Category: 10 Bar Y Family

Ranch Rooster Gone Rogue

4/2/2021

Sometimes it takes a painful experience for us to change our ways, and in that moment God is giving us an awakening- Kyle Idleman

The animal known as a "Rooster"

Table Conversation

Family Dinners are a big deal among the 10-Bar-Y Family. With so many members it is a rare treat to have everyone from the youngest to the oldest present. For years the best stories and updates have come from around the dinner table. Stories from the ranch, whatever sporting events or activities have happened that week and of course an update from what you learned on Sunday. Sunday dinners growing up were the most memorable. They were a time when the best stories and memories made their debut and some retold for new listeners. One of the most famous stories retold around the dinner table, is the time the ranch rooster went rogue on an unsuspecting family member.

Casual Sunday Outing with the Family

Lou and the Rooster

Lou is the second oldest child of the 10-Bar-Y Family. For the last 15 years or so her famous rooster story makes it's round in the family dinner conversations. Currently, Lou is living in South Carolina teaching people about Jesus Christ full time. To accurately tell this story we asked if she would help us, and include some of the lessons this experience taught her.

When Lou was in about 2nd grade or so, it was her task around the ranch to care for the chickens. At the time we had close to 40 hens and two big roosters. One of the roosters would chase after you if you didn't collect the eggs fast enough, but he always seemed to be more bluff than anything else. This particular rooster was sort of a pet for little Lou, and she was convinced it was her best friend. You see our journey to chickens wasn't like most folks, our journey started with two baby chicks.

https://the-chicken-chick.com/my-favorite-photos-of-baby-chicks/

Baby Chicks similar to our first two

Started in a Classroom

When I (Lou) was in 2nd grade my class hatched baby chicks. I was so excited! At the end of our experiment my teacher started giving the chicks away. Many kids couldn't take one home, because they lived in the city. So imagine my delight when I got to take home 2 adorable little chickens. The one was yellow and the other one was black. Well 10-Bar Mama decided we couldn't have just 2 chickens and not long after that we had close to 40. At first I loved spending time with the chickens but as they got older the fun kind of wore off for my 8 year old self. My black chicken would always be my favorite, however he had turned into a beautiful rooster with a multicolored tail. I was convinced that he was truly my best friend.

https://creativemarket.com/drakuliren/4523541-beautiful-rooster-tail-with-a#fullscreen

Multi-colored tail

The Morning Friends became Enemies

One morning, I don't remember the time of year or even the events that happened, but I got in trouble. As part of my punishment, I was given the assignment of feeding the chickens before school. I was a very stubborn child and I decided I would not feed the chickens if I didn't want to. I mopped and prodded around all morning. Finally it was time to leave for school and I had still not fed the chickens. Now by this point everyone was getting frustrated with me, and rightly so, I mean it was me who was making them late. My dad nicely reminded me, that no one was going anywhere until I fed those dang chickens!

My dad kindly walked me out to the chicken coop, where I sat on a hay bale and defiantly looked at him. I knew my siblings were watching at the window and I was not going to give them the satisfaction of seeing me give in. Daddy 10-Bar called for me to stand up and feed the chickens but that only aggravated me more, so I kept on sitting in the coop. I continued to sulk there, and Daddy 10-Bar continued to wait.

Grain bucket and some alfalfa hay

Surprise Encounter

Suddenly, out of nowhere, something interrupted my sulking thoughts. I was attacked! My dear rooster had jumped atop my head and began pecking me vigorously. I'm sure I looked a sight, as I sat there for a minute before a pure adrenaline rush took over. I stood up and has quickly as I could began waving my arms. Every time I reached up to push that pesky rooster off, he would reach over and peck my hand!

So there I was running around the whole yard, screaming and waving my arms with a rooster on my head. It took everyone a minute to stop laughing before they rushed over to help me. To be honest I don't remember the rest of that day. I do remember my dad's workers received a bonus that month... they said he was delicious! You can bet for the next couple months if there was a way to get out of feeding those chickens, I took it after that.

https://thisnzlife.co.nz/how-to-deal-with-and-prevent-an-aggressive-rooster/

Rooster preparing for attack

Lessons By a Rooster

For many years after this experience my pride and stubbornness would flare up and I would again become defiant. However, as time went on I would remember I realized there were some important lessons to be learned from the rooster.

1: We often bring challenges on ourselves by playing the victim. If I hadn't let my pride get in the way I could have avoided that particular outcome.

2. Sometimes we need to stop being a sissy, pick up our petticoats and get over it. A lot of crappy work needs to be done in life and we'll all have to do some of it.

