strong man. There was a mission to complete and Doc threw his mind to it and completed it. What a remarkable man.

The auctions brought many surprises. Several unique and meaningful pieces of artwork. In fact, I just heard yesterday that one of the photos of The Herd is hanging in Dr. Brian's office! It was a close to a grand evening.

Many thanks to our Emcee, Beth Kidd of WLTE radio. Many thanks to Jeff Hines of Hines Auction Services. Many thanks to Jayne B. for her musical accompaniment. Many thanks to Angie V. of Afton Woods Photography for recording the entire evening with her magical camera. And huge and grateful thanks to Doc Hoglund for his presence and his support.

But I must rethank the volunteers who worked the event. Some of these volunteers, did you know, have never been to THE FARM! Your work to set up the event and then your camaraderie and hard work to tear it all down at 10PM Saturday night. Like I said, what a crew!

The Gala Committee worked for almost a full year on this single evening:

Colleen B. worked tirelessly prior to the event to generate everything from ads to posters to invitations to programs to inserts to bookmarks. She just kept on creating! With each new idea, she smiled and started the process again. It was the smile part that I came to depend upon.

Tracy O. worked to secure Doc for us. That, my friends, was no small feat. Tracy also sent PSA's (Public Service Announcements) to scores of televisions, newspapers, and radio stations. Always looking for angles to increase the publicity.

Heather P. worked hours and hours to secure donations. She worked diligently to fill in the "gaps" as they arose and did a huge amount of behind-the-scenes work to pull it all together. And Heather did this all with a smile and her "can do" attitude.

Rose R. traveled for hours to cities like Red Wing and Hastings to secure donations. Dozens of donation forms and contacts were created in support of this event. And then, as she has in previous years, Rose "owned" the auctions and made sure the baskets were well presented and arranged so all could clearly see.

Kim S. worked to create the road signs that were strategically placed to show the way to The Gala doors.

And Julie G. was the Committee Chairperson who spent days and days on the details. Do not underestimate the amount of detail and the lists upon lists that must be made to convert a horse arena to a gala site. You can only imagine, believe me! But Julie never once said, "No more!" Nope. Instead, she just started another list and found more time in her already packed schedule.

Well done, Committee! Well done, Volunteers! It was a grand evening. I am humbled and proud to be associated with the likes of you!

Enjoy the journey of each and every day,
Sandy and The Herd

I have much to tell you about The Annual Fall Gala! Much to share! It was, in my opinion, a smashing success! Wait until you hear about the transformation of a horse arena to a banquet hall! Wait until you hear about the horses!

But yes, you must wait. A bit, not too long. I am returning to the University of Minnesota Equine Center early this morning for a very important date. Laddee, The Little Belgian Mare is due to be released at 9:30AM. And I must be there to receive her. Gladly. And finally.

So I will speak to you about The Gala when I return and Laddee is safely back in the pasture with her companions. Oh, wait until you hear about the food . . . . !

Now . . . . settle back and come with me . . . .

It is Friday, November 6th at 4PM. We walk into the University of Minnesota Equine Center to find a horse arena. Simple as that. No tables, no candles, no linens, no food, no horses, no auctions. Just the arena in all its glory.

In a blink it is Saturday, November 7th at 4PM. We walk into the University of Minnesota Equine Center Arena to find tables draped in linens, candles twinkling, crystal water glasses at the tables, a bar serving light wines, tables loaded with silent and live auction goods, music playing, and horses. Yup, right there in the middle of the gala festivities there were horses.

It was sheer brute strength and determination that created that transformation. People from all walks of life and from all geographic areas came together and worked hard. Very hard. But with smiles and good humor. Willing to pick up and move something when asked. Willing to setup and test something when asked. Willing to adjust when I changed my mind. What a crew!

The Annual Fall Gala & Auction was a huge success. Our attendance exceeded my expectations. New friends were met and I was able to put faces with names. Friends that I have worked with over the telephone to save lives were now in the flesh in front of me. Finally. And familiar friends came complete with their warm hugs. It was an evening of memories and hopes. Introductions and rekindlings. The arena was filled with an aire of excitement.

Dave K., our Specialized Farrier, was my companion during The Presentation of The Horses. Miss April was Dave's first escort and she showed us all her new found abilities to buck and kick! What a treat and a thrill to see her so able to move! The next pair were little Unit and huge Handsome. Even the big Handsome trotted a bit to show off his jiggling form! And finally, Lanna and Laddee, The Little Belgian Mare were added to the corral. Five of our best stood for all to pet and marvel at in their condition and their shine. The shine, of course, a result of many hands beginning at 9AM that morning brushing, brushing, and then doing a bit more brushing!

