Louisa Cambridge.com

Beware! The “New and Revised,” “Phantom of the Opera,” should read a “Severely” Scaled Down, Cheaper Version, that Lacks its original, Brilliance and Ambiance!

August 11, 2025

There’s a reason why the original stage production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera” became an instantaneous hit in 1988 when it first opened on Broadway at the Majestic theater, in New York City. Reviewers called the show, “one of the most visually stunning theatrical productions” to ever grace the stage. “The Phantom of the Opera” went on to win seven Tony Awards including: best musical, best costume design, best lighting, best direction, best scenic design, best actress (Judy Kaye,) and best actor, given to Michael Crawford. “The Phantom of the Opera,” is also the longest running operatic musical in Broadway’s history.

The basic element to “The Phantom of the Opera’s” original success, is, of course, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s beloved, musical score. In the original production, the music was enhanced with an orchestra accompanying the exquisite vocals. This combination of live voices and instruments created a unique gothic musical experience that heightened the audience’s senses from beginning to end.

Equally mesmerizing was “The Phantom of the Opera’s” iconic, Tony Award winning, visual presentation. Although these elements were kept to a bare minimum, the impact of the sets, creative staging, lighting, elaborate costumes, along with the special effects, convoked the audience to forget their surroundings and fully surrender to The Phantom’s haunting ambiance.

So why on earth was this incredible theatrical production “revised” in the UK in 2012, then brought to tour in the US in 2025?

Financial stress brought about by covid and the entertainment industries additional hardships such as union strikes, fueled the decision to drastically cut costs in order to keep the mobile production touring.

Unfortunately, in the process of scaling down the financial costs, they have bruised the production and stripped “The Phantom of the Opera” of its artistic glory! For theater goers, this is a great loss!

In the original presentation, audience members took their seats, and were greeted by a huge, golden winged angel, inspired by the Palais Garnier in Paris, positioned in the center top of the proscenium stage. Next to it, on both sides of the upper proscenium, golden human-like satyrs and nymphs, some of them gazing out at the audience, created a menacingly mythological sensation that hauntingly sent a preparatory rush of excitement running through the audience’s veins. Like a delicious appetizer preluding a gourmet meal. These images foretold that you were about to experience something distinctly memorable.

The first adrenaline rush in the original show is when the large, impressive crystal chandelier begins to teeter totter, hovering precariously over the audience for a few heart-stopping seconds before crashing down on the stage. Immediately, Webber’s famous overture accompanies a creative transformation that takes the audience out of the auction scene into the Paris opera house.

Both the original and new production include Christine’s dressing room which features a magical full length, dressing mirror. Through this mirror, the Phantom casts his spell on Christine and we watch her step into the mirror’s shadowed glass and disappear.

What happened next was one of the most iconic moments in theater history!

The stage becomes ominously haunting, and we watch the Phantom transport Christine to his lair, in a boat through an underground lake. The boat moves slowly across the stage enveloped with a ghostly fog that is lit with the mystical glow of eerie candles, while the Phantom and Christine performed the shows signature song, “The Phantom of the Opera.”

When the revised version began its tour, two of my nieces were visiting me from out-of-town. Neither of them had seen the stage version of “The Phantom of the Opera,” but because of the wonderful things they heard about the show, it was top of their “theatrical” bucket list, so I purchased tickets for the three of us.

The first indication that this was going to be a very different production was the disappointing stark stage proscenium. The exotic golden embellishments were gone. As the show unfolded, it continued to disappoint. The chandelier was replaced with into a lighter, safer version, but sadly, these adjustments have also diminished the excitement to this impactful moment.

I couldn’t believe it when the iconic lake scene was completely restaged to nothing except for a fire escape that was cast in darkness with heavy shadows and pushed so far upstage you couldn’t see the actor’s faces as they sang.

Gone are the spectacular special effects along with the old gothic eeriness and mystical romanticism that the show once possessed. Even the orchestra has fewer musicians and now utilizes recorded musical segments.

