The Women Chance Land and Livestock

Chance Land and Livestock was founded in 2000 by Robin and Chris Niederhauser in Clements, California. For the last 14 years, the couple and their 2 children, Brooke and Seth, have lived on and worked the land. Ranching is a family way of life, after all.

“We always had our kids with us. They came along as often as they could when we worked cattle or doing the daily chores. We are blessed that they have always enjoyed it. They learned early on the responsibility it takes to have cattle and horses. A lot of school vacations and holidays are spent caring for the cattle. Flexibility is very important when it comes to taking care of livestock.” -Robin Niederhauser

Brooke recently graduated from Cal Poly and is now a first year veterinary student at Colorado State to become a large animal veterinarian. Due to her upbringing, Brooke has been able to spend countless hours dedicated to her passions: the ranching industry, caring for animals, western heritage, and health. Becoming a vet is a perfect combinations of those interests.

“Growing up on a ranch definitely gave me a unique perspective on life, and taught me hard work and commitment. It also taught me to appreciate the beauty in everything, as it was a great place to live and grow up.” -Brooke Niederhauser (pictured below)

Niederhauser Ranch / Crafted in CarharttNiederhauser Ranch / Crafted in CarharttBoth Robin and Brooke have been riding horses for as long as they can remember. Robin learned from her father, and she and Chris passed the same knowledge down to their children. Brooke now competes regularly in rodeos, and has been since age five.

“I barrel race, breakaway rope, and team rope and competed in both high school and college rodeo. I was a part of the Cal Poly Rodeo Team and helped put together Poly Royal Rodeo. This past year, I also won the West Hills College Rodeo in barrel racing, and got to ride an amazing horse. I love the team and the memories I made there, and the sense of team work that always persisted. I train my own horses, and love when all the pieces come together for a successful run.” -Brooke Niederhauser

“I wish people knew that ranching is not just a job but a way of life for all of us. We love the land and we love our livestock. We do the best we can to care for it all.” -Robin Niederhauser (pictured below)

Niederhauser Ranch / Crafted in CarharttNiederhauser Ranch / Crafted in Carhartt

Niederhauser Ranch / Crafted in CarharttNiederhauser Ranch / Crafted in CarharttNiederhauser Ranch / Crafted in Carhartt

In the spirit of the holiday season, when we’re all feeling a little extra thankful, it’s fitting to look to our parents and mentors remind them what they mean to us.

“I am extremely thankful for my mom. She taught me about hard work and the importance of family. Most importantly, she taught me how to always be there when someone needs me. She is such a hard worker, as she takes care of the majority of the office work regarding the ranch, and still finds time to exercise horses and keep everyone fed and happy. Even if she’s been working all day and is exhausted, she still makes sure that she finishes everything she expected to do that day when she woke up. I hope that I’m as good at balancing out my life as she is someday, and that I can always be counted on as well. She is a constant source of support, and I’m grateful that I can call her at any time for advice or encouragement.” -Brooke Niederhauser

Niederhauser Ranch / Crafted in CarharttNiederhauser Ranch / Crafted in CarharttNiederhauser Ranch / Crafted in Carhartt

Who taught you the value of a good work ethic? Perhaps this is the perfect time to say thank you.

Vision Farms

The Alpern family established Vision Farms in 1999 in El Paso, Texas. They expanded the original 12 acres to 160, and made the entire property organic. The Alperns produce  alfalfa, cotton, or wheat according to their rotation. Diversity of daily chores is a major plus for everyone involved. With an extensive plot of land and assortment of animals, responsibilities ebb and flow at different times.

The venture is a family affair. Laura Alpern, the matriach of the bunch, makes sure everything is in order at all times–from their Quarter Horse breeding program, to crop yields, to management. Her advice for new farmers :

“Keep really good records and cultivate your suppliers and friends. There will be an abundance of time when you will be leaning on them and vice versa. Do your homework before you start, and ask advice from every person that you can.” -Farmer Laura Alpern

Vision Farms / Crafted in Carhartt“I grew up in New York City, and from the moment I spent a summer on a working cattle ranch at age 12, I knew it was the life I wanted. The work is hard, and goes on in the cold of winter and the blistering heat of El Paso summers, but the rewards are there. We have been so fortunate to have met the farmers around us. Everything thing is done with a hand shake and we have never been disappointed.” -Farmer Laura Alpern

Vision Farms / Crafted in Carhartt
Farmer Laura Alpern

“I love the seasons. Each is beautiful in its own way from planting in the spring to weeding to harvest. Additionally foaling season is the best of all. Watching that foal take her first breathe and struggle to her first step is magical. I am so happy that my children could experience farm life style. Our daughter is now an equine veterinarian and is caring on her mother’s torch for horses.” -Farmer Laura Alpern

Vision Farms / Crafted in Carhartt
-Veterinarian Alana Alpern, and Laura’s daughter

“There has never been a time in my life without an animal in it that needed to be cared for and tended to. I have my parents to thank for instilling this level of responsibility in my upbringing. I remember going out to the farm in my prom dress with my mother to make sure the mare who was about to foal was prepped for her new arrival. I want my own boys feel responsible to the environment beyond themselves, and having a relationship with the family farm is a great way to do that. ” -Veterinarian Alana Alpern

“My husband and I want our boys to respect animals, understand their language beyond the friendly, family dog and recognize dangerous situations.  Having fun with animals is important, but understanding a deeper layer of animal language will keep them safer.” -Veterinarian Alana Alpern

