My how the summer has flown by! We had several senior tours in June and they are always loads of fun. The seniors

seem to appreciate the value that mules hold in the building of this great country, as many of their ancestors had occasion to work with our remarkable longears. The stories they have to tell from their childhoods are always interesting and inspiring. No matter how varied these stories may be, the theme is always the same-those who worked with mules and donkeys have had the privilege of a full and healthy lifestyle. Their mules and donkeys not only taught them the value of a good work ethic, but provided lessons in how to get along with each other in a mutually satisfying way. As those with longears will tell you, you either learn humility from them or you just don't get along with them!

I was happy to see our local clubs, associations and clinicians forging ahead with many exciting shows and events to attend this summer, in spite of the difficulties in their various areas. Atttendancewas certainly down, as travel and the economy are at a low, but the undaunted spirit and drive of longears lovers always produces an unyielding optimism! If you want to see fierce competition, go to a horse show. If you want to experience fun and excitement, go to a mule and donkey event!

Sadly, our community has lost one of its finest ambassadors. Our hearts go out to Kathleen Conklin for the loss of her grand Percheron mule, John Henry. John Henry had am amazing career and broke numerous barriers in equine sports. Kathleen bought John Henry as a three-year-old from an Amish farmer, and their 17-year partnership included championships at every major equine venue, including the prestigious Walnut Hill Carriage Driving Competition. Finally, at the OakenCroft Equine Clinic in New York, veterinarians found a football-sized tumor under the great mule's heart. Our condolences go out to Kathleen Conklin for the loss of her wonderful long-eared hero!

Mini donkeys Spuds and Augie, now 11 months old, ar

e having a lot of fun learning all about ground manners here at the Lucky Three. We try to make each new lesson fun and exciting for them, and they really enjoy the diversity yet simplicity of the training. Their latest summer adventure involved leading training (without their halters) in the hayfield, where they could have easily gotten lost had they not followed obediently!

July came quickly and the old barn demolition began, followed by excavation at both Hearts & Horses and here at Lucky Three Ranch. I can't believe how quickly the old barn went down and was relocated to Hearts & Horses. Here at the ranch, the new 14-stall barn with enlarged stalls (12' x 14') is close to being finished after only a month's work! The same crew is working both locations, and I couldn't be prouder of my ranch manager, Chad Leppert, who has coordinated these efforts with his crew of two, the Port-A-Stall crew, the excavators, plumbers and electricians. This was no small project, but it is being executed with unbelieveable finesse and minimal interruptions!

Our rescue draft mules, Rock and Roll, continue to improve, although Rock has had a setback this month, due to the

outgrowth of the founder in his front feet. This was to be expected and, after one week of being three-legged lame, he is again gaining better condition in his feet. He will remiain on limited activity until the severe founder has fully grown out in an expected six to eight weeks. Rock is only walking over hard ground to go to the Tack Barn for his once-a-week massage. The rest of the time, he goes from his pen straight into pasture turnout for two hours each day. Roll is still getting his once-a-week exercise in the round pen and is beginning to gain the strength and balance he will need to be useful again-I have been working him under saddle in hopes of doing some light riding with him. He does have side bones in the right hind, which are a concern, but they do not appear to be hindering his progress, as long as we keep the foot trimmed and balanced.

And last, but certainly not the least, we are proud to announce the launch of our new and improved website! We have lots of new information, easier access to existing sections, a search engine to help you quickly find answers to your questions, live newfeeds and translated information in French, German and Spanish. And don't forget to check in at Jasper's website to take a look at his latest new game, where he and his friends allow you to take them to the show ring in Barrel Racing, English and Western Pleasure, Driving and Jumping. When you're loving, learning from and living with longears, it all about the fun!

Best wishes and Happy Trails,