Chasing a Dream: A Horseman's Memoir Read online

  And that is where we are today, thankful for all the lessons learned so painfully, the blessings, and the progress. We are grateful to wake each day feeling as though we are fulfilling our purpose. Yet are we doing all we can? I’m not sure. Each morning while driving to the barn I gaze across the meadows over grazing cattle and horses to the Tetons shining in the rising light, and I think, How can I do more?

  EPILOGUE

  EPILOGUE

  MORAN, WYOMING, 2017

  While writing this book Jane and I have spent hundreds of hours reflecting about how our training philosophy has affected us. We have been married nineteen years now. Amazed at how well things turned out considering their rocky beginning, we credit the philosophy and our faith for whatever success we have experienced. The struggle of blending our family was at times overwhelming for all of us, but when faced with the worst difficulties we often considered the lessons that we had learned from the horse and applied them to our situation at home. That foundation kept us together and helped us to cope.

  Recently Peter came to me. He said, “I so much appreciate the influence you’ve been in my life.” I have grown to love Peter and Luke as my own. We enjoy an excellent relationship now. I am proud of all of our kids and who they have become and who they will be. Like some horses, they overcame difficult starts to become champions.

  Luke, Peter, and Tara have all ridden away to live their own lives. They are all in constant motion experimenting to find what does and doesn’t work for them.

  After earning his B.S. degree in economics from Harvard, Luke spent five years working in investment banking in New York City and Washington, D.C. He worked in venture capital and private equity for the Blackstone Group, the Carlisle Group, and Lee Equity Partners. He then returned to Harvard and earned his MBA, graduating with honors. Today he works for a small investment firm in Pasadena, California. He returns as often as he can to the ranch, where he is much-appreciated help to Jane and me. He often quotes his friend, former Wyoming Senator Alan K. Simpson: “You can leave Wyoming, but you carry it everywhere you go.”

  After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, Peter went to work in Washington D.C. for the National Security Council under President George W. Bush. He helped facilitate the transition with the Obama administration before returning to work for former Vice President Richard Cheney through the American Enterprise Institute. He then returned to the private sector where he works for a public relations firm handling issues ranging from education to energy. He has helped develop, implement, and run numerous national campaigns aimed at shaping public opinion. This work has afforded him an opportunity to work with all types of people including grassroots activists and national leaders.

  Peter and Lauren’s wedding, top left to right, Luke, Tara, Grant. Seated left to right, Richard Long, Peter, Lauren, Jane’s mother Betty Feuz, Jane. Photo by David Gonzales.

  Grant and Jane celebrating Peter and Lauren’s wedding. Photo by David Gonzales

  Grant cutting on Flashing Some Reys. Photo by Laurie Errington, Scootemshootem Photography.

  Peter sometimes reminds us about the intense culture shock he experienced when he left the ranch for the University of Pennsylvania. At times he wanted to quit and return home, but he pressed on. Now when he comes home he picks up his fly rod and wades into the Buffalo Fork, or hikes nearby in Grand Teton National Park. He is even known to jump on one of our ranch horses and ride out. He says, “There is something particularly wholesome about the West and the rugged beauty of Wyoming. No matter how far I go, these mountains will always be home.”

  After hosting many weddings at the ranch, in the summer of 2015, we finally hosted one of our own. During a lovely ceremony, Peter married his fiancée Lauren Casselano, who is, we are thrilled to say, another daughter to our family.

  The beginning of 2017 brought Peter and Lauren back to Jackson Hole. We are so grateful to have them home again, and look forward to them giving a fresh look at our business and future opportunities with the unlimited perspective of the next generation.

  Tara is our free spirit and adventurer. She thrives on travel and has visited many parts of the world. Several years ago she helped establish an organic farm in India. Never tiring of adventure, she encourages us all to stretch. And what do you know, lately she has begun singing, playing the guitar, and writing music. When I look at her I see the best of her mother.

  Over the years Freckles has been the star of our demonstrations. His antics at weddings have earned him the moniker the “wedding horse” because of his penchant for worming his way into the photographs and for trying to steal the lime-light from the bride. Photographers swear he can understand their instructions. He moves here and there, changes positions, and hams it up for the cameras. Perhaps he has found his purpose, too.

  Jane and I now see gray hair in the mirror. Freckles, twenty-two years old now, has turned from dapple gray to solid white. We are all a bit longer in the tooth. Freckles’ back has begun to sway, but more than ever he displays his uncanny ability to connect with visitors to the ranch. He looks down at them with his big, kind eyes exactly like he did the first time he walked up to Jane and me—as if he knows everything about them, and understands. Jane, Freckles, and I continue our work as we began it: together. ◆