Vision Farms / Crafted in CarharttVision Farms / Crafted in CarharttVision Farms / Crafted in CarharttVision Farms / Crafted in CarharttVision Farms / Crafted in Carhartt

“El Paso is our chosen home. We toured the country to decide where we would like to live and El Paso won, hands down. We are a bi-lingual city so our children speak both English and Spanish. Much to many peoples surprise we are the safest city of our size in the US. I love the desert climate, and let’s not forget the most amazing Mexican food ever.” -Farmer Laura Alpern

Vision Farms / Crafted in Carhartt

Alana Alpern runs her practice, Blue Heron Equine, Inc., out of her truck that’s a moving hospital. She treats horses for western and eastern medicine and dogs and cats for exclusively eastern medicine.

“Know the true costs of becoming a veterinarian both financially and emotionally. Do this by spending time in more difficult moments under a mentor and doing your homework on the cost of education.” -Veterinarian Alana Alpern

Vision Farms / Crafted in CarharttVision Farms / Crafted in Carhartt

Visiting Marfa

Crafted in Carhartt traveled to far west Texas to bring you the stories of some amazing women. Marfa was my home base that week. It’s a quiet little desert town, with a population just under 2,000 people. Marfa has many old tales to tell–during the 1800s it served as a watering stop. Now it’s a major stomping ground for art lovers. With such an aesthetic appeal, it’s easy to see why.

Marfa, Texas / Crafted in CarharttMarfa, Texas / Crafted in CarharttMarfa, Texas / Crafted in CarharttMarfa, Texas / Crafted in CarharttMarfa, Texas / Crafted in CarharttMarfa, Texas / Crafted in CarharttMarfa, Texas / Crafted in CarharttMarfa, Texas / Crafted in CarharttMarfa, Texas / Crafted in CarharttMarfa, Texas / Crafted in Carhartt

Stay tuned, more stories to come.

Jessica Ellis and Siobhan Beal of Growing Power in Chicago

Growing Power is a nonprofit urban agricultural organization that started in 1993. Jessica Ellis and Siobhan Beal work at the Iron Street location. Making healthy food affordable and accessible to all people is of top priority to the Growing Power team. Now with over 12 acres of farm land in the Chicago area, their reach is multiplying. On each of their farms, the crews trains the community to grow, process, market, and distribute food in a more sustainable way. To find out more visit their website.

GROWINGpower1Growing Power Urban Farm / Crafted in CarharttGROWINGpower4Growing Power Urban Farm / Crafted in CarharttGrowing Power Urban Farm / Crafted in CarharttGrowing Power Urban Farm / Crafted in CarharttGROWINGpower12Growing Power Urban Farm / Crafted in Carhartt

If you’d like to see even more images and videos, take a look at the Crafted in Carhartt instagram.

Moments Before the Rodeo

There is a side to rodeos that many don’t know about. It’s the quiet moments before the competition. Be it sharing a cup of coffee and a cinnamon roll with your teammates or giving your daughter a tight squeeze as the hubbub slowly begins. Each one is a sweet slice of life that makes you feel an itch of nostalgia and a yearning for the next ride.

Life Moments at the Rodeo / Crafted in Carhartt

Life Moments at the Rodeo / Crafted in Carhartt

Life Moments at the Rodeo / Crafted in Carhartt

Life Moments at the Rodeo / Crafted in Carhartt

Life Moments at the Rodeo / Crafted in Carhartt

Life Moments at the Rodeo / Crafted in Carhartt

Life Moments at the Rodeo / Crafted in Carhartt

Life Moments at the Rodeo / Crafted in Carhartt

Life Moments at the Rodeo / Crafted in Carhartt

The ever talented Wild ‘N’ Wooley team is wearing: The Women’s Minot Shirt & Slim Fit Nyona Jean.

The Hamilton Flannel

One of our favorite cowgirls, Joette Donell, wears Carhartt regularly. Something you have to appreciate about a solid work shirt is that it can be soft to the touch, yet tough enough to stand up to wear. The Hamilton Flannel does just that. It’s 97% cotton so it’s cozy, and 3% spandex so it can flex with you as your move. That’s ideal when you’re riding and roping. Take it from cowgirl expert herself.

Soft Yet Tough Hamilton Flannel Shirt / Crafted in CarharttCountry Life For Me / Crafted in CarharttSoft Yet Tough Hamilton Flannel Shirt / Crafted in Carhartt

 

Take a closer look at The Hamilton Flannel for yourself here:

Soft Yet Tough Hamilton Flannel Shirt / Crafted in Carhartt

 

 

Keys to Roping Practice

The Wild ‘N’ Wooly rodeo team are roping experts. Cowgirl Joette Donnel has a few tips to share about practice before any competitions.

Keys to Roping Practice:

  • Focus on keeping your horse correct.
    – riding good position
    – keep your horse keyed in on your cues, this is important for changes in speed and     direction
  • Working well with your teammates.
    -Understand your teammates and how they will respond to changes during your run.
  • Being aggressive and accurate with your roping.
    -Precision equals success

Keys to Roping Practice Before the Big Rodeo / Crafted in CarharttKeys to Roping Practice Before the Big Rodeo / Crafted in Carhartt

 

Get a hold of this team in action!

Keys to Roping Practice Before the Big Rodeo / Crafted in Carhartt