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The Challenge | The Trainers and Students | Event Information
Monday, August 16 The dust and glitter has settled, in the beginning of another end a horse and his team emerge champions. Not champions in status, number of points or ribbons earned, nor by being the top money winner. They emerge champions of a journey. A journey that each one of them learned from, gained friendship, earned trust and opened their hearts to love. Sullivans story, along with all the Challenge horses and rescue horses have inspiring stories. These stories are just that to us. Stories filled with words of hope, despair, hurt, neglect and courage. These horses lived the stories you hear and tell. These horses push on, overcome the odds, these horses live! During the little time I have with challenge horses I often get asked the same questions; How can you be so patient? I usually reply with a "Thank you" and something along the lines of "Horses from these circumstances deserve the best of me because I know that's what they want us to see in them". Another question I get is, why do you do the challenge & if you win would you enter again & why? I love horses. I love how with one look from a friend your whole day is better. I "own" 5 horses & I say "own" because deep down I feel somehow we've chosen each other. Each one is a true friend. Each one is there for me when I'm happy, sad or just wanna talk. I do the same for them. I play games with them, I find out their favorite itchy spots, make them warm mash in winter and frozen fun treats in summer, I listen to them and I just love them with all of my heart and soul. My one dear friend of 20yrs, I had to put down this spring, taught me the importance of trust, responsibility, honor and seeing. Seeing beyond her cute little black & white painted coat, beyond her soft and accepting eyes and beyond myself. I do the challenge because I'm keeping a promise to myself & my best friend. I promised her that I'd give back what she gave me. So, if I win and as you all know I did, will I re-enter? If you don't know the answer after reading, I ask you to take a look at what you do, why you do it, what makes you happy and what you'll do to stay happy. I extend a heart full of gratitude to everyone that helped Sullivan and me. No one gets this far on their own and every single person that has helped us is a true treasure. Sullivans sponsors, wow! Your generosity to help him have a better life is inspiring. Personally, I value & will always need the support of my mom, sisters & husband. Words can not express my devotion. The star of the show, Sullivan has a few weeks off and a forever home. He is MHARF 2010 Trainers Challenge Grand Champion, but to all of us and himself he's always been a True Champion! Thursday, August 12 Sullie is really a trooper. Were all very impressed with how far he has come even with a total of about a month off. He had lost some teeth & was not eating. He lost quite a bit of weight due to this & didn't feel good. So we gave him some well needed time off. We hope you all see how great this little guy is with the minimal amount of work he has had. Sullie is a very kind, patient, smart, loving, talented and handsome. He will make a great friend to someone wanting a nice all around horse. He rides out through anything and only needs some finishing. This guy will ride through water, up/down steep hills, is good with kids, has smooth gaits, is fine with traffic and and and and I could go on forever. Sullie needs a home that will give him plenty of food to gain 60+ lbs, work on his head set while loping and through transitions, will keep up on his training, can get him to the chiropractor on occasion and love him. He's no easy keeper, but anyone can ride him and he'll nicker at you in the morning and walk right up to you in the pasture willing to go on an adventure. Everyone at Complete Equestrian Company cherishes Sullie and will miss him so much. We all look forward to seeing you at the challenge this Saturday and encourage you to meet the CEC crew and consider adopting a wonderful horse! Wednesday, June 23
This little horse is such a trooper. Everyone at CEC is so proud of him. He has had lots of fun tormenting our other recently gelded stud from across the way. They scream neigh back and forth for hours to see who is the loudest, then Cassie pipes in and yells knock it off and they are quiet. Everyone knows she's the boss around the place, she is so great at being a positive leader for the students, boarders, and horses. She has a good way about her that is firm to get the job done but with a gentle side so you feel good about what your doing. Sullie really likes her and nickers to her all the time. Those two really work well together. Sullie also loves Bernie. Bernie stops out 4-5 times a week to work her training horses and Sullie. Sullie and Bernie have SO much fun together. You can tell by the pics with all the pool toys, plastic, tires and such. You'll notice in the pics Bernie has a smile all the time, that's cause you cant help but smile when hanging out with Sullie.
