Tuesday At The Shop

A lot of people live for Fridays.

The weekend. Time away from work. A chance to slow down and relax.

Yeah... I'm not one of those people. 😂

At Cowboys & Angels, we're typically closed on Mondays. That's my day for ordering, office work, catching up on paperwork, and tackling the never-ending pile of laundry. (My least favorite part of the job, if we're being honest.)

By Tuesday, I'm ready to saddle up and head to Main Street.

Today started with a meeting with one of our favorite reps, Keith, from Stetson and Hooey. Keith was actually the very first account we opened when Cowboys & Angels began, back when we were carrying Stetson boots.

In those early days, we were the number one Stetson boot dealer on the East Coast. Those were some pretty exciting times.

Today's order was actually for next spring. If you've never owned a boutique, let me tell you—there's something incredibly challenging about ordering beautiful new pieces that you absolutely love and then having to wait until February or March for them to arrive. Patience has never been my strongest trait.

Thankfully, UPS showed up later in the day with a pretty substantial clothing delivery. We move through a lot of inventory by Sunday, so those deliveries are always exciting. There's nothing quite like opening boxes filled with fresh merchandise and watching the racks come back to life.

One of the highlights of my day came when a dear customer and friend—someone I've gotten to know through Cowboys & Angels and a fellow Montanan—stopped in with her daughter's mother-in-law, who is visiting all the way from Switzerland.

What a fun conversation.

One of my favorite parts of owning Cowboys & Angels has always been the people. Every person who walks through the door has a story. No matter where we're from, we all share so many common experiences, and I never get tired of those conversations.

By the end of the day, the racks were full of new inventory, spring orders were placed, and I had a full five days ahead of me doing something I truly love.

Not a bad Tuesday at all.

Living The Dream,

Spring For Fun: A weekend well spent

There are few things better than loading up the horses, hitting the road, and spending a weekend surrounded by good horses and good people.

A few weekends ago, I made the trip to the Spring For Fun ApHC & Open Show, and it was everything a horse show weekend should be—busy, rewarding, and full of memories that will stay with me long after the trailer is unpacked.

Horse shows have a way of reminding me why I love this lifestyle. The early mornings in the barn, the excitement before walking into the arena, the conversations between classes, and the friendships built over years of shared miles and experiences. It's a community unlike any other.

For me, these weekends are especially meaningful because they represent so many years of memories. I've been showing horses since I was eight years old, and my mom, Annie, has been there every step of the way. While she never showed horses herself, she spent countless hours supporting a little girl's dreams—countless lessons rain or shine, sitting through long show days, helping me prepare for classes, celebrating the wins, and encouraging me through the inevitable challenges that come with these animals.

Looking around the show grounds this weekend, I couldn't help but think about how many miles we've traveled together, how many horses have come and gone, and how fortunate I am to still be sharing these experiences with her today.

Of course, a horse show wouldn't be complete without the horses themselves, and I was especially proud of my mare, Lettuce. She earned Reserve Grand Champion and continued her dominance in the Foundation Pedigree Designation class. Watching her walk into the arena and perform the way she did was incredibly rewarding, especially knowing how much work, time, and dedication goes into preparing for moments like that.

While the ribbons and placings are always exciting, some of my favorite moments happened outside of the arena. Catching up with friends, cheering for fellow exhibitors, sharing stories, and celebrating each other's successes are all part of what makes the Appaloosa community so special.

Of course, no horse show weekend would be complete without great western style. From beautifully turned-out horses to crisp denim, and show-day outfits, there was plenty of inspiration around every corner. For the weekend, I paired a classic Resistol hat with a Scully shirt, Ariat denim, and my favorite Hyer boots—a combination that felt right at home both at the show grounds and in the winner's circle. Horse shows have always been one of my favorite places to see western heritage, personal style, and horsemanship come together.

As the weekend came to a close and the trailers began heading home, I found myself reflecting on another successful show. The horses gave us their best, memories were made, and I was reminded once again why this lifestyle means so much to me.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the Spring For Fun ApHC & Open Show such a wonderful event. The horses are home, the trailer is unpacked, and the laundry pile is growing—but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Until the next time.

See you down the trail,

A Day at Roaming Bird Ranch

The day begins before the sun rises over the Montana mountains. The air is crisp, the pastures are quiet, and the horses are already beginning to stir as the first light stretches across the ranch.

At Roaming Bird Ranch , mornings start with coffee in hand and boots on the ground. Before we begin our day, the horses are checked and fed, that is the cardinal rule: The horses eat first. There’s something peaceful about walking through the barn early in the morning — hearing soft nickers from the paddock, the rustle of hay, and the steady sound of horses eating breakfast.

As the sun comes up, the ranch slowly comes to life. Horses head out into the pastures, foals kick up their heels in the grass, and the mountains surrounding the ranch begin to glow in the mid-morning light. It’s one of the most beautiful parts of ranch life — those quiet moments before the day fully begins.

No two days at the ranch are ever exactly the same. Some days are spent working horses in the round pen, focusing on groundwork, riding prep, or conditioning for upcoming shows. Other days are dedicated to fence repairs, cleaning tack, hauling hay, or simply making sure every horse is healthy, happy, and cared for.

The Appaloosas at Roaming Bird Ranch are more than just horses — they each have their own personalities, quirks, and stories. Some are bold and curious, always the first to greet you at the gate. Others are quiet and steady, watching everything carefully before walking over for attention.

Throughout the day, there’s always something happening. Young ones napping in the grass enjoying the sunshine. Horses roll in the dirt moments after being brushed clean. Dogs follow every step around the property, convinced they’re helping with chores, even when they are just demanding a fetch. And somewhere in the distance, you can almost always hear the breeze moving through the trees.

Life on a ranch teaches patience and appreciation for the simple things. It’s hard work, but it’s rewarding work. There’s pride in caring for animals, building something meaningful, and watching horses grow and develop over time.

As evening settles in, the pace of the ranch slows again. The horses gather near the fences waiting for dinner, the sky turns shades of gold and pink, and the mountains fade into silhouette. After the final chores are done, there’s often a moment to stop, lean on the fence, and simply take it all in.

At Roaming Bird Ranch, every day is rooted in the western way of life — early mornings, honest work, and a deep love for the horses that make it all worthwhile.

And tomorrow morning, before the sun rises again, it all starts over.