3: Do what mama and Pops ask, they wont change their minds just cause ya pout.

4. Never trust a rooster. Y'all may disagree but I'm sticking with this one!

Lou with her Puppy 2019

Lou's Closing

We don't always see the big picture. God has given us the Holy Spirit as a guide for our lives, but oftentimes we, like that little girl, refuse to listen. We think we know best and often ignore the gentle pleadings of the Spirit warning us of danger.
Pride, anger, stubbornness, all of these bring about pain. They are a poison in our lives, but if we can learn and become a little bit better every day we will become happier. I have come a long way from that time but I will always be grateful for the lessons I learned that day. I am happier now then I would be if I had stayed that angry, defensive girl.
Thanks Dad for loving me enough to teach me, it may have taken a few years but I'm better for it.

We are on a journey to bridge the gap between producer and consumer by sharing our dream, knowledge and experience with the world. Hold on tight the ride is only 8 seconds long.

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10 Lessons of Ranch Life

2/18/2021

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I would rather be on my farm, than be emperor of the world." - George Washington

Ranch views

Ranch What?

Every day on the ranch is a new experience, and with experience comes wisdom. Some of the wisdom gained is learned through a period of trial and error. Choosing to live a country lifestyle teaches you lessons in many shapes, sizes and varieties. Some of these lessons are welcomed with open arms, others are great stories later on. We have learned so much from our farm, and want to share 10 quick lessons learned on the ranch.

Clara and her bottle calf

The 10 Lessons

1: Put the light in the chicken coop before it freezes, or you'll have frozen eggs for breakfast

This last year didn't get too cold at the ranch until late December. We had just upgraded our chicken coop and honestly didn't even think anything of the colder weather. One morning after it first snowed, Ellie (8) came in from collecting eggs. She wanted some eggs for breakfast, so she cracked on a freshly gathered egg to find it a little frozen. Needless to say if you don't have a heat light in your coop your eggs might freeze and breakfast takes twice as long.

A look inside a frozen egg...

2: Don’t wait for the hose. Fill your buckets and carry them to water the horses. It makes strong muscles and good kids

Momma didn't raise no sissys. Being in a large family we all had animals to take care of and sometimes one hose wasn't enough. We kids got "farmer" strong from hauling water to different animals and getting our work done.

Mountain ride flex

3: Always remember to chain the gate shut.—Otherwise mom gets to catch the horses all by herself while the kids are at school.

How many times has this happened in your family? During the school year all the kids are at school and there have been multiple times horses, dogs, goats... you name it have gotten out. Luckily they are all pretty good to catch, but we always get an earful when we get home. :)

BTS Family pictures 2020 Audra and Cassie

4: Play hard, work Hard! Go ahead and eat the dirt, the doctor says it keeps you healthy!

A couple years ago, Cam, told one of her friends the reason she wasn't allergic to anything was because she ate dirt as a kid. There is a lot of dirt involved in ranch life and a little dirt never hurt anyone. Whether it's working hard or playing hard dirt is always involved somehow, even if its a little mud wrestling.

Little girl after playing in the farm mud

Ru, working hard or playing?

5: When dad says we have a half days work that means 12 hours, remember there are 24 hours in a day

It took us kids a little bit of time to figure this one out. When dad would say we only had a little bit of work the general assumption was we would be done by noon. The work is never done and even those 12 hours are not always enough.

Dad working on a farm truck transmission with the boys

The boys working on the farm truck

6: Frank and Liz are the goats not the neighbors

A year ago the kids got some goats to practice goat tying. The littles decided to name them Frank and Liz. A while later someone came to visit and we told them we needed to go get Frank and Liz so they could meet them. Imagine the surprise when she was greeted by two little goats instead of people. Never assume when hearing a name, especially on a farm.

Ru with Frank and Liz

7: There is always time for a quick workout, it just may not be in a gym

When there is no time for the gym you get creative with your workouts. Like mentioned above, you can always haul water around. There is always some hay to move or a dog to carry.

Hink moving some straw into the barn

8: If you can’t do farm chores in it, it isn’t worth owning

Despite whether you like it or not chores have to be done everyday. Sometimes you have to run out to take care of something in whatever you have on. Even with the best planning, some days you gotta do what you gotta do. If you can't take care of a sick animal or feed in the outfit, it may not be worth owning.

Girls in skirts and muck boots caring for animals

Who said we don't have style?

9: The quickest way to get the kids out of bed is to holler “cows/horses are out”

There have been multiple mornings where we have been woken up at all hours of the night to help get cows back in. One morning we were in such a hurry to get saddled and find them that almost everyone just threw on some boots and left the house in there pajamas. One of the best memories we have together as siblings is that morning in our pjs, singing at the top of our lungs and moving cows.

