Horses, Fair, Ranch, Riding Plus More!

It was an incredible surprise to find a piece of my childhood laying in plain sight right in Kodiak.  Since we've been on the island I have kept a far distance between myself and the horses that some folks have.  I always thought it was a foreign language to me how people raise horses just for pleasure and never work.  

Growing up that's what made me love riding.  Working cattle was an incredible highlight for me and I was forced to learn how to ride.  I will always remember working cattle in my grandpa's pasture full of hills and gullies.  After my horse scaled a steep hill and jumped over a big gully in pursuit of a calf I knew I had found my "extreme sport".  

 I remember choosing to go ride instead of attend a Thanksgiving gathering one hear.  I am so thankful my parents didn't make me go.  I remember riding all afternoon in beautiful fall weather.  It was just the break I needed during a long school year.  My horses have taken me on one adventure after another and I feel so extremely blessed to have had that as such a large part of my growing up.

Wel Johnny and Robin Walker came to Kodiak to start our horse program again.  Of course  I was a bit reluctant, but with the help of their church they completed funded everything that was needed.  Johnny a life long horseman taught the kids how to ride and gun broke a couple of horses.  With all this happening he also introduced us to the ranchers of Kodiak.  

We spent one night out near Pasagshak watching these guys and ladies rope, ride and wrangle calves.  I could hardly believe this was all happening in Kodiak.  The boys were out at a very working ranch and it felt like we were in the sand hills (well a little different) visiting Brian Thompson's home.  

There is also a Kodiak Fair and Rodeo.  While it is not the size of anything down in Nebraska it had the same feeling.  There were exhibits and great food.  The rodeo was fun for me to watch, what little I did with two very active boys.  

August was a very busy month but it was so much fun.  It was wonderful to get to know Johnny and Robin Walker.  They are two of the best people in this world and it's great to know they will be returning next year to keep our horse program going.  

As for the Kodiak Foremans we are set to get a batch of baby chicks and goats come spring.  The boys have no idea what we're in for. But thankfully I do.  I'm just determined to give them the same opportunities I had as a kid.  While they may not have the same connection that I did with the farm they will learn the responsibilities of having animals.