Dinner was wonderful. A good meal with excellent service. The music was a great addition to the ambiance. And the chatter at the tables was robust. The Refuge Farms Volunteers spread themselves around the tables and so insured that questions could be answered and, of course, a few stories could be told.

It was time for me to thank everyone and again, I just had to thank The Volunteers for another year of hard and diligent work. While standing, it was once again told to them that without them, there is no Refuge Farms. Bravo, Volunteers! Bravo for a great year and a remarkable event!

The story of Andy Durco, Jr. and Frances Andrew seemed appropriate. It is just now a decade since THE FARM entertained its first guest. A decade of saving lives and 'specializing' in the diers. A decade of thrills and rescues and hard work and tears. I talked of "Pivot Points" and how these two creatures had literally turned the tide of Refuge Farms. First Andy created it and then Frannie turned it.

It was then that I decided to disclose one that I believe is another Pivot Point of Refuge Farms. Laddee, The Little Belgian Mare. She has a story. A huge and remarkable story that is still unfolding. And I know this horse is a Pivot Point in our history. I know it like I know my name.

The story of Laddee was closed with a video created by Gary S. showing her life since literally dropping out of the skies. The video is set to music and tells us of her journey while with us. I could not look at any of you. I stood partially hidden so I could be free to absorb myself in the music and her story. At times, it was difficult to stand. She is one powerful, magnificent story. A Pivot Point living among us right now.

Dr. Don Hoglund, DVM was given the floor for his story of the White Sands Missile Range Rescue and to give us his insight on how the free-roaming unwanted horse issue is, in fact, creating the domesticated unwanted horse issue. In the days leading up to The Gala, I found Doc to be a remarkable man. Did you know, for instance, that Refuge Farms is the first horse rescue that he has agreed to join for the purposes of fundraising? What an honor we have been given! And did you know that he was in a car accident en route to a radio interview on the Thursday prior to The Gala? An accident that totalled both vehicles and placed the other driver in the hospital?

Yet, not one word about swollen knuckles, scraped and bruised knees, sore backs, aching necks, or feeling "kind of like being just bucked off a horse!" What a strong man. There was a mission to complete and Doc threw his mind to it and completed it. What a remarkable man.

The auctions brought many surprises. Several unique and meaningful pieces of artwork. In fact, I just heard yesterday that one of the photos of The Herd is hanging in Dr. Brian's office! It was a close to a grand evening.

Many thanks to our Emcee, Beth Kidd of WLTE radio. Many thanks to Jeff Hines of Hines Auction Services. Many thanks to Jayne B. for her musical accompaniment. Many thanks to Angie V. of Afton Woods Photography for recording the entire evening with her magical camera. And huge and grateful thanks to Doc Hoglund for his presence and his support.

But I must rethank the volunteers who worked the event. Some of these volunteers, did you know, have never been to THE FARM! Your work to set up the event and then your camaraderie and hard work to tear it all down at 10PM Saturday night. Like I said, what a crew!

The Gala Committee worked for almost a full year on this single evening:

Colleen B. worked tirelessly prior to the event to generate everything from ads to posters to invitations to programs to inserts to bookmarks. She just kept on creating! With each new idea, she smiled and started the process again. It was the smile part that I came to depend upon.

Tracy O. worked to secure Doc for us. That, my friends, was no small feat. Tracy also sent PSA's (Public Service Announcements) to scores of televisions, newspapers, and radio stations. Always looking for angles to increase the publicity.

Heather P. worked hours and hours to secure donations. She worked diligently to fill in the "gaps" as they arose and did a huge amount of behind-the-scenes work to pull it all together. And Heather did this all with a smile and her "can do" attitude.

Rose R. traveled for hours to cities like Red Wing and Hastings to secure donations. Dozens of donation forms and contacts were created in support of this event. And then, as she has in previous years, Rose "owned" the auctions and made sure the baskets were well presented and arranged so all could clearly see.

Kim S. worked to create the road signs that were strategically placed to show the way to The Gala doors.

And Julie G. was the Committee Chairperson who spent days and days on the details. Do not underestimate the amount of detail and the lists upon lists that must be made to convert a horse arena to a gala site. You can only imagine, believe me! But Julie never once said, "No more!" Nope. Instead, she just started another list and found more time in her already packed schedule.

Well done, Committee! Well done, Volunteers! It was a grand evening. I am humbled and proud to be associated with the likes of you!