The girls coming home from rounding up cows

10: When your favorite critter dies, it's ok to cry

Losing an animal is never easy. It is hard sometimes to understand why even after all your hard work they don't make it. No matter how hard you try to save them, there are times when they just don't make it. This is one of the hardest lessons to learn. We have lost sheep, horses, dogs and cows. With each one it never gets any easier. It's ok to cry and feel sad but then it’s time to buck up and know you did all you could. You learn from these moments and they make you better.

Boy kneeling beside a newly dug dog grave

We are on a journey to bridge the gap between producer and consumer by sharing our dream, knowledge and experience with the world. Hold on tight the ride is only 8 seconds long.

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For the Love of a Horse

2/4/2021

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No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle - Winston Churchill

The Girl at the Spanish Fork Arena

The Story of a Girl

The oldest of the Morley girls, is a blonde haired, blue eyed wild haired spitfire. For Cam, the back of a horse was her favorite place to be. Her Dad used to take her for rides on their bay horse Poki growing up, where her peals of laughter could be heard all around. One afternoon as they were riding together, little Cam begged her dad to let her hold the reins and control the big ol’ bay. As they rode around, she guided the horse with the reins but the bay decided he wanted a snack and reached down to eat, pulling the reins from her hands. Rich, her dad got down from the saddle to retrieve the reins, and as he went to step into the stirrup Poki spooked and began to run. At first Cam was thrilled at going fast but quickly realized this was not the kind of ride she wanted. Rich shouted loudly for her to hold tight to the horn, but no sooner had the words left his lips then the big old bay turned the corner of the field sharply and little Cam came tumbling off.

Cam was unharmed and quickly recovered, however that day a small fear was born. Cam loved horses, she talked of horses, she dreamed of horses, she even fed the family horses but she couldn’t get over the small nagging in her stomach. Anytime she thought about riding a horse her stomach would plummet. Cam loved to ride, she wanted to ride but she couldn’t seem to get over that fear. Rich and Audra knew how much she wanted to ride and saw how hard she worked every summer to overcome her fear of riding to compete in 4-H. They put her in horse lessons where she would sometimes cry but always come home grateful she went. One winter Cam’s parents bought her a pony that was her responsibility to ride. The pony was a 4 year old black welsh quarter horse named Cracker Jack. Although he was gentle he still needed some work and Cam was terrified of going above a small little trot.

Peaches the Pony

As the Tables Turned

That Spring our family moved to Arizona. We came back up to visit extended family and Cam was about 12 at the time. Audra’s brother had a pony they called Peaches and he asked if Cam would be willing to give Peaches a tune up. Not wanting to disappoint her uncle and always doing better with a little audience, Cam agreed. The first day she worked with the pony she was terrified, but with a little pride she swallowed a gulp of fear and worked with the pony. The next three weeks went by quickly and each day Cam pushed her confidence on the pony a little further. By the time our family returned home Cam was excitedly talking about all the things she wanted to do with the ponies Halley and Cracker Jack. That summer we noticed a change in Cam because she realized she was better than her fear believed her to be. Cam began to ride faster than a trot, and got to the point where she would do just about anything on the ponies. Soon Cam wasn’t scared of the family horses either but the fear didn’t just disappear overnight.

Cam felt accomplished in riding the family’s horses but anytime she rode a new horse or even thought about riding a new horse her old friend feared coming running back. Cam loved horses so much that the fear was actually crippling and hard to deal with. As the years went on Cam learned how to cope with her fear and often had to “cowgirl up” as she called it to fulfill her dreams. As Cam grew older, so did her desire to help others who allowed their fear to stop them from riding.

El learning how to pick out Supreme's feet

Confidence of a Queen

Cam began teaching horse lessons at the age of 14 for beginner riders, using the same ponies that had done so much for her confidence. You could often walk by a lesson and hear her telling bits of her story to her students, encouraging them to not give in to fear. However there was one fear that was keeping her from a desire she had always had. Cam had always wanted to be a rodeo queen, and advocate for the sport of rodeo. However, whenever the time came to try out she would find an excuse.

A couple years after High School and not having been able to ride a horse for almost two years Cam remembered all the progress she had made in her horse journey and decided to “cowgirl up.” Cam found a horse who could spin and stop, she signed all the local rodeo queen paperwork and she decided to give it her best shot. Cam had only rode her horse three times before the competition and was terrified of looking stupid. She was so nervous and she knew her horse could feel it. Cam didn’t win that year or the next year when she tried out, but she grew so much as a competitor. Cam had almost given up on her rodeo queen aspirations when a friend encouraged her to try one last time for her college rodeo queen competition.

