Summer 2019

Hello! Long time, no post!

I know I need to write my academic year in review, but I thought I’d first write about my 2019 summer experience. I was employed as a “wrangler” at KD Guest Ranch in Adamsville, Ohio. I lived on site (in an apartment above the barn). My main duty was looking after 26 horses. Everyday I woke up bright and early to feed them, check them for injuries, and get some of them ready for rides with our guests. I was very thrilled to get to ride twice a day; sometimes we just went on the trails, and other days we herded cattle in a game called team penning. Along with feeding the many animals on the ranch, I also served meals, washed dishes, and cleaned the lodge and cabins on turnover days. It was a lot of hard work, but it was very rewarding. I got to see people’s faces light up when they rode at a canter for the first time or got a calf into the pen. I learned how to work with guests and socialize with them in a hospitality environment.

Trail Selfie

Some have asked why I chose to do this job instead of a fancy internship or summer classes. I am trying to devote my life to as many unique experiences as I can- this one truly fit the bill. I’m not sure what next year will bring, but I’m really happy with how I spent my summer. If I want to go to vet school, I now have thousands of more animal experience hours to add to my application, along with doctoring experiences I can attest to (a few of our horses suffered some nasty leg wounds). I got hospitality and food service experience on top of it all. I now better understand the mechanics of a small business and the agro-tourism industry. I can’t wait to share some of my funny ranch stories with my friends. For now, here are some more pictures from the experience.