Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
On Sunday and Monday, high winds swept across California, igniting wildfires in several large communities including Santa Rosa (north of San Fransisco) and Anaheim Hills (Los Angeles). Two large fires also struck Bakersfield, both within an hour of each other. The first began in the south of town, burning several homes, but more tragically, approximately 20 horses were also killed. The second fire occurred along the river in Oildale. At least 5 horses were killed in that blaze. Thanks to the quick thinking of several firefighters, many horses were let loose, ultimately saving their lives. The fire in Oildale decimated an entire boarding facility, including the owners' home. A call has gone out to help this family get back on its feet. If you would like to help, here is how you can do that. For the victims of the Jackson Fire Several friends have asked if my own equine family is safe, so I wanted to assure you that yes, we are fine. This is a terrible tragedy, and every horse owner in town has hugged their own ponies, thankful that they are safe. A barn fire is an owner's worst nightmare.
Debra Self
10/11/2017 07:23:04 am
Thank you so much for posting this. We are trying really hard to help her survive and rebuild. I have a truck load of stuff as we speak to take to here. People are donating from redondo beach to Sacramento driving items down here. We are trying to coordinate a bike run to purchase a mobile home for the property. My concern now is hay. We need hay. There are horses all over this town that are not home. Rebuilding takes a while but these horses have to be fed now. These people paid their board and need to feed their animals. Iwe are making calls hoping for some donations for hay or to come up with enough money to purchase some. Hopefully we can soon. The people who have come together have been wonderful. This town amazes me. Thank you so much for this and to all the people who are taking time to help with whatever they can. Like I said. NOTHING IS TOO SMALL 10/11/2017 07:30:45 am
Several people have asked where they can send a check. Can you supply a mailing address? You can email it to me or post it here. 10/11/2017 08:30:14 am
Donations may be mailed or dropped off at 531 Willow Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93308. Attention: Jackson Stables Fire
Debra Self
10/11/2017 12:52:51 pm
531 willow dr. Bakersfield ca 93308 is where all donations and gift cards are being sent to. Attention Melinda
Debra Self
10/11/2017 07:31:49 am
Also there is one horse that is at bvh from the cottonwood fire. Owners are not asking for help to rebuild but if anyone would be so kind to put some funds on that medical bill would be great. The account is under Martha or Manuel carillo and Dr Gonzalez is the dr treating his poor burned horse. As of now the vet bill is about $800 and they don’t have the funds to pay it. They lost 23 horses then more had to be put down. This is the only horse they were able to save I’m told. I know they can use the help paying this vet bill. I have spent time on the Oildale Fire however this one deserves attention too. And it’s a simple vet bill. I’m asking anyone who reads this to please find it in their hearts to call Bakersfield Vetrinary Hospital am use their credit card and put even just $10 on this burned horse. I’ve seen $10 can go a long way. Especially when we all ban together. Thank you 10/11/2017 08:28:48 am
Bakersfield Vet Hospital can be reached at (661) 832-1150. I know I will be there on Thursday for an appointment, so I will definitely be asking about contributing to that bill.
Debra deckard
10/16/2017 04:10:46 pm
I was wrong when I said only one survives. I do apologize for this error it was information I had been misgivings in the beginning. There are more that are being taken care of as of now 10/21/2017 06:48:29 am
Thank you, Lauren. Even with all of this happening. California is still a great place to have horses. Don't let anyone scare you away. :0) Comments are closed.
|
About the Writer and RiderI am a lifelong rider.
I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010. Welcome to my dressage journey. About Speedy GSpeedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. After helping me earn a USDF Bronze medal in the summer of 2020, he is now semi-retired. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.
About IzzyIzzy was started as a four-year old and then spent the next 18 months in pasture growing up. I bought him as a six-year old, and together, we are showing at the lower levels. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
National Rider AwardsState Rider Awards
State Horse Awards
Working Towards:
CDS Sapphire Rider Award Third Level: 63.514% Third Level: 62.105% Fourth Level: Fourth Level: 2023 Show Season
Show Rating (***) CDS/USDF/USEF (*) CDS (s) Schooling (c) Clinic (r) Ride-a-Test Clinic 2023 Show Schedule
TBD 2023 Completed … Pending 2023 Qualifying Scores
Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC) Qualifying Training Level 3 Scores/2 Judges/60%: Score 1: Score 2: Score 3: Archives
|