Last month, I heard something pretty remarkable: in 2024, a thousand new millionaires were made every day in the USA. That’s 365,000 in a single year! (CNBC Article)
That’s incredible news and a great sign for the country. No wonder the world wants to get here. That kind of wealth creation fuels opportunity, innovation, and investment. Maybe, just maybe, some of those 365,000 new millionaires from 2024 will want to own a horse. Wouldn’t that be something? Better yet, they can buy one from me!
I’ve seen it happening. More and more new people are getting involved in the Western Performance Horse world, and the growth is real. The future is bright.
But let’s pause here for a second—because some really big news just dropped in our industry.
A few weeks ago, we learned that Teton Ridge is liquidating their horse division assets. That headline alone turned heads, not because they changed course, but because of how short-lived the run was.
My first reaction? Surprise.
My second reaction, one second later? Excitement.
Why? Because this creates one of the biggest market-shifting moments we’ve ever seen. While the full list of horses hasn’t been published yet, I believe it could be the greatest offering of Western Performance Horse flesh in history.
Moments like this don’t come often. This is a once-in-a-lifetime event – something that will change lives. Whether through ownership or association (trainers, breeders, agents), these horses will make their mark again, just in different barns. This reshuffling won’t just affect bloodlines, it’ll de-monopolize talent and influence in the industry. De-monopolization is a good thing. When too much power sits in one barn or under one brand, it starts to distort the balance of the whole industry.
Personally, I never viewed Teton Ridge’s massive acquisition strategy as sustainable. If it was pride of ownership, just fine, as long as it was understood up front. But if the goal was to make it cashflow? Then someone gave some pretty bad advice.
Now, opportunity is being handed back to the people who think long-term and play smart. And here’s a truth I’ve come to understand the hard way:
In the horse business, you can’t control your income, but you can control your expenses.
That’s your leverage. That’s your power. Know that going in.
I’ve made so many mistakes in my business life. Oh, if I could turn back time! But I don’t dwell. If I did, I’d go crazy. I have to keep my eyes forward and focus on what I can do, not what I should have done.
A lot of people look at wealth and success and chalk it up to luck or exploitation. I can sort of understand the luck part. But the exploitation claim? That’s not something I buy into.
Most people think luck is random.
But if you’ve been around long enough, you realize, luck comes in four forms:
- Opportunity through effort – The more actions you take, the more chances you create.
- Opportunity through insight – When you develop rare skills or perspectives, you notice what others overlook.
- Opportunity through reputation – Do good work long enough, and people will bring opportunities to you.
- Random luck – The only one you can’t control. Sometimes it just shows up.
Only one of these is out of your hands.
The rest? You build them.
I’ve said it before—there’s only one problem with millionaires:
We need more of them.
One of my favorite books is The Millionaire Next Door. I think it should be required reading for everyone, especially teenagers. The book’s core idea is that wealth is boring and slow. It’s not flashy. Real millionaires aren’t usually driving exotic European cars or flashing Rolex watches.
In fact, the #1 vehicle driven by American millionaires is a Ford F-150 pickup truck. Hard to get more unpretentious than that.
That unpretentious mindset is right at home in the horse world. Real wealth out here isn’t loud, it’s quiet, gritty, and built over time. Just like a program, it speaks for itself.
The authors backed their claims with hard data:
- Most wealthy Americans are frugal.
- They’re disciplined in saving.
- And they invest early and consistently.
Said another way:
- Spend less than you earn.
- Save what’s left.
- Invest it.
- Repeat.
Simple. Not easy. Just like health and fitness.
If you eat more calories than you burn – you gain fat.
If you eat less than your body needs – you burn fat.
Simple. Not easy.
I once saw a meme of a fit couple standing side by side in workout gear, both rocking six-pack abs. It said:
“Look honey, we could look like this. But… we like donuts.”
So true. Cause and Effect.
As we step into the second half of the year, I’m more convinced than ever that discipline, insight, and long-term vision are what create value, whether in horses, business, or life.
With the reshuffling of elite horses now on the horizon, we’re about to see a new generation of opportunity emerge. If you’ve been preparing, building your network, and sharpening your edge, this might just be your moment.
My opportunity will lie in competing with buyers at this sale or even better yet, becoming a resource for others and helping them succeed in their endeavors.
My business is fueled by leveraging my expertise in the horse business on behalf of my customers.
Never take advice from someone that doesn’t make a living doing it.
Here I am.
This piece hangs next to the door entering my office. A daily reminder as I arrive, Draw From the Experience of my life.
Opportunities are alive and well.
The only question left is:
Will you be ready it when it arrives?
