The Farm

I started volunteering at the Old Glory Legacy Foundation in January 2014.  I have always wanted to learn about horses & the farm life (and I hope to learn to ride one day).  But when I came across Old Glory, what really stood out to me wasn't just the horses, it was that this particular farm had a mission statement to which I understood and I believed in.      

"Our mission is to bring military service members and their families together to build strong family relationships and positive lasting memories through horses and the outdoors."  

That first day at the old farm was one I'll never forget.  I was tasked with cleaning stalls.  And I don't mean scoopin' poop stall cleaning.  I'm talking I was asked to clean the ceilings, walls, windows & all parts of the stalls for cobwebs, etc.  Anyone that knows me, knows that I don't do windows. So it was at this moment that I knew I was gonna get along great with Rachel (the owner).  I remember thinking to myself "damn, she's legit b/c she ain't scared to throw me right into the muck".  I really wanted to high five her, but I thought it might be a little awkward being my first day and all.  HAAAAAAA!  
  
I learned later that the owner was making preparations to move from what is now the old farm to the now new farm.  As the days went onward, it was exciting to be a part of this adventure.  I learned a lot (from daily chores, to de-icing troughs, to helping to build fences, etc.) and I appreciated every minute that I got to spend out on both farms.  It was also wonderful to see the mission of the farm being implemented with every family who visits the farm.  I was really impressed by this and knew I had found an awesome place to give my time to.    
   
The move to the new farm was underway.  However, the new farm used to be an ol' turkey farm which was left in a bit of disarray.  This required a lot of cleaning up & building/re-building up.  The transformation that has taken place on this beautiful 89 (or is it 88??) acres of land over the past year is absolutely amazing. Words don't do it justice. Neither do pictures. I guess it's just something that you have to experience.  And it is an experience that I am forever grateful to Rachel for allowing me to be a part of.                

Unfortunately, in June 2014, I had to take a 6 month-ish leave from the farm due to a fracture in my leg & some other personal crap going on at the time.  I finally crawled out of the dark hole I had been wallowing in and returned to the farm about 6 weeks or so ago.  It's so great to be back!!  However, after being out of the loop for an extended amount of time, it is only normal for some things to be different and for so many new and wonderful things to have happened during my absence.  I am enjoying catching up with everyone and getting to spend days on the farm again soothes my soul. Rachel and the rest of the crew, (animals included), have always welcomed me with open arms & typically have at least one stall waiting just for me to be cleaned.  HAAAA!!  I wouldn't want it any other way and I hope they'll keep me around for many years to come.    

Be sure to plan a visit to the farm!!! You can find the hours that the farm is open by checking out the OGLF Facebook page !!!  

You can also read about Hope, the rescue horse (which I will blog about in a separate post), who is currently being rehabbed at the farm.  In addition, you can also find out more information about the newly founded Sandhills Horse Rescue & how you can help at:
https://www.facebook.com/Hopethewonderhorse  
Sandhills Horse Rescue.  

Pic Courtesy of OGLF