BarnBiz n’ Bits

The December issue of “Barn Biz-N-Bits” is a collection of Christmas cheer filled with a bit of cinnamon for spice and the magic that comes only this time of year!

The holiday season offers us a special opportunity to extend our personal thanks to friends, colleagues and you; our most valued customers. For it is people like you who make our business such a pleasure all year long. Your projects are a source of great pride for FCP. With customers like you, we find going to work each day a rewarding experience.

“From Our Barn to Yours”

FCP wishes you a holiday season
Filled with happiness and joy,
Followed by a most wonderful New Year!

Growing up a “city kid” I can still remember the excitement I felt as a child when my Grandmother’s farm was our holiday destination. For in that magical place I learned to “believe”.

Images of their white-washed farmhouse still flood my heart with memories of Christmases past. While its interior held all the warmth and glow of the holiday at hand, my attentions where fixed on one thing and one thing only… I wanted to be out in the barn!

With siblings and cousins closing in fast, I would leap from the back of our station wagon bounding across the porch for the back door. This was to secure my position as “first in line” all the while shouting “Grandma, can I ride Buttercup!”

I will always remember the smell of hay and horses as Grandma opened the wooden doors of that old barn. Just beyond, standing in a bed of fresh straw in a tie stall under the loft, stood the giant red roan mare I longed to wrap my arms around. Pulling the peppermint stick from my pocket, Buttercup’s gentle lips softly took the candy from my mitten covered hand. I was most certain from the look in her eye she was saying how much she had missed me since last summer.

Sleigh rides were a special treat as not all Christmas vacations produced snow! When I think back on those afternoons as we trotted through the snowy fields singing carols and nibbling Grandma’s “skillet cookies”, I need only close my eyes to hear… the brass bells on Buttercup’s harness, jingle in perfect harmony within my heart.

It was on one such occasion after a day in the snow when my Grandmother and I went about bedding Buttercup down for the evening. I’ll remember this Christmas as though it were yesterday. I was only 6 years old. While tending to the chores at hand Grandma began to tell me a story. Bella, she said…

A story is told about the night

The babe was born in the stable’s light.

The animals gathered round that day

Admiring the Christ Child now lying in the hay.

Because they worshipped that little babe,

And sang their praises to Him

God has granted them one night a year

They can talk with the seraphim.

Late at night, on Christmas Eve

In every stable and barn,

The critters gather in Jesus’ name

Warm and safe from harm.

At the stroke of midnight, a miracle!

Lowing and braying takes form

As words of love and praise come forth

And the creature’s voices transform

Into lovely, sweet, and comforting sounds

As they utter worshipful words

No one’s left out, there are sheep and elk

Coyotes, cougars and birds.

The angels sing and play their lutes,

The drummer boy thumps his drum.

The horse’s knicker an “Agnus Dei”

And all of the animals come.

To lend their voices in adoration

At the birth of the blessed child

And teach us gentle lessons

In tones both sweet and mild.

“O Holy Night”, the mother ewe bleats

As she snuggles her little lamb,

While benediction is offered up

By a majestic curly horned ram.

Voices ring out from the top of the lofts,

Across the meadows and plains,

A chorus of joyful, heavenly notes.

The Christ Child’s Glory proclaimed.

For the next ten years Grandma and I shared our special adventure each Christmas Eve. We sat in the old barn at midnight, snuggling in the hay as we waited to hear Buttercup wish us a blessed Christmas Day.

My Grandmother represented everything good and gentle and kind. She filled my world with fun and laughter. To this day I continue the tradition of Grandma’s story. Standing there in the aisle of my barn on Christmas Eve as I wait in wonderment to hear my horses speak. Sharing a batch of beloved “skillet cookies” with Weeter-Tweeter, Wally-Lou, and Sonny too…I reminisce about my childhood and that magical barn on my Grandmother’s farm.

May the enchantment of this holiday season
fill your barn with magic…

“Merry Christmas”

Ingredients:

2 Eggs
1/4 Cup Sugar
1 Teaspoon Salt
1 Tablespoon Cocoa
1 Cup Water
1/2 Cup Cream
3/4 Cup All Purpose Flour

Optional Topping:

Confectioners Sugar
Cinnamon Sugar
Baking Sugar Crystal

Fry these cookies just as you would pancakes on a hot griddle.
To make the batter, combine well the eggs, sugar, and salt.
Blend in the cocoa and cinnamon.
Combine separately the water and cream.
Add alternately with the flour to the egg mixture.

Use two tablespoons for each cookie and fry on a lightly greased griddle or cast iron skillet.
Turn each cookie only once when edges begin to brown and bubble slightly.
Once cooked; dredge warm cookies in the optional sugar toppings if desired.