Enjoy the journey of each and every day,
Sandy and The Herd

This is the week. The week of the Refuge Farms Annual Fall Gala & Auction. The week that we have been working toward for over ten months. The week where we will finally come upon the time to sit back and relax. Enjoy the fruits of our labors. To do our best to show those who attend just what we do. And perhaps more importantly, to show them why we do what we do.

In the time it takes to create the programs and the auction booklets and assemble the piles and piles and piles of boxes to haul to the Gala sight, I can't help thinking of Andy. He is right there with every move and every step. I wonder what he would say to guide me? What would be his advice? Would he approve of what we have become? Did he, in his wisdom, know what he was beginning with his simple challenge?

There is much to be done to be ready for this Gala Event. And yesterday was one of those critical path days. The horses are nosing for grass and so, in that nosing, they meander to the back fence line. Now this fence line is intact and it is sturdy, but the other side of the fence line is not maintained by the neighbor. To say that burdocks live there is like saying the rain is wet. Hah! Burdocks the size of trees live there! The stalks are fatter than I can put my hand around! And they are seeding the back fence line with a vengeance. If you put those two factors together you can guess what we have here - manes and tails snarled and entangled with burdocks. Oh, what a mess they are!

In need of help, I posted a bulletin board message saying that Saturday we would work to prepare the horses for Doc and The Gala. Would anyone share in the menial but necessary task of untangling and de-burr'ing those manes and tails?

I need not have worried. The barns were full and the laughter was abundant. Pam was here and even though her heart wanted to work on Laddee, I asked her to focus on Unit who had just been de-burr'ed last Saturday but had managed, in her joy, to find even more burr's to entangle her little mane and tail. So Pam meandered over to Unit and with every glance their way, I saw Unit either nibbling on Pam's jacket zipper or dozing in her arms. They have a way about them . . .

Julie came to work in the barns and, given the condition of Unit, I asked Julie to take on Unit's tail. Now, we had a horse in heaven. Her mane being brushed and her tail being brushed. Little Unit soon dropped her head as she just gave in to the pure pleasure of all that loving touch.

Through the door came three women I didn't recognize but I soon came to appreciate and treasure. Sandie and her daughter, Dani, and her friend, Vicky. All three women were horse women and so the introductions of these new guests to the horses focused on ages and height and conditions. Dani loves the big ones and so she went - in a straight line! - over to Handsome. Now prior to Dani arriving, Handsome had been pawing at the ground in his jealousy and impatience. But once Dani laid a hand on him, he calmed and I soon saw him resting in total and utter contentment. He's a wonderful horse, Dani said. A wonderful horse.

Sandie spent her entire time working on April's tail. This tail that is thick and soft and black and long gathers burr's like a magnet. Oh, April has a way of getting burr's embedded - almost cemented - in her tail! But Sandie persisted and even found a way to untangle the twisted masses that most people would have simply cut off. But not Sandie! She was determined and was successful. April's tail was restored to its beautiful flowing state while April realized the progress and stood as tall as she could. This was one fine looking horse, Sandie said. Fine looking horse.

Vicky started on April's mane and soon had that under control. Then Vicky saw Miss Bette standing against the wall. Miss Bette was not feeling involved or wanted but Vicky soon took care of that. Miss Bette was brushed and her little sparse mane de-burr'd. Even her little wisp of a tail was brushed out. Her jaw had stopped its trembling and the mare relaxed. When the human hands were done grooming her, Miss Bette stood proud and once again felt grateful for the care of humans who were kind to her. She was a proud and sturdy horse, someone said. A proud and sturdy horse.

Bridget worked with Blaise and soon turned this muddy unattended little mare into a soft bundle of clean hair and fur. Blaise licked her lips in contentment. The care Bridget had in those hands was evident. This was Bridget's first time here but I could see that this woman had a heart bigger than most. Blaise knew it almost with the first touch. The nervous little mare moved toward her caregiver and stood in total trust. I watched and smiled inwardly. Andy would be pleased that his little mare was so loved and cared for . . .

We had braided all the manes and wrapped all the tails and so I took the opportunity to put Laddee, the Little Belgian Mare into the shoeing bed to groom her. Julie and Bridget brushed her coat and put the piles of old, dead hair in the trash. A sure sign that Laddee was getting good food now, her body felt confident enough to push out the old hair and actually grow some new hair. Pam worked on her mane. Julie moved to her tail. Bridget? Well, Bridget hung from a strap and worked on Laddee's legs to rid them of burr's and some of the caked mud from the pastures.