I left the theater angered! The tickets were expensive, and I wanted my money back! I vowed that I would never purchase a ticket for this severely disappointing version again. My nieces were equally unimpressed and confused. The show they saw fell short in every aspect to representing the production they had heard so much about and anticipated.

Broadway justifies their revisions by stating that they have created a more “movie-like” experience of the show, with a darker, more realistic atmosphere.” If someone wants a “movie-like” experience, they should watch the beautiful movie version, staring Gerard Butler as the Phantom and Emmy Rossum. People go to Broadway for the “stage” experience, not a movie!

Today, the revised “The Phantom of the Opera” is still making national tours. But if you decide to purchase a ticket, keep in mind that this is not the production that so many of us fell in love with and have raved about for decades!

And beware of the other theatrical productions that are advertising “New and Revised!” These new versions of classical stage productions, such as Rodger’s and Hammerstein’s, “Cinderella” and “Oklahoma,” have been altered to the point where it’s difficult to determine what the original script was like. Original songs and characters are being removed and replaced with gaps and less impactful music. The musical “Oklahoma” which used to be “family friendly,” is no longer appropriate for children!

The Broadway Tour of “MJ”

August 11, 2025

If you enjoy Michael Jackson’s music and his unique contributions to the music and dance industry, then don’t miss this excellent musical about the man and his lifetime story!

The musical, simply entitled, “MJ,” is led by Jordan Markus and his alternate, DeAundre’ Woods, who portray Michael at different stages of his life. The entire cast delivers marvelous performances with memorable voices and dance routines.

Act one is set in the rehearsal hall for Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour. In a classic Jackson presentation, the audience is teased as the first actor portraying a member of Jackson’s dance troupe, walks down a hallway onto the stage and immediately begins stretching and warming up for a dance rehearsal. One by one, additional dancers appear, building excitement as the audience anticipates Michael Jackson’s entrance.

In the production that I saw, the audience broke into thunderous applause when the actor playing Michael entered the stage.

As the production unfolds, you’re back to various stages in Michael’s life, beginning with his early childhood as the lead singer for the Jackson Five.

Although the play touches on delicate subjects such as his relationship with his abusive father and the contributions he made to the Jackson family’s finances, the poignant focus of “MJ” rests upon Michael’s personal artistry, and perfectionistic details that made his shows exciting.

Jackson was a master at capturing, holding and building an audience’s anticipation with deliberate, well planned and slowly executed, “milked” maneuvers, such as changing his clothes on stage, adjusting his hat and having his hair and makeup fixed and donning his famous glove. These acts were staged as forefronts leading into his next song.

The only disappointing factor in the musical, was the often-abrupt ending to a song, which left the audience temporarily hanging and yearning for more. Particularly during the big Thriller moment.

Nevertheless, a production that leaves you wanting more is a good thing! Furthermore, “MJ” is family-friendly and great fun for the kids, too! And dress up if you want! In the production I saw several audience members did.

And Then It All Came Thumbling Down – Part 3. A New Journey Begins

July 14, 2025

During the winter of 2025 I was still leasing, Fly Guy. I was riding him three to four times a week. Fly’s a tall drink of water, 7 hands/almost 2inches tall. (One hand = four inches) I adored his long-legged strides and willing but gentle disposition. He was the perfect companion to turn to after the loss of Roo. What’s more, I began to think of him as mine and hoped that down the road I could purchase him with the funds I hoped I would make from publishing my books.

However, the week before Mother’s Day, I was told by two different back surgeons that the risks of my encountering sustainable physical injuries, should I accidently fall off a horse were dangerously high. Since my laminectomy four years ago, my scoliosis has continued to cause complications that are greatly affecting the vertebrae, now in my neck. In some areas the curvature is so strong it is bending the steel and pushing out screws. If I wasn’t careful, I could end up confined to a wheelchair. For the first time in decades, I didn’t have a horse in my life. Furthermore, I had to face the stark reality of Roo’s death. The hard cold, sober reality hit me like a ton of bricks. I fell into despair, trying to visualize this new identity as a horseless woman.

