Sundance Ranch Portugal

Happy New Year, everyone!

Earlier today, I found myself pondering: why do we celebrate endings, beginnings, anniversaries, and birthdays? “Gratitude,” my very smart husband said, and I think he’s absolutely right. These moments give us a chance to reflect on and celebrate the past while setting our sights on the future.

I don’t usually make a big deal of these special days. In fact, I went to bed at ten last night, just like any other day. But gratitude? That’s something I practice every single day.

Each evening, I fill an entire page in my journal with all the things I’m grateful for. Once I start, it’s like the words just flow out of my pencil. One thing that comes up again and again is how much I treasure the time I spend with my horses in nature, especially when riding.

There’s not much that can compare to the feeling of riding down a beautiful trail on a crisp, sunny winter day with a great horse. Here’s a glimpse of my view from my last ride of 2024 with little Fae. If you look closely, you’ll see the small nick in her ear. That tiny imperfection makes her and this moment even more perfect—if that’s even possible.

I’m deeply grateful for moments like these, and I look forward to many more beautiful rides in 2025.