Howdy Chuckwagon Friends

A dreary, cool, and overcast morning was upon us as we woke up at 6 am.  Rick headed out straight away to feed the horses their morning oats.  I got ready for the day, put the coffee on and prepared the crew their morning meal.  I was blessed with a crazy headache!  One would have thought I had a few glasses of wine the night before.  Unfortunately not.  Once breakfast was cleared it was out the door to do the chores.  All the ponies are taken out of their stalls and put into their pens to run, stretch, play and relax, while we hauled away all the manure, replaced it with fluffy straw, fresh clean water and more nutritious hay.

Curious George

Lazy Morning Siesta

I can’t express enough, how our thoroughbred horses have such unique personalities. They are just like kids.  Iscar just had to come up and see what I was doing with my camera.  The others were in relaxation mode.  And that is just where I headed to, after the chores were all complete.  My headache just didn’t want to go away.  Good thing I laid down, for I slept 3 hours.  I guess my body needed it.

I want to share with you the posters our friend Byron designed for us this 2016 season.  He did a great job with Cody’s depicting the 4 generations.  On the poster you see Great Grandpa Tommy Dorchester (Rick’s mom, Joan’s  Father), Dave Lewis (Rick’s Dad) and then Rick, Cody’s dad.  Cody chose the number “48” to put on his wagon to represent that he is the 4th generation, and the 8 competitor in the family to compete.  And as for Rick’s #23?  You will have to ask him what it means if you ever get a chance to meet up with him.  Many people ask me, so I send them on to him as I say “Its his wagon, his number.”  You might be surprised and chuckle when he tells you.  And you might believe him and you might not!  LOL

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There are so many people that put just one camp together, in order to get their driver out to the track on time. Just one of the things that I do, is make sure Ricks Go Pro is charged and ready to film his race.  Normally we video, but for some strange reason, I had it on camera mode tonight.  No worries, we got some great shots just the same.  I put a collection together for you to experience just a little bit of what it might be like up on the box of the wagon as a driver.

Our hook tonight was Spirit (Left Lead) Spin (Right Lead) Cowboy (Left Wheel, on  his maiden voyage) Glory (Right Wheel)

Stadium awaits all saddled and bridled

Stadium was rode by Kale, and Cole rode Trixter.  Unfortunately Kale had a bit of trouble tonight, which made him a bit late behind Ricks speedy 1:15.75.  So we were then assessed a 1 second outrider late penalty.  We still managed a 10th on the day.

I get pretty excited and nervous when son Cody comes out to drive.  He is a pretty darn good driver, as he’s learned from one of the best.  Tonight, his hook started and charged.  He had a great turn around the top barrel, but then the wagon whipped past the bottom knocking it over.  He was then penalized for coming off the barrels a being a bit to narrow.  But just like any other things in life, we learn by our mistakes to make us better.  I’m so proud of my son Cody!

From the Travelin Trailer

Sue with Rick and Team 23

P.S.  Surround yourself with the dreamers and the doers, the believers and the thinkers.  But most of all, surround yourself with those who see the greatness within you, even when you do not see it yourself.

Sue