Support From A Friend

Dear Laine:

I just wanted to let you know not that everyone in the horse world is placing blame on you for the misfortune at Rolex nor the push for increased safety of eventing competitions.

Although I have never competed anywhere near the level that you do, nor have the guts to do so, many of the things I have read regarding the accident I do not feel are very factual of the event. I was standing a few yards away on the far side of that jump and witnessed the terrible fall and it was gut wrenching to be there and to be so useless to be able to help either you or Frodo. It is not something that I would ever wish on anyone nor want to be a witness to again. I did not see any rider errors nor an approach that was different than anyone else's while watching that jump that day. I do not feel that you were competing prematurely at the 4 star level. You competed clean and successfully in cross country for over 2 years at the 3 star level with him. You obviously knew what you were doing and were well prepared or you would not have gone clean on your earlier ride that day.

I'm sorry that they are making you the scape goat for this issue, especially as you were not the only one to lose a partner at Rolex, nor the first rider to lose a horse in the eventing competition or be injured even this year alone. If this terrible incident increases the safety of eventing for all future riders and horses, you will have saved many lives and many injuries in years to come. If that means redesigning the cross-country courses, requiring safety pins for all jumps on course, etc., so be it. In no sport should a single error of a competitor have the potential to cost them their life.

I am very sorry for your loss of Frodo. I lost my horse 2 years ago May in a freak, non-riding accident. After spending a week at Haygards, I had to make the very difficult decision to let him go when his odds of recovery were reduced to less than 10%. To suddenly lose your riding partner is so very difficult and something those outside the horse world didn't seem to grasp for me. Your strength and determination to be back riding again already is inspiring.

Good luck in your future endeavors. I look forward to seeing you ride in the 2012 Olympics.

Sincerely,

Caroline

Frodo the Magnificent

FRODO THE MAGNIFICENT

There are horses and courses throughout the land,

Theres riders and sideliners who would give you a hand,

There are horses with heart, that stand apart,

There are riders and friends, who would give you their heart,

This poem is about one, who stood alone,

Her passion to ride her horse was her home,

They traveled to lands across the sea,

It was Lainey and Frodo the best there could be,

They ran down the trails, they jump far and true,

It was two into one, always coming through,

The hours of training, the long days they worked,

Their dream of victories, despite the hurt,

From one state to another, they graced the lands,

And horse a rider with guiding hands,

Their love for each other, so tried and true,

No matter the obstacle they would never be through,

Then a terrible day that turned light into dark,

A moment of uncertainty that would pull them apart,

There were days filled with tears, Life and death far and near,

Then by the grace of God and the thousand of prayers,

Lainey opened her eyes, we knew God was near,

Lainey has been blessed, by God above,

The prayers, the letters, thousands of emails all about love,

Home with her Mother, home with her Grandma,

Out of the hospital, a lot less trauma,

If you ever meet her, you’ll know her game,

She’s guts and glory, and Frodo’s fame,

The end of this story, is the beginning of a dream,

You see Lainey and Frodo still are jumping clean,

For she now has a spirit that runs above,

Frodo looks down on his Lainey and love,

For he’s Frodo the Magnificent, the horse that was so blessed,

It was Lainey and he that flew by the rest,

This isn’t the end, and certainly not the past,

This is a love story that always will last,

To my beautiful niece,

Love Uncle George XOXOXO

LAINE ARMBANDS ARE AVAILABLE!!!

We now have Laine Ashker armbands available to purchase. They are in Laine's colors of yellow and burgundy. They may be purchased at area events for $5 a piece or through the mail (10 armband minimum or $50 minimum donation to purchase by mail). We will keep a list updated of where you can get your Laine Ashker armbands here. All proceeds from the sales of armbands go to the Equestrian Aid Foundation. You must mention "Laine Ashker" if you would prefer the proceeds to go directly to Laine's fund. You may purchase your Laine armband at the following events/stables

Poplar Place Farm June Event - Hamilton, Georgia

Rocking Horse Stables - Altoona, Florida

(please insert any other event/place you guys will have them available on this list here)

To order by mail please send a check made out to Equestrian Aid Foundation (minimum of $50 donation/10 bracelets or more) to

Ruthie Harbison

Laine Ashker armbands

15445 51st Drive

Wellborn, Florida 32094

Please remember to include the shipping address for where the armbands are to be received.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR LAINE AS SHE CONTINUES HER PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL RECOVERY!

