Kentucky to Colorado

I'm Courtney and I've lived in Kentucky,or as some people know it the Bluegrass State, for 21 years now. I grew up in Cold Spring, KY for all of my life. I went to grade school at St. Joes Cold Spring , High School at Notre Dame Academy and for the last 3 years I've spent my college days at Gateway Community College not knowing what I wanted to major in.

Back in High School I started traveling out west on vacation to Dude Ranches. I spent a week in 2005 in Montana, 2006 in Wyoming, and 2007 in Wyoming again. After being in those states I wanted to travel to Colorado to see what that was like.In 2008 I found myself working as a Wrangler at Tarryall River Ranch. What I thought then was the BEST summer I've ever spent anywhere. I made friends with the other staff members from that summer and friends with the guest from all over the world. Literally, I have more friends from other states and countries than I do in KY. I rode a horse named Reba that first summer and I honestly think to this day she was the best instructor I've ever had. I was bound and determind to buy her...well that didn't happen so I knew I had to come back.

Well, low and behold, May 15, 2009 I was boarding a plane to fly back to Colorado to work as a wrangler again! I got into Colorado Springs Airport friday evening to find Kevin, the owner, waiting to take me back to the ranch! I lived in what we call the Wrangler Pad all summer long with my 3 roommates Maddie, Colae and Julie. That consisted of 3 sets of bunk beds, 6 dressers, and a small bathroom for us.

Keaton and Andy were the other two wranglers for the summer and Allie was the kids counselor/wrangler. I rode Reba again for the second summer and mid July I bought her. I left the ranch in August this time with more memories and friends. I came home and continued training my 2 year old filly and soon after classes started. Some of the staff members came to visit me once I got home and I made a trip to Florida. November rolled around and I wasn't sure what I wanted to do anymore....

Keaton had told me about Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado and about their Equine Management Program. Ranching and working horses has become a passion of mine and I know I could do it for the rest of my life. I applied to the College and to my suprise I was accepted. I had orginally enrolled to start in Fall of 2010 but I didnt want to wait that long till I got back out to Colorado. I am leaving for Colorado January 16th 2010 with Keaton to drive out to Sterling where I will start school. My plans for now are to go to school and then go work at the ranch for my 3rd summer! And guess what?! Maddie is coming back also! After I graduate, I plan on staying in Colorado or at least out west to work.

I will try update my blog every couple days or after something exciting happens. I will post something new with pictures of the road trip to Colorado once I get there.