Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Judy Wagner's Ranchgrownlogic

Today, I wanted to share an amazing woman that is near and dear to my heart, Ms Judy Wagner.  She is strong.  She is beautiful.  She is a leader.  She is a trail blazer.  She is all heart.  Judy has always been a talented writer and motivator, but recently she has been publishing her works to encourage, inspire, and lead by Ranchgrownlogic!

Judy was kind enough to take the time to share a glimpse of her story with us.  Here is ranchgrownlogic and a little bit about the beautiful woman behind the scenes.

History: A little background on where & how you were raised.
I grew up on a ranch in western Montana.  The oldest of seven brothers and sisters.  We shared chores, love and laughter, hardships and pain. We learned to count on each other and to navigate through the storms with resiliency and encouragement.
We lost our father in a tractor accident when I was 16. You learn to grow up fast.  I know how it feels to hear a calf bawl and have you brother say, “that’s our herd.”  We learned how to work as a team, for the love of the land, family, and the pride of our brand.

What makes your heart skip a beat and race with excitement.
This question is easier. My heart skips a beat and races with excitement doing what I love;
  Taking great shots, while team roping, golfing, or with photography. I love catching someone's eye and without saying word a whole conversation happens, I love a hug from someone you care about, and the joy that comes from telling a good story.
Each day I appreciate the moments, those times when you make memories with family and friends.
I am thankful for the opportunities to be who I am; a pragmatic cowgirl with an optimistic heart.

 Something Special;
Strong is what we make each other
  • I began competing as a team roper “before it was cool.”  There weren’t many women in the sport.  I love the affirmations I receive from young women who acknowledge my contribution to the sport, to the industry and as a mentor.  “They thank me for blazing the trail.”
    Judy in Action


  • I am proud to have won the  Justin Boots Standard of the West Award recognized as a PRCA Committee Person of the Year in 1990 for efforts to establish an all-girl rodeo team at Helena’s Last Chance Stampede.

    "Produced and participated in All Girl Team Rodeo at Last Chance rodeo

    we are gorgeous.....and good" Judy Wagner
 
  • I am proud to have created  other memorable brands and associations including the Gold Buckle Dreamin Rodeo and the Round Up Roping team roping association. Both associations are still active today,  growing and thriving in the community 20 years later.
How did you get where you are today?
That is a loaded question. The easy answer is one branch at a time.
I use the analogy of life being like a tree.  The things that happen to us in life are the branches.
I like seeing a tree with character; still growing, roots deep in tradition and values, anchored in strength, and strong enough to weather the storms.
You can say my tree has a few forks in the branches, but the good news is the older you get the more shade you provide, I guess you could call that experience, discovering your purpose and getting on to the business of living it.
 My tree has a few character branches
  • Cooperative Extension Agent-Head 4-H agent
  • Gator Ropes :Owned and started business
  • Director of Marketing at Montana Silversmiths.
  • ranchgrownlogic. Building brands and telling stories through WIT 
 Gator Ropes Branch
  • They called me MA Gator, Judy Gator and MS Gator. Did not really matter it was a good time in my life and the start of Team roping as big business.
  • I am proud to have been the first to name ropes, give them personalities , and partner with endorses to help tell the story. 
  • Gator ropes hanging rubber Gator was a mark of distinction. Part of the brand it depicted the lay of the ropes . If my kids misbehaved I made them go punch Gators. If you would ask them they would tell you  that put a whole new meaning to being  PUNCHY!
Montana Silversmiths Branch 
I am proud of helping bring Montana Silversmiths brand, products and their stories to market.  I am proud of Elmer and of the Pursuit of Excellence scholarship program we started and I am proud to be a part of the heartbeat of the Western Industry. 
  Ranchgrownlogic Branch
The term Ranch Grown Logic is hard to explain until you come face to face with the common sense of it all.
 Good Example of Ranch Grown Logic 

We were pushing cows and I had a horse who did nor want to cross a 3 ft wide ditch. I heard my brother on the other side say “Look at me, look up.”
 That was it, ranchgrownlogic; I knew it when I heard it. Look at where you want to go, not down, not at the issues that threaten, that you think are deep, swampy or rocky. Focus on your vision.
 I took a deep breath of confidence, for me and my horse, and I looked ahead.  I looked up at my brother on the hill.
One small leap for my horse resulted in one giant step for my appreciation of ranchgrownlogic! Its not rocket science, its common sense.
Mission of Ranchgrownlogic
Ridin’ for the brand, telling stories, and making a difference.
Ropin’ and rooted in the spirit of the West, Ranch Grown Logic is a value based-common sense approach to marketing utilizing authentic, motivational, passionate, branding insights. 
Judy's Personal Motto
 “The code of her West; Use a short rope, a sweet smile, and a hot brand.” Gladiola Montana