Store in airtight container

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world;
indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Margaret Mead

In the spirit of benevolence, “Barn Biz-n-Bits” shares with you two inspiring stories of altruism. With selfless hearts these dedicated individuals have improved the quality of human life to all those they have come to serve.

“Ivey Ranch Park”

In his infinite wisdom God did not put us here to do it all alone. It’s humbling, actually, to realize how little we can do on our own. To paraphrase an old adage it does take a village…

Ivey Ranch Park is a 25-year-old private non-profit community based corporation dedicated to providing services targeted to disabled and able-bodied children and young adults throughout San Diego County.

Located in Oceanside, California, the Ivey Ranch facility encompasses 12 acres of horse barns, riding arenas, a community garden, aviary and a memorial tree program.

Relying on community donations to sustain its many specialized programs, Ivey Ranch is largely supported by local service organizations, companies, grants and foundations. Volunteers donate over $150,000 worth of services each year, including childcare, equestrian program assistance and ranch maintenance.

This year FCP was chosen by Ivey Ranch to help make yet another dream come true for their 14 resident therapy horses! A new barn was added to the facility for their beautiful four legged partners who promote health, happiness and joy for some 75 children who participate in the ranches extensive therapeutic riding programs.

In a gala “Western Hoedown” and ribbon cutting ceremony for the new barn, Ivey Park Ranch executive director, Tanya Danielly was overwhelmed by the communities’ attendance. “With families watching closely where their dollars are spent, we were so happy to have their continued support making this years celebration a great success.”

With nearby Camp Pendleton, Ivey Ranch Park and Horse Wisdom of North County are collaborating on a pilot program for veterans called “Horses for Heroes”. This program will be the first of its kind offering a holistic approach in supporting life skills and emotional well being for our service members.

The only park of its kind in California, Ivey Ranch as its focus provides educational and recreational services to disabled individuals and their families.

It’s not the famous quote; but in reality what it truly comes down to… It takes the villagers to become a community. Life is fuller when you are part of a network of family and friends, a neighborhood… a cooperative spirit. Working together, making this world a better place, Ivey Ranch is a legacy to our future.

FCP would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for having had this opportunity to share your story with our readers.

If you would like more information about Ivey Ranch Park programs, please visit their website: www.iveyranch.com, www.horsewisdom.com or call 760-722-4839

“Lope for Hope”

This time of year marks a tradition of giving and caring that has been part of America for generations.

Seldom do you find a small company with such a big heart… but that is exactly what Hobby Horse Clothing Company represents horsewomen everywhere.

Style, value and convenience have always been synonymous with the Hobby Horse label, but thanks to their dedication and commitment in the fight against woman’s cancers; generosity can now be added to their list of virtues.

Suzanne and Mike Vlietstra, owners of Hobby Horse Incorporated, have donated over $10,000 to the City of Hope Cancer Research Center since its introduction of the “Lope for Hope” fundraising program.

Hobby Horse Clothing Company is a woman’s western show apparel company located in Chino, California. With catalog sales, wholesale and retail distributors, Hobby Horse buyers reach across the United States as well as a European market.

Amazing statistics for a company that was originally started in her mother’s attic at the age of 14 and incorporated in 1987 while in high school! Suzanne’s love of horses, creative ingenuity and her mothers “do-it-yourselfer” love and support is testament to anyone who believes that with goals and enthusiasm… dreams do come true!

Always in touch with her customers, Suzi receives what she calls “Hobby Love Letters” almost daily to which she personally answers each and everyone. It was only after the advent of the “Lope for Hope” fundraiser that the realities of the little pink blouse were soon revealed. Letters of a more intimate nature began to arrive. Horsewomen from all walks of life shared their triumphs and tragedy’s of living with cancer. The stories of hope and healing through the love of horses have been Suzi’s greatest reward.

If you talked with Suzi on any day you would find a woman who loves what she does! And it shows in every aspect of her life. In a recent interview she was asked what she liked most about her business…

“I love seeing our products help people compete in their sport. That’s really enjoyable. People ask me sometimes, like on an airplane or something, “What do you do?” And I look at them and say I sell magic feathers. “What do you mean?” And I say; well, I have a little manufacturing business and my products are much like the magic feather Timothy the mouse gave to Dumbo in the classic Disney movie. By holding onto that magic feather Dumbo took flight because he believed. Much like the products we make, we help the people who purchase them believe they can really compete and “fly” in their sport. And it’s very, very rewarding.”

Be it her “magic feather” philosophy or heartfelt generosity, Suzanne Vlietstra has empowered horsewomen around the world to discover they are the “diamonds” in necklace they have always worn.

FCP has had the great privilege of not only having Mike and Suzi Vlietstra as valued customers but considers everyone in the Hobby Horse Family endearing friends. For your continued support in the crusade against woman’s cancers, your contributions go beyond measure.

Thank You!