I stood and just watched this. This little mare who three months ago would have been slashing out with her front feet! This little mare who would have been flinging her head like an elephant truck! This little mare who would cause herself injury just to keep those nasty, pain-riddled humans away from her! This little mare stood quietly and calmly. Soaking in all of the human touch. Only moving her head over to me once in a while to smell me and check where I was. She knows she is safe. She loves to be touched now. And I couldn't help but hug her and tell her how much I loved her.

Then, as we were wrapping up, Sandie and Vicky and Dani all attacked the mess that was the mane and tail of Ole' Man Cole. And I mean attacked! Cole was a bit nervous because his Miss Bette had vacated the barn, but these three experienced women worked with him and moved with him and soon, Cole was brushed and burr-free. That, people, was no small task!!!

About this time, two carloads of families arrived. Families with young daughters and friends of their daughters. I looked up to see Butchie. Once again, these horses had brought my past back into my life and I felt my heart swell.

Last Memorial Day during our public hours, I had been surprised when a man stood in the driveway. It had turned out to be a young boy I had grown up with when my Mom and my Dad and my Sister and I had all lived out in the country. When I asked Butchie how long it had been since we had seen each other, he knew. He had "figured it out on the drive out here," he said. "It's been forty-one years, Sandy."

So yesterday, once again, Butchie appeared in my life and my heart was full of memories of Gothenburg Road and Homecroft School and my family. It is good to talk with someone who knew your family. Who recognized your Dad in pictures. Who could tell you funny stories of your Mom. And who had once had a boyhood crush on your Sister. It felt good to hug Butchie.

We all wandered down the driveway to look at The Babies - Jeri-Ann and Spirit and Babee Joy. I saw the awe in the eyes of the horse women. I saw the instant love in the eyes of the young girls. And I saw the appreciation in the eyes of Butchie. He knew these horses had come from bad situations and he knew that now they were safe.

Jeri-Ann approached us, as she always does to these little toys she calls humans, and we all shrieked at her collection of burr's. "Another day!" we screamed. "Another day!" Babee Joy was cautious, as she always is, but gave us opportunities to view her body. Those hips and that neck. "Look at the size of that neck!" Sandie said repeatedly. We talked of riding and how your legs would stick straight out. I caught Dani's eye and saw the idea springing into her head. Another day, Dani. Another day . . .

I hugged Sandie and Dani and Vicky so long. Total strangers two hours ago but friends and comrades now. Andy, did you know what you were doing? Andy, is this what you had planned? "See you at The Gala!" they said as they walked to their car.

The two families and I headed back to the big barn and attacked the floors. The two men hauled wheelbarrows up to the manure pile and all of "us girls" chatted and giggled and worked like troopers. Bridget attacked the edges of the floors and the Moms made piles for the girls. The girls, not used to barn work, focused on getting the piles into the wheelbarrow and not on the floor or on each other. It was fun to watch their balance and dexterity develop with each load of the wheelbarrow.

In less than thirty minutes the barn was cleaned! Ready for Doc! I was elated - both the horses and the barns were ready for our special guest this week. What a gift these strangers had given me. They had given of their time and their labor. Given to me and the horses. All because they felt a kinship with what it is that we are trying to do here at Refuge Farms.

After all had departed, I meandered out into the pasture. I touched each horse that was now clean and with braided mane and wrapped tail. I marveled at their beauty. I hugged little Laddee and once again marveled at her willingness to now let a human close to her and touch her. In fact, when I left her she followed me. What a remarkable creation she is.

I hooked and fed the evening meal and came into the house to find him. In a flash of a second I had found him. His letters and his cards and a few pictures he had given me. Standing next to Slim. Standing next to his newly constructed metal fence. Sitting in his new John Deere tractor with the head of Patches, the cat, peeping out of his coveralls. I soon found my Andy in these papers.

And once again, I wondered.... What he would say to guide me? What would be his advice? Would he approve of what we have become? Did he, in his wisdom, know what he was beginning with his simple challenge?

Andy Durco, Jr. was a man of character. And in this week of The Gala, I find him with me more than usual. Stay close, Andy! Guide me and push me in the direction that is the Master Plan. Stay close, Andy, as we get into this winter without options for those horses that are not wanted anymore. Stay close, Andy, as we attempt to show people why we do what we do. And as we explain what it is that we do.

You left me with big Missions and big tasks in front of me, Andy. But yes, I hear you. You really haven't left me at all, have you. You are there. In the heart of each of them. Each one of them that lives their miseries in order to find their way to these barns. I only pray that I am worthy of your trust. That I am up to the task. Stay close, Andy. It is the week of The Gala. And I need to know, did you see this coming, my dear Andy?

Enjoy the journey of each and every day,
Sandy and The Herd in The Spirit of Andy