New Years Resolution: Try the Nomadic Lifestyle

sold surprisedWho thinks living on the road with no permanent home while toting along three boys (homeschooling) and a bunch of horses is a good idea?

The Westfall’s do!

And as of today our house is officially SOLD!

First stop, after considerable packing, is Texas! (…or the looney bin, I will keep you posted on my sanity during this process)

What is your New Years Resolution?

no·mad  (nõ′mâd′)

n.

1. A member of a group of people who have no fixed home and move according to the seasons from place to place in search of food, water, and grazing land.
2. A person with no fixed residence who roams about; a wanderer.

[French nomade, from Latin nomas, nomad-, from Greek nomaswandering in search of pasture; see nem- in Indo-European roots.]

no·mad′ic adj.
no·mad′i·cal·ly adv.
no′mad′ism n.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

101 Comments

  1. Karla on December 31, 2013 at 8:35 pm

    Does this mean you are leaving Ohio for good? That makes me sad but I want to be happy for you and all the success you will have.

    • Stacy on January 1, 2014 at 1:12 pm

      We don’t know where we will end up ultimately.. Ohio has a pretty strong pull:)

  2. Diana M. DeWitt-vorwaldt on December 31, 2013 at 8:32 pm

    Good Lucky.My Husband would love to be a full time trail rider and travel from one place to another and just trail ride.

  3. Corrinna Curran on December 31, 2013 at 8:29 pm

    you should come to australia for clinics

    • Stacy on January 1, 2014 at 1:11 pm

      Seriously considering it!

  4. Lydia Holter on December 31, 2013 at 8:13 pm

    Having been in the moving process so many times in my life, I feel I might know a bit of what you are going through. We had a lot of kids (any where from 8 to 11 on any given move), milk cows and horses, and we were always moving either from the USA to Canada or Canada to the USA. Lots of fun! Have a good new years!

    • Stacy on January 1, 2014 at 1:11 pm

      Wow! When I ask a question about ‘how’…. I hope you give your advice! Sounds like you have tons of experience.

  5. Robin Muzzy on December 31, 2013 at 7:12 pm

    You and Jess will do fantastic where ever you guys choose to live. I am so happy that I was able to attend two of your clinics right down the road from me when you came to Towanda Pa. Texans are so lucky to have you in their state.

  6. Lori Bartlett on December 31, 2013 at 7:11 pm

    I lived in the same town as you and always wanted to meet you. I am now in Colorado a couple of miles from John Lyons. I sure wish someone could do a clinic that would help us owners of deaf horses. Mine is awesome but we’ve come to a standstill. Good luck in everything you do. Sounds like an adventure.

  7. Pat Grochowina on December 31, 2013 at 7:10 pm

    Congratulations!! I know that you and Jesse have wanted to do this for some time now. We will definitely miss all of you on our trips to Ohio. Remember, it was you that started this crazy reining horse adventure that I find myself in. And believe me, it has all been worthwhile. I will still keep in touch when I need to pick your brain from time to time to keep myself sane. John and I wish you all the health and happiness that you so deserve. Happy New Year.

    • Stacy on January 1, 2014 at 1:10 pm

      You know Pat…I think you will have to tell John you miss us and need to visit…a good excuse to come to Texas! LOL!

  8. Stephanie Fitkin on December 31, 2013 at 7:08 pm

    Many blessing on your new adventure. Will love to follow on your blog to see how the family fares on this new chapter of your lives. Good times!

  9. Amanda on December 31, 2013 at 7:02 pm

    Come to Saskatoon , Canada!!!!!!!! pretty please put sugar on top:))LOL

  10. Kristin on December 31, 2013 at 6:46 pm

    Please come to North Carolina!!! I’d love to watch one of your clinics!!!

  11. Leah flowers on December 31, 2013 at 6:41 pm

    Come to Georgia you can bunk at our farm

  12. Fran on December 31, 2013 at 6:16 pm

    enjoy! we only live once, do
    all that you can!

