Emma & I would like to thank (in order of appearance – kind of – beginning May 1st 2002):
Dr. Chris Ernst, Benker & Janssen Veterinary Clinics – for pulling her into the world, and trying to keep her patched together from that point forward.
Deanne & Dave Bertram, Blue Wind Farm – who baby-sat when she was little & cute, then when she was an older red-haired spitfire.
Wanda Dodd, Windara Farms – a place to hang out and friends to play with during weaning… and soooo much more. Including introducing us to many people who would become pivotal in our lives.
Ray Hunt & Buck Brannaman – for helping me to begin to see how much I didn’t know that I didn’t know.
Poor Uncle Frank – for patiently enduring the steepest part of my learning curve.
Dr. Steve Adams, Purdue University Veterinary Teaching Hospital – for his skillfull surgery, generous advice and genuine concern.
Mom – for saying, “Well, that’s the first time I ever prayed for a horse.” (During surgery).
Katherine Rosback, Bearded Dog Farms – for welcoming us and providing “Emma’s Condo” for her extensive lay-up.
Lana Mayer, St. George Farm – for all the physical rehab & kicking my ass whenever I waver.
David Thompson – for welcoming all of my 4-legged friends to our family & our new home at Idylwilde.
Dad – for concrete block and rubber mats and tractor intimidation and… well – Everything.
Dr. Scott Thompson, Janssen Veterinary Clinic – for seeing more in me than my ill-behaved horse running loose in the parking lot… and offering me a job after we caught her.
Dr. Justin Janssen – for allowing me a year in the truck beside him before “retiring” to run cattle in Kansas.
Jim Keith, Rusty Derrer & Mike Breen, Indiana Farrier’s Association – for being stand-up guys: listening, advising, and helping me out whenever I got in a jam.
Brian Neubert – for giving us our first ride.
Ed Rothkranz, Rhineland Stud Farm – for showing me how to hit the target without aiming at it.
Buster McLaury – for reminding me that you never stop learning, so there’s no use waiting until you’ve got it perfect.
Dr. Gerd Heuschmann – for shaking the pieces into place, and giving me new hope.