I have been on the road a lot lately. This weekend finds me in Winfield, West Virginia for the Appalachian Trainer Face Off (ATFO). The ATFO is the brain child of the Tinia Creamer and the Heart of Phoenix Rescue. If you don’t know the story of Heart of Phoenix Equine Rescue, INC and the Appalachian Brumbies, it is one worth reading about. Unwanted horses released on the old strip mines forming feral herds, struggling to survive. Tinia saw a need and did something about it. She has never looked back.

The ATFO, a 100-day trainer challenge with feral horses, showcases these horses while uniting trainers to prepare them for adoption. Each year, the competition improves in some way, benefiting the horses, the trainers, and the equestrian community.

Originally a 100-day training challenge for riding horses, the ATFO now includes a 365-day division for horses needing more time, a showcase division for non-competing horses, and a “Whipper-Snapper” division for young horses focused on groundwork. This year, the event introduced “Rider Wars,” which aims to enhance riders’ knowledge, skills, and horsemanship.

We often discuss the need for role models or heroes in our world, seeking inspiration and guidance. I used to admire people for their great accomplishments, but now I value those who embody Maya Angelou’s quote, “When you know better, do better,” as my standard for choosing heroes.

Falling short of an ideal, making mistakes, or missing the mark is not the real issue. We are all flawed, and our creations are imperfect. The critical question is how we respond when we recognize these flaws. Do we wallow in self-pity and shame? Do we blindly forge ahead to keep going? Or do we grow, develop, and strive to do better?

I have missed the mark in my life and work more times than I can count, and I haven’t always handled my mistakes well. Even when I tried to do better, my efforts were far from perfect. Spending time with passionate, deeply human individuals working tirelessly to make a difference inspires me to keep striving to do better. I hope you’ll join me. ~Paul

PC – Erin Gilmore Photography

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