Howdy Chuckwagon Friends
Well, the 49th Grande Prairie Stompede has come to an end. Eleven days of some very crazy weather. From Sunshine, to snow, to rain and wind included. When we pack to go down the road, we pack clothing for all seasons. Most of the time, our long johns get well used up north in GP. And this year was no different from many others. But…..on the positive side of things, there was no dust and no mosquitoes to contend with.
Our beautiful horse Andy
The equine horse is such a beautiful animal. We race all thoroughbred horses, which are all geldings, no mares. Rick says they just cause trouble. Everyday they amaze me with their personalities. Andy is very curious looking out at the other horses across the pen.
Tonight, we had some special spectators show up. Rick and cousin Troy Dorchester’s Aunt Sharon, along with cousin Tammy (Troy’s sister) and her 2 daughters came to cheer Troy on as he was in the final Dash for Cash heat. Glad they made it on time, as they missed the turnoff to Grande Prairie and ended up in Edson. Not sure what they were doing but they did arrive on time. Troy had some tough luck on 1 barrel, and hit the top coming around. Darn. Kurt Bensmiller came out the champ competing against Kelly Sutherland, John Walters and Troy.
Rick hooked Air, Ranger, Keenan and Law tonight coming off the 1 barrel in heat 1. Trickster and Stadium were ridden by Cole and Kale. penalty free run tonight. And the bonus of being in the 1st heat, is we get chores done really early! We ended up with a 9th day money. Rick was happy how they performed.
Cody was in the 2nd heat. He turned and managed to get out on the track first again. He was doing quite well, but the horses didn’t have quite enough run to keep the lead. And unfortunately, he also had a late outrider. This put him down in 25th spot. He’s going to do well, just have to keep at it.
Well, hopefully our time in the mud is finished for a while. It does make for a whole lot more work. Time to clean things up, pack and head on down the road.
The sun shone through the trees, after all the ponies were put away for the night. And you know, it doesn’t matter where you go, there is always something good to take home with you.
From the Travelin Trailer
Sue, with Rick and Team 23
P.S. “May the stars carry your sadness away, May the Flowers fill your heart with beauty, May hope forever wipe away your tears, and above all, may silence make you strong. Chief Dan George
Sue