  13. Darlene on December 31, 2013 at 6:11 pm

    This persons goal is to continue to follow your blogs and see what ya’ll are up to and in to….lol

  14. Sheila Morlas on December 31, 2013 at 5:57 pm

    Good Luck Stacy, God’s Blessing on you and your family. Texas is a great state and has wonderful people. Sounds like an amazing adventure! Happy New Year!!!

  15. Madeline C. on December 31, 2013 at 5:49 pm

    Give me a truck, trailer, and a full wallet? I’ll take this dog and pony show anywhere! Good luck! Make your way back out the New England area!

  16. Paul James on December 31, 2013 at 5:48 pm

    Good luck and safe travels to you all.

  17. Lindsey Willinger on December 31, 2013 at 5:41 pm

    I live in Haslet, TX- 50 Minutes from Bowie. Would LOVE to attend a clinic or do lessons if you are that close- would be an absolute dream 🙂 Safe Travels

  18. Karen Farrar on December 31, 2013 at 5:39 pm

    Life is an Adventure!!!!! Do it now while your Young and have the Energy!!! You will not regret it and the Memories you and your Children/Husband have will be with you forever!!! and Get a Biggggggggggg LQ Trailer!!!!! Come to Sunny Central Cali and do a Clinic!!! Good Luck!!!

  19. Pat Pearson on December 31, 2013 at 5:22 pm

    Oh my!! How exciting & I sure hope you’re coming to TEXAS…….far North Texas would be GREAT! I live in a wonderful little town (Gainesville which is almost to the TX/OK border) & I believe they call it “the horse capital of Texas”. There are several equine vet centers in the area & you would love it here! I’ll be praying that God leads you to where He wants you to serve!

  20. Bridget Goldsmith on December 31, 2013 at 5:22 pm

    God Bless you in your adventure. It takes some guts and planning but you will be fine. I know you have made arrangements for the horses because you love them so. If you end up in Texas I am sure you will love it. Our son is in Austin so if you are close we can still come see you!!
    When do you go?

  21. Pat LaCroix on December 31, 2013 at 5:06 pm

    I admire you, but not on this idea! Just kidding, it is strictly for the younger set! I moved 7 times in 3 years when we were first married, with no kids! Two years ago, after raising both kids, 2 dogs and a couple of grandkids thrown in for good measure, we decided to downsize! That move almost killed us… We had lived in the same house for 28 years and there was a lot of going through things, sorting out what to keep what not to keep… Well to say the least, it was harrowing! We have now been in our “new to us” house for little over 2 years, and I am STILL finding stuff. Funny thing is, I didn’t know it was lost till I found it! Anyway, enjoy the nomad life, but where will you train? What about Popcorn & Jac, where will they “live” since they can’t really live in a trailer? Or did you buy a huge tractor trailer and make it into a house & stable? Just wondering… pics, and keep up the blogging!

    • Stacy on December 31, 2013 at 5:28 pm

      Yes, they (Popcorn and Jac) will travel with and we will keep them in stalls that have arenas to ride in. Follow us on the blog to see how it goes!

  22. Dexter Burt on December 31, 2013 at 5:04 pm

    As long as the Nomad life is in an Equine Motorcoach!!! Congrats! make sure u stop by SW Florida!

  23. Patricia Nichols Coins on December 31, 2013 at 4:58 pm

    So how many training horses will you have traveling with you? And how many personal horses? You guys will need a fleet of trailers I bet. lol Good luck on your adventure.

    • Stacy on December 31, 2013 at 5:26 pm

      At the moment it will be nine horses. Six personal and three training.

