Western Life Is the Best Life

Editor’s note: In the December issue, we offered more than 50 reasons to love Western horse life and asked you to share what you cherish about your horse life. Here are three answers. I love my Western horse life because when I go camping with friends to Coldwater Equestrian Center in Blackwater River State Forest, Munson, Florida, we saddle up and ride out for hours on beautiful longleaf pine forest trails. We cross the long, winding Coldwater Creek where the horses get a cool drink, and we do a photo shoot. Upon returning to camp, we unsaddle, take care of our trusted horses, and head to the trailers for lunch and a short nap. Then we do it all over again!

Melanie Beiser I’m a 68-year-old buckaroo, born on a ranch outside Bakersfield, California. At my age, I have many reasons to love my Western life. The country song “God Must Be a Cowboy” has a line that says, “He made grass and trees and mountains and a horse to be a friend.” This rings true in my life. Randy Gafner I start my day with a smile as I look out my kitchen window while enjoying my first sip of coffee and see my two horses contentedly munching on grass in the pasture. Priceless.

Ann Hopta