The surest way to miss success is to miss the opportunity.

This week I’ve been challenged from all areas, marketing Winds of Time, and coping with a very sick horse. To keep my focus I revisited a favourite book for some inspiration and became engrossed in a  new release tribute book to Arabian horse breeder Mary Anne Grimmell, written by Lorry Wagner and titled, “Mary Anne Grimmell Friend and Mentor of the Arabian Horse Breed”

The first book I mentioned is a well worn favourite, ‘Diamond in the Rough’ by Barry J. Farber. Even after Midas (our dog at the time of purchase), decided to chew off the front cover and leave teeth marks throughout the pages, I refused to give up my copy. This book is a type of pathway to one’s life journey. It explains the different roads that successful people travel to achieve their success and how they take advantage of opportunities, make confident decisions and make meaningful contributions by giving back to others. Opportunity, success and generosity play a huge part in Barry’s book and these admirable traits that he repeatedly touches on are portrayed in bucket loads by Mary Anne Grimmell.

IAHA PRESIDENT Mary Anne Grimmell (l)presenting National Volunteer Award to Lorry Wagner(r) at the 1998 IAHA Convention. Photograph Rob Hess

Barry states, “… enthusiasm comes from the Greek word ‘entheoa’ which means ‘the God within’. When we think about the times we’ve been enthusiastic about something, didn’t we feel empowered and full of passion. It is the outward manifestation of our inner passion.”

I love those words ‘outward manifestation of our inner passion’ which clearly tells us, when we love something, the more enthusiastic we become and the more insatiable our desire becomes to learn about it. The results of our efforts are revealed all around us, it may be something written, something we’ve built or painted. Something we’ve bred, an award or ever a simple thank you can motivate our enthusiasm to apply the discipline and determination to forging ahead. There’s a great saying, “Successful people do the things that unsuccessful people don’t like to do.”

This saying can be applied to Mary Anne Grimmell, not only was she a champion for the Arabian breed but as Lorry Wagner states, “she most certainly touched many, many lives in the Arabian horse world and in the process contributed a tremendous amount of positive influence to our Arabian breed.”

Mary Anne put her beliefs on the line and stood up for what, controversial or otherwise, she believed would benefit the breed she adored. Both Mary Anne and Lorry Wagner epitomise the passion to right wrongs combined with a determined ‘make it happen’ attitude. They knew you could not make change within the Arabian breed by just complaining about things. They shared their enthusiasm and love for the breed by asking, how can we make this right?

It’s a known fact that if you want things to change YOU have to take the first step. I could go ahead and list all Mary Anne Grimmell’s achievements and I know you would be impressed. But I urge you to go to Amazon and buy Lorry Wagner’s book you will be inspired.

These final words are from Mary Anne Grimmell’s (President, IAHA) International Arabian youth association convention speech July 1998. The words tell you everything about this enthusiastic and influential woman.  “...turn your passion into compassion. It’s probably the greatest thing we can aspire to as horse lovers and horses owners. I would encourage all of you who are fortunate enough to be doing what you love right now to keep doing it all your lives. Then do your best to let your passion be someone else’s new awakening. Like a flame, let your passion illuminate someone else’s life.”