  24. Joan Justice on December 31, 2013 at 4:55 pm

    Oh my, ya’ll are brave! Details, lady, give us details! On your travels, how about wandering through Tennessee? 🙂

    • Stacy on December 31, 2013 at 5:25 pm

      TN is one of the states I would consider moving to. So…it would make sense to visit there…:)

      • Michelle on January 7, 2014 at 7:52 pm

        If you make it to TN I am in Clarksville would love to meet you and get some advice

  25. Edie on December 31, 2013 at 4:53 pm

    I’ve been living in an RV for 4 years with my 3 cats. My horses do not travel with me since I have so many. Have FUN!

    • Stacy on December 31, 2013 at 5:25 pm

      Wow, I might be picking your brain in the future!

  26. Gretchen Ruffin on December 31, 2013 at 4:52 pm

    Does this mean more clinics??? I’m in Chicago suburbs. Hope you’re going to be more visible nearby. Ive been studying Parelli for years and I really like your methods and teaching manner. I hope to be able to see you in person in the near future. Good luck and Happy New Year!

    • Stacy on December 31, 2013 at 5:24 pm

      Hopefully more clinics…we will see how the first few months go.

  27. Elizabeth Cowling-Jones on December 31, 2013 at 4:49 pm

    Happy new year and you are “mad,” I moved 13 times in 12 years when my kids were young, I now sometimes get itchy feet but i am staying put…. enjoy the adventure.

  28. Alice Corbett on December 31, 2013 at 4:48 pm

    Congratulations and best wishes!! (BTW, New England would love to have you back!! 🙂

    • Stacy on December 31, 2013 at 5:24 pm

      New England is on our radar…part of the deal actually! That way we can visit my family there. Plus…I want to be there one winter for a BIG snow storm! Also…I learned to drive a car on a frozen lake, something I want my kids to experience (safely of course)

      • GimmeADream on December 31, 2013 at 6:59 pm

        Congratulations on the sale! On Thursday, I’ll be moving lock, stock and barrel, horse, dogs and cats to another Canadian province, PEI. Hope to be able to take a run to New England to see one of your clinics. I’m learning so much from your Jac videos. Thanks.

      • Gail on December 31, 2013 at 7:01 pm

        No place quite like New England! And no place like Ocala, FL!! I took the warmth over the cold!!!

  29. Janette on December 31, 2013 at 4:47 pm

    Congratulations!! You seem to enjoy a challenge/risk. What a wonderful adventure you and your family have ahead of you. Is Jac and Popcorn going with you? And your old horse, how about him? This will make for a great chapter in your book of life. Safe journey!

    • Stacy on December 31, 2013 at 5:22 pm

      Yes on Jac and Popcorn. Scrappy (my old horse) went back to Maine, where he was born, to hang out with my mom. He isn’t into traveling as much:)

      • Janette on December 31, 2013 at 6:32 pm

        Stacy, you are one incredible woman. In the middle of such a major transition you found the time to answer so many of us.

        I have to confess, I got a wee tear in my eye. Scrappy has gone home. “Perfection”

  30. Cheryl La Rue on December 31, 2013 at 4:44 pm

    Congrats, Great plan to move to a warmer climate !! Here to Great things coming your way !! Happy New Year !!

  31. L. Umbrell on December 31, 2013 at 4:32 pm

    Live the dream 🙂 You can settle into another home anytime. Enjoy the ride 😀

  32. Caroline Scott on December 31, 2013 at 4:28 pm

    Hahaha! We have just sold also, and will be nomads with several horses, a camel & dog! I will take the Greek term nomas:- wandering in search of pasture!

    • Stacy on December 31, 2013 at 5:21 pm

      A CAMEL! that is cool!

  33. irisvillagegirl on December 31, 2013 at 4:26 pm

    We’ll let me just go ahead and say-WELCOME TO TEXAS! WE ARE SO GLAD TO HAVE YA!

  34. irisvillagegirl on December 31, 2013 at 4:24 pm

    We’ll let me just go ahead and say-WELCOME TO TEXAS! We are glad to have ya!

  35. Barb Clare on December 31, 2013 at 4:08 pm

    Talk about living vicariously through someone! I will be anxious to hear how this goes for you and your family! You have my complete support!! Come see us in Michigan and ride the trails!! Happy NEW Year!!