The morning of Mother’s Day, I was drinking my coffee when all of the sudden I heard a dreadfully loud screaming outside of my front door. Startled, I listened. The screaming stopped then resumed with more urgently. Going outside I saw several crows gathered around my front lawn close to my house. I scanned the yard for a hurt animal and saw nothing. Then the mysterious cry rang forth from behind me. Jumping, I turn around to see what it was.

Clinging to the brick of the house, right by my front door was a tiny, baby squirrel. Immediately, I scooped him up thinking, what are the odds that this little guy, out of all of the homes and people in this neighborhood, found his way to me! You see, am a wildlife rehabilitator! For the past ten years I have worked with the tiniest, often newborn baby animals, nursing them to health and rehabilitating them to the outside life, before releasing them back into the wild to live the life they were born to live. I had decided to give up the practice this year, but apparently, God had another idea in mind. He also knew how to help me ease into my new horseless existence, by filling my hands with a little guy in need.

*Nutkin, moments after he was rescued from the crows. He has since been rehabbed and released.*

As if God wasn’t sure that I had gotten the message, an hour after I found my new ward, a rehabber friend, Ronnie, that I hadn’t spoken to in over a year text me saying, “I was just thinking about you!” I called her right away.

“You’re not going to believe this!” I exclaimed then told her about my new house guest.

“I think God is trying to tell you something Ronnie said.” She was correct… He was and is. The following week two adorable baby raccoons came my way, followed by another one.

As the next week progressed, some of my friends at the barn learned about my horse situation and reached out to me, asking if I could help them care for their horses. Before I knew it, my cup was overflowing with a variety of beautiful, loveable horses. Three of them are my editor, Melinda Folse’s horses. Melinda was gone for most of the month of June. I was absolutely thrilled to care for Rio, Sammy, who at the old barn was stall mates with Roo for a while and Trance! Not only do I still have horses in my life, but I’m still able to see some of my good friends at the barn, who, along with the owner and barn manager, have welcomed me to stay and help in whatever way I can. Life is good!

MY PASSION for the ACTING

July 8, 2025

“The more you feel, the stronger the pain.
And the more you engage in life, the more you have to lose.”
—Nicole Kidman

Today, whenever I enter a theater and quietly take my place in the audience; I can sense the lingering spirits from past productions echoing through the auditorium, backstage area and down the halls. And as I listening to the orchestra warm up, I feel linked to the cast and crew members backstage. They don’t know me, but I know exactly what they are doing.

They are dressed in their opening costumes, stretching muscles, warming up vocally and actively raising their physical and mental energy levels to meet the demands of the pending performance. Some of them will congregate for a moment of prayer, while others seek out peep holes in the curtains, where they can spy on the congregating audience without being seen.

There’s an inner tremor of anticipation
that runs through the veins of an actor before stepping out on stage.

A few minutes before the curtain lifts, the cast gathers unseen in the wings. If the show is a musical, they listen to the rising stanzas of the orchestra in silence. The houselights go dark; they move into place. The curtain parts, the scrim lifts and floodlights reveal Act 1, scene 1. In that moment, as an actor, you hit auto drive, because your contribution to the performance, is firmly imprinted in your muscle and mental memory and in that instant, your character comes to life!

I hail from a family background that is richly gifted in the arts. My father was well known for his work as a television personality and radio broadcaster in Cleveland, Ohio. My mother’s side of the family are all artists, professional painters, sculptors and musicians. My mother was a professional singer who loved opera and musicals and played excellent piano. She was an award-winning actress in the Greater Cleveland Region and the one who exposed me to the studios and theaters when I was very young. When I was with her, I sandwiched myself in a corner of the backstage, enveloped in dim lights, breathing in the delicious smells of wood and paint from the freshly built sets.

The throb of a theater’s heart has always wooed my own to beat in time.