For comfort in this time

Something I wrote for You all.
I Hope it brings some comfort in this time.

My Best Friend
Who needs a Reason? You'll Always be my Best Friend.
Time has gone, You'll Still be by my side.
I'll never forget You, or any of those Times.
There's a list upon many, but why stop now?
The pasture glows in the midnight sky, I know your watching me.
Lay here, under these stars and talk to You, Just like old times.
The world isn't the limit, We've seen it all.
You kept me Safe, and We finished together.
I know You'll Always be there to cheer me on.
To whisper into my ear, when I need You Most.
I'll Miss You Best Friend.
Don't cry tears of Sorrow, For A Best Friend Never wants to see You cry.

Ride Each Day Like It's Your Last, Ride Like Your Best Friend Would Want You To.
Ride Because Your Best Friend, Will Always Be With You.


My Prayers Are With You All.

Frodo remembered

This is a poem I ran across in one of my Dressage magazines. . . I wanted to share this with you.


“IF YOU BURY HIM IN THIS SPOT, THE SECRET OF WHICH YOU MUST ALREADY HAVE, HE WILL COME TO YOU WHEN YOU CALL – COME TO YOU OVER THE FAR, DIM PASTURES OF DEATH, AND DOWN THE REMEMBERED PATHS TO YOUR SIDE AGAIN. AND THOUGH YOU RIDE OTHER LIVING HORSES THROUGH LIFE, THEY SHALL NOT SHY AT HIM OR RESENT HIM COMING. FOR HE IS YOURS AND HE BELONGS THERE.

PEOPLE MAY SCOFF AT YOU, WHO SEE NO LIGHTEST BLADE OF GRASS BENT BY HIS FOOTFALL, WHO HEAR NO NICKER PITCHED TO FINE FOR INSENSITIVE EARS. PEOPLE WHO MAY NEVER REALLY LOVE A HORSE. SMILE AT THEM THEN, FOR YOU SHALL KNOW SOMETHING THAT IS HIDDEN FROM THEM, AND WHICH IS WELL WORTH KNOWING.

THE ONE PLACE TO BURY A HORSE IS IN THE HEART OF HIS MISTRESS.”

AUTHOR UNKOWN

I have attached a picture of Frodo in Dressage from the Rolex. . . "What a truly beautiful boy!"


Best Wishes!

TEAM GHOST
www.teamghost7.com <http://www.teamghost7.com/>

Pause on the email

Laine's email box is FULL!!! Thanks to every one who has written to Laine but she is not yet able to read and respond to her email. So could you please hold off on sending her email at this time? You can still email Valerie at ValerieAsh@aol.com. She's still reading her email.

Thanks!

Poem from a friend

Shared by Rachel Asmus...

Meeting Again At The Rainbow Bridge
All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together

Flowers, and the view from Laine's room

Missing Laine's Smile

Sent: Tue, 6 May 2008 5:38 pm
Subject: checking in

Its funny how EVERYONE knows Laine. I mean we all know its bc she goes out of her way to smile and cheer you on. I felt so special when I met Laine bc she makes you feel like your the most important person she has met all day. I am glad that she now see's that SHE is the most important person we have all met EVER! Everyone talks about her smile bc it is always there...and boy o boy is it ever the nicest smile I have ever seen. It lights up her whole face and my whole day:)

I can't wait to see it again. I knew she would pull thru this faster and stronger and better then anyone possibly could bc its in her nature..she's a real competitor, a REAL champion at EVERYTHING she does.

