We're excited to connect with our alumni through our new Darlington Connects series. Today we hear from Nora Cook (‘09) with The Cook Farms.
They say, “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life" and Nora Cook certainly took that saying to heart. She truly loves what she is doing and she doesn’t feel like it’s work at all.
“Growing up, everyone always thought I would become a veterinarian, but after my senior year at Berry College I had the opportunity to go to South Dakota and work for a horse trail riding ranch," she said. "I fell in love with their operation and thought to myself, 'I could do this back in Cedartown.'” She came home and began to make her dream come true!
The Cook Farm, as a result of Nora’s vision, now teaches western style horseback riding lessons for children of all ages. In the summer, they offer beginners through advanced riding camps for ages 7+ and they have added a Buckeroo four-day camp for 5-7 year olds. They also offer a Tiny Tots camp for 2-5 year olds.
“The camp program continues to expand," said Nora. "I just love working with the kids; it’s so fun to see them interact with the animals and gain confidence."
Nora has grown their operation to also offer a petting zoo with goats, sheep, chicks, rabbits, ducks, piglets, a mini horse and a mini donkey. She’s had the opportunity to bring their zoo to Darlington for pre-game events and even had some of their animals used on television and movie sets.
“I was on the set with one of our cows and the director asked me if she would moo on demand," she recalled. "I told him I didn’t know. He started making some cow sounds at her and, sure enough, he got her to moo ... and he got his shot!”
The Cook Farm also raises beef cattle and offers a farm to table operation. They rescue horses as well and currently have two horses they are rehabilitating back to health.
“We will be adding trail riding soon,” said Nora. "The best part of my work is we are always looking for ways to expand and grow our operation and every day there's something new.”
While at Darlington, Nora was involved in multiple sports and was a leader on and off the courts. She was the recipient of the Most Outstanding Female Athlete award during her senior year. Brothers Jake (‘04), Luke (‘11), Jesse (‘13) and sister Abby (‘15) have all pursued different career paths, but Nora says that everyone helps out on the farm when they are home.
“Confidence is what I gained during my time at Darlington,” Nora said.
If you are interested in learning more about The Cook Farms, click here to check out their Facebook page.
Are you a Darlington alum (or do you know one) with a career or interest that is fascinating and unique? We'd love to spotlight you in a future blog! Please email connect@darlingtonschool.org if you are interested in being featured.