My personal career on stage began at the tender age of fourteen months old. At two I was enrolled in dance classes. At four, I was accepted as a student with the Duncan Studios, where the Cleveland Ballet troupe rehearsed. My childhood into my teen years revolved around my studies in ballet and classical violin. At ten I began to participate in theatrical productions and when I turned eleven, I was cast in my first television show, Can You Imagine? which was filmed in Cleveland’s WVIZ television studios.

At the age of twelve I was cast as Emily in a youth production of Thornton Wilder’s, Our Town. My love for the humanity of the stage deepened as I delved into the meaningful script. Immediately I felt a strong connection with Emily and was particularly touched by her lament at the end of the play, as she witnesses the emotional and spiritual disconnection within her family. Emily’s despair touched me so deeply that…

“I vowed that to the best of my ability, I would do my best to really connect emotionally and spiritually, not only with my family, but with my animal family members and the outstanding moments that I am privileged to experience through the arts, nature, travel and raising my family.”

It was a great sorrow when at fourteen I left my career behind when my family moved to Fort Wayne, IN. But the theater soon re-entered my life when following my first audition I was cast in The King and I. I quickly became immersed in additional productions, both straight plays and musicals, mostly working under the direction of, Richard (Dick) Casey, who was the artistic director of Fort Wayne’s, Civic Theater. Dick took a liking to me and cast me several wonderful roles; Christine, in I Remember Mama, Alexandra in The Little Foxes, Anna in a marvelous production of Anton Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard, to name a few.

When Dick approached me about attending The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, I was stunned! I was a junior in high school at the time and knew that prior to working with Civic, he and his wife Madge had spent a twenty-five-year run, teaching at the Academy in NYC. But I wasn’t aware that Dick was still affiliated with the Academy as the regional director for the midwestern states. For years Dick had molded me, teaching me the art of acting, so when he offered to write a letter to the Academy introducing me, I was ecstatic. I was also accepted!

At the same time this was happening, my life took an unexpected turn. During that same year, I had formed a crush on a handsome man, Jeff, who was playing the role Judas next to his brother who was playing Jesus, in the first amateur production of Stephen Schwartz’s musical, Godspell. One year later, following my high school graduation, Jeff and I began to date. Two weeks later we had decided to get married. Together we visited the Academy in NYC, but in truth, the idea of managing the city on my own was too daunting. So, I chose the California campus instead.

I had secured an apartment with another actor who was also attending the Academy. But the arrangement didn’t feel “comfortable.” I realized that I was standing at a crossroad, one way led to my career, the other to the man I loved and the future hope of a family and life together. Choosing the latter I returned to Jeff. A year later we were married.

When I returned to Indiana, I was heartsick because I had failed my first true endeavor in becoming a professional actor. Dick very kindly mentored me, pulling me from my state of shame by quickly casting me in some wonderful, leading roles, including Louise in Gypsy, Laurey in Oklahoma, Rosabella in The Most Happy Fella. He also cast me once again, as Emily in Our Town only this time, I was twenty-four and in the early stages of pregnancy with my first son, Chris.

Jeff and I did a few shows together too. My favorite being The Diary of Adam and Eve, which is the first act in the musical The Apple Tree. I signed with an agency in Indianapolis, where I worked on TV commercials and modeled for stock photography. And then I had my second son, Andy. A year later, my daughter, Juliann was born.

After relocating our family to Texas, I willingly gave up my acting career, when my feeble attempts to juggle a theater schedule and be a fulltime mom to children with special needs collided. With my background in ballet, I naturally slipped into a long-term career as a fitness professional, which allowed me to work around the children’s schedules.

My Headshot, breaking a 25-year retirement. I was in my mid-fifties.

However, the actress within my rebelled with a tantrum that burned like a raging inferno! Despite my best efforts to kill the desire, it refused to be subdued and believe me I tried for years. I had to find an outlet some creative means that would allow me to channel emotion and develop strong characters. That is when I began to “act” on paper.

