3rd Annual Saddlebag Stampede

In my last blog post I mentioned our 3rd Annual Saddlebag Stampede, a benefit walk we began in 2013.  Starting the year off by doing something physical, like going for a long walk, and at the same time raising money for a worthy equine rescue group.  This year our walk benefited Pegasus Project www.PegasusRescue.org

Today a group of us Saddlebags went out to visit Pegasus and present them an official check for the money we raised.

 The "big check" shows $4,738 however as more money came in our grand total raised from the 3rd Annual Saddlebag Stampede was $4,818!!  Great work from a great bunch of women.  Jeanne's husband Sam Case (holding the right side of the big check) was our "BIG" sponsor with his $3,000 donation.

 It was a bright sunny morning, but the wind was blowing and the temperature was still in the forties so we were all bundled up with warm layers as we followed Allyson around the farm.

Jackie had her 2-yr.-old granddaughter with her and she was fascinated by the ponies.

 Pegasus does a superb job of caring for all the horses that pass though their place on the road to rehabilitation, restored good health, and adoption.

They are establishing a "Horse Cemetery" for those horses that for one reason or another pass away. 

Participating in the 14 mile walk this year was: Mary Ann, Lanette, Gill, Jeanne, Mercedes, Tammy (Mercedes friend), Jennifer, Jackie, Lisa, Deb, Erma, Evie, and Pam.   Kudos to all those adventuresome, fearless, and tough Saddlebags who walked a lot further than they thought they could!

Today following our visit to Pegasus, we naturally went into Ben Wheeler to The Forge Restaurant for a scrumptious lunch.  I enjoyed the good conversation and good friends along with the good food! 

 As you can see, Mary Ann's fiancé, Tony, made it back here last night from Florida.  Ahhhh, the happy couple!

 I am so lucky to be a part of this group of wonderful women.

AND, wasn't this morning's sunrise spectacular!  I went out behind our house and looked across the hay meadow for this awesome view.  What is that saying?  "Red sky in morning, sailors take warning"!  "Red sky at night, sailors delight".