Howdy Chuckwagon Friends

Aren’t  the Medicine Hat skies spectacular?  I had decided last night, that I would wait to do the blog early this morning as we ventured over to fellow driver Chad Hardens barn for a sponsor get together.  Which in turn meant we were a bit late getting to bed.  I am so glad I made this decision, because when I got up, the skie was so beautiful.  And the neat part about that, was when we were finishing up putting the horses away last night, I couldn’t help but notice the evening sky as well.  I am glad to have captured both of these amazing breathtaking photographs.  It makes me appreciate the wonders of God’s creation.

My day yesterday was busy, but rather boring so to speak.  I prepared breakfast, then dove my nose into my office work.  On the road the bills still find me.  I do  the books for our company and Cody’s as well.  So it was time to play catch up.

Our youngest outrider on the tour, is Ethan Motowylo.  At the age of 15, he is doing a pretty good job.  His dad is Chuckwagon Driver Obrey Motowylo.  Ehtan rides for his dad as well may pick up another ride or two with another outfit along the tour.  Everyone starts somewhere, and you only get better by riding, racing and practicing.  This goes for anything we do in life’s journeys.

This year, is the year for new offspring in the Chuckwkagon Family.  There have been 3 babies born this spring, and another 3 due in the next month or two.  Driver Dustin Gorst is pretty excited for their little boy to arrive in a couple of weeks.

Friday night was a beautiful night for racing.  There were definitely not near as many penalties as the first night of races.  Only 4 infractions.  1 late outrider, and 3 knocked barrels.

Rick was off the 1st barrel last night.  For his 3rd  outfit, they turned and ran pretty good.  Rick was happy with it.  His hook was the same as the night before, with Air, Vegas, Stash, Ranger.  Then Cole and Chanse rode Andy and Stadium.  They posted a time of 102.91 good for 15th on the day.

Cody fared pretty good.  Coming off the 3 barrel, its tough to get the rail.  You have to be pretty speedy to get ahead of the other 2 wagons.  Cody didn’t have quite enough room to do that, so he ended up going 3 wide all the way around this short track.  Him and his horses gave it a good shot though.  He eneded up with a time of 1:03.76 and 29th on the day.  Cody is sitting 30th overall.  He’s driving well though.

We are so thrilled to put a smile on someones face with these little wagons.  The crowd here last night was good.  It’s great  to keep the fans coming, it keeps our Western Heritage Alive.

From the Travelin Trailer

Sue, with Rick and Team 23

P.S. When you believe you can………………….you can!

Howdy Chuckwagon Friends

Its been busy around here.  I don’t think there is ever a time when its not!  Not in this business.  We packed up and headed out of Saskatoon on Monday, departing at 8:3o am.  Was a good drive, not much traffic on the roads.  We arrived down south in Medicine Hat by 2 pm.  Along our journey we stopped in a little town called Kyle on Highway 4.  I so desperately had to stop to go pee, as well as fuel up the trucks. I am thinking I will have to cut down on my consumption of liquids on travel days.  So Rick tells me.  While we were stopped, a friendly voice came from around the corner and called my name.  I couldn’t believe my eyes!  It was Neville Jemott, a long time friend from back in Grande Prairie days, when we lived there.  We haven’t seen him and Frieda for years.  What a nice surprise!  We couldn’t chat long, as the horses needed to get going, but we will definately connect later.

I am proud to be living in a free country that I am.  Before the evening performance begins, the Canadian Anthem is sang.  It sends shivers through my body when I hear this. We are a very lucky people here in this country.

The Medicine Hat and Exhibition Association, arranged to bring in kids from the surrounding schools to come and meet some drivers on  the grounds.  We were available to give the kids a barn tour,  to just see what it is we do. Many of them are city kids and have no idea, and have not seen a horse or smelled horse manure.   They had many questions and loved getting to sit up in the Chuckwagon Box. Rick does a superb job of teaching.  Who knew?

Even when there is a schedule to follow, there is always time to change things up a bit  A 2nd annual Golf Tournament took place yesterday.  Because Rick does not golf, I got to go and join other Chuckwagon Drivers, swinging their clubs on the golf course to raise money for a Humaitarian Group.  I was auctioned off and purchased by sponsor Rodeo Ford!  What a great bunch of guys.  A day well spent by all.

Even though we are on the road, I am always trying new recipes.  The kids requested some salad……………..and so they got salad!  I needn’t a recipe,as  I just started adding many things together and came up with this.  It was a success!

We are very happy and proud to be carrying the tarp of none-other than MacAurthur Ranches.  Jim, our sponsor contact, brought his 87 year old father out to the races tonight.  He was thrilled to have watched his name go around the track.  We thank them for believing in us!

Ricks hook tonight was Air, Ranger, Vegas and Stash.  Cole rode Andy and Chanse on Skippy.  Chanse had a bit of issues with Skippy turning to the left when he was to get on.  This cost him some time getting out onto the track behind Rick.  Which in turn made him late to the finish line giving us a 1 second penalty.  We placed 25th on the day.

Cody had a bit of a slow start tonight. The horn blew, and I’d swear the horses had earplugs in and never heard a thing.  They just kind of stood there.  Very frustrating.   The outfit finally got going, and he managed placing 30th on the day.  Better tomorrow.

There were two happy little girls tonight.  One received the free mini chuckwagon give away, and our friends from The Hat brought their kids by to feed some carrots to the ponies.

So thankful for all that I’ve got!

From the Travelin Trailer

Sue, with Rick and Team 23

P.S.  Forget what hurt you, but never forget what it taught you.