“Hope” Tunic Blouse

For more information on purchase participation, please visit the Hobby Horse website:
www.hobbyhorseinc.com or call 800-569-5885

With a bright and shining New Year ahead make a personal pledge: become a volunteer in your community and discover the unexpected gifts waiting when you reach out to those in need.
WHAT YOU CAN DO

• Become a tutor or mentor at your local schools
• “Adopt” an elderly person in your neighborhood
• Become a Big Brother or Sister
• Serve food at area shelters
• Help out at your house of worship
• Take part in a park clean-up day

The possibilities are endless…

While on this earth we are all one-winged angels… each needing one another to take flight. Make a difference in someone’s life and feel the winds of grace as you soar ever higher… together!

God’s Blessing to Each and Everyone

“Happy New Year”

A Merry Christmas—Stable—Fable

By Kelly Belle

Dear Santa,

I’ve been a good Filly, yes, ‘tis true,
For Christmas this year I’d love Jimmy Choos!

I know they’re expensive and of course I need four,
And I promise never to ask you for more.

As you see, dear Santa, I pull carriages for hire,
Up and down the streets for London town buyers.

My shoes, they are ugly, cold and steel.
Oh, how the pain does make my head reel.

One day I noticed in front of Choo’s store,
The women were happy… need I say more!

Their smiles so bright and shoes so fine,
Right then and there I wished they were mine.
~
The Elves did read the sad Filly’s letter.
They knew in a flash how to make her feel better.

They placed an order direct to Choo’s store,
Requesting her pleasure quantity four!

The shop did reply soon as received,
An order they surely could not believe.

What are you thinking, you silly ol’ Elves?
We’ve no shoes for horses here on our shelves.

The Elves weren’t sure just what to do,
So the order itself merely slipped thru.
~
‘Twas the Eve of Christmas as Santa got ready,
Making sure he’d not missed one little teddy.

As he walked from the workshop he glanced from behind.
A crumpled up note he surely did find.

To Santa’s chagrin, “Oh, this can not be!
A sad little filly is waiting for me.”

Santa checks the names as you know he should.
The Filly was marked on his list labeled “Good”!

He looked at the clock and had to think fast.
Miss Filly, unfortunately, would have to be last.
~
Now back at the livery the horses were fed,
While the Filly had visions of Choos in her head.

The dawn did break with Christmas anew,
But the Filly’s red stocking held not one single shoe.

The old mares they laughed and said with a sneer,
“Don’t you know Santa never comes here.”

“I don’t believe you,” she said with a sigh,
“I wrote him a letter,” then started to cry.
~
The cabbies prepared their carts for hire.
The Filly was hitched with her harness attire.

Outside a man yelled into the stable,
“I need a horse quick, ready and able.”

As the Filly hacked her way through the snow,
Her passenger sang carols sweet, soft and low.

He seemed rather odd and smudged with ash.
‘Neath his old coat he wore a red sash.

Yelling to the driver, “Stop at this store.
I’ve got to look for just one present more!”

What seemed like hours she stood at the walk.
The oddly dressed man came around from the block.

He carried a box to the Filly’s surprise,
Was a pair of Choo shoes, just the right size!

High heeled and strappy, both pretty and pink,
She knew in an instant … as Santa gave her a wink!

Oh, how the Filly’s life was complete,
As she danced down the street with Jimmy Choos on her feet!
~
Let this be a lesson to those with no dreams:
With the right pair of shoes a Filly can do anything!

To every girl who wishes for Jimmy Choos
Be it Santa of Saks… May your dreams come true!

Chef Louie

Chef Louie’s Hors(e)d’Oeuvres

Christmas Bundt Cake

Ingredients:

• 6 Cups  Sweet Feed
• 2 Cups  Wheat Bran
• 2 Cups  Oatmeal
• 1 Cup    Molasses
• 1 Cup    Grated Carrots
• Warm Water
• Apple Slices
• Confectioner’s Sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Generously grease bundt pan

In a large bowl, mix dry ingredients together (except the apple!).  Add enough water to make the mixture doughy.  Press batter into pan and bake for one hour.  Flip over carefully onto serving platter.  Arrange sliced apples around bake and dust with confectioner’s sugar.

Bon Appetit’

— • —

Chef Louie’s feature recipe is proudly brought to you courtesy of June Evers ~ Author of “The Original Book of Horse Treats” Horse Hollow Press

“Merry Christmas”

From FCP

FCP would like to express our thanks to the following individuals for their contributions to this edition of “Barn Biz-N-Bits”.

Rusty Calhaun: Author ~ “The Night the Animals Talked”
June Evers: Author ~ “The Original Book of Horse Treats”
KellyBelle: Author ~ “The Filly’s New Shoes”
Grandma Lola’s Skillet Cookie Recipe
Hobby Horse Clothing Company
Ivey Ranch Park Association