[Freebird!]

Please keep fellow COTHer, "LuckyDuck" in your thoughts and prayers. She teaches and runs the farm The Ridge Equestrian Center in Newtown Ct, and Catherine Hubbard, was one of her students. Below is a link to her on a horse:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...levant_count=1

And here is the latest farm post, in memory of Catherine:

http://www.theridgeequestriancenter.blogspot.com/

I hope Luckyduck doesn't mind my sharing. I thought it was too sweet a blog post not too, and I know everyone at the farm could use all the support and prayers they can get. Rest in Peace sweet child.

****To donate in Catherine's honor, go to the following link: http://www.theanimalcenter.org/donate.htm They have a Memorial Fund set up in her honor - The link is in the first box under the picture.*****

[BellaLuna]

There are no words for this tragedy. Godspeed.

[Anne FS]

So, so sorry.

I thought there might be some connections here. The little boy Jesse Lewis also was learning to ride (I think they had their own farm).

[TarheelJD]

I really just have no idea what to say -- this is just so horrible. LuckyDuck -- my thoughts and prayers are with you, and everyone who lost a loved one in this awful tragedy.

[dani0303]

This post made me break down and cry. I'm so sorry LuckyDuck. Godspeed Catherine and the other 26 who's lives were so cruelly cut short.

[216 Jumper]

I'm so sorry! This has been just unspeakable. My heart goes out to you.

[Sacred_Petra]

So sorry to hear this. We're sending many hugs and jingles from here in Colorado.

[Dare1]

So sorry Luckyduck. Hugs and jingles to everyone affected by this tragedy.

[tradewind]

There are really no adequate words. Just hugs and prayers to all.

[Liberty]

Deepest condolences to LuckyDuck and Catherine's family and friends.

Coincidentally, this came over my Facebook newsfeed about Catherine:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php...type=1&theater

For non-Facebookers, here is the text:

"Coalition for Shelter Pets With No Time

This is Catherine Hubbard, 6 years old--one of the children who lost their lives Friday in Newtown, CT. Catherine's family said she was an animal lover and that she wanted to open an animal shelter when she grew up.

The family has requested that anyone wishing to express condolences donate to the LOCAL animal shelter--that Catherine would have wanted that. What an expression of love for Newtown...from a sweet angel with a huge heart! I was moved by this and wanted to share the info.
Please share this..wouldn't it be awesome if something big happened in her honor?
http://www.theanimalcenter.org/donate.htm#memorial
You can donate online (scroll down to the Memorial Donation button on the donation page) via the link or if you would rather mail a donation, the address is:

The Animal Center, Inc.
PO Box 475
Newtown, CT 06470

Let's make this little angel proud! Thanks!"

So, please, those of you who would like to donate in sweet Catherine's honor, choose either a local animal shelter or donate directly to The Animal Center at the link above.

[AliCat518]

This is just so heartbreaking. When I went to school today, I hugged every single one of my kindergarteners multiple times. Just thinking that someone could do that to anyone, let alone a child makes me so angry.

Rest in peace, Catherine.

[Kenike]

Crap. Not only am I searching for Kleenex while waiting to pick up my own 1st grader from school, but now I want to just give LuckyDuck a gigantic hug that obviously won't fix anything.

Good night, I am so very, very sorry!!

[Miss J]

My deepest sympathies and condolences to the all the families and family of this little girl as well as luckyduck.

[BuddyRoo]

May she have a good pony now.

I am in tears. (well, don't tell anyone, okay?)

[ToTheNines]

Goodbye sweet child. I know that pony in your soul helped you on your way to heaven.

[Tiffany01]

omg Im sorry LuckyDuck I cried this morning when I watched the news and asked my "worker" why?? and she said "Tiff only god knows".

[Louise]

LuckyDuck, I'm so very sorry. Words are not adequate.

[tikihorse2]

I'm so, so sorry, LuckyDuck. I can't find words to express my sorrow at the loss of adorable little Catherine. ****HUGS****

Kim

[Ponies, etc.]

I am so, so sorry.

[oldernewbie]

Crying now. So sad for this dear girl, her loving family, and her horse friends. I hope God wraps his loving arms around all of them and gives them the strength they will need to get through this horrible event.