Hi friends, and thanks for stopping by to read 15 Things Every Cowgirl, Wannabe Cowgirl, and Dog Wrangler Should Do to Live Life to the Fullest.
Back in August 2020, in the middle of lockdowns and uncertainty, I wrote an article called 16 Things That Cowgirls, Wannabe Cowgirls, and Dog Wranglers Need to Make Happen. At the time, many of us were dreaming about the places we’d go and the things we’d do once the world opened up again.
Six years later, I think it’s time for an update.
Some of the lessons still hold true. Others have become even more important.
Adventure isn’t just for rich people.
This photo was taken at Machu Picchu in Peru. I didn’t get there because I won the lottery or retired with a huge pension. I got there because I made adventure a priority. One of the reasons I chose Peru was because it’s a destination that can be surprisingly affordable for budget-conscious travelers. I’ve never had a high-paying career, but I’ve learned that adventure isn’t reserved for people with deep pockets. Sometimes it’s simply a matter of deciding that experiences are worth prioritizing.
There comes a point when you realize life isn’t something you save for later.
Maybe you’ve spent years working, raising kids, caring for family members, paying bills, and putting everyone else’s needs ahead of your own. Maybe you’ve always dreamed of seeing new places, trying new things, or simply living a little bigger than you do now.
Whether you own a horse, share your life with a dog, or simply admire the cowgirl spirit from afar, this article is for anyone who wants to live life to the fullest.
Cowgirls know something important: life is meant to be lived, not just endured.
So here are 15 things every cowgirl, wannabe cowgirl, and dog wrangler should make happen.
1. See More of the World
It doesn’t have to be a luxury vacation. Explore a new country, a new province, a new state, or even a nearby town you’ve never visited before.
2. Take Yourself on an Adventure
Don’t wait for someone else to join you. Some of life’s best memories happen when you venture out on your own.
3. Spend More Time With the Animals You Love
Dogs don’t care about your bank account. Horses don’t care about your job title. They remind us what matters.
4. Move Your Body Every Day
Walk the dog. Ride the horse. Go hiking. Dance in the kitchen. Just keep moving.
5. Stop Saving Everything for “Someday”
Use the good dishes. Wear the nice boots. Take the trip. “Someday” has a way of sneaking past us.
6. Learn Something New
A language, a craft, a skill, a recipe, a musical instrument. Keep your curiosity alive.
7. Wear the Outfit
You know the one. The dress, the western shirt, the fancy boots. Life itself is the special occasion.
8. Trust Yourself More
You’ve survived every difficult day you’ve ever faced. That’s proof you’re stronger than you think.
9. Let Go of What Drains You
Not every obligation deserves a permanent place in your life.
10. Make More Time for What Brings You Joy
Reading. Riding. Gardening. Traveling. Volunteering. Whatever fills your cup, make room for it.
11. Slow Down Long Enough to Notice
A dog’s happy grin. A horse grazing quietly. A sunrise. A sunset. Life’s best moments are often the simplest.
12. Stop Comparing Your Life to Everyone Else’s
Social media rarely shows the whole story. Focus on building a life that feels right to you.
13. Try Something That Scares You a Little
Not danger. Growth. The things that stretch us are often the things that change us.
14. Collect Experiences Instead of Stuff
The older I get, the less I care about possessions and the more I treasure memories.
15. Chase More Sunsets
Sunsets are free, they’re beautiful, and they remind us that every day is a gift.
One Last Thing
Looking back on the past few years, I’ve realized that living life to the fullest isn’t about spending the most money or having the fanciest possessions. It’s about collecting experiences, trying new things, and making memories while we can.
If there’s one lesson horses, dogs, and years of life experience have taught me, it’s this:
Don’t wait for perfect conditions.
Take the trip.
Sign up for the class.
Try the new thing.
Follow the dream.
Because the truth is, none of us knows how many sunsets we have left.
And for those of us lucky enough to spend time around horses, we already know one more truth:
The best view in the world is still between a horse’s ears.
Ride on! Live life to the fullest!
Published by Cheryl @ The Lifestyle Digs on June 18, 2026.
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