2008 US Olympic dressage rider Courtney King Dye is still in a coma after falling from a young horse that tripped while she was riding on March 3, 2010. King-Dye was apparently not wearing a helmet at the time. According to her blog on http://www.courtneykingdressage.com/ she is recovering slowly, and it's expected she will make a complete recovery, given her age, fitness level and steely willpower. Her husband Jason Dye is posting updates on her condition as well he can, considering the circumstances. I know that all About.com Horses readers join me in sending positive energy and prayers to Courtney King Dye and her family.

To encourage all riders to wear helmets, Julie Goodnight's sponsor Troxel is offering free shipping on all helmets ordered before March 31, 2010.  You can order at http://tinyurl.com/yh8nzxx or 1-800-225-8827. If you don't wear a helmet, or it's time for a new one (helmets should be replaced every 2-3 years, according to the manufacture's recommendations), please look into this offer or head to your nearest tack store. Many people think they're good enough riders to avoid a fall, or that 'it's my head, so it's my choice'. Nothing could be further from the truth. There is always an element or risk when working around or riding/driving horses. Nothing can protect you from every injury, but please protect your head, and your family's hearts and futures by wearing a helmet.

According to Lacy's owner katzlane, Lacy didn't have a very good opinion of humans.

Sounds like just getting her home was an ordeal! But thanks to patience and lots of TLC served up with a generous helping of carrots and apples, Lacy's attitude has changed. And that delights katzlane and her family. You can read more about Lacy and her family on her gallery page.

Share Your Rescue Story

Have you noticed the Fitness Singles ad on the right side of this page? If you haven't seen it, refresh the page and perhaps the bright red ad for 'equestrian singles' with the horse and 'rider' will appear. Can you tell what the woman is doing wrong? And what do you think that horse is saying? Look at its muzzle, eyes and ears? Do you think its happy with its modeling assignment or ready to buck for a better contract?   What do you think? Leave your comments below.

One sign of spring, besides the robins and swelling buds, is new foals. Most of us have high hopes when we breed a mare.  The ideal outcome of a foaling is a healthy mare and foal. Usually, things go as intended, with a proud mama  caring for a strong healthy babe, while equally happy owners look on.  But sadly, that's not always the case. Any breeder will tell you that the whole process is not without risk. It's heartbreaking when a mare loses a foal, or when the trauma of birth takes the mare. Occasionally, a mare will reject its foal, and despite all efforts, refuse to let it nurse.

The website Cyberfoal, attempts to match orphaned foals to foster mares and has links to colostrum banks (the antibody rich pre-milk that protects a foal's immunity system). Fill out a form to offer a foster mare, colostrum or find a nurse mare for your orphaned foal. The helpful hints section will tell you how to collect and freeze colostrum. Many users of the site have contributed information and tips they've learned through experience.