Ever wonder what it’s really like to run a ranch? It’s not all sunsets and horseback rides—though those are definitely part of it. At Windchaser Ranch, my days are a mix of hard work, heartfelt connections, and quiet moments that remind me why I do what I do. Let me take you through a typical day in my boots.
Sunrise: Quiet Beginnings
My day starts before the sun does. There’s something sacred about those early hours, when the world is still asleep and the only sound is the soft rustling of leaves in the breeze. I step outside, coffee in hand, and take a moment to breathe it all in. The sky is painted in soft pinks and oranges, and the horses are already stirring, their ears perked up as if to say, “Good morning.”
But there’s no time to linger, the horses are waiting. I head to the feed barn, where the first order of business is getting all the hay and buckets organised. Charlie always greets me with a soft nicker, or maybe it is the anticipation of breakfast…
Mid-Morning: Shoveling, Trimming, and Admin
Once the horses are fed, it’s time for the less glamorous side of ranch life: shoveling poop. It’s not everyone’s idea of a good time, but there’s a strange satisfaction in seeing a clean terrain. Plus, it’s a chance to check on the herd up close, making sure everyone’s healthy and happy.
After the barn is tidy, I might move on to trimming hooves. It’s a task that requires patience and precision, but it’s also a bonding moment with the horses. They trust me to care for them, and I take that responsibility seriously. Each hoof tells a story, of long rides, rocky trails, or lazy days.
By mid-morning, I’m usually back at my desk, tackling the admin side of things. Emails, scheduling, and paperwork might not be as exciting as working with the horses, but they’re just as important. This is also when I connect with coaching clients, whether it’s through virtual sessions or planning their next visit to the ranch. Helping people find clarity and purpose is one of the most rewarding parts of my day.
Afternoon: Coaching and Connection
The afternoon often brings a shift in focus. If I have coaching clients on-site, we might spend time with the horses, using their intuitive nature as a mirror for self-reflection and growth. Horses have a way of cutting through the noise and helping people see what really matters. It’s incredible to witness those “aha” moments, when someone realises they’re stronger, braver, or more capable than they thought.
If I’m not coaching, I’m back outside, tending to the never-ending list of ranch tasks. More feeding, more cleaning, more maintenance. It’s physical work, but it’s also grounding. There’s a rhythm to it, a reminder that life, like the seasons, is cyclical.
Evening: Rest and Reflection
As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, the ranch takes on a golden glow. This is my favorite time of day. The horses are fed, the chores are done (or at least as done as they’ll ever be), and I can finally take a moment to rest.
Sunset at Windchaser Ranch is a time for reflection. I think about the day, the challenges, the victories, the small moments of joy. I think about the people I’ve connected with, both human and horse, and the ways we’ve grown together. And I think about tomorrow, and all the possibilities it holds.
Night: Recharging for Another Day
By the time the stars come out, I’m ready to call it a day. The ranch is quiet again, except for the occasional cry of a fox or the distant rustle of leaves. I head inside, tired but content, knowing that I’ve given today my all.
Running Windchaser Ranch isn’t just a job, it’s a way of life. It’s early mornings and late nights, hard work and heart work, dirt under my nails and dreams in my heart. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Love,
Rachel and The Windchaser Ranch Team