Getting the job no one else wants: I'm a volunteer at a large well run and managed rescue stable just south of Denver, Colorado. I have the job of mending all the net feed sacks. It seems no one else likes the job, but I find it very relaxing and not as laborious as raking up muck in the pens and stalls. In the meantime, I get to be around the horses and learn a lot from others working there. I'm working on establishing a friendship with two donkeys.

My 11 year old daughter had the biggest smile on her face as she watched this episode. She has the same “sickness” you do and spends many hours a day talking about, dreaming and learning about horses. This was so helpful! Thank you!

You, madam, are a true treasure. Who else has EVER thought to show the various and sometimes hidden ways to get involved in jobs working with horses? Only you! Bravo!!

OMG! What a Fascinating Life Journey. I'm an old lady far beyond any thought of launching a new life path, but I know there are young people out there and maybe not so young who will learn your story and feel heartened and encouraged to fulfill their horse dreams just as you have. Thank you so much for sharing with all of us as you continue your Life's Work.

I remember the phrase « she’ll grow out of it when she discovers boys » being thrown around when I was young.

Lifelong addiction for sure! Leased other people’s horses mostly and just trail rode. Now at the ripe old age of 69, I am spending my children’s inheritance on lessons at a hunter-jumper barn. 😊

I'm almost 70 years old and have always had the horse fever but haven't had the pleasure or finances to own. There weren't any programs in the city I grew up in. It's wonderful that you were able to fulfill your dream.

I started out in horse 4H a long time ago. I was lucky that I had an uncle who wanted to buy a pony for his great nieces and nephews. She was large enough so that my mother and aunt could ride her also. Because I was the oldest, I was the first put in charge and joined 4H so that we could find out what to do. I made life long friends, learned how to ride and care for my pony, how to manage my time and deal with responsibilities, and had a resource for any questions that came up…and there were many. And all for free. Of course I eventually outgrew my pony and went on to have two Morgans purchased for me. Yes, I was very fortunate, but I knew it, and went on to become a 4H leader myself. I’m so impressed by horse lovers like you who take on lifelong struggles and sacrifices in order to keep close to the horse world that they love.

It sounds like the Clever Cowgirl has paid her dues. Persistence and hard work can do wonders.

Well done ... In the Netherlands ...not a chance . I can buy a horse but no place to turn it out ... I hated the riding school with boarding that offered stalls only . The horses only got out to work . But meaby ...one time ...if I win the lottery and can buy some field ... For the moment the horse will be in my dreams only ... I'm Veternarian assistent and I do own , or are owned by cats ...

Owning horses and caring for them is not for the faint of heart. My hat is off to you.

You’ve really worked hard to be around horses. Your story sounds very adventurous and a lot of hard work.

I’m glad you are born and do what you do. The world is a better place with you in it.

I loved the observation about “horse crazy” starting at 4 or 5. Right on! And it never goes away. I had to wait until I moved to Colorado to get my first horse. Took a bit of time off with kid raising then bought my second horse. That was 1982 and have had horses up to my last horse age 22. Since I’m 83, I have to outlive her so she’s my last. Big smile on my face for sure 😊

Loved hearing your story! You’ve done so much! ❤ As a horse crazy kid with no money, I also ended up riding the so called “problem horses” other people owned. I could afford lessons but not the horse. But the difficult horses were usually completely free to ride. Owners were happy to have someone doing the work for free. And they weren’t really “problem horses”. They never are. Those horses were the best teachers too! 😊

Absolutely loved your story and determination! Fellow biochemistry major here - and yes, getting a job with "just" a science bachelor is tricky. I went on to more schooling, and then I had kids, so therefore never had the time to get back into riding. However, I have worked hard to make it possible for my kids to grow up with horses, and my son is on his path to being a horse trainer and he loves it. So my road was long and very different than yours, but I finally get to be around horses again thanks to my kids and their horses :-)

I was raised on a horse ranch…it was glorious!

You are indeed a clever Cowgirl. I love your horses. Many thanks and warm regards, Dave UK

You are a very special human being. Thank YOU for perservering through your challenges and your passion, humbleness, and positivity is contagious! Thank YOU♥

Awesome video! You have shown that we cannot always start at the top or right where we think we want to be. It does take time. Now, I wish they had a 4H for seniors!