  36. Lynn on December 31, 2013 at 4:06 pm

    Central Ohio will miss you!

    • Stacy on December 31, 2013 at 5:21 pm

      Good news is that we know people (and family) in Ohio…so maybe we will stop by and do a clinic. We will be back in April for Equine Affaire!

  37. Jolene Green on December 31, 2013 at 4:05 pm

    I love that I just seen this as I just spent last night looking a Romany Caravans as I think they are beautiful !! One horse 2 pull and 6 traveling behind 🙂 seriously !!! Best wishes!

  38. Debbie Mosier on December 31, 2013 at 4:00 pm

    NOOOOOO!!!!… I was going to seek you out this spring for maybe a clinic or such! I’m in Indiana and it would be doable but Texas, not so much. So disappointed for me but still excited for you and your family. Hope it’s a grand adventure and that you have the thrill of a lifetime, then come home or at least someplace within a couple hours driving distance, lol! Best of luck to you all!

  39. Sherry on December 31, 2013 at 3:57 pm

    I thought you were thinking about Colorado…great state! Have a very blessed New Year.

  40. Lisa D on December 31, 2013 at 3:57 pm

    I think that if anyone is equipped to do it, it would be you. You and Jesse have such a positive, upbeat, Christian outlook on life and that will follow you and your family everywhere you go. Life is a ride…this is a wonderful new adventure!

  41. Carrie Hitchcock on December 31, 2013 at 3:57 pm

    Are you moving to Texas? I HOPE SO!!! I am in Texas and would love for you to be part of our amazing state. : )

  42. Stephanie Hobson on December 31, 2013 at 3:55 pm

    I’m in Texas, McKinney to be exact. You should check this area out. Not that I’m saying that for selfish reasons, as in I would like to meet you guys or anything like that. 🙂

  43. Terri on December 31, 2013 at 3:55 pm

    I would love to see you in Texas!!! Greatest state to live in!!!

  44. Cathleen Surette on December 31, 2013 at 3:53 pm

    Maybe you can meet up with Guy MacLean and travel the country together!!??

  45. Krehkopf on December 31, 2013 at 3:50 pm

    Congrats! Where is Texas are you coming?

    • Stacy on December 31, 2013 at 5:19 pm

      Moving to friends in Bowie, TX for a few months…

      • Sonya elliott on January 1, 2014 at 11:31 am

        If you need a place in lubbock to stop and let the horses rest let me know

  46. johanna on December 31, 2013 at 3:48 pm

    cool!
    fun!
    take your time…
    best in the New Year-

  47. idea027 on December 31, 2013 at 3:45 pm

    Congrats! But at the same time- bummer! I was hoping to meet you and possibly take part in a clinic (if you were going to do any) while you’re still in the same town as I, but looks like you no longer will be in the same town! Sad to see you go, but good luck in Texas! Hope you’ll visit and maybe I will get to meet you sometime when you do!

    • Stacy on December 31, 2013 at 5:20 pm

      Good news is that we know people (and family) in Ohio…so maybe we will stop by and do a clinic. We will be back in April for Equine Affaire!

      • Bonnie Tefft on December 31, 2013 at 5:49 pm

        Come to FL and do a clinic! We’d love to have you and I certainly need one!
        Also it’s warm!

  48. Lynn Turner on December 31, 2013 at 3:43 pm

    Seriously, you are not buying another house?
    Did you buy a big bus to travel in? What about training horses? Wow what a huge step for you all.

  49. Kim V on December 31, 2013 at 3:41 pm

    Stacy, you are crazy!!! I’d love to live the nomad life but it would have to be minus the kids … maybe even minus the husband… 🙂 Have fun!!!

  50. Lauren on December 31, 2013 at 3:41 pm

    Sounds like an adventure! Thinking sane thoughts for you gypsies!

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