Image 1 of 1
Photo submitted by Taneile Hammond, features Loretta and her horse Patsy
@Piapotpearl
I own and operate a ranch in sw sask along the montana border, with my daughter. Started in 2020 and still in the game. I run half blood longhorn/Angus cows bred to Hereford bulls and run a few mares and a stud. It's all pretty old school and they run out year round which I feel makes them tougher/healthier horses. A lot of what I do is old school because it's cheaper to do and I have zero interest in keeping up with the jones'.
I also manage a grazing coop in sw sask (1000 cow/calf pairs) from April til December with the help of my daughter (Loretta) and a pack of dogs lol! Since I started raising my own horses they've been used here and I can start and use them as I want.
I've accomplished a lot in my life, been a lot of places, worked a PILE of different jobs from PMU barns, to hired hand, stock yards, horse track, McDonald's, worked for horse trainers, but I settled on pasture riding since 2010 and took a manager's position in 2019 and that's my real passion. When my daughter came along I didn't see any point changing, I just decided she was coming along with me. It has more challenges than I'd ever imagined but we figure it out, and honestly she made me a better person, far less selfish and forced me to find my feminine/mothering nature, which was certainly needed! Having said all that, it's taken me this long to realize how important men are, to a society but especially a family. One of my greatest regrets is not having the ability to give Loretta a father, sounds hypocritical to the life I live but its a reality. But I try and give her everything she needs to walk through this life with a solid head on her shoulders and an unwavering belief she is capable of anything she sets her mind to!
My mom and dad were grain farmers, they've since retired and moved to maple creek. My grandparents on both sides both had cattle so that's where I was introduced. My mom's family were ranchers, fed with a team of horses, ect.
I'd say I found my own path to be honest, through all my experiences, I've had a motto since I left high school "to take every opportunity given me unless there's a major reason why I shouldn't" and it's taken me so many cool places, and put me in contact with some great people. I was raised to work hard and keep my mouth shut and that opens a lot of doors to, a humble spirit with a ridiculous work ethic! As my Dad says "I was built for work" and it's true. Not that I'm not dealing with the consequences now haha but it's opened a lot of doors too.
The reason I got my first pasture riding job was because I crawled on two broncs at a ranch rodeo and the manager that hired me figured if I can get on two, back to back, I'd probably be good to ride pasture!