Ever Wonder what its like to grow up on a horse farm?
I have often wondered that myself. That was not my parents lifestyle when I was growing up. We were more into playing sports than riding horses. So how in the world did I get the gene of loving everything horses? I mean no one else did. My Sister likes them and my Brother tolerates them. They have just always always been my go to. Now I have 4 of them. Still don't own a horse farm (maybe one day when I win the lotto) but I have them. It was a dream to own one. People, they multiply! Horses has what has driven me. I workout for them, I work for them, and I take pictures of them. Talk about obsessed.
Todays blog is one of my dearest friends Children. We had a sibling Photoshoot and it struck an idea. Since I wasn't raised on a Farm, and I know many of you were not either, I thought it would be awesome to hear just a small clip of their thoughts! I am so glad that I am in this industry! It has brought light to many things. I have met some amazing people. Been on some awesome adventures. Horses are life!
Meet Maddison.
Now this chick right here......I never thought she would love the horses as much as she does now. When I met her, she could take it or leave it. Now she would ride and be with the 4-h group, but it just wasn't her thing. Imagine my surprise when I went to a youth rodeo and home girl rocked a set a Barrels! Talk about a proud moment. Here is a snippet of her thoughts.
Growing up on a horse ranch is hard work but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It has taught me how to care and be responsible for something besides my self. No matter how tired, how late or how early the horses always come first. Them being fed has always been first priority. I have also learned good work ethic and I’ve seen with consistent work how much a horse can improve. Patience is another thing that I have learned. With young horses especially you have to learn how to keep a level head even when they aren’t doing exactly what you ask. Once you get mad and start fussing at them you both get frazzled and you get nowhere. I’ve also seen and done so much at such a young age. When I get older and it comes time to choose a career, no matter what field I choose to go in I can take everything I’ve learned and apply it to my job. Sometimes it’s easy to take things for granted and think how much easier it would be if I boarded somewhere or if we only owned a few horse. But then I remind my self that if I did that I would never have the valuable first hand experience that I have and I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world.
See Horses can give so much insight on responsibility at a young age. I love it!
Partners
Could you even imagine having a Best friend like this? One you trust to swing your leg over and take off into the sunset with. One that test all your patience and knowledge. One that will take you to the pay window for nothing more than a rub on the neck or a cookie. My one wish is that we all get to experience a friend like this in your life time. It will totally change you!
Baylee Jo
This sweet girl here. I met her in her Mamas belly! She has been riding for that long! So her not having the heart for a horse, yea that was not going to happen. And to watch this little girl ride, its quit the sight to see. If you don't believe me, just go to her next rodeo. Let her prove me right! Here is her interview.
1) What is it like riding horses everyday? Its fun riding everyday knowing that you accomplished something and preparing for your rodeos.
2) Is it hard work? It is hard work doing barn work and getting tacked up, but I do have people helping me so its fun.
3) Do you love working with your sisters? Yes, its fun working with my sisters and I love them!
4) How do you like rodeoing? I have friends there and its fun riding Bingo and its fun doing barrels, poles, and goat tying.
5) Whats your favorite part of the day? I don't really know my days are not always the same. I like after barn eating and taking a cold shower!
I mean guys really. IMAGINE THE LIFE. And she is so wise way beyond her years. Your going places Baylee Boo.
Meet Kayla
Now this chick is a little different. I always new she would be a cowgirl. She seemed to have her Dads ranchy drive early on. She was bucked off so many horses and never seemed to turn her back to them. Thats the Cowboy way. Heres her thoughts.......
For me personally growing up on a horse farm has been a blessing. Your play is your work and you get to do it all with your family. It’s a lot of responsibility and hard work but I wouldn’t trade it for anything some of my best memories have been made working alongside my family. I can remember getting up early for rodeos and horse shows, coming in late and eat dinner after all the works done. Growing up with horses meant that I had to give up a lot of my free time. I traded football games for rodeos, but I am more than thankful that I have something that I’m passionate about. Riding and working with horses, watching them come along and improve has been so important to me. Along with my family I have grown up with my barn family, there’s rarely a time when our barn is empty there’s always someone to talk to, ride with or someone to lend a hand. I hope that my kids get to grow up in a horse family like I did, and are able to make the same meaningful memories and friendships I was able to.
Ugh, yes, yes I totally did tear up reading this. What I missed growing up, I was able to give to my daughter. Though we don't own our farm, we still put in the work. We are there twice a day. Hauling and meeting new people. So hearing these words from these young ones, just reassures me that I made the right choice. Going broke riding a horse!
SISTERS
SISTERHOOD IS A POWERFUL
Now imagine Cowgirl Sisters. They will be unstoppable!
Eli
Talk about last man standing, lol! Bless him. His Mama and all his sisters. Its all Horse Horse Horse! Now, he has dabbled in riding, only just to say he participated. He would much rather run behind one than ever ride one. Give him a skateboard or a video game, he is happy. But surely he has some pluses to share with us about living on a farm. Right? Yep its called having the land to ride the 4 wheelers on and learn to drive his truck. Who needs to ride a horse when you can cruise with the windows down! Life lessons man! If you can drive around that zoo and not hit anything, then you should be a pretty safe driver!!!!
One last thought
If it is ever an option to introduce your children to horses, please do so. They have so much to give this generation. Also, if you ever have the chance to have professional photos taken, please do so. Life on the farm as so many ups and equally as many downs. Those very horses that taught you have to love, respect, cherish, be patient, can break your heart into a million pieces in an instant. Take the time to make those memories special. Take the time to turn those memories into art. I don't care what Photographer you hire, just find one that can capture the bond. One that knows horses!
Much love to The Hampton Family
