Throughout the year, I always check in at The Trail of Painted Ponies to see the new designs. This year I happened to see the APHA Theme Contest entries, and I fell in love with so many of the designs. I am so thankful that they are just designs and not real figures. Check out the talented submissions: http://www.trailofpaintedponies.com/

While I was there I noticed that they have teamed up with Barbara Eden to show support for the fight against Breast Cancer. The 2011 Celebrity Figure – Dreamcatcher is striking. So I did something I don’t usually do, I filled out the forms and sent it in. The application said they would be announcing their picks in June, that was a few months off, so when I heard from them within a week, I didn’t know what to say.  I received an email from Karlynn Keyes, President of the Trail of Painted Ponies Inc and a Minnesota gal.

I was overwhelmed. Then I read what they wanted from me: A picture. This is something I don’t do very well, I am always the one behind the camera, not in front of it.  But that wasn’t my biggest stumbling block, they wanted a picture with one of my horses.  Of course this brought me to tears because my beloved mare passed away last fall. I didn’t know what to do.  Well, there was no question who was going to take the spot, our last original horse (she was our extra horse that went along for the ride and I could put anyone on her and they would toddle off for the day together) Polka Doty. She is not the prettiest girl in pack, but she is one of my most trust worthy horses I have ever had.  She is 28 and still hanging in there. It was tough, and I was brought to tears more than once but I did it and I’m glad that I did.

Thank you Karlynn Keyes at the Trail of Painted Ponies for pushing me out of my comfort zone and getting this picture with my Appaloosa mare, Polka Doty. This I will cherish forever!

I want to personally thank Barbara Eden and The Trail of Painted Ponies company for selecting me to receive a $250 Sponsorship and other promotional gifts in support of the 3Day Walk this year. This really meant a lot to me, personally.

So thank you Trail of Painted Ponies for supporting the fight against Breast Cancer with me!