Happy New Year from RMF!

Happy New Year to family, friends, and the RMF team. I am wishing everyone a new year filled with positivity, growth, and endless possibilities for success. Let’s work enthusiastically and passionately to create a year of accomplishments and breakthroughs.

The new year is such a good time to take a moment to look backwards and reflect upon the year. It is a great time to appreciate your family, significant others, and friends who are supportive cheerleaders of sorts and are always there for you. It is a great time to celebrate your accomplishments and how far you have come, as well as set new goals and make a plan about how you are going to achieve them.

Try to reflect on anything that is bringing you down and how you would like to make changes that can turn the negative into the positive. This all sounds easy, but I know that making changes requires a great deal of effort. You can’t wave a magic wand or wiggle your nose, but you can make your life work for you. You are able to manage your habits, your relationships, and your friendships. Sometimes you need a kick in the butt, and sometimes you need to kick some butt. Make sure you treat yourself well and be your own best friend. Horses certainly keep me healthy both mentally and physically.

Take the time to appreciate that we have horses in our lives. They keep us humble, help us develop strength, keep us thinking on our feet, and are always challenging us on many levels. Remember how and why you started this journey, and continue to look backwards to see how far you have come. I am so fortunate that I have been around many of you for years and have had the enjoyment of watching you develop as children, adults, and riders, as well as develop strong skills that make you all beautiful riders.

Life is our greatest teacher. Learn from your mistakes and focus on your goals. With patience, insight, and trust, you can accomplish anything you desire if you understand it is always a process and not a snap of the fingers.

Lastly, and most importantly, is my sincere appreciation for our core of caregivers and dedicated horse people: Emmy, Madi, Madison, Nina, Emma Lauren, Lulu, Macie, and Naomi, who all help care for the horses. They are diligent, hearty, caring, and dedicated horse people. We are also fortunate to live in Central KY, the Horse Capital of the World, which comes with the best veterinary care, farriers, chiropractors, and body workers. We are so fortunate at RMF to have such a strong and caring support system to keep our horses comfortable. I cannot say thank you enough to Eric Parsons and Tyler Slaubaugh, Cage Cruise, Rob Spencer, Jennifer Johnson, Shirley McQuillen, Anna Dunlap, Foxwood Equine, Rachel Fladung, and Chris Newton.

Make a point to accept and focus on the present. Riding is not a video game. It is an athletic endeavor and a partnership with an animal whose communication style is different than yours. Finally, let go of the negative from the past and fill your mentality with positive thoughts and committed efforts. Work hard, develop mental coping skills, appreciate your opportunities, and enjoy the ride.