Rough String 2008-2017

My life tends to revolve around horses. I've had the horse "bug" ever since anyone can remember. Even my recreation time usually involves riding horses in some form or another.

Currently I'm learning how to train for "Working Cow Horse."

I'm studying under Mike Bridges taking the 5 Year Project  which is "The Making of a California Vaquero Bridle Horse."

My Quarter Horse "Colt" (River Bug Rambler) is my Project horse.

I bought Colt as a long yearling in 2006. My original goal was to train him and show him in the annual Harney County Reined Stock Horse Futurity (without making fools of either of us).

As a two year old in 2007, we showed in the halter class placing 3rd of 24.


The three year old year we showed in the snaffle (herd work and reining pattern) placed 3rd again.


As a four year old, I started him in the hackamore; we placed 2nd and won the high point hackamore award (herd and dry).

The five year old class is a required two-rein class...placed 3rd. This is the first year for the Futurity horses to go down the fence...what an adrenaline rush!!!


The sixth and final year is a required bridle class. In addition to the herd, dry and fence, the horse and rider must rope a yearling, the partner must heel it, and then the header rolls the yearling left and right to show control. We placed 2nd.

Five years of the Futurity and we placed every year. We exceeded our expectations and our goal!!

"Circling Up"
A commissioned work by Michelle Severe of Colt in the two-rein at the Futurity;
a gift to me from My Man for Christmas 2010.

My Man

I'm married to "My Man" who seems to make it his goal in life to provide me with everything I need...what more could a cowgirl ask for!

We have a 335 acre ranch/farm where we raise a lil' alfalfa hay and a few head of beef cows. I train a few horses for other people as well as my own.

We don't have any children, so our horses and dogs are the kids!

Photography has taken on a whole new meaning since I started blogging, so you're going to get a mix of our ranch life as well as my attempts at improving my photography skills with the subjects I have at hand.

I'm very glad you stopped by. Please feel free to leave a comment or two, hit the follow button, and I hope you enjoy your stay!

~Happy Trails~