Animal Company.

Me at my Idaho ranch with my dog Odin, horse Sundance, and cat Daisy Duke.

This summer I went horse camping with my dad and he made an observation that’s stuck with me. While talking about the ranch and how I’m doing managing it all, he said he knew I was never lonely because I’m constantly surrounded by all of my friends.

In the conversation I knew he meant the animals.

An offhand comment so small and fleeting but that meant so much to me. Because I felt so seen and understood. They ARE my friends.

My dad on Sunny, grade gelding, me on Winnie, mustang mare, in the Boise National Forest, Idaho.

Horse camp consisted of a 3-pannel corral to keep the horses in and my trusty 3-horse slant with a cot as my bed.

I have a unique relationship with every single one of them. It goes beyond a working relationship or mutual understanding of existing.

I’ve talked about this before but it took me a long time to “lean into” calling my home a ranch. We don’t run cattle, and we also don’t raise animals for meat. We simply have created a little space in this world that fulfills a selfish desire for peace and happiness.

I’m not knocking other types of ranching. I’m very appreciative for the role that others are providing, it’s just for me, for this moment in my life, I’m simply enjoying living here surrounded by everyone I love most.

And yes, most of them have four legs.

Enjoying a sunny snuggle with my good friend Fig, the miniature goat.