Dear Friends:

Recently I decided that during the next two years I would produce four new animated programs based on the books in my Jasper the Mule children's series. We will complete Jasper: A Christmas Caper for December 2008, Jasper: A Precious Valentine for February 2009, Jasper: A Fabulous Fourth for July 2009 and Jasper: A Turkey Tale for November 2009. Getting these done is an enormous commitment of time, energy and resources. But once I made the decision, things started to fall into place; the right people have come to the table, everyone is learning from each other and things are in the works.

Commitment is powerful, but it's not enough. The willingness to listen and learn from others is equally important. Had I determined that I knew everything I needed to know about the art of animation and shut myself off from the contribution of experts, I might produce something, but I can tell you it wouldn't be very good. And, really, why commit to doing anything, unless you're also committed to producing a quality result?

Commitment and a willingness to learn, this is what I encourage all of you to bring to your training. Regardless of your equine's age and ability and regardless of your own level of experience, once you commit to training the right way-with kindness and consideration for the animal and a logical sequential training program-and embrace your role as student, understanding the time and patience such a program requires, you create a context in which amazing things can happen.

The best athletes, performers, entrepreneurs and artists have found success through commitment, perseverance and good training and so can you. So I ask you: Have you made that commitment to safe, humane and effective equine training? Are you willing to stick with it and seek out sound guidance and quality instruction along the way?

If so, just know that all the support you need is available. It begins with you, and we're here to help you succeed.

Best wishes,

Meredith