What a story.. i recognized so much from the time that i wanted in the horse business, working as a groom for jumping riders, always the dirty work, late hours, little pay, riding the young horses, working and living on horse schools, and finally gave up, i was so sad, and now years later, i bought a horse again two years ago with my teenage daughter, i feel like myself again. ❤

I think your story doesn't just apply to those who love horses; it's a good message for anyone with a dream.

Wonderful. I am glad you are doing what you love.

DESPERATELY wishing to own my first horse!!!!

Great story and very relatable! My Dad finally gave in to his 13 yr old horse crazy daughter(hoping all the hard work would scare me off) 😂 and ever since I could work a real job I’ve kept horses in my life. I’ve owned two of my own businesses, and definitely worked a lot of jobs that I didn’t like. But you gotta do what it takes to own horses. 🙂 I always told myself I would keep my sweet Paint mare until the day she died; the one exception was if I was unable to care for her. Being newly married with some unexpected health issues made me realize that this time, it was out of my hands. I couldn’t give her the time and care she needed and found her a wonderful home where she could have all that. Absolutely the hardest decision of my life, but I wanted the best for her, even if that meant she couldn’t be with me. ❤️ I have no doubt that one day I’ll have horses again; us horse crazy people can’t be separated from them for very long!

Yes! I got the horse bug around that age. My parents couldn't afford to buy a horse, but tried their best to get me treatment via riding lessons and Girl Scout camp.

That was really beautiful! Thank you for some of your back story.

Awe Sis, your the daughter I never had. Thank you for showing how to keep on working and building dreams.

When my daughter was in her teen I encouraged her to volunteer at the local Riding for the Disabled. This gave her the opportunity to work with the horses while helping others.

I found your channel recently. This is my favorite video so far! I grew up with 22 horses/ponies. My mother ran the equestrian 4 H program. Although I’ve not owned my own horse as an adult I’ve never been able to cure my disease 😊 watching your videos makes me feel like I’m a kid again taking care of our horses. Thank you

Thank you so much for sharing your story, which sounds to have been pretty tough, but also beautiful. You certainly seem to be exactly where you should be! Very best wishes… ❤

…I’m looking forward to hearing more details about your background experience with your journey with horses and becoming the churro indulging beautiful woman that you have become. ☺️🌷👱🏻‍♀️🌾🐴🌸

I got my Lead Wrangler jobs through Coolworks!! I want my own mule . Sky Ranch Emigrant Valley is my next hope. I'm a great conversation piece..not many 60 year old wranglers out there!!

I worked my butt off trying to keep competing horses until I burned out and focused on career. Then all kinds of people started asking me to work with their horses. I was too into my career then. Life is strange. I had a friend who went to equestrian uni then became a lawyer. It is so hard if you don't have land of your own.

Thank you! This video was amazing. I suffered from the horse bug as a child. Collecting horse statues was all I could do until my parents bought my first horse. Without training a new rider is a mistake. Watching your channel has finally answered the puzzle why Arab kept neighing when the neighbors' goat adopted him. As a herd animal, the cattle didn't cut it. Keep going!

Great video explaining your journey to current day. BUT you forgot to include your love story with your husband, I presume around the time you lived out of your truck and in the small camper. LOVE the camper idea and one day not too long ago, I thought I'd be living out of my car, but Thank God above He had a better idea for me. God Bless!! I can barely care for myself and have no ground for horses, but perhaps in my next life. Love you dear hard working youngster, bet your work ethic rubbed off from your parents? I LOVE your Montana "accent" which articulates every letter of the word, clear and concise so I never need subtitles to understand what you're saying! Sending PRAYERS that your finally find a ranch for yourself and hubby, and all your wonderful animals.

This was very informative and answered some of the many questions I had about you. I wish I had known all of this 50 years ago! So now I must live vicariously through you. Thanks

Thank you. You’ve led an interesting life.

Absolutely loved this journey! I've had that disease for many decades😂 I worked at a local lesson & show barn, since 10yo. Traded work for my lessons. Back then, parents encouraged responsibility & could trust the safety of their kid to the instructors. Now there are published legalities that severely restrict that kind of learning scenario. Parents must stay with their kid for the 1 hour lesson & then leave. Horsemanship & groundsmanship suffer. Wishing continued success in navigating your disease!

