Rachel Fail Custom Tack

     Today Rob and I  actually left our home in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, for the big move to California.  Loaded up with two trucks, two trailers, three horses, three dogs, two kids, and about 8,000 lbs of our lives. We left early this morning, having said our tearful goodbyes this week, and I don't think it really hit me until today. We're here, it's happening, we're moving. Again.  You'd think I'd be better at this, but since I allowed myself to hope that our last move was the last move, I've been in a state of denial.  The major help Erin and Vickie in particular provided, was the only reason I made it to this day, and as I'm writing this, I feel like they wished they'd sabotaged me a bit.  I'm only really coping because I know I have to fly back to get our Subaru in September, and will see everyone then. RF Tack Shop Trailer Leaving Manteo, crossing the first bridge heading WEST It was a very long day.  What was supposed to be a...

  When we bought the house in North Carolina in 2022, I finally had a real workshop.  A leather business that started in my living room down in Florida to make cool tack for my friends, and quickly took over my bedroom and garage, finally had room to spread out.  I'm sad to say Rob's Coast Guard career has once again prompted a big move, and probably will again soon, so I've decided to make things more mobile. This is now the shop of Rachel Fail Custom Tack.   What was once a 4 horse trailer, is now a full leather shop. I even tackled a new lighting technique with this trailer.  I also built a huge frame from totes full of supplies. I'll be getting a weight ticket this week, anyone want to take bets on how much it weighs? I have guesses, but we will see how close I am.  It's been a long couple weeks getting this done, starting from the bare frame. Tomorrow, I need to install the rooftop AC, which after this past week's high temps and humidity, I'm real...

 We all try to live vicariously through our kids at some point, and I am no exception.  I knew after loosing Razzle, Rylie needed an opportunity to really bond with Breeze who was to be her new horse.  Even though Breeze was still in the throws of a sub solar abscess, when I heard the opportunity of a lifetime for Rylie to join in an all girls "Advanced Ranch Academy" at the wonderful Cavvietta Quarter Horse & Cattle Co. in late June, and I rushed to sign her up. Girls 10-17, with their own horses or they could rent one from the ranch, it was a four day, three night opportunity of a lifetime.   The greatly anticipated day arrived, except, Breeze wasn't ready yet.  She still wasn't sound.  So, Rylie had to take Ember, her younger sister Emma's horse. Photo credits to   Rustlin’ Rose Photography The two of them got along swimmingly, as long as Rylie didn't canter (Ember only does this for grown ups, or kids who really mean it). Ember tried ...

Father's Day can be an especially difficult time when you've lost your dad. Memories flood in, from the simple joys of spending time together to the profound impact he had on your life.  The day serves as a poignant reminder of his absence, amplifying the sense of loss and longing. It's a time when the ache of missing him feels particularly sharp, wishing you could share just one more moment with him. Yet amidst the sadness, there's also gratitude for the love and guidance he gave, shaping the person you are today.  Each Father's Day becomes a bittersweet mix of cherished memories and the undeniable sadness of his absence.   Despite the heaviness that Father's Day brings without my dad, I find solace and joy in seeing my husband step into his role as a father with such grace and love.  He embodies everything I cherished about my own dad—patience, kindness, and a deep commitment to our family. Watching him nurture and guide our daughters fills my heart with immen...

 In November 2018 as an early Christmas present, Lizz got a pretty big gift from Christie and Ardicio. A six month old grade Appaloosa mare she named Pebbles. I would call them friends, but lets be real, they're family.  Not all family is blood.  Christie in her wisdom gave this gift with two strings attached.  #1, Lizz was gifted two years of free boarding for Pebbles to give her the time Christie needed to teach Lizz how to break and train a horse, and #2 Lizz needed to sell Pebbles when she was ready, or pay back the $500 they paid for her.  Lizz at the time also had Ticki Ticki, a senior Columbian Paso (left) that was her right hand in the many hours of ponying that was done before Pebbles was ridden.  Rylie brushing baby Pebbles. This was during an era that included me "barn schooling" my children, Rob was out to sea over six months a year, and I truly raised my kids in that barn.   This was also the era of Lizz being a part of our household,...