The sky is grey, but things look brighter

Yesterday Russell went from bad to worse before we got the pain under some control by evening choretime. This morning he was acting SO much more comfortable, moving slowly but steadily around his stall instead of careening and crashing against walls. I am so thankful for answered prayers, mine and those from so many of you and others.

Russell in his corner yesterday morning.

Russell at his feeder this morning.

Rick reminded me that years ago one of his patients had a similar injury. After months of stall rest, Lean With Me went on to win multiple championships. Here's his story:

Known as one of the most natural and truly blessed Reining Horses within the Quarter Horse breed, Lean With Me is a champion of champions. Shortly after being titled the 1993 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Reserve Champion, Lean With Me suffered a near fatal injury of a fractured pelvis that almost ended his career. With God's blessings, a great trainer (Bob Avila), and the love and prayers of his owners and admirers, Lean With Me beat all the odds and went from being a cripple to a champion making his mark in the AQHA industry. In 1994 he returned to the show ring, competing in the Bruce Gilcrest Memorial Futurity and winning the OQHA Reining Championship. From there it was on to the AQHA World Championship Show in Oklahoma City, where he earned his first "AQHA World Championship in Junior Working Cow Horse." But Lean With Me was not through winning. In 1995, he returned - once again - to win the OQHA Reining Championship; earned an AQHA Superior in Reining; won the prestigious NRHA Derby (for $20,000); and returned to the AQHA World Show to gain another title as the "1995 AQHA World Champion Senior Reining Horse." Sired by Smart Little Lena, he is out of one of the best mares in the U.S., Chexy Lady. She is the producer of 10 AQHA World Championship titles. Now retired, Lean With Me is standing in Texas. His offspring are following in their sire's footsteps. His first foal crop included: NRHA, NWCHA, and NRBC Futurity Finalist, NRHA Derby Finalist, NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Finalist, NCHA Money Earners, AQHA World Show Qualifiers, and AQHA & APHA ROM and Point Earners. To date, Lean With Me's offspring have won or been finalists at the Congress Reining Futurity, and many NRHA Reining and NRCHA Cow Horse Futurities and shows across the United States and Canada.


THAT'S inspiration!