By Dan Roark
I frequently borrow and alter my favorite line from Wizard Of Oz, like I did in the title. It’s actually one of the few lines and songs that I remember from the movie. Because it oozes urgency and and anticipation of unknown forces. Which certainly applies here.
As we approach what’s called the “dog days of summer,” we know what type of weather is coming. Although we’ve had what I consider a light summer so far – with just a few or so 100 degree days – heat is surely to come, even if fairly few 100 degree days. As people have known me to say, “if it’s over 95, it’s just freaking hot.” The rest is just a matter of degrees. 
During that heat, we can rinse off the horses, like with Cy (Cyclops) and Libby in the pictures, to cool them down. But we can’t cool down the staff, volunteers and participants other than to make sure they drink plenty of water. Having cooling vests available would go a long way in making them a little more comfortable while taking care of the horses in one way or another.
If you’d like to donate a cooling vest, check out https://www.orosportsusa.com/products/coolsportvestino Use the code SUMMERSIMMER for 10% off while that code is still available. We could use Size Y for our riders and Size 1 or 2 for staff and volunteers. Kim, New Hope Barn Manager, wears the cooling vest in the pictures below. In the last picture, Kim shows the ice pack that fits in the back of the vest. The next post will be about all the work that Kim does at New Hope. Making the cooling vest(s) that much more important.
There are also fans in the paddocks for the horses, but some of them are heading toward the end of their usefulness. If you’d like to help by buying a fan for our horses, please look at this type of fan that can be mounted on a bucket – https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-7-in-3-Speed-Indoor-Outdoor-Misting-Stand-Fan/1003002602
All general donations go to where the need is the greatest. But there are ways to donate and specifically say that you want the money to go to, let’s call it, the Beat the Heat Campaign. Or buy a vest or fan and donate it. As always, any amount helps and is appreciated! But with the heat on the way, this becomes an urgent need. 
Ride on and ride for hope.