The beginning of a new year is upon us, and despite the weight of a very turbulent 2025, I’m feeling optimistic. Maybe it’s the energy of the Year of the Horse lifting my spirits, but as I face this new year, I feel a genuine sense of hope.
When I look back on the past year, so much of it felt heavy—and so much of it was out of my control, as most things are. Navigating tariff insanity while running a product-based business—not in my control. A chaotic and caustic political landscape that impacts all our lives—not in my control. Trying to sell our house in a down market—not in my control.
Focusing on the things I can control—very much in my control.
And yet, I spent far too much of this year worrying. Letting anxiety spiral over things completely outside my influence. I’m not saying that in 2026 I’ll bury my head in the sand and only focus on my tiny locus of control—but the fear and dread that has felt like a lead blanket over my spirit? I am consciously choosing to kick it off.
One of my favorite books is Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, who survived imprisonment in a Nazi concentration camp during World War II and endured the unimaginable horrors faced by Holocaust victims. In it, he writes:
“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”
It’s easy to forget that truth—to believe we have no power or voice, especially when those things are being suppressed. And when fear takes hold, we tend to hand our power over. We start believing that others get to decide how our lives will look, who gets to make decisions, and who holds authority.
But to that I say: hell no.
I’ve been on this earth long enough to know the power belongs to the us, the people—to you, to me. We choose our lives. We choose our paths. We are not meant to be led by weak, fear-driven dictators, even when they are the ones who hold office. We can—and must—pursue lives filled with peace, love, kindness, community, generosity, and joy. And it’s time to take that power back.
Every year, a group of us gathers for the Winter Solstice. We write down everything we want to release from the year and burn it in a bonfire. We also choose a word to guide us into the year ahead. My word for 2026 is JUMP.
Because for much of 2025, I felt frozen. Afraid to make a move, a decision, a commitment. Afraid to—as I like to say—just f*cking do it. I hate feeling that way. I hate being afraid. But sometimes we back ourselves into corners. We let the walls close in and forget that we don’t actually have to live like that. I can’t blame anyone else for it—but I can choose differently now. And honestly? Sometimes I just get sick of the mental gymnastics that keep me up at night. That’s when I know it’s time to move. To JUMP back into life. To let the current toss me around, trusting that I’m strong enough to swim—and not drown.
So this year is going to be one of action. Big. Horse. Action.
I have goals for 2026. I want to grow this little business of mine, and thanks to you, I’ve been able to do that over the past few years—but now I’m ready to level it up. I always love hearing from you—my customers and friends—about what you’d like to see next, what I can do better, and what would bring more joy and delight into your lives.
I want this business and the products I create to make you smile. To remind you how strong, brave, and powerful you are. To help you feel connected to this community. Horses are our shared passion—a source of joy, commitment, and pure magic. And honestly, that magic is the antidote to so much of what’s happening in the world right now.
Another goal? If you’re in the eventing world, you may see more of me and #TheMareMare this year. One of my big goals is to qualify for the AECs in Kentucky! We finally got a trailer, which means I can haul to shows and events—and I cannot wait to get out there. It’s a stretch goal (because I don’t show a ton and dressage is…well, dressage), but I think we can do it. If you see us out there, please say hi.
So as you gallop (or tranter) into 2026, let this be your reminder to be bold in pursuing what makes you feel alive. Don’t let fear and anxiety be the wet blanket that holds you down or pulls you back. The world needs all of you to show up and go for it.
You’ve got this.
And so do I.
As the kids say, let’s get ready to crush 2026.