Ranch Duties 🐶🐴🐐🧹

Living on a ranch was definitely not something I ever envisioned for myself, but my boyfriend grew up with this lifestyle, and I'm slowly but surely getting a peek into what a true "day in the life of a rancher" entails. While I admit I'm often found admiring from afar, there's always something happening, and it's far more involved than just the occasional stall cleaning I bravely attempt. Most ranch days kick off before the sun even thinks about rising. The first order of business? Feeding. All the animals need their breakfast – the horses, the goats, and of course, the chickens. We recently had a fun little mystery on our hands, trying to figure out where Reba and her friends were laying their eggs! It was a small victory when we finally located their secret stash, proving that even finding something as simple as eggs can be an exciting ranch duty. Then comes the essential task of checking on everyone, making sure all the animals are healthy, happy, and accounted for. Sometimes that means a quick health check for a goat, or just watching Dolly munch her hay, ensuring she's okay. Mid-morning often brings the more physical tasks. Cleaning horse stalls, for instance – a chore I rarely jump into, but when I do, I quickly remember why my boyfriend handles it most often! It's a real workout, especially when you're moving a large pile of manure and bedding. But seeing a clean, fresh stall for Dolly is definitely rewarding. Beyond the stalls, there's always fence mending, pasture rotations, or general maintenance around the property. It's a constant cycle of upkeep to keep everything running smoothly. Whether it's fixing a leaky trough or ensuring the gates are secure, a rancher's work is never truly done. Later in the day, after the main chores are completed, there are still animals to tend to. Dolly, for example, has been shedding her winter coat like crazy, so I've been giving her a little brush to help her along. It’s actually quite therapeutic, and she seems to enjoy it. And then, of course, there are the goats. My boyfriend's daughter is a natural at herding them, which is a sight to behold! They're quite mischievous, so keeping them all together and guiding them where they need to go is a skill in itself. Even as an "inside person," I find myself drawn to these moments, appreciating the connection to nature and the animals. Evenings usually involve a final check on all the animals, making sure water troughs are full and everyone is settled in for the night. It's a long day, filled with unexpected challenges and simple joys. While I might not be a full-fledged rancher, observing and occasionally participating in these duties has given me a profound respect for this way of life. It’s hard work, but there’s an undeniable beauty in the daily rhythm of caring for the land and its creatures.