She is a radiant human spirit and maybe she is being shown that she can survive anything even human pain and suffering. And now that she knows how strong and wonderful she is she will be unbeatable, unstopable, and even better then ever! Bc not only do we already know that, now Laine knows we all are right behind her enjoying the wake of her greatness as she rides thru life like a true champion. I wish I could give her a GREAT BIG HUG (very gently) :) SO please let her know that Morag and Selena are checking in on her at all times and if she needs ANYTHING to please let us know and we will be there by her side.

LOVE to all of you

Selena
xoxoxo

Don't Give Up Laine...

Sent: Tue, 6 May 2008 5:24 pm
Subject: RE: (no subject)

Val,

Here are some word from a song that I love...sad but unfortunately too in these circumstances. It is Peter Gabriel..dont give up..I have written down what I think Laine would need to hear from it, soon. If you want play here the whole song eventually..It was introduced to me when a friend of mines' horse died at Essex. I have always thought it was beautiful...the don't give up part is the most important. I love you guys too....my almost every thought of the day is with Laine. I am ashamed that I was always impressed with her, and never told her....SO glad I get the chance...and I will ten fold!!!

Don't give up, you still have friends
Don't give up, you're not beaten yet
Don't give up, I know you can make it good
Dont' give up, you still have us
Don't give up, we don't need much of anything
Dont' give up, cause somewhere there's a place where WE belong.

Rest your head, you worry too much, it's gonna be alright. When times get tough, you can fall back on us.

Don't give up, you still have friends
Don' give up, no reason to be ashamed
Don't give up, we are proud of who you are
Don't give up, you know it's never been easy
Don't give up, cause somewhere there's a place where WE belong.

Love you Laine...more to come from you...greatness, I would suspect!!!

Jill

A Heartfelt Message

Sent: Tue, 6 May 2008 6:21 pm
Subject: Laine//Frodo

Laine,

After all you’ve been through and all you’ve experienced, let me just say that you are more of an idol and hero to me know than you ever were before. You’re everything a hero should be—wise, talented, courageous, strong and most of all yourself. No one needs a cape to be a hero, but in your case a saddle and a steed would do pretty well; as it does for many of your other fans.

First off, I just wanted to say thank you for doing what you’ve done—riding and just being around horses. It makes you who you are, and horses can defiantly be better friends and mentors than a lot of our actual human companions; that I know from experience. And if you’ve heard the quote: “Horses are the most agreeable friends. They always listen and they never pass any criticisms,” I think you’d agree. There is nothing quite like a horse.

Second, I want you to know that all of us are out here to support you through not only this time, but for all the times to come—whether it be in the Olympics or in a winner’s circle—we have all realized through your strength and uncanny equestrian abilities that you are not like many others. You’re one-of-a-kind, and you should use that to the best of your abilities. We (being friends, family or just strangers,) all love you, and are rooting for a full recovery as well as for you to be in the saddle again soon enough so we can admire and envy off of how amazingly you look on horseback; as well as any other time.

Next up, your dear friend Frodo. You know, it may not make things easier, but wherever he is, not only is he happy, but I bet he misses you. Without a doubt he’s going to be looking over you forever, making sure that you are happy and safe. I’ve gone through similar things that you have, but the worst is always the loss of a best friend. I also know that over time getting the same “I’m so sorry’s” and “I bet he’s in a better place,” can get slightly annoying or agitating; how could anyone know what it feels like, what you two had? How can they know if he’s better off? But just a small word of advice, don’t get tired of them. These people want to try and help you, and believe me, it’s not easy to sit and read a blog of your favorite equestrian day after day, wondering what’s going to happen to them, or even what’s gong on. These people are doing everything they can to tell you how much you mean to them, to express their deepest, most sincere condolences, and they are doing the instinctive thing everyone is born to do; try and help someone.

