Rain Can't Bring Down the 4-H Foundation Trail Ride

I'm a little late in posting, but October 8 & 9 I had the opportunity to head out to Western Nebraska and hang out with over 170 people participating in the Nebraska 4-H Foundation Trail Ride in Halsey, Nebraska. I have to admit I was a little apprehensive, being someone who has never owned a horse, and the only riding I've done has been cautiously monitored. But there's a first  for everything, and I drove out Friday night after I got done with class. About half way there the sky looked like this..

Not a good sign when you're headed to an outdoor event for the weekend.. but it cleared off and I made my way to Halsey. Halsey 4-H Camp is within the Nebraska National Forest, and it is absolutely beautiful.

The path lead up to the lodge, which you'd think would be the common meeting place.

But it was not; this was..

A pasture, reached after a long, sandy, wet, rutted road (I'm glad I drove my Jeep). We met there Saturday morning for the most amazing rolls made by the staff at the 4-H camp, coffee, and for directions for the day. I was totally amazed at how many kids and families were there even though it was rainy and cold- they couldn't wait to get out and ride. And they did. They went out that morning, came back for lunch, and then went out for another ride until that night- there was a steak fry, silent auction, two little girls who sang for the crowd, and a hilarious speaker. It was so nice to sit in the warm wooden lodge after the rainy cold day. The crowd included young kids up to those who had been to all of the trail rides, which were held long before 13 years ago when it wasn't sponsored by the 4-H Foundation. Many stayed in campers and cabins, and went out the next day on an additional two rides!

I was so absolutely grateful for the welcoming spirit that the group had, I felt right at home, even so far away from my native Northeast Nebraska roots. My first opinion was that the rain was going to ruin the weekend, but it just made it that much better to get to know everyone. Thanks so much to the Halsey 4-H camp and all those who worked with the 4-H Foundation to pull off an amazing weekend.