Every so often, I farm sit for friends in the area. It’s a great way to play farmer without owning my own farm. In the long run, I think I would like to have my own place, but I enjoy the opportunity to test drive the concept before making the big decision.
Last week, my friend Nikki headed to Florida for a family vacation and I took care to the farm she manages. They have 9 horses — 4 retired horses that live out full time, 2 mares in foal who are out most of the time and 3 horses in work. Although I didn’t have to ride all 3 horses every day, I stayed pretty busy with lots of riding and lots of chores.
My mom always thought I was a city girl who wouldn’t be happy on a farm, but I really do love being in the country. I enjoy the physical work on a farm as well as working with the horses. I love how bright the stars are at night and am entranced by the sounds of nature. Seeing any wild critter thrills me, even the deer I see on a daily basis. I even like watching the turkey vultures warm their wings while they sit on the paddock fences.
Working on other people’s farms gives me the reality check I need to understand what I want to have on my farm. Getting to know how other people manage their farms leaves me better equipped to know what will work for me. My own farm is probably years away, and I know it will be a lot of work, but I look forward to the day. In the meantime, when I can’t sleep at night, I think about what I want my farm to look like — how the stable is designed, how the farm is laid out, how many horses I want to have. When the time comes, I’ll be ready, having given every detail plenty of thought.
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