Life on the Ranch: October Update

Wow, what a 2018 season! The snow is flying today, and Goosewing Ranch is  now closed for the summer 2018 season. The horses are out to pasture, the playground is empty; the rangers are parked, and it is strangely quiet around here.

To Start With, Thank You!

Most employees have headed to their next adventure, and we are taking some time to reflect on this past season. We would like to start with a BIG thank you to all our staff and guests. Our staff are what make Goosewing Ranch so special, and we can’t do this without each of them. They each play an important role and are irreplaceable. Our guests, you are so appreciated, and we know how fortunate we are that you chose to share your family and vacation time with us. So a huge THANK YOU! You are why we are here and doing what we love.

I have been asked, “Why are you in this business?”  Well for me, it is being able to share this beautiful country with all of you. I love seeing the excitement on a child’s face when they learn how to really ride their horse, and the joy this brings to their parents.

I love taking our guests to see some of the world’s most amazing scenery and sharing with them the moment they are brought to tears while experiencing these mountains on horseback. For me, it is sharing in all of these moments and helping people gain confidence, relax and reconnect with their family, and make memories that they will forever cherish. This isn’t just a job; this is a lifestyle, and I want to thank you all for being a part of our adventure.

A Year of Changes

This year, I had a new adventure: motherhood. Randy and I welcomed Jack Ray to the ranch life, and now we can’t imagine the ranch without him. Thank you to everyone for your understanding and patience with us as we adjusted to parenthood and its balance.

This season also brought us many other challenges from motherhood to Mother Nature. We experienced the damage and destruction of her fury. In June and July, the Gros Ventre River raged through the ranch, cutting a new river channel through the property, taking our tack room and riding arena with it.

First and foremost, we are so fortunate to have only lost things and that no one was hurt. Though this was an emotionally and physically difficult experience, we have emerged stronger and with an overwhelming sense of pride.

We are so proud of our staff members for enduring and persevering. The greatest praise we received was from guests that would say, “Wow, you wouldn’t know you had just experience a destructive flood. We have had a wonderful time here, and your staff make it seem as nothing negative has happened.”

What’s We’re Up to Now

We are in the process of rebuilding and protecting the ranch from the mighty Gros Ventre River’s fury. We will have a new tack room, riding arena, livestock area, petting zoo area, and activity area ready for the 2019 season. This season might have challenged us, but with the help of our friends, neighbors, staff, and wonderful guests, we will return better than before.

Thank you all for your understanding and encouragement through this difficult time. We will be sure to keep you updated on our progress. Until then, thanks for another great season at Goosewing Ranch.

-Amy

Goosewing Ranch General Manager