By Jean Norman

Change is inevitable.
The older I get, the more I am reminded of this truth and the more practice I get for learning about letting go.

This year, I have had to sell many animals I was fond of and find a new home for them. I was honored to be picked to sell a fine three-year-old mare at the Black Hills Stock Show.

It came with mixed emotions and tore at my heartstrings as she was one of those once-in-a-lifetime horses. She would have made a good partner for me, but I didn’t raise her for me. I raised her to help me make my living, and I worked to help her be the perfect partner for someone else.
I will miss her. We had created a synergy between us. I am sure the young lady who purchased her will give her a fine home and will have a long relationship with her. It is never easy to let go of the good ones.

“She is the one on the right in this photo, being ridden by my friend Isaac.”

We are making some more changes on the ranch to alleviate the workload. We are starting to age, and so are some of our livestock. This year, we decided to let go of the majority of our cows. It was tough to see them loaded onto the trucks to go to their new home. I didn’t let myself go cold turkey, though we kept a handful. I just couldn’t cut myself off from the way of life I have known for sixty years.

I will miss those adorable calves this spring. Although, my Dad had warned me never to make pets of my livestock. I have a few I am quite fond of. Oh yes, they are still here until; well, they are just too old to live a good life.

Along with a couple of pet cows are my old saddle horses, known as my partners in business, my old dog, and my llamas. All of them are very personable, and my guests enjoy meeting them. This way, I justify having them. They will just have to stay around for a while.

This year, I have more young horses to get ready for someone else to have the honor of owning. I know, I know, I will have to try not to get attached!

Learn more about Jean Norman and Our Heritage Guest Ranch