Wow, what a journey you have had. Was very cool to see your experiences and decisions that brought you to present time.

I absolutely love your attitude about all that you do and the disease that afflicts so many of us! I got infected as a 3 year old child at a church pony ride. The smell of the pony, the creak of the leather saddle and I was hooked. It took me 40 years to get my first horse but its an experience I wouldn't trade for all the money in the world.

Thanks so much for sharing your story. I really enjoyed it and found it very inspiring.

You do amazing work! You'll have your own place, that no one can take away soon. 🤞

My granddaughter is 7 and is taking an hour riding class. It started at 5. She started wanting toy horses. No one in our circle of friends and family even has a horse. Now all she wants is a horse.

Another informational video with lots of dream bits.

What an amazing life so far! We just can’t know where small decisions can lead us. Love your videos.

What a story! It takes a lot of strength to persevere like you did and continue to. You have a strong foundation for a less shaky future!

Illustrates the point that many careers are not exactly what we have planned. I think we each learn as we progress through each job and yes there is some scar tissue for some of us. But keep moving forward and being open to make changes and sometimes accepting good advice. Book learning is good but not always the right ticket. You seem to have done well and I think part of this is keeping to aspire to find the right path and a "best" job. Very good video!

Really impressive story....I love your channel and the great work you are doing❤

I gotta tell you - I'm a knarly ex construction contractor who never made it to peasant level with not a lot of patience - but you melt my heart. You followed your dreams and as a result Nigel & Skelator - to name just two - are lucky boys. Give Studman an extra scratch for me.

You have led a very interesting life. I really enjoyed hearing it. Me? I took the easy way out. I married a cowboy. So there is another way, girls, find a single rancher and use your skills!❤

What an interesting story and a great roadmap for young horse crazy kids.

Hard work and determination CC - you show that.

amazing story about your life so far

What a beautiful path you took to get here and yet there is so much more wonderful coming your way. You are amazing!!! Thank you for sharing.

What a beautiful story.❤ Thank you for sharing it! This almost 70yo woman wished she could have seen this when I was younger. Although I've managed to keep myself in the horse world since 16yo,, except for 11yrs while having children. Then my last child, a daughter, when she turned 5yo, after attending a horse camp, brought me back into the horse world. I surely wasn't complaining.😊 A few yrs ago I took over the wild-caught Mustang mare I adopted as a 2yo old for her, when she fell out of love with horses at 20yo. Mustang Annie will be turning 18yo this summer. It was such a shame, because my daughter was such a natural. Even the natural horsemanship trainer we brought in that helped us tweak a couple things, who told us he rarely sees anyone who did this well with her training...asked my daughter on 2 occasions what was she going to do for a career. Yes, I learned natural horsemanship thru videos, then taught her, but she just had a way with horses, and a beautiful natural rider. Oh, well, I've learned we all have a journey to walk. It wasn't her journey, but mine will always be with horses.

Love your indomitable spirit, Clever!

This was so interesting to hear your strides to get where you wanted to be . Congratulations on have the grit to keep going . Sounds like it was not very likely that you were going to succeed. But here you are , living your dream and teaching people about riding and training horses ! Thank you ! 🙂

What an amazing adventure!

thank you you have a gift horses are here because of your kind and smart heart

What a great story! My first horse was an old mare with a huge knee in front. She was gentle and just what i needed at 10 years old. As I got older i found out about 4-H and wanted to join but my old mare wasnt appropriate so dad bought me a youger black, half standardbred gelding. I rode him awhile but then at age 15 dad bought me a registered Quarter Horse filly, a 2 year old. All this time i was in 4-H and loved it. I finished my 4-H eligibility with this mare but then became a 4-H leader for 10 years. Then i moved to Texas with my husband and older daughter and Dad brought my 2 horses down to live with me. I was into paint horses by then and bloodlines and breeding became my passion. We raised a lot of very nice Paints over the years and I showed the babies in futurities, both Paint Horse futurities and Pinto. I won a good number of them, it was fun and a dream come true. Sold all the horses though in 2013 when I retired so we could travel. Never got another horse. But i have lots of good memories!