Creative people need a creative outlet! A means that allows their creativity to flow in order to live a happy life!

Twenty-five years passed by. I was a mid-life empty nester and decided to attempt to re-enter the theater world in Dallas. I was shocked when I landed my first audition in a production of Nine. Honestly, I picked up where I left off working in stage productions. It all came back to me perfectly naturally. But I divided my work on stage with work on film and TV. I had two agents, one in Dallas, the other in New Orleans and became a member of SAG. But about the time I entered my late fifties, the burning fire that had fueled my ambition began to fade. I can’t say that it was easy giving it all up again, but it has been nice to downsize and slip into a less stressful more comfortable life.

Now, I’m well entwined in my winter season in life and when I look back upon my life, I’m so grateful for the family Jeff and I have created. For the horses and other animals that have also enriched my life. Jeff and I will be celebrating our 48^th wedding anniversary this year. It has been a wonderful and full ride and…

…Yes, I would happily, make the same choices and do it all again in the exact same way!

And Then It All Came Tumbling Down – Part 2: The Dangers of Cushing’s Disease-PPID; In Honor of Roo

July 4, 2025

Roo & Me on my property in Colleyville. At the time, I was performing in a stage production of “Nine,” in Dallas.

A disease called Cushing’s or Pituitary Pars Intermedia Disfunction (PPID) is commonly found in older horses. PPID is caused when a small area located at the base of a horse’s brain called the hypothalamus, malfunctions. The hypothalamus is connected to the stalk of the pituitary gland. Despite its small size, it has a big job because it regulates the physiological functions in a horse’s body by linking the nervous and endocrine systems together and keeping them functioning in sync.

Malfunctions within the hypothalamus happen when oxidative stress and additional damaging factors, prohibit the neurons within the hypothalamus from functioning normally. Suddenly, the pituitary gland is left unregulated. It malfunctions and begins to over produce hormones.

Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between the oxidant and antioxidant levels in a horse’s system. These imbalances are generally seen in horses who are professional athletes partaking in strenuous endurance and other intense competitions and are the key reason why it’s accentual to maintain a good level of balance between a horse’s exercise and a well thought out dietary plan that meets their metabolic needs, meaning a diet rich in minerals, vitamins, enzymes and proteins. When a horse’s metabolic system is balanced, the horse is less apt to experience oxidative stress.

Roo and Me at our last stable, my daughter Juliann took this photo of us.

Cushing’s, PPID, not only affects the metabolic system. It also affects the functions in the adrenal glands, immune system, digestive system, reproduction system, musculoskeletal system and finally the nervous system.

As a horse enters the natural aging process, which usually begins when a horse is in its late teens, progressing into their twenties and thirty plus years, the probability of them contracting PPID significantly increases.

In 1956, scientists developed a theory called the “free radical theory of aging.” This theory also applies to humans! The theory suggests that as we age, our metabolic systems begin to decline. This decline causes the build-up of “free radicals” within the metabolic cells, where nutrients are broken down and converted into energy. Over time, the metabolic cells are damaged, which leads to oxidation stress. The damages not only contribute to the age-related decline in both people and horses, but it also spawns a variety of additional health complications. All equine breeds and genders are susceptible to PPID which is the most common endocrine disease in aging horses. In people, it’s diabetes.

Roo with his mare, Suger, on the day we meet, over 26 years ago.

For several months Roo was turning up lame every time I had his hooves trimmed. At first, I thought that my farrier was trimming his soles too close. But the problem only became more extreme. I called my vet and had him x-ray Roo’s hooves. Doc Murphy took one look at him and immediately suspected Cushing’s. (I have to interject that another vet, who had just given Roo his annual inoculations and exam, didn’t notice the symptoms, which stresses the importance of us as horse owners to educate ourselves and build our awareness to the possibilities of PPID! And by the way, I fired that vet.)

Immediately Dr. Murphy drew blood samples for testing. On the following Monday, he called me with the tests results—Roo definitely had Cushing’s!