Here is a little RANCHGROWNLOGIC:


"No one makes it alone. "~ranchgrownlogic

"Anything is possible on the back of a horse" ~ranchgrownlogic

"There are no ordinary moments" ~ ranchgrownlogic
Thank you so much for stopping by to travel the trail with me today.  I hope you enjoyed our ranchgrowlogic!  To read more "ranchgrowlogic wisdom" make you you follow Judy's blog and LIKE ranchgrownlogic on facebook. 

Thanks again,
Mindy
ranchgrownlogic contact info:
  • fan mail:
ranchgrownlogic
1 Dogwood Drive
Park City, MT 59063
Attn: Judy
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Martiny RANCH BRONCS & ROSES ~ Hand carved leather cuffs 


p.s. Here is a few more of my favorite things


Thursday, May 24, 2012

R.C. Bean Saddlery

Hello Friends,
Years ago, while on the trail for Stoecklein Publishing, I had the opportunity to not only visit the FINEST Western Stores in the West but to make some amazing friends along the way.  Today, I would like to share a with you RC Bean Saddlery,  a lil' store just off the interstate in Idaho's beautiful Treasure Valley. 




RC BEAN Beginnings:
A Tandy Leather Kit under the Christmas tree would be the spark that ignited Rick Bean's interest in leather work.  The neighbors were saddle makers, and let Rick clean the shop.  Soon, he was cleaning saddles, then making belts, lots of belts.  RC Bean Saddlery was established in 1978.
 No one really wanted to buy a saddle from a 17 year old kid.  The core of the business began making harnesses.  The family raised Draft horses and they sold a set of harness with the teams they sold.  RC Bean built harness for big names like MGM and Wells Fargo.  Building harness and doing repairs, soon a customer base began to grow. 
RC Bean Saddlery ~ A Family Business
Bean’s are not only a third generation ranching family but also a family of talented artisans and gear makers. 
Rick Bean: Saddle Maker  & Silversmith
Bill Bean: Tree Maker
Jake Filmore, a nephew, does all their repairs and makes the pack saddles, holsters, ect.
 
 
Bob Bean is in charge RC Bean's Retail Operations and was kind enough to let me share RC Bean Saddlery with all the Rodeo Tales & Gypsy Trails readers.  As we visited,  I could see pictures of loved ones covering the wall by the register.  Bob proudly shared his family's history and complimented the achievements and talents of the family members that work to make RC Bean Saddlery the premier shop it is today. 

Saddle Shop Bob: 
When a grandson was asked what his Grandpas name was....he thought for a moment and without hesitation answered, "Saddle Shop Bob".  Just as he had heard his grandpa say many times at the shop when answering the phone...Saddle Shop, Bob speaking :)   Bob is also most likely the smiling face that will greet you as you walk through the RC Bean Saddlery doors.  When asked what his favorite thing about RC Bean he quickly replied, "Kids!"  Getting to help kids getting started and involved with horses.  Also, Bob commented that he raised both boys in the saddle shop.  That is something you couldn’t do anywhere else.  It made them outgoing and respectful and they still carry that with them today. 
Bob Bean ~ RC Bean Saddldery


RC Bean Saddlery Today:
RC Bean strives to carry quality products at a fair price.  They carry unique items, and  have a reputation for being honest.  Amazing customer service has achieved a very loyal customer base.
Here is a glimpse inside the world class  RC Bean Saddlery.  Carrying top of the line saddles, stirrups, headstalls, ropes, saddle blankets, jewelry, and just about anything the horseman's heart desires. 


Rick Bean Saddles ~ Center Stage

Guns & Roses!  Gorgeous Rick Bean Saddle & Silver

Guns & Roses Saddle on display. 
Amazing detail in both leather & silver craftsmanship

Stand out Silver ~Longhorn

Loving the use of knife cuts and the rope border

Sea of Saddles~ view as you walk into the front room of the saddle shop
Bits Galore

Racks of Ropes in every color, & size

Collection of Conchos to make any Cowboy's heart skip a beat
Cowboy Candy!
Gift Section filled with unique and beautiful treasures