CC, I had 'the condition' BAD! I think one of my first memories was seeing a horse and wanting it. I've ridden horses all my life, but didn't own one until I was 42, when I could actually afford one. I love your story! It reminds me of mine. Every Christmas morning or birthday I prayed hard the night before that my dream would come true. I guess when you want something that badly you have to figure it out for yourself. Well done, CC! Please keep your videos coming!!🐎🤍🤗

My horse story almost mirrors yours! I fell for horses at a young age. Was a 4h member, went to tech college, earned an associate degree in equine management. Worked on a thoroughbred broodmare farm very briefly, then a qh farm and lastly an Arabian show barn. None lasted very long for different reasons. Worked in a few factories, decided that's not what I want to do forever. Went back to tech college and became a nurse. Keep the awesome videos coming!

Thank you for telling your story. I have a huge respect of your work and how you live your dream. And I hope for you and your animal-wards it's not the end of the trail 🎉

I grew up with horses. My Dad was a cowboy and I do not know how he got into horses, his family had no experience or expertise with equines. My parents met through horses (my Mom flirtingly said she had never ridden a horse. She never regretted that she met my Dad, but she was never a horse person). I was my father's child much to my Mom's chagrin. We were always "horse poor". We were lucky to have an acre and a third and at that time hay was inexpensive. So I had my own horse and Dad and I would go riding or annually work cattle on a friend's ranch. When I left home I couldn't have horses any more but horses will always be a part of my life. I'm getting older but still wish I had one or two in the back yard. The expense is what deters me.

That was a beautiful story, thank you for sharing your journey to your horse dreams. You have such a beautiful heart.

Very clever! I love it. You have such an interesting story, and it explains your wealth of knowledge and experience. I'm sure this will be an inspiration to many young horse lovers.

Very professional production! Bravo!

Thank You for sharing your life with 🐎, 🐎🐎 🌅 You stayed the course through it all, God Bless you❤

Wonderful, me too I was hit by that virus very young. But a plant virus has infected my as well. Now I am a graduated biologist and professional gardener without a horse. But am planning to get my own land. Love and greetings from Germany. Am in tears seeing your beautiful place.

What a great story and luckily for some yet unknown horses you still have the love and drive in you to keep going and helping them have the best life they can.

One of my favorite videos! Please expand on this and tell us more about your past experiences!

I really admire your lifelong dedication and obviously love your channel and the spirit of your channel.

I'm 75, loved my kid years in 4-H. Horses and then another in homemaking. My friend was in cows...we lived our animals. Had to earn the money for the feed and tack; so a part time job was necessary from 13 on. We weren't like the city kids with parents who did everything for them. We had to ride to shows, no trailers...Horses are like dogs; they need attention and exercise. If you want them to be your friend; you'll have to spend time with them.

You have put in the hard work doing things that most people would not even attempt to do! What a neat story and the reason why you are wise beyond your years. Thank you for sharing! My daughter was also bitten by the horse bug at a young age and it may be contagious because she and I are training her mustang together :)

I started early at my dad's friend's stable and worked at many local stable as a trail guide. Worked at a racetrack as a groom as well 😊

I was really impressed by the many programmes and job opportunities in the horseworld there are in the US. I do not think there is anything similar here, but then, everything is on a much smaller scale here, necessarily. Anyways - had I ever doubted that your alias was correct, I'd now have been convinced. You have been very clever (and dedicated) indeed and I am happy that you ended up doing what you love. Greetings from a fellow former Biochemist! :)

My family have breeding horses since the 1700s !!! My uncle still lives in the original house thankfully the stables have been upgrading since then xx But i personally didn't get a pony until i was eight and even then i had to prove to my parents i would be responsible,every day for a year before/after school and weekends i cycled the two miles to feed groom ride,clean out the pony. After doing this for a year my father dug mothers herbaceous border and built a stable at the bottom of the garden next to the meadow because i had proven my commitment. My pony was a beautiful Welsh Cob called Gareth . From that day to this i have never been without a horse by my side they are the majestic creatures you will ever meet xx

Wonderful video! I too came down with the horse virus. I remember my father’s words, “It’s not the initial cost, it’s the upkeep.” Nevertheless, I got a horse at the age of 13. Later on in my life, I bought a Tennessee Walker. That led to an entirely new vocation. Owning horses is the best thing for the soul, and as Winston Churchill said, “No hour of life is lost that is spent in the saddle.”