To my absolute distress and regret, I didn’t catch it or have any suspicions that Roo might have PPID! This stemmed from my own lack of knowledge and by sharing my story, I sincerely hope that other equestrians managing aging horses, will research PPID so they can identify the early symptoms.

The problem for me was, Roo wasn’t presenting with the symptoms that I associated with Cushing’s. Roo had shed his winter coat normally the spring before, which is something a horse struggling with advanced Cushing’s cannot do. Second, his fur wasn’t long and curly, another sure sign. However, what he was struggling with was laminitis. Laminitis is a painful condition that causes the Velcro-like laminae tissue of the inner hoof to separate from the coffin bone. Roo and I knew the condition well. We had successfully battled laminitis for at least fifteen years.

Immediately following his diagnosis, I began to research PPID and was truly shocked by how little I actually understood about the disease. The more I learned about the symptoms, the more I saw them reflected in Roo. Not only was I troubled by my lack of knowledge, but it was also a great embarrassment too, because I had never really researched the disease before. I had literally closed the gate after the horse escaped.

At our new stable where, once again, we were happy.

Over the last few years scientific research on PPID has significantly taken off. We’ve learned that reduced levels of dopamine are involved in the development of the disease. Genetics also plays a major factor. More research is being done on the connection between PPID and laminitis. As a result, veterinarians are now able to detect the disease earlier and treat it quicker. And with new medications and stringent diet balancing, horses with the disease can live happily for several more years.

I was always of the frame of mind that Roo would live at least into his thirties! He was my soulmate horse, a true and noble companion, full of delightful antics and playful fun. He was my heart. In all honestly, my vets and fellow equestrians couldn’t believe that he was pushing twenty-six years, because he looked young and healthy. The only thing that gave his age away were the gray hairs sprouting under his mane and forelock.

In cutting myself some slack, it helped me to understand that the first, early-stage indications of Cushing’s in a horse are very subtle. The changes in their bodily systems advance slowly and silently. By the time the most obvious signs appear, the curling and un-shedding of their coat, the horse has reached the advanced stages of the disease.

On the Monday that I learned about Roo’s diagnosis, Doc and I scheduled an appointment for him to come out on the following Thursday in the afternoon, to check me out on the medication Roo needed. However, I was absolutely stunned when over the passage of the next two days Roo’s condition rapidly deteriorated before my eyes. In addition, with each passing hour his body mass changed.

It was absolutely alarming! Fatty deposits and broken-down muscle formed significant bulges under his skin. These bulges literally resettled in new locations as the hours passed. He was sick and could hardly stand let alone take a step. I would arrive at the stable to find him lying down and sit beside him, relishing the unspoken but present love that ties us together.

About 15 years ago, Roo and I had fought a long, horrible battle against laminitis and won! But that’s a story for another time. For now, I could tell by the look in his eyes that it was time to free him from his pain and release him to graze in the heavenly pastures, where several other horses within our family, Rose being one, his mama mare Sugar being another, will greet and welcome him home.

Managing an animal’s death is just as important as managing their life!

I took both of the above videos while Roo and I were waiting for Dr. Murphy to arrive.

Throughout the years, I’ve repeatedly asked God, that when I pass on and enter heaven, I don’t want to see people first. Instead, I want to see, be greeted by and spend as much time as I want only with my horses and my golden retriever Daisy. I want to tell them all of the things I couldn’t communicate here on earth. Apologize for the things I did wrong, but mostly express to each of them how absolutely, deeply I have (and still) love them. But in my heart, I believe that they already know.

And so… close to the end of October 2023, in a lush, shaded autumn setting, next to a quiet pond, Roo and I spent our last fleeting moments together on this earth. And while I was with him the Psalms 23 ran through my head…

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters…

For several nights after Roo passed I sept with his halter and bridle. To this day it hangs on a hook adjacent to my desk. It still smells like him. Although he is no longer physically with me, he’s sweet presents still lingers, his soul is still attached to mine. Along with Rosie and my other beautiful equine babies and I can’t forget my beloved golden retriever, Daisy. And even though my animal family members have pierced my heart when they passed, I have been so richly blessed by all the years we spent together, connected and enjoying life.

