Tales From The Trail: CEO Monthly Update

Howdy Everyone!

I want to first start by thanking you (yes YOU) for taking the time to read this first blog post from me! My name is Michael Henderson, and I am the Owner of Impact Equine Pack. This is the first of hopefully many monthly updates I plan to share. These weekly updates will be so many things; journaling, reflecting, tips and tricks I’ve learned through my journey as a horseman, small business owner…
A human. 
I started Impact Equine Pack to add value - and my hope is that these updates and personal anecdotes do just that!

The goal in bringing monthly updates is two fold:

1. Connection! I have been really focusing the last few weeks on living a genuine and authentic life (more to come on that), and part of that is - how can I add more value to those who add value to my life through supporting Impact Equine Pack?
2. Reflection. This second goal kind of ties into the first as part of living genuinely and authentically requires a lot of self reflection. I hope that in sharing some insight into my journey will not only add value to your life, make you laugh, help you learn, or just relate on another level… but it also helps me in my journey to reflect each month, get my thoughts out in an intimate way - be vulnerable in an effort to again, add value.

The last few weeks have been kind of a roller coaster for me - in many great ways! I competed at the Run For A Million (TRFAM) in Las Vegas which was insane. It’s hard to believe, but exactly one year prior from the day I showed at TRFAM was my very first horse show. For those who are unfamiliar, TRFAM is essentially like the culminating event for many Reining trainers and riders. You must qualify to compete, and only the best of the
best make it. I reflect constantly on the achievement, and I am so grateful to my family, my trainer Linde von Koeding, and of course the best horse in the barn, Charlie, for making dreams come true. If you would have asked me this time last year if I would be able to qualify, I would have looked at you like you had two heads. 

Some of my favorite Vegas highlights were:

1. Of course SHOWING!
2. My best friend Chelsea and favorite cousin Leslie came alllll the way down from Washington state to watch and support! 
   
   
3. I got to meet and hang out with the one and ONLY Shorty (and the wonderful Bobbie) from Shorty’s Caboy Hattery 
   
   
4. LANEY. FREAKIN. WILSON. 
   
   
   
5. And of course the many memories made with so many friends, family and barn family!
   
   
   

I’ll add more photos at the bottom for some fun behind the scenes moments from TRFAM! When we got home it was time to recalibrate. Vegas was fun (maybe a bit too much) but I had, and still have, many goals left to accomplish this year. Riding, personal, business, etc.

As some of you may know I recently purchased a 2-year-old blue roan quarter horse mare, and I’ve taken on the responsibility of training her myself. I know what many of you reading this may be thinking, but look… when I put my mind to something, I usually find a way to make it happen. No doubt I will have help along the way, it takes a village! I decided to name her Tsula, which is a Cherokee word for “fox.” The fox is associated with traits such as cleverness, adaptability, resourcefulness, and agility; characteristics that symbolize one’s ability to navigate life's challenges with intelligence and skill. Boy, let me tell you, this girl is all of that and more. She’s also extremely sweet, gentle and honest. It’s honestly hard to believe that she is so young because of how calm and gentle she is. We’ve most recently been working on leading with energy (walk to trot to canter, and back down), as well as the beginnings of what most people call “lunging” but I am using it more to teach her how to walk around me, while focusing on me with a bend. More to come on that journey - and I can’t wait to share!

One thing I am extremely excited about is the change of seasons coming up this month. I. LOVE. FALL. Everything about it. The weather starts to cool down (THANK GOD), the colors start to change, and I dont know about you… but for me I just feel like the world starts to slow down, and refocus on what’s important. Friends, family, connection. I moved to Arizona about 2 years ago… born and mostly raised in Washington state, so the weather has been a major adjustment… We are finally getting to the time where its still hot outside during the day, but the mornings and evenings are fiiiiiiinally cooling off. We’re getting more storms which are so beautiful in our area (Rio Verde), the cloud formations are breathtaking. Have a look for yourself - this photo is from my front porch! Of course, pictures do no justice.

As I head into September I look forward to getting our Fall boxes finalized and shipped out! We have some really awesome and practical products in this box and I literally can’t wait to share them with everyone! We’ve got some cool collaborations with some really amazing brands as well! So stay tuned for those, and be sure to check out our social media (@ImpactEquinePack) for updates! 

That’s it for now folks! If there is anything you would like to hear about in next month’s post please don’t hesitate to connect in the comments below!

Have a great, short, week ahead celebrating the holiday and be well. <3

-Michael

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BTS from TRFAM: