When Laura first came to Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch, she had never even seen a horse. Now she’s a seasoned rider and regular participant in the annual rodeo. Laura, 17, chose rodeo for her extracurricular activity after a friend suggested it. While she has competed in several events, she finds goat tying to be the most disfavoring.
“I’ve never actually wanted to do goat tying, and I feel horrible doing it. At first, I felt like I was going to hurt them. I learned that if you do it right, you are not going to hurt them,” she said. “I decided to stick with it because it allows you to run for all-around cowgirl, and it is an opportunity to hone a skill.”
For Laura it’s poles and barrels that make her most happy.
“I always have loved the barrel pattern for sure because I love the speed in barrels. In poles, it’s more about the consistent skill. That is the challenge of it. You have to weave through the poles at your best,” she said.
For Laura working with horses has taught her not only rodeo skills, but also how to deal with life and her own emotions.
“There was an older girl that I used to look up to, and she would tell me when I got nervous to find five things that you can see, four things that you can feel and three things that you can smell. Just doing that would calm the nerves. We all get nervous, but if the rider is nervous, the horse can feel that,” she said.
“I feel like the closer we get to rodeo, the more the pressure gets to me, but that’s also when I choose to put my trust in God. He is my comfort. I’m also going to put my trust in my horse, as well, because we’re partners in this.”
While horses are a big part of Laura’s life at Boys Ranch, it’s also her faith in God that keeps her going.
“Being with the horses is a peaceful outlet. It’s just a good stress reliever and another way to slow your mind. I’m blessed that God has given me the ability to participate,” she said. “I firmly believe that is a blessing from God.”
Though not for Laura’s family, the opportunities at Boys Ranch do come at a cost. Laura said she appreciates all the donors who make her life at the ranch possible.
“It’s so beautiful that people from everywhere give to us and love us. It’s amazing to have their support. If we really think about it, the little things like our hygiene or food to the activities like skiing or throwing a party are all possible because of the donors, so thank you. I have a custom-made hat that was possible because of a donor, which is really cool. I will forever keep it,” she said.
“Honestly, Boys Ranch has given me so many opportunities that I would not have had at home. Just coming here has been like a gift.”