Ruach Sel Shalom (Roo) at five months old, at my Colleyville pasture. The year was 1999.

Happy 4th of July

July 3, 2025

Hope everyone has a safe and memorable 4th of July weekend!!

Dude proudly showing off his 4th of July wear.

And Then It All Came Tumbling Down – Part 1.

July 3, 2025

Years ago, I knew of, a woman who saddled up her beloved horse and took him into an outdoor riding arena to enjoy the afternoon. After riding him like a pro, through the paces of a trot and canter, she brought him to a walk and cooled her horse down by walking him along the arena’s rail. Eventually she brought her horse to a complete halt so they both could rest while taking in the beautiful day.

An hour or two later, people began to notice that her horse hadn’t moved, nor had the women. Concerned, a few of her fellow barn mates hurried down to the arena to check on her and found that she had quietly passed away, astride her horse, in the embrace of an extraordinary day. I personally believe that all of the beloved horses from her past, horses that she had diligently cared for and ridden, until they pierced her heart by passing into the grazing pastures of heaven, were waiting for her when she crossed over.

For me, and many of my equestrian friends there couldn’t be a more perfect way to end our time on this earth! To simply slip away peaceful while sitting on your horse! From the time I heard this true story, I prayed that my passing would be the same. But as fate would have it, that will not be the case.

My first experience with having to give up horseback riding happened one year and three months marking my recouperation from an extremely serious back surgery called a laminectomy to correct rapidly debilitating scoliosis. I underwent an eight-hour procedure, where portions of my spine were removed in order to straighten it.

For years I refused to have this surgery because of the lengthy healing process, which I was told would keep me away from my horses for a good six months and out of the saddle for a year. Prior to having this surgery, I researched other riders who had gone through the same procedure and blogged about their recoveries. One Competitive Eventer was able to start training a year later and in just six months she had achieved her previous daily training goals for distance riding. Piece of cake, I thought!

However, one year later to the day, I mounted my horse Starlight, to discover that I could walk her, but riding a trot was absolutely excruciating! I didn’t expect this, and it threw me for a loop. My entire recovery process had centered around the goal of getting back into the saddle. After all, a year had passed.

I am a woman who is well conditioned in tolerating extremely high levels of pain. Pain, particularly when it’s chronic, is something you grow a tolerance to. For me, this process of adapting began when I was two years old and undertaking classical ballet training. I danced for the first quarter of my life, but during my tender years, my training resulted in problems with my feet, and a hip joint that was pulled out of its socket and grew that way.

Horse related accidents have contributed greatly to my ability to tolerate pain. Broken fingers, toes, ribs and a particularly nasty accident I had on my horse Janie that broke my sacroiliac joint in two. The break wasn’t misplaced, so the radiologist didn’t catch it on the x-ray. For two years I rode adjusting my position because I was in so much pain. I blamed the pain on a recent hip replacement; I wasn’t surprised when three years later an MRI revealed that the sacroiliac joint had not healed and was still broken in two.

After my back surgery, I was determined to persevere with my recovery, so I continued to ride Starlight but only at a walk. Although this beautiful mare didn’t understand why I insisted on only walking, she submitted to my insistence. Starlight had an inbred spirit that drew me to her in the first place. For years she competed as a Reiner and was exceptionally talented. She spined on a dime, which was pure fun to ride. Her coat was a beautiful, dappled gray and we adored each other.

Following my laminectomy, Star and I walked the entire grounds surrounding our stable, until one day, I made a stupid decision which resulted in my falling off. There have been many occasions in my life where I have been my worst enemy, this was one of them. The fall broke my glenohumeral or shoulder joint, in two. Again, I was facing a lengthy recovery and had to give up riding.

