In the summer of 2020, we donated our horse named Traveler to Godspeed equine. We had owned Traveler for about 8 year. He is a beautiful roan horse that looked so much like my barrel horse Joe. Mark roped on him and did some ranch rodeos. I used him for serpentine one year and used him for a lesson horse at a trot. He had some soundness issues over the past few years, partly farrier caused and we decided it would be a good time for him to go where he would be used, but not hard. I knew that Godspeed was a place where kids worked with horses and the basics of barrel racing. I knew Traveler would be perfect. He is fantastic with ground manners and is great at slower speeds of barrel racing. We had more horses than were getting ridden at the time and Mark and I agreed to make the call. Kelly and Al came and talked to us, watched me ride him, and eventually picked him up in the middle of Covid. I remember how great it was to have another family come to the house, talk to us, shake hands, and visit without a mask or fear of the virus. At the time it was pretty much shelter in place and the world had gone crazy over fear of catching covid. There was not much interaction going on. Kelly and I barrel raced back in the 90's. I felt good about sending Traveler with her and was excited to see how he would be used to glorify God in her program. Fast forward a couple years on this date, Mark and I attended the barn warming and we finally got to see Traveler. Godspeed has been doing programs last year and this year. They built nice lots and a barn, constructing it all themselves with the help of local churches. During the event, Traveler had been at a pumpkin patch with two other horses giving pony rides. "His Girl" as the call the girl matched with the horse, brought Traveler in his stall midway through the evening. I watched her take off his halter and give him a big hug. It warmed my heart. At this event, supporters had a meal and watched a video of plans and progress and testimony's of some of the kids. Traveler and his girl were in many videos. It was awesome to see him being used and in such a loving way. Unfortunately the evening of the event was super cold and windy which really made it challenging for the program, band, and dining, all set outside. WE are talking about, winter coats, hat, gloves and wind chilling you to the bone cold. The barn was heated toasty and warm, so many people stood and ate indoors. I was glad to be there and loved seeing everything and hope to volunteer in the future. We met Traveler's "girl" and talked to her a little and gave Traveler lots of hugs and pets. 
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