Thank you for sharing your journey. This is the best video you've done so far! Congratulations. ❤

Very touching 💞

Thanks for sharing your journey. It seems us critter crazy people tend to get where we need to be but we take seem to take the long road to get there. I didn’t satisfy my horse bug til I was 25, but I had that mare for 24 years until she passed at 30. Now I just have sheep to keep me happy. I too worked as a vet tech and at a “ stop n rob” gas station when I was way young. Love your videos !

You've had quite an interesting journey to get to where you are today. For it being a rental barn, you have a REALLY nice place to keep your horses. I suspect that someday you will have your own horse farm. 🐎 ❤ 😊

Thanks for sharing your journey

@equine2020. I understand what you're saying. It doesn't take much investigating to see the level of animal cruelty, neglect, and abuse that happens in this country. The title of this post could be misleading to some, but anyone who takes the time to listen to this will soon understand that Clever is not a scheme or a fly by night or a flipper get rich quick operation. She's just the opposite. She's all about horses and hard work, and fighting to end abuse and cruelty one horse at a time. You go girl!

This was a wonderful video for those who are starting out on the same path. Lots of great ideas. I’m sure you’ve helped many with this video.😘❤🙏🏻✨

Thank you so much for sharing ! Your journey to where you are now is super interesting. So often people only see one side but do not realize all the hard work, sacrifices and time spent doing crap jobs it took for you to achieve your goals.

I am old now and have NEVER gotten over this illness. I regret that I cannot pursue my horse dreams. Your video has brought tears. God bless you and keep enjoying your beauties.

I’ve had the horse affliction for most of my life… it is incurable and has been the best thing that ever happened to me as a kid. I’m still hopelessly addicted to anything horsey and get a tremendous amount of comfort and nostalgia from your videos… a heartfelt thank you for keeping me connected in my waning years… sending love, gratitude and best wishes to you always♥️🙋‍♀️☮️‼️🐴

I loved this and seeing pictures of you living out your dream. I got my pony the summer before 6th grade and my horse about a year and half later. I was lucky my grandparents understood the condition as they had it also. My grandmother raised and sold ducks to by a saddle for her mustang mare in Kansas in the 1920’s. They hauled me around to 4H, the stables and events. I was very lucky. Did not want to train, but enjoyed showing, back the day it was doable. I volunteered to work Arabian horse shows as they where glamorous fun and the horses so personable. Now I am a mature horsewoman appreciating my condition and blessed with a friend that has allowed me full access to a very well trained mare. But watching you has my eyes open to acquiring a horse blessing if it happens. Thank you… Shanninigans

Clever Cowgirl, check out dry creek wrangler, hes pretty good and hrs in Wyoming. A real old fashioned Cowboy 🤠 🐎 🐴

I think you are really right where you should be helping horses! Your life story is just beginning you are dedicated to your life plan . I am sure you will reach your goals of owning your own ranch !

I admire your amazing drive to live the life you want……no excuses, wow. If everyone didn’t think you were an impressive human being before they sure will now….and the video was well done 👍

Thank you for sharing your own horse journey--you really have dealt with your "condition" so well! We have the bug too! This video is encouraging and practical. We set up our own land to bring our one older horse home...and of course, he needed friends...so we brought home two mustangs, naturally! We understand the hard work it takes to set up and just maintain a horse place, but it is so worth it :) Thanks for being so real and relatable.

Great vid CC. What a fascinating life you've had working your way through it to what you have now. Well done gal, i'm proud of you. 😊👍

I hope your story and the path you've taken inspires some other young cowgirls out there.

You could sell this and make it into movie. It’s such a great story. God bless you.

I worked cattle, herded cut hay, bailed, stacked and branded, vaccinated cattle. your stories and blogs make me smile. I am an animal lover that loved the ranch life. Yes beef cattle are for eating but the life and respect for the cattle and land with irrigation led me to find a great love of horses. I was so fortunate to find out they were all different and fun. One horse was a grand champion cutting horse that I had the fortune to ride while cutting calves from moms. All I had to do is stay on him because the horse knew the job. I am not a real cowboy but I've done all the work! I love your videos!

I’m excited for the video

Amazing life story. Thank you so much for sharing.❤