March 1, 2008

The idea behind “Insights” was just that … to provide thought and opinion on happenings in the business. Recently we have enjoyed sharing in the good fortune of associating with horses like BARBARO and STREET SENSE … and with good reason. We all aspire to succeed at the highest level, no matter our involvement, but I wouldn’t presume to admit horses of this caliber were in my crystal ball. Yet, I am the fifth generation in the Thoroughbred business and those before me have been truly accomplished and associated with legendary horses like ORNAMENT, MENOW, ALCIBIADES and SIR IVOR. These are high standards to say the least and just to follow in