What inspired you to travel abroad?
I was in a position to realise my dream of living on a ranch for a couple of weeks.
Why did you choose HorseWorks Wyoming?
I chose this organization because after reading about a few ranches and opportunities, HorseWorks Wyoming seemed to be the only one to completely fulfill everything I was looking for.
What was your favorite part about Wyoming, USA?
I loved that Cody itself is easy to fly into. Wyoming was captivatingly beautiful (even when just looking and reading online) but it was HorseWorks Wyoming itself that was my inspiration.
Living the dream with the finest little mare in Wyoming
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
HorseWorks Wyoming made the entire experience extraordinary. The spirit of the horses running right through everything, the ethos for learning, the ability to be hands-on from day one. I was part of a family from the moment I arrived. My days were filled with horses, calfs and their mothers, ranch duties, laughter, hard work, and riding amazing horses across country so beautiful it brought tears to my eyes.
A big part of the experience was also learning new skills and being taught natural horsemanship, having the freedom to learn and understand by being up close and part of how this incredible ranch operates, and making friends (real friends) for life. I booked for March 2019 before leaving last year and I cannot wait to get back under Wyoming skies and continue my adventure.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
They supported me 100%. From the moment I arrived, I found a home away from home and I became one of the family. MaeCile is warm, welcoming, funny, kind to a fault, and THE most fabulous chef! Her wranglers are so knowledgeable, and they clearly love HorseWorks and all that goes with it.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I wish I had stayed longer!
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
No two days are the same; you can rise under beautiful, sunny, cold skies one day, and snow the next. Then comes chores, more breakfast than you can eat (there was different delicious home cooking everyday), trail rides, ranch chores, ground work with youngsters, assisting a vet, feeding young horses, learning to ride a barrel, more trail rides, rounding up cattle, hitching a monster trailer to a monster truck, and then sleeping at night so soundly and peacefully.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
During my free time, I enjoyed swimming in hot spring water in Thermopolis, shopping like a real cowgirl in Cody (boots like I’ve never seen before!), and visiting Yellowstone National Park and seeing animals (bison, elk) up close. What a road trip that was!
Tess was able to work on a ranch and chase her dreams in Wyoming
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I stayed in the warmest, cosiest log cabin….I could open the door to the Wyoming country on my doorstep! Perfect.
What is one thing every future participant should know about HorseWorks Wyoming before their program begins?
Take sunscreen—yes, even in winter. Be prepared to surrender to the learning experience HorseWorks offers; it’s a gift!
Would you recommend HorseWorks Wyoming to others? Why?
Yes, yes, yes! For all the reasons I’ve described above. For peace, laughter, learning, and a TRUE hands-on ranch experience. You’ll learn more about who you are than you anticipated or expected. There is something for absolutely everyone at HorseWorks.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
Simply the experience the world has to offer in so many ways.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
I think about HorseWorks every day, and I’m still in touch with the friends I made there regularly. I’m a better horsewoman (even after 49 years of riding—yes, I’m that old!) thanks to HorseWorks, having learnt new techniques and new methods, and I’m richer as a person for having found everything HorseWorks has to offer.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
It means having the opportunity for new experiences that should never be missed!