Stunning in Sterling Jewelry


Cowgirl Tack
 THANK YOU AGAIN to RC BEAN SADDLERY for welcoming us in for a visit.  One of the finest Saddle Shops in the West!  Thank you to all the Rodeo Tales & Gypsy Trails friends for traveling with us today.  If you'd like to learn more about RC Bean Saddlery here is info so you can stop by & say hello!  Tell them Lil' Red Roan sent you! 
R.C. Bean Saddlery
7100 Star Road
Meridian, ID 83646
Phone: 208-286-7602
Email: Contact@RCBeanSaddlery.com
web-site:http://www.rcbeansaddlery.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/R-C-Bean-Saddlery/146432275398780https://www.facebook.com/pages/R-C-Bean-Saddlery/146432275398780




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Saturday, May 12, 2012

Branding in the Pahsimeroi Valley 2012


Branding in the Pahsimeroi Valley: 
This spring I had the opportunity to attend an awesome calf branding in May, Idaho.  One of the best I've ever been to.  Great hands, everyone worked well together and couldn't have asked for better weather.

Here are a few pictures I took that afternoon.

Catch Specialist
Favorite Shot of the Day
Another horse that just grabs my attention behind the camera
I was also giving shots.  At one point in time...Wayne Baker had to remind me to "Come Shoot this one" with a shot....as I had got distracted by a pretty pony pulling one to the fire & was shooting with my camera :)
Watchful Eye
Martiny Men
Ready for Action



Draggin to the Fire
When the Smoke Clears

 Big beautiful strong mountian horse!
I was clearly smitten by this fine specimen of horse flesh.
Justin warned not to brag on his horse too much...
It would give him a big head :)

Tom Martiny awaits the next calf
Boss Men
Setting Up the Shot
Headin' & Heelin'
Packin' Iron
All in a Days Work
  THANKS-GIVING THURSDAY ~
Thankful for healthy baby calves.
Thankful for a great day branding with an amazing crew of hands.
Thankful for perfectly beautiful weather.
Thankful for a home-cooked meal with friends and family.
Thankful for the blessings of Ranchers.
Thankful for RAIN & the green grass springing up on the mountain.
So THANKFUL for so many beautiful blessings this morning!
Wishing you all a THANKFUL THURSDAY filled with more blessings than you can count ~ Mindy



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Perfect new knife for branding season!
JUST ARRIVED!!! Shipment of Ranch ROPES !! Famous New England Aged Nylon Rope with the "Magic Red Tracer" Never Miss---Last Forever 3/8 full & 3/8 scant 40 ft 50 ft 60 ft Soft and Med Soft Lay Still only $1.00/ft !
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Friday, May 11, 2012

Spring has Sprung, We're on the RUN!


Spring has sprung and we are on the RUN!  So happy to see climbing temperatures and growing green grass!  Since it's been a while since we've seen a completely Random Whirlwind Post....

 Here is quick little catch up from the blur of fun we’ve been packing into the spring months

  • Congratulations to the newly wedded BRY & JAKE FENSKE!  It was an honor to attend little Ms Bryola Worthern’s wedding.  What a beautiful bride walking down the isle and a celebration afterwards to rival any.   Thank you so much to Bry & Jake for letting us be a part of your special day. 
Also, an added bonus, my favorite, Tiffany Marie Wagner made the journey down to celebrate and any day you get to spend with Tiffany is a good one!
* One of my favorite lines of the night ~ David Burtenshaw sits down to visit with everyone at our table.  With in 5 minutes of conversation he had already asked Tiffany when her and her date where getting married.  It was priceless!  (I think the next question involved something about my date but my memory seems to be foggy on those details ;)


  • Easter Egg Coloring Contest!  - I’m pretty much the best….and don’t let those 5 year olds tell you any different . 
  • All kinds of FIRSTS around here!  1 st time cooking ribs!  1st time cooking cube steak!  Both were ediable!  I thought it was reason to celebrate and YES, I am very sheltered. ; ) Much more complicated than hamburger and I think I’m really getting fancy.
  • Hoggan Branding: Good lil’ branding with friends and family.  Tried out a new Jalepeno Popper Dip recipe that was a big hit!  No casulaties from the day and as always with Hoggan’s…it was an adventure.
  • Quick trip to Martiny Saddle Co to visit Mom and work on a few new projects.  Sugar Cookies and home cooked meals.  My Mom rocks!  Also, Get excited!  It’s always fun when Mom and I get together.  You’ll be able to see are fun creations in person at the Jordan Valley Big Loop!
Beautiful sunrise peaking over the mountains on a May, Idaho morning
Here is a peak at a few of the goodies we might have with us 
Cowboy tack from Martiny Saddle Co.

