On September 7th, Ed Lafferty, a member of the Geldings for Gold Committee and Deep South member, sent out a mass email asking for Deep South members to purchase raffle tickets for a gelding. He had procured this gelding from a very generous Ann Howell, of the newly formed Virginia Presidential PFHA. I happily bought 3 tickets, and promptly forgot about it.

Imagine my surprise when I got a phone call on September 23 at 9:30 at night. The caller said I had won the drawing. I did not have a clue what she was talking about, having forgotten about the raffle tickets. When she gave me a little more information, and I finally realized what she was talking about, I had a hard time believing her! I hadn't ever won anything, much less a horse!

I was given the choice of the gelding or $1000, and they would raffle the gelding again. Asking for a bit of time to make a decision, I contacted everyone I could think of to get opinions. Without fail, everyone said to take the horse! He was a gift from the heavens.

It was odd that I should win Locomotivo. In April, my last sound horse developed founder after a week long trip to Arkansas trail riding. She stressed out during the trip, and foundered 2 days after I got back. I was devastated, not only because she was the only horse I had that was rideable, but because I was deeply attached to her. So this had to be a 'sign' that I won.

I called Ann back and told her I would take the horse. They tried to find someone to bring him to me from Nationals, but were unable to locate anyone. Ann's friends, Sandy and Lee Wettstein, made the more than generous offer to keep Locomotivo at their place in Bonfaire, GA until I could get him. It was a long 3 weeks before I was able to wrangle a trip partner, but finally my cousin, Cindy Campbell, was elected.

Friday, October 13 we made the 7 1/2 hour trip to Lee and Sandy's beautiful place. Shortly after we arrived and parked the trailer, Locomotivo was brought out for us to see. WOW! He was just gorgeous! Deep dapple gray, high head, ears forward checking out everything. Lee put him in the round pen so he could show off a bit for us. What a powerhouse he is. I am thinking, 'Holy cow...all I wanted was a trail horse!'

Cindy said she wanted to ride him, so we saddled him up and she took a few laps in the round pen, a huge Paso grin on her face. He had show horse written all over his lovely body. Then we walked over to the arena, where he could really show his stuff. My goodness, he is powerful! He behaved beautifully, even allowing me to cautiously get on him from a mounting block, something I don't think he was used to. I am a timid rider, and this ball of Paso muscle was intimidating to me. But he was a very good boy, even though he was ready to go back to his stall.

Sandy fed us very well that evening on a meal of chili and flan. After some great conversation and a short tour of their amazing home, we went back to the trailer to try and sleep. Cindy did, I didn't!

Next day, we eventually loaded up and made the trip home, my raffle winnings tucked into the trailer. Locomotivo de Copperas, who we are calling 'Mo', is settling in to his new home quite well. I am hoping he will make a transition from high powered show horse to nice trail horse, but in the meantime he is really enjoying romping in the pasture with his new buddies.

I want to thank everyone involved for the opportunity to have won this lovely gelding. He is a true gift.