Dear Volunteers, Participants, and Sponsors,

The last week at LifeStriders has not gone according to plan at all and is like no week we have ever seen during our sessions or anywhere in Waukesha county over the last 95 years for that matter. The rain waters that have flooded so many of the Midwest streams, rivers, lakes, and farmland has flooded over the LifeStriders property.

We estimate that we have received over 10 inches of rain in this short time and much more runoff from neighboring farmland. Unfortunately for everyone, this means that until the ground absorbs the water we are unable operate normally, and are still in a holding pattern until the water subsides. We have some plans on how to address 100 year floodwater runoff going forward but, they require the land to dry out to address the underlying issues. So we find ourselves in this holding pattern until the water is absorbed into the ground.

As Veronica mentioned, the horses are getting pampered by the generous time that many of the volunteers have put in helping to manage the herd with all the flooding. LifeStriders is very thankful for their dedication and help and continues to benefit from all of their support during this trying time.

Our best guess at this point, as to when the water will subside, is early July. It could be a week sooner or later than that and we will continue to correspond with everyone as the days unfold (think dry thoughts). LifeStriders thanks everyone for your support and patience, and we all look forward to warm dry summer days on the farm with horses again soon. Stay tuned to this website for weekly updates and additional LifeStriders news.

Sincerely,
Rob Conley
LifeStriders

Due to the recent batch of storms, the LifeStriders property experienced flooding unlike anything we have had in the past. We are hopeful that conditions will soon improve but don't really know how long it will take for the water to recede and for riding conditions to be safe once again. Please note that all lessons and social skills lessons will be canceled until future notice. Social skills training may resume earlier since we may be able to meet in the lobby once the water issues there are resolved. We will keep everyone posted and reschedule make-up lessons as needed.

We are happy to inform you that all of our horses are doing well. They are all being kept in the barn until ground conditions improve. We would greatly appreciate any help that volunteers might offer with barn work. Helping us out ANY DAY OF THE WEEK with either the morning barn work shift that will go from 7:30- 9 am or the evening shifts that go from 4:30 until 6:00pm would be greatly appreciated. Until conditions improve, we could use help any day of the week during those times.

Another way that the community may help is to get the word out about our need to raise funds to get an indoor riding arena. As you may know our staff has been working tirelessly trying to raise the funds necessary to ensure our program will continue to offer these great services despite weather conditions. We are currently looking for corporate sponsors and other generous donors that might be able to help our cause.

We thank you all for your cooperation and support during these challenging times!

The LifeStriders Team