Yall... This woman! Rachel Mellard is a momma, a wife, and a true Texas cowboy. Rachel's heart is for the Lord, and you can tell it from every word she speaks! Rachel is a co-leader of Western Women at the Well on Instagram and is a full time rancher. Check out Rachel's heart warming story below.
What does homestead mean to you? Homestead... that as a family, or at the start to build a family, we are going to make a place that provides our needs within and of itself. Our home is a shelter, a place of building relationships, to each other and with the Lord. Growing food to provide our needs, and sharing that with others when we can and striving to do so.
Where do you live and how long have you lived there? Where did you grow up?
Far west Texas, a land that many see as desolate desert, and are not sure how it can be used... but also that many see as beautiful, and that’s exactly what it is to me and mine. It’s vast, it’s amazing, and we feel blessed to witness and use it for what it is.
I grew up in southeastern New Mexico, amongst farming, ranching, and oilfield; extremely flat land. Coming to this area of Texas when Damon and I married, it was a change, not just the scenery, but the what each day brings.
What are some of your favorite things about living a western lifestyle (on a ranch or in the country, small town living, with horses, farming, the community, etc.)? The list is great and wonderful! From the early wake, witnessing a beautiful sunrise, hot coffee in hand, warm biscuits from the oven slathered in homemade jelly; and somedays all of that followed up with the jingle of spurs, leather thrown over a horses back, and cattle bawling as they’re gathered and drove to the pens. Feeding a crew, or feeding my precious family three meals a day. Working hard, or getting our school done for the day, in the midst of the busyness and chores of tending the ranch. Them laughing in the distance while out roaming bareback, playing and enjoying themselves. Calling cattle to the cake (cattle range cubes), and them joyously trotting in, many times with their calf in tow. Making sure they have fresh water to the troughs, plenty of mineral supplement and everyone’s well being is good. A horse knickering in the distance, and the special times of that great mare bringing in her new foal, with its wabbly legs trying best to keep up. Ending the day worn, tired and dirty. Knowing that it has been a productive day, no matter what took place. There isn’t a day that goes by that we haven’t accomplished something.
In what ways do you see God in your homestead? In every single second. Life in itself. Reading scripture aloud, seated as a family; children laughing, learning and playing; the land; the sun rise and set each day; cattle that provide in so many ways; horses that give us their all; chickens & pigs that provide an extra amount of food; a warm home and food on the table; growing veggies and fresh herbs from the soil provided. Blessings all around!
Who did you learn the most about life from?
I remember when I was a young woman, I always said I would grow up to marry a cowboy. I longed for a life of solitude and being involved in the lifestyle, every second. And I’m always grateful that the Lord led me in that very direction.
Growing up in a similar lifestyle, my dad taught me a lot of what I know and love. He allowed for much learning, and I can remember all the many times of riding along with him either in the pickup, or horseback, times of working sheep or cattle, him helping me train my first horse... those times that set a love for the work and the strive to learn more. He and I had that solid daddy-daughter relationship. I was all about working with the men, and making a hand.
He allowed time to spend at church on Sunday, go to camps, and being involved in VBS each summer, and in all that it set me up to build my relationship with Jesus... I know that has carried me further and further than I’d ever have been without knowing Him! I can remember very well the moment I accepted Christ as my Savior!
What is your favorite memory? The list is long. As a family memories are made constantly. We strive to do so! Each of our children learning the Word, and trusting the Lord; their learning to ride, to be one with their horse, to work along side us, and to enjoy every moment.
What is a life challenge you have faced and how did you overcome it?
There been many family deaths that Damon and I have gotten through, some sudden and others we had time to say goodbye... it still isn’t easy no matter how it comes. One thing is sure, His promise holds us at each trial we come to, and growth can happen when we lean into Him, trusting His will over our own. The Lord truly has shown us that no matter what we face He has something planned, and it’s always what we need, and so much more! His goodness poured out, even when we are so undeserving.
We have faced many things in ranching that we know the Lord carried us through, and is yet to. Right now we have been faced with a drought and selling much of our herd, it’s always unknowing, but He is in complete control, we trust that. It may seem “easier said than done”, but I can assure you that doing it will prove you can and He will!!
What is the biggest lesson you have learned from horses or from living in a rural place?
Horses teach lessons left and right!
Having trained and finished many horses in my life, I know that learning comes at all times.
Patience and persistence, it goes a long way, on all accounts.
Some horses will give you their all, right up front, others you have to help them see they are capable... people are the same way. There are tons of things we can learn from horses!
We’ve helped 3 of the 4 boys start their own horse, each of the horses we’ve raised, and the lessons just flow from minute to minute. All a huge blessing!
Tell us one or two of your favorite stories about ranching, horses, or life in general. It’s not if, it’s when. If you think it won’t happen, give it time, you’ll witness it. Animals, as I said, teach us a lot. They’ll teach you about you, they’ll prove to you, if you’ll pay attention, what kind of a person you are. They’ll bring out the best or worst in you, and teach you self-control. Fruits of the spirit take us a long way in life, that’s why He told them to us. So, I don’t know that I have a favorite, because there are SO many.
What is the name of your all-time favorite horse? JC. Our stud horse we raised. He’s solid. He's gentle. He can and will do anything you ask. He’s cowy, and I mean every bit cowy, lives for it! The boys each can ride him around bareback and bridleless, or take him for their mount of the day. You can rope the rankest maverick bovine and be sure he’ll put you exactly where you need to be.
We have many colts of his, and they’re just as solid. So thankful for the horses we have!
Who has inspired you? My husband, Damon. We married when I was 18. And every moment since he has led us as a family well, to the Lord and in His ways. I can never say enough good about the leader he is. With a drive to provide and be productive in life, and this lifestyle we live. To always seek knowledge, from the Lord firstly, but from anyone and everyone who gives you the time of day. And he’s always slowed down for me, and our children, to learn and do, to show us much. Forever thankful for him!
Wow! Rachel has a poetic way of telling her story, and if you follow her on Instagram, then you know she is also an artist and photographer! Rachel's skills seemingly never end, but my favorite is the way she can see God in every little detail.
Thank you so much Rachel for sharing your story! You have truly blessed each person who reads this.
xo,
Sara
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