I bet Frodo loved you, and I can only imagine how much. Together, you two could have done anything, I think, and that’s also what has been such an inspiration to me and countless others around the world. If there is one quote that I think fit you two perfectly, it would be the following, without a doubt:

Tell us it can't be done, and we'll do it,

Tell us a goal is to high, we'll reach it,

Place obstacles in front of us, and we'll leap over it,

Challenge us, dare to defy us, But do NOT underestimate us,

For together, anything is possible

That’s the first thing I think of after hearing either your’s or Frodo’s name. You two looked so absolutely breathtaking together; a true team, something that many equestrians can only dream of having. I honestly can’t say I’ve ever seen someone “dance” like you two did during Dressage… it makes me question my own abilities, yet also gives me something to work towards, so thank you again for how much you’ve impacted the Equestrian World with not only Frodo, but you and everything you’ve given it, and even us.

If it helps the slightest bit, something that helps me after the loss of a great companion is to write them a letter. Tell them everything you’ve loved about them, everything you’ve thought about them, how you felt with them; everything. When you are done, you can say a small little “thank you” under your breath and light the letter on fire (or, if that doesn’t appeal to you, you can use your imagination^_^). I did this after the loss of my greatest friend (and steed,) Pocano, and though I might not be extremely religious, I felt like I was doing right, like I was saying something or giving him something that no one else could have, and that is one of the greatest feelings someone can ever experience.

I cannot wait to see you in the saddle again; that’s where it seems you belong. We will all be here for you, through future highs and lows, and please remember the lives you have changed just with your existence. You’re an amazing, truly gifted person, Laine, never doubt that.

Wishing for the quickest recovery,

Katie Stimac

Hearts and Prayers for Laine

Subject: Our hearts and prayers are with you!!!



A horse is the projection of people’s dreams
About themselves-
strong, powerful, beautiful-
And it has the capability of giving us escape
From our mundane existence.

Pam Brown

Laine, you are strong, powerful and beautiful, and you have been an inspiration and projection of so many of our dreams. Those of us who haven’t physical been by your side this last year, have been with you in spirit, and in our dreams. Thank you Laine, for all you have given us in letting us escape our mundane existence. Barry and I send our thoughts and prayers to you, everyday.

Susan & Barry

Laine's Inspiration

Sent: Sun, 4 May 2008 3:19 pm
Subject: (no subject)

Valerie and Michael,


What a wonderful job you are doing. It made me cry when I read that Laine fell asleep every night to the poster of us at the 96 Olympics. It's strange... she was 12 when I was at the games. Now, I go to events and look at her as the big time rider! I am sure she would love to know that. The bottom line is she is going to make it and her beautiful smile will brighten our days again. If she chooses to go on with her eventing career, she will be one of the handfulls of the great...because she already is. I can say from experience, she will have a hard time reading things and looking at pictures, Laine needs to just believe in who and what she is, and let the rest of it go. She will come to depend on her support group ( which I hope to be part of). You have an amazing daughter, filled with life and joy, and you are responsible for that. Bless you and your whole family...and please let Lainey know I have been watching American Idol for her....(red hills last year, ruthie kept calling me for updates and Laine was in the backround asking what was going on!!!!) Funny how she could be on there and win....Always a winner, no matter what she does..isn't that fantastic!!!!

All my love, thoughts, and prayers,
Jill Hennebrg

Appreciation for Laine on Mazetto

Sent: Sat, 3 May 2008 6:25 pm
Subject: To the family.

Hey guys,

First off, I'd like to thank Laine for displaying a wonderous ride on
Mazetto. Laine and Mazetto completed Rolex in honour of Eleanor, and
showed what a wonderful duo those two are.

I would just like Laine and the family to know that my heart will
always be out there praying for the return of Laine. Accidents happen
when you least want them to happen. Life will be life, even when it
just SUCKS. My heart stopped when the news of Laine's lungs collapsing
came to me. She's a strong girl, and she will make it through with a
smile on her face.

