Howdy Folks

Some of our final days of racing at a venue, end up being early afternoon start times .  This really puts a twist into our day.  Some good and some not so good.  Morning chores go as usual, and then it seems that 2 pm comes quite quickly.  The daily scheduled nap rarely happens on these days.

We always enjoy little visitors that stop by.  Joey, along with her mom and brother stopped in for a visit.  They are city folks, so when we come to town, they are so excited to meet the horses and feed them some carrots.  Its a little bit of country coming to the city as the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede Race Track is situated within their city limits.

For several of the years that we have been coming to Medicine Hat to race, we’ve always been met by Rodger when we arrived on the grounds.  You see, Rodger came our way through some of his family members, as they were sponsors of ours.  This fella has helped us tremendously over the years doing odds and ends fix ups on our traveling trailer, our horse liner and also helping out with the chores.  He might not handle the horses, but he is one of the best handyman guys around.  We sure do appreciate all that he does for us.  We can’t say enough how this Chuckwagon way of living has given us so many new friends for life.

Just as the races were starting, I saw this rabbit in the infield where we watch the first three heats.  He was the cutest little thing.  Sighting a rabbit is a good thing.  It primarily means abundance, comfort and vulnerability.  It also means it is closely linked to the seasons, the changes of Mother Earth, and specifically Springtime.

Our afternoon outfit consisted of Ranger on the Right Lead, Spirit on the Left Lead, Jim on the Left Wheel, and Law on the Right Wheel.  Ed and Stadium were the outriding horses ridden by Rory and Casey.  As you can see on the video, the team started hard.  That’s a good thing!  The skinner, (AKA Rick) drove that team around the barrels like no tomorrow.  He kept the lead all the way around the track to finish first in the heat and 7th on the day.  We had good show overall and are sitting 2nd in the World Point Standings.  A congratulations goes out to Luke and Michelle Tournier on their championship win here in Medicine Hat.

Well you couldn’t wipe the smile off this little gal.  Her family has also come to know us through our Chuckwagon life.  Once a year we get to see them and catch up on things.  These little Chuckwagons are very special to receive, as we only give them out at the races.

We were happy to have them come back to the barn at the end of the races.  The excitement to show us what she got was  priceless.  A gift that keeps on giving.

Onward to High River, Alberta, the next stop on the tour.

From the Travelin Trailer

Sue, with Rick and “Team 23”

P.S.  Faith is to believe what we do not see, the reward of this faith is to see what we believe.   Saint Augustine

Howdy All

Today we had sunshine, yet there was a coolness in the air.  After morning chores, I went over to the local farmers market and picked up some home baked pie, cinnamon rolls and carrots for the horses.  You can’t beat the home made goods.

We had some visitors come by to meet the horses.  Our friends Steve and Lynn Fountain brought their daughter and grandkids down to our barn.  They are city kids and wanted a close up and personal experience with our thoroughbreds.  Rick took them out to the pen and let them do just that.

They couldn’t leave without a photo in front of the chuckwagon with Rick.

Ernie and Andy were our outriding horses again tonight.  Rory and Casey both rode them well.  I  go over to the infield with them and await our heat.  Tonight, these 2 horses were exceptionally well behaved.  They just stood so quietly for me.  What a treat.  Just because sometimes the horses get worked up as they know it is getting close to race time.

We hooked Nickel on the Left Lead, and Speedy on the Right.  Sporty was on the Right Wheel, and Louie on the left.  With Louie being new, when the horn sounded, he just kinda stood there.  Then when the other horses got going, he had no choice.  So the start was a bit slow, but when they went, the went.  Rick did a good job driving around the barrels and the rest of the race took care of itself.  We had a decent time of 1:02.55 ranking us 8th on the day and seating us 8th in the agregate after the three days of racing.  Tomorrows dash for the championship race, consists of Kurt Bensmiller, Luke Tournier and Doug Irvine.  May the fastest wagon win.

Our friends Jan, Astrid and Stephan from the Netherlands were the lucky recipients tonight at the races.  They were pretty excited to have received the mini Chuckwagon so they can take it back to their home country and show all their friends and family.  We met these fine folks about 6 – 8 years ago here in Medicine Hat.  They were just walking by the grounds and wondered what the heck we were up to.  We treated them to the races that night, showed them our barns and horses, and we’ve been friends ever since keeping touch by email.  They love coming to Canada, and make a point to come see us every time they do.

Tomorrow’s races are early, beginning at 2 pm.

Until tomorrow

From the Travelin Trailer

Sue, with Rick and “Team 23”

P.S.  Everyone in your life serves a purpose.  Everyone has something to teach  you.  And while people who are kind and friendly help teach you who you DO want to be, those who are not kind and friendly teach you who you DON’T want to be.