Ranch wife tails

Best of both worlds

It was one of those beautiful February days when the sun was shining and I could feel its warmth beat down on me. The air was still and calm and smelled like damp dirt. It also smelled like horse sweat, a smell I haven’t been able to enjoy for quite some time.

It’s been about four months since I’ve ridden a horse. I’ve been busy having a baby and being stuck inside because of the weather. But the opportunity finally arose that I could help move cows again. My mom drove a pickup and horse trailer behind the cow herd with my son in the cab. Then I could stop along the way, throw my horse in the trailer and feed the baby while everyone else kept the cows moving.

Some days it feels like I’m missing out on the things I used to enjoy. Taking care of a newborn is a lot of work and doesn’t allow me much time away from him. I’ve had to stay home while the rest of the family moves and feeds the cows. However, as I sat in the pickup that day feeding my baby with my horse in the back, I realized how good I have it.

I have always felt that my greatest calling in life is to be a mother. It’s the most important job I will ever have and it’s an honor to do it. Putting some of my other interests on hold is worth being able to raise my kids. Although there are a lot of days right now that I will miss out helping on the ranch, I know that I’m still doing important work.

So I rode along that day in the sunshine enjoying the feel of my horse beneath me and the sun on my back. But I wasn’t disappointed when I had to stop and take care of my son. I know that some day soon he won’t need my help and he’ll be riding off on a horse of his own. Not only will I get back to moving cows, but I’ll be able to do it with my kids in tow. Seeing them develop a love for horses and learn how to take care of cows is so much better than doing it on my own. I just have to have patience right now and enjoy the days that I do get to help. I really do have the best of both worlds.