Winter on a horse farm in Lawrence, Kansas, is hard for a number of reasons. The cold weather and wind seem to be conspiring against the need to keep the horses fed, watered, exercised, clean, and happy.

Sadly, this winter—nearly two months ago—our good friend Liz Gravatt faced a terrifying problem that didn't have anything to do with the weather. Liz developed a severe staph infection that had spread to her spinal cord, requiring surgery to remove the infection, and eventually several more surgeries to fuse vertebrae. These were successful, but she is now facing many days of rehabilitation to help her function normally again.

We have known Liz for many years, and were so excited when she was able to start Horseplay Training at Wonder Pony farm—we would argue that applying the cliché that starting this business was a lifelong dream of hers isn't really a cliché, because, if anything, it understates her love for and dedication to horses, riding, and teaching.

Kind and generous friends have been taking care of the farm and the horses who call it home. We are asking you to be generous in a different way—by making a donation to this campaign to help make up for Liz's medical bills and lost income while she has been in the hospital, and for the future, as she works to regain her strength and mobility.

All of us can't be in Lawrence to help with the chores; we can, however, help one of the most wonderful and caring people we have known to someday continue teaching others the “wonder” of riding.