[April 3, 2022] Yesterday, I had the pleasure to attend an open house on a new equine Therapeutic Riding Center in a small town near where I live. The event was advertised for all who wished to be part of an effort to expand horse riding for those who may need that extra level of care. I was there and got to experience small-town leadership at its finest.
Hearts Therapeutic Riding Center, located in Egg Harbor Township, relocated and expanded its operation to a new facility. At the grand opening were the program’s owners, a wonderful couple, Sue and Rich, and their staff run by Stefanie, their program manager. The ceremony was expertly done.
Besides seeing many horse enthusiasts, I liked meeting township community leaders, including the mayor, council members, and volunteers who helped make the new property possible. I was most impressed with the politicians (something I would not usually admit). They had made sure the property was available.
The deputy mayor invited me to the township’s “nature preserve” and the town’s Veterans’ Park. I got a rundown on local politics and some inside stuff that I cannot write about for now. Also, how the township plans to keep their township safe from crime and “outside influencers” like the governor of the state. No fear in this group.
I didn’t ride my favorite horse, Garfield, but I did watch several mentally challenged young adults riding. It brought tears to my eyes to watch these young folks work with the horses like they had done this their entire lives. There is a natural bond between these men and women and the horses, a connection that has been since the beginning of humans.
You can find good leadership anywhere. If you want to make an immediate difference, do it at the community level. Your efforts have an impact that you can see, and you help the people who live where you work and raise a family.
You can find Hearts TRC Facebook Page here: https://www.facebook.com/HeartsTRC
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I love stories like this.
A well written beautiful story of healing and friendship. Thank you General for bringing this inspiring story to us. In this time of strife, it is so important to learn that good is being done. You have lifted my spirits.
Thanks Armywife for the compliment.
Excellent article, thanks Gen. Satterfield. 😊
Living in a small town has many advantages. One of them is that if you are willing to work hard and keep your nose clean (out of trouble with the law), then you will thrive. That is NOT the case in larger cities where the whim of the mayor has a greater influence on you.
April is here and the flowers are starting to grow and the birds are singing. That is what I love about Spring, in particular after a long winter season. Now is the time to come out of your shell and speak up about the horrible things happening under Pres Biden. Get out and vote and get out to tell people the true story of what is going on to destroy the American family.
You got that right, Bryan. We need more people with plain ole’ common sense. To use Gen. Satterfield’s ideas.
Lesson here: support your local community. That is where you get the most support, protection from crime and bad guys. Be sure to vote if you’re pro-family and for small govt.
I always like reading about small communities and what they are doing to make where they live a better place for their families….. what I don’t see is this happening in large cities. That is why, I think, we are seeing such a surge in crime in large, mostly Democrat Party run cities. Too bad if you live there and have to suffer because of the Marxists that occupy large city government.
Max, no surprise here. I predicted this (as did many others) when the “defund the police” Democrat Party movement started. You reward crime and you get more crime. Now these Democrats are acting surprised. Dumb idiots.
When you are a big city politician, you have to put your brain in box and throw away the key.
Homicides, thefts of personal property, and other violent crimes — already reaching grisly record milestones in cities across the country — will naturally continue to skyrocket as the combined effects of our economic and illegal immigration crises snowball together.
Right and don’t be surprised as crime is coming to you. Buy your guns and ammo NOW while you still have the legal right to do so.
Gen. Satterfield, it is good to hear you are getting out after that health scare you had recently. “Get ‘er done!”
Hi Gen. Satterfield and good morning to you. I enjoy your blog each day and am a dedicated fan for a long time. Please keep up the great work you are doing and especially to support the family and give good advice to young folks.
Right rj, and another spot-on article this morning to boot. 👍
Exactly why I read the leadership forum. You never know what tidbit of info you might get to help yourself.