Leather Carved Ceramic Tile by Nancy Martiny

  • Quick shout out to PAISLEY PEAR BOUTIQUE in Hamer, Idaho!  Thank you so much for letting Lil’ Red Roan be a part of your Open House Party.  It’s always a great day partying with you.  Thank you to all our wonderful friends who stopped in to visit and shop.  
  • Idaho Horse Expo 2012:  The list of Thank You’s for this one could go on and on for days!  Great weekend spent with friends and family.  Learned so much and met lots of INTERESTING new people too.  Chris Cox did an excellent job presenting throughout the expo.  He has excellent taste also because he got a beautiful hand carved Martiny Cowgirl Cuff for his wife. 

Thank You to THANK YOU to everyone who made my trip to the Idaho Center so wonderful! Thank You to Bob Bean, Karen Ewy, Dana Howard, David Stoecklein Photography, Jessica Howard, Jessica Blake, Macy Hack, Mike Seal, Candi Heavrin, Temi & Michelle Freeman and EVERYONE who stopped in the booth to say hello! Blessed with so many amazing friends & family!!!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! 

Justin Baker dragging one to the fire
I commented on how awesome Justin's horse was. 
Justin replied...Don't say that, You'll give him a big head. :)
 What's a few more days when you've been gone for a week....head over the hill to Mom & Jim's to brand.
Best branding I've been to all year.
THANKS-GIVING THURSDAY ~
Thankful for healthy baby calves.
Thankful for a great day branding with an amazing crew of hands.
Thankful for perfectly beautiful weather.
Thankful for a home-cooked meal with friends and family.
Thankful for the blessings of Ranchers.
Thankful for RAIN & the green grass springing up on the mountain.
So THANKFUL for so many beautiful blessings this morning!
Wishing you all a THANKFUL THURSDAY filled with more blessings than you can count ~ Mindy

How saddle makers do home repair
Let the RODEOS BEGIN!!!
  • Mud Lake High School Rodeo~ Thank You to Hoggan Rodeo for the opportunity to work at the Mud Lake High School rodeo.  It was a BEAUTIFUL weekend for a rodeo.  Thank You to Ma Baker, Kelly Crystal, Joe Slagowski and Dist. 1 for a great rodeo. 
* So here is where I have to tell you a lil' note about the weekend.  Friday afternoon Regg and I were finishing up hauling into the rodeo.  He had lost his phone while we were working horses earlier that day.  SO we make a plan before I head out.   
PLAN: I'm taking the load of calves we just sorted to the rodeo.  Load of tubs and grain.  I'm also to call the pickup man and check in because Regg doesn't have his phone. 
I get in thr truck and head to the rodeo grounds.  I'm not even a half mile from home when I see the trailer pin swinging in the rear view mirror.  OH NO!  I bring her to a STOP and run back to see a EMPTY Trailer with the gate wide open.  Just as I'm calling Regg's wife, my phone starts ringing......We'd forgot to LOAD the calves :)  hahaha  I hate it when that happens.  ( I know you shouldn't share stories like that on yourself but it was too funny not to)
Moral of the Story:  You've heard the saying, "Always Check Your Own Cinch"  Well, now you can add.."ALWAYS Check Your Own Trailer Gate" to that list :)
Riggin and J2 taking good care of Josie while her parents went to get calves
We rode the hair off the play ground horses :)
Rita, Mom, and Mindy
Happy to be Rodeoing!

  • Dinner with neighbors~ Thank you so much to Tommy & Don Thompson for taking the time to come down and have dinner with us.  Tommy is a great neighbor and has been all of my life.  His son, Don, was over visiting from Tasmania.  It was an honor to be a stop on his trip. *Love the moments with loved ones gathered around a table!

  • Missoula 2012 College Rodeo
THANK YOU to MONIDA RODEO for the opportunity to work with them for the 2012 Missoula College Rodeo!  Another BEAUTIFUL weekend for a rodeo!  Thank You to all our rodeo friends, family and fans! 

* Day THREE of a THREE DAY RODEO:  I'm standing behind the chutes during the saddle bronc riding. 
All the sudden I look up at the bronc riders in front of me and say...."I just right now realized that their is TWO of you!"  Yes,  TWIN brothers in the saddle bronc riding at it took me THREE days to realize that I wasn't just talking to the same kid over and over.


What a FUN spring has sprung into!  Looking forward to seeing you all down the Rodeo Trail at the Jordan Valley Big Loop, Dirty Rotten Buckers Bucking Horse Futurity, and more!  Thanks so much for traveling with me today!  Happy Trails, Mindy

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p.s. Here is a few more of my favorite things