Cam and the Draw Horse

Overcoming with a Win

The day of the competition Cam took a deep breath as her old friend of fear crept back into her mind. For this competition they did something called draw horses, where people from around the community brought horses for the contestants to ride.

Cam looked at herself all dolled up in the mirror and said “you are a horsewomen, you speak with knowledge and grace, you ride tall in the saddle, you are not afraid to be you, you are better than you think you are.” With a smile on her face and a prayer in her heart Cam walked in already a queen. She rocked her interview. She danced her heart out, spoke with clarity during her speech and rode a horse she had never seen before with all the confidence in the world. You might ask yourself what changed? How did a scared little girl go from hardly touching a horse to riding a horse she had never seen before, in a competition and winning? Well, it was the love of a horse.

Great American Queen 2019, Cam and her attendant

A Story for the Ages

My love of horses has been with me as long as I can remember. It was really hard growing up and being so scared of my greatest passion. I will probably deal with a little fear around horses the rest of my life but I choose to let my love of the ride win. My story has taught me a lot about life. Fear is very present in our everyday lives and can keep us from accomplishing some pretty amazing stuff if we let it. Ultimately it falls on us to decide if we are going to let fear win out or if you are going to pursue the scary. Always follow your dreams and don’t let fear keep you from riding your race.
- Cam

Cam and her boy Buck 2016

We are on a journey to bridge the gap between producer and consumer by sharing our dream, knowledge and experience with the world. Hold on tight the ride is only 8 seconds long.

2 Comments

Ranch Rooster Gone Rogue

Table Conversation

Lou and the Rooster

Started in a Classroom

The Morning Friends became Enemies

Surprise Encounter

Lessons By a Rooster

Lou's Closing

10 Lessons of Ranch Life

Ranch What?

The 10 Lessons

1: Put the light in the chicken coop before it freezes, or you'll have frozen eggs for breakfast

2: Don’t wait for the hose. Fill your buckets and carry them to water the horses. It makes strong muscles and good kids

3: Always remember to chain the gate shut.—Otherwise mom gets to catch the horses all by herself while the kids are at school.

4: Play hard, work Hard! Go ahead and eat the dirt, the doctor says it keeps you healthy!

5: When dad says we have a half days work that means 12 hours, remember there are 24 hours in a day

6: Frank and Liz are the goats not the neighbors

7: There is always time for a quick workout, it just may not be in a gym

8: If you can’t do farm chores in it, it isn’t worth owning

9: The quickest way to get the kids out of bed is to holler “cows/horses are out”

10: When your favorite critter dies, it's ok to cry

For the Love of a Horse

No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle - Winston Churchill

The Story of a Girl

As the Tables Turned

Confidence of a Queen

Overcoming with a Win

A Story for the Ages

Author

Categories

Archives

Ranch Rooster Gone Rogue

Table Conversation

Lou and the Rooster

Started in a Classroom

The Morning Friends became Enemies

Surprise Encounter

Lessons By a Rooster

Lou's Closing

10 Lessons of Ranch Life

Ranch What?

The 10 Lessons

1: Put the light in the chicken coop before it freezes, or you'll have frozen eggs for breakfast

2: ​Don’t wait for the hose. Fill your buckets and carry them to water the horses. It makes strong muscles and good kids

3: Always remember to chain the gate shut.—Otherwise mom gets to catch the horses all by herself while the kids are at school.

4: Play hard, work Hard! Go ahead and eat the dirt, the doctor says it keeps you healthy!

5: When dad says we have a half days work that means 12 hours, remember there are 24 hours in a day​

6: Frank and Liz are the goats not the neighbors ​

7: There is always time for a quick workout, it just may not be in a gym ​

8: If you can’t do farm chores in it, it isn’t worth owning ​

9: The quickest way to get the kids out of bed is to holler “cows/horses are out”

10: When your favorite critter dies, it's ok to cry

For the Love of a Horse

No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle - Winston Churchill

The Story of a Girl

As the Tables Turned

Confidence of a Queen

Overcoming with a Win

A Story for the Ages

Author

Categories

Archives

2: Don’t wait for the hose. Fill your buckets and carry them to water the horses. It makes strong muscles and good kids

5: When dad says we have a half days work that means 12 hours, remember there are 24 hours in a day

6: Frank and Liz are the goats not the neighbors

7: There is always time for a quick workout, it just may not be in a gym

8: If you can’t do farm chores in it, it isn’t worth owning