The Paw Print

Hooves and Hurricanes

by Mai-Lan
Some of our students take lessons at Switch Willo Stables (SWS). Julia and Mai-Lan look forward to their Saturday riding lessons. This is an on-going feature story about the lives of the equestrian stable horses at SWS. The stallions, geldings, mares and the ponies will be featured each month.

Twenty three acres of land, in the heart of northwest Austin, is home to SWS an English riding stable and has been since 1963. SWS is a family operation that is now a full service equestrian center. The services have grown over the years into a boarding stable to train hunters and jumpers, an English riding lesson program and a summer and winter riding camp. They even do birthday parties for young equestrians. SWS have been taking in old race horses and ponies and horses that need a good environment to thrive. Now the stable has a variety of horses to ride during lessons! All the horses have their unique personalities—just like people—and different backgrounds.

When Hurricane Katrina hit in August 2005 she took more in her path than just people, homes and belongings. The devastation hit hard on not just human life, but animals—equestrian horses included. Thousands were evacuated to neighboring states. SWS rescued many horses and provided them shelter. The horses received medical treatment and developed into amazing jumpers.

Skip is a large-sized pony with a brown coat and was rescued by SWS. His old stable was destroyed by Katrina. Skip is one of the most comfortable horses to ride. His attitude is interesting—he can be sweet—but when the rider asks to canter, Skip replies with a lift of his hind legs. The buck is like a test. If you’re an experienced rider you will be able to stay on his back and ride out his tantrums. He listens to you if you do this. If you don’t, you’ll be in for a rough ride. He is a beautiful and graceful equestrian horse, but he is now too old to compete.

Marylegs is known to many as the old dapple gray pony from Black Beauty, but to riders at SWS, Marylegs is a speedy little silver pony and to one little boy she is known as Precious. Precious once lived at SWS. Not only was this pony cute, she was a natural jumper. One of the riders owned him. Precious became ill and passed on. The parents of ‘the little boy’ didn’t have the heart to tell their son what happened to this dear little pony. After Katrina, SWS took in a pony that looked just like Precious named Marylegs. When the parents saw Marylegs, they couldn’t believe their eyes. The two ponies were look-a-likes. They told their son that Precious went away on a vacation and was now back at the stables. Some horses have tales just like the fairytales we remember when we were in grade school.



PAWS for your BFF
Take a moment for a furry friend

by Kayla
On September 19, a dog rescue group, The Austin Dog Alliance (ADA), hosted an adoption and informational event called Paws in the Park. Families were invited to bring their dogs to gather for a day in the park. Rescue organizations, shelters and pet stores in Austin encouraged the community to train and care for their dogs so that they can be a part of the family, not just a pet. A few of the groups represented at the event were The Heart of Texas Lab Rescue, the Central Texas SPCA, the Central Texas Dachshund Rescue and Tomlinson’s Pet store.
Games and activities, such as bobbing for hot dogs, a doggy fishing contest, a “my dog is a genius” activity, agility ability and “Einstein the Jeep Dog,” a collie who chases robotic cars were the featured entertainment. All complete with a puppy-kissing booth made this Saturday in the park a day to think about our BFFs! A Girl Scout troop was at the event to help others become interested in canine care and at the same time Girl Scout Juniors worked toward their pet care badge.

Families were invited to bring their dogs! It was a positive experience for the canines, and the kids had the time of their life—Remember when you were a kid and you saw a dog and just had to go pet it? There were hundreds of dogs who met new playmates, and the kids scramble to pet these loveable furry friends
“Paws in the Park is a celebration of the role dogs play in our community and our homes,” said Debi Krakar, Executive Director and Founder of the ADA. “The event highlights how well-trained dogs can enjoy time out in the community with their families.”