A good friend at Texas A&M once told me that no matter how much we accomplish in our careers, it is the accomplishments of those we teach that defines us. I couldn’t agree more with his wisdom. How lucky I have been to be mentored by so many great people that taught me my craft and instilled a love for the horse in my being.

We have a calling as representatives from all areas of the equine community to display our professions in such a wonderful way that the best and brightest want to be involved. The only way this is ever going to be possible is by inviting them into our world, the uninitiated need to spend time with the established. They need to be made to feel welcome and to taste the unique rewards that come from participating in the world of horses.

Young people need to be taught how to think, not what to think. But we need to do more than just teach; we need to display our careers in such a light that it inspires. Young people with high potential need to be challenged to recognize a need that they can fill. If we don’t define that path in a manner with a mission, they will move on to other things that offer more challenges and rewards.

The next generation of horse people is out there. Some of them don’t even know it yet. They are waiting on someone like you or me to recognize their potential and talent and embrace them. It takes time getting to know these horsemen and women of the future in order to inspire them