During this period, a series of events were taken place at the sweet little stable where I boarded my horses. My friend Tommy, who had stepped into his father’s shoes and run the stable for thirty plus years, retired. Our board of directors brought in and supported a new manager and her husband and almost instantly, the conditions and safety aspects took a downward spiral. Horses were being deliberately injured and although some of these incidents were caught on video, from cameras installed in our stalls, no one was held accountable. And that was the least of our worries!

I had found good homes for my horses Dude and Starlight. So on June 6^th, Roo and I left this facility along with almost half or more of the boarders, to settle at the amazing stable where I am now. From the moment I stepped into this stress-free pleasant stable, equipped with everything a serious horse lover and performance equestrian need, I felt a newfound freedom that drastically contrasted with the downfall of the other place. Some of my friends were already at the new stable when I arrived and over the passage of the past year, almost all of my friends from the other facility have joined us!

My new stable has excellent trainers in both western and eastern disciplines. I immediately began to take lessons with my friend and trainer, Liz, riding her outstanding and bullet proof horse, Papaya. It was exhilarating, particularly on the first morning we went for a trail ride.

Our stable has over 130 acers of rideable trails that I was sure I would never see. On occasions I led Roo on walks to explore some of them, but walking Roo, was nothing compared to riding those trails, crossing through the meadows, stone covered river, taking slopes up and down, and exploring the wooded areas. After that ride, I felt alive! I began to lease Fly Guy in mid-September and was riding him regularly. And then unexpectedly, Roo died. For the first time in decades, I didn’t own a horse! I’m still struggling with that reality.

Springtime’s Here!

April 25, 2025

Tiny sprouts of flowers are peeking through the ground.
The trees are full of tender leaves reaching for the sun.
The animals around us seem restless and aware,
The time has come for frolic; nesting time is here.

Birds are soaring in the sky, as busy as the bees.
Looking for the perfect spot way up in the trees.

A home for eggs that soon will hatch, so baby birds can grow,
And sing a springtime melody amidst the melting snow.

A fox, a deer, a little skunk wipe winter from their eyes.
They take a look around them at springtime’s sweet surprise.

Winter’s cold has blown away, nature proudly wears,
The gleaming glow of newness as renewal fills the air.

Springtime Showers

April 25, 2025

Something about the showers in spring,
Inspires the hearts of birds to sing.
While darkened, cloudy skies release,
A gentle rain.

In carefree flight, birds form a chorus,
As raindrops spray the leaves and floras,
Accompanying their freestyle harmony.

The air is warmed with this review.
Water fills each bud and bloom.
A bouquet carried on the wind,
Distributes springtime’s sweet perfume.

I find my senses are aroused,
And pause to gaze upon,
The sodden land.

Surrendering to this whim,
Contentment flows deep within,
While watching joy exemplified,
With nature’s springtime as my guide.

Goodnight My Love

April 25, 2025

I wrote this poem one night, after a friend of mine lost her husband. I never gave it to her, fearing that it might be a difficult read, with her heart so tenderized. I’m posting it now, hoping that someday, a person might relate to it and obtain some comfort. Louisa

Goodnight my love, wherever you are,
In heavens sanctuary far.
I rest upon the bed we shared,
Our arms entwined, content and blessed.
This weary day draws to an end.
I find myself now once again—reminiscing.
Of all the memories I recall,
The ones I miss the most of all,
Are the simple things you did…
How strange that they still mean so much!
I treasure your nearness within my heart,
Where tenderly you remain.
Someday in the Father’s time,
His heavenly hand will reach for mine,
He’ll bring me to that place where you reside.
So, when my heart is filled with grief
And loneliness mere words could never describe,
I will feed my soul with hope,
And cling to the promises His word provides.
A time for quietude draws near.
The day is done, the moon shines clear.
A nightingale sings soft and sweet.
It woos my soul to rest and sleep.
Upon night’s gentle wave I float,
With thoughts of you, I miss you so…
Goodnight my love, wherever you are,
In heaven’s sanctuary far.

Author Louisa Cambridge