To see what Sullies been up to you can check him out in a few places besides this blog, on our website on the Rescue Challenge page, on Facebook under Sullivan & Complete Equestrian Co, and on YouTube. Sullivan has some exciting weekend plans!!! He will be staying in WI at the Ellsworth Fairground for the Hay Creek Saddle Club show.....and yes, Sullie will be showing in a few classes for the expierence. If you wanna come see him, please do! Thursday, June 10 Sullivan (or "Sullie" as most of us around CEC call him) has had a rough week. His appetite and thirst are down. He also has been a little sore in his front legs/feet and his back(just infront of his hips). We have been pampering him to help him feel as comfortable as possible. He has had some warm mash for a couple meals(with added electrolytes), lots of stretching, bute on occasion and some soothing linamint rubs. Then on Tuesday June 8th Sullie had a chiropractic appointment again. He was very sore in his front left and during the adjustment he wasn't actign like himself. He seemed a little lathargic and tired (he laid down right after appointment). Since we were at Cleary Lake we had a vet check him over. He had normal gut sounds, heart rate and temp. They drew blood to check for infection and such. We headed home and Sullie got a dose of banamine and Cassie checked on him every two hours throughout the night. He continued to be the same and by morning his eyes were a little brighter. Today Sullie was rolling around when Cassie went out to do chores. He looked liked he was feeling better. Sullie has had no work schedule since he's been ill and will he will continue to be on rest until we are sure he is ready mentally and physically to work again. Until then everyone at CEC will cater to his every need and want, as that's what we all love to have when we don't feel well. On a positive note Sullie has had a few calls and visits. Everyone has noticed how lovable, respectful and handsome he is. We haven't let anyone ride him yet except CEC, but when Sullies health turns around and we can put two more weeks on him then we will accept visitors that want to test ride him. Our goal is to get Sullie to the right home, so everyone at CEC will be completely honest with anyone who visits. We will let you know weather we think your a good match with him or not from our professional opinion. Sullie does have Impressive bloodlines and would make a great pleasure prospect, he loves trails(he strides out really well), he stands well for the farrier, jumps into the trailer and enjoys his stall time(8 hrs per day). KEEP A LOOK OUT AT SULLIE'S BLOG! We will be hosting a event that is all about Sullivan. This event will be a good way for you to visit Sullivan, learn more about the rescue and meet his trainers and CEC staff. There will be information posted on Sullivans Facebook page and CEC's website. Monday, May 31 Sullivan is showing us just how well correct and patient training can excel a horse at an appropriate speed mentally and physically. Everyone at CEC has been very dedicated to proper care, handling and affection. Sullivan shows us that he is willing to learn if we teach him in a way he understands and he doesn't get rude or cranky if he doesn't understand. If he doesn't get something he keeps trying, with a confused look on his face, until he gets it. Once he understands what were working on he gets a ton of praise. We believe that positive reinforcement along with accurate timing is key to teaching any animal. This holds true to Sullivan and he shows our teaching style off with grace, willingness and passion. We all are excited to see how he progresses with us and especially with his future owner. Tuesday, May 25
For a list of sponsors, to find out how you can help Sullivan, or if you want to meet Sullivan you can visit www.CompleteEquestrianCompany.com and go to the Rescue Challenge page. Please feel free to call or email anytime with any questions. > Back to the Trainers and Students
About Cassie Sprenger: Complete Equestrian Company (CEC) is owned and operated by Cassie and Dan Sprenger. CEC strives to offer horses, their owners and horse enthusiasts a wide variety of opportunities. We are dedicated to creating a complete team between horses and their riders. Our main goal is to help novice to pro riders develop a better understanding and solid relationship with horses while practicing safe and effective horse skills. We specialize in starting, gaming, and versatile horses. We offer riding lessons, training, clinics, trail rides, and more. All riding levels, breeds, and disciplines are welcome at CEC. We would be happy to meet you and better your equine experiences. For more information about us, you can reach us by phone at 612-414-7597, via e-mail or feel free to visit our website: www.CompleteEquestrianCompany.com. Complete Equestrian Company (Cassie Sprenger) was accepted into the challenge last year and she helped Garnett receive Reserve Champion in this wonderful competition that helps horses find a new start on life. This year Cassie invited the entire Complete Equestrian Company crew to take part in the challenge. This means that CEC's assistant trainers, staff and volunteers will be aiding Sullivan in turning his life around and becoming a well rounded, respectful and gentle equine companion for someone.
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Sullivan has had a full recovery from feeling under the weather. He is eating and drinking normally and is back to his full workout schedule. 
Then there's Dan. He helps Sullies feet stay in good shape. Sullies feet really have come around but Dan gives him a tune up every couple weeks. That way he doesnt get too far off since his feet were so bad when Drew got him in. Dan is so patient with Sullie when trimming his feet. Dan knows that Sullie has to learn how to get his toes touched up so he approaches the situation with lots of time, love and a few treats. Overall Sullie has been having a really good time continuing his learning. He has been a busy guy with a busier future.
Sullivan is such a sweet heart, level headed and quite a looker! This horse is very patient, loving and learns so quickly. He has been busy getting use to how our farm runs. He watches the dogs play, the vehicles drive by, the horses play in the pasture and has gotten used to his new feeding times. He nickers when he sees people and walks up to anyone. Sullivan has a white nose and sensitive skin, so he is outside from 8pm-10am. He is in a comfortable 12x10 stall during the day so his nose doesn't get sun burned. He is sensitive to the sun as he was locked in a stall for 3/4 of his life until now. He enjoys being out in his paddock. He trots around and neighs loudly at the other horses he can see. He finally rolled the other day after his second Chiropractic appointment with Kyla Awes. I was so happy to see him so happy! 
Sullivan is getting used to our training style. We have been doing lots of ground work, desensitizing and ponying out on the trails. We ride him around bareback with a halter and lead in the outdoor arena. We limit his saddle work as his back is a little sensitive with the chiro visits. He does hang out with a saddle and bridle on just to get use to it. We also take a ride or two a week in a saddle. This week Bernie came out and rode him out on his first solo trail ride. He needed a little help with his confidence to go down the first hill and go through some of the obstacles, but he did it. he didn't offer any bucking, rearing or biting. He just would stop or turn around quickly to try to avoid the obstacle. Between Dan, Bernie, our steady trail horses and myself we were able to help show Sullivan the safe and easy way to go through the obstacles. Then on the way back we hit the same obstacles and he barely tried to refuse. He is such a great horse! 
Lucky for Sullivan there are so many very generous people out there. Sullivan has many sponsors that are helping him during his stay with us. We would like to thank Kyla Awes, Arnie Bauer, Bernie Schramm, Britt Olson, Lori Awe and all of our volunteers. Each of you are making an incredible difference in Sullivan's life - THANK YOU!