Eventing, as we all know, is such a hard sport, and I believe everyone
should give their all due respect to these people who have the guts to
ride a cross country course the way they do. And the horses! to be
able to complete a dressage test and gallop a 4 mile long course with
33 jumps, AND still have the energy to consummate a course of 14 4'
jumps is just simply amazing. At the end of the day, the riders must
be exausted, which makes it even more breathtaking.

As for the dearest Frodo Baggins, the news hit me like when you jump
into ice-cold water. I just kind of stared off in space. Freak
accidents are the worse. Less than a year ago did Laine loose her
other baby boy. I still swoon over the loss of Frodo, it's terrible
that such unfortunate things will happen. But, the strong-willed horse
quietly swept away probably thinking of attempting that jump again. He
abseloutly loved it, and there is not much more you could ask to make
a devastating ending happy. He didn't leave this world weeping for the
attention that some of the top-competition horses don't get, but he
left with his muscles conditioned with love. He bathed in a life of
happiness, with many loving people surrounding him. Even though it is
simply awful that he had to leave this world so early in his career,
he atleast left knowing that he had that one special person.

Laine we all know is very sturdy, and will make it through this. It
gets worse before it gets better. Frodo may have been her one and
only, but time will come when another horse will take her breath away.
Not a replacement horse of the one-and-only Frodo Baggins, but another
big-hearted puppy.

Best of luck and much love,
Shawdi and Chestefield Stables

Shared In Honor of Frodo

"You are a great champion. When you ran, the ground shook; the sky opened and mere mortals parted the way to victory, where I met you in the winners circle and laid a blanket of flowers upon your neck."

Author unknown

Here's just one of the emails that keeps me going and believing...

Hi Valerie,

I don't know if you remember us, we were stabled right down from you, and Laine, being the WONDERFUL girl she is, loaned missy her saddle for X/C for the weekend, when she needed it. This at Ocala in the fall, at the Trainng 3 day. Nidus was her horse.

I want to share some stuff with you, and I hope, during this time, knowing, you aren't alone, helps.

My son, now 21 was born very sick, with MANY, MANY disabilities. I was told he would never "walk, talk, feed himself, see, or hear or function at anything near normal". I was asked to put him in a home, and "forget" I had him.

I know you must think these are nothing alike. But our babies, well they are "OUR" babies. I stood for months by his bedside, willing him to live, to eat, to breath. I willed him to be okay, and to walk, and talk, and be a human. They would tie him down, so he couldn't pull out tubes, and I would sob, because I couldn't explain to my precious baby why he had to endure so much. I KNOW you are going through a lot of those emotions, and I pray each day for God to stand beside you, and hold your hand, as you hold Laine's.

She is a wonderful girl. So giving and loving. I know right now it is hard, each day brings something difficult, and even the smallest things become so hard to deal with. Just keep all of our prayers in your heart, and when it gets really hard, go ahead and cry. Because guess what..it does help. And remember to smile, and laugh at the slightest thing, because it is THOSE things that will get you through. Take it in small steps, and don't wonder what tomorrow will bring. Face each minute as it comes.

As for Frodo...I am truly saddened. And I know this is something you have probably heard a DOZEN zillion times, but that horse loved his job. HE LOVED IT. They don't get there without loving it. And he was doing what he loved when he got injured. There are many horses out there who never get the love and attention he got, who never got to dream the big dream. HE did, and I bet if you could have asked him...he would have nickered and said, yes, mom, if I gotta go, let me go at the top....

As for telling her, I know someday MIssy's big horse will die, and I dunno how I will handle that...she has had him forever you see. But I will for sure pray...and for sure think of you every day. Missy sends her love to both of you. And says that your daughter is an idol to her. Not just for her ability, but because she is so nice, and caring about others.

About my son....he is now applying to Texas A&M for Aerospace Engineering. My baby, who may never walk, talk, or eat, can't shut up, won't stop eating, and well, he walks slow, but only cause he is lazy...grin.

Take care, and if you need ANYTHING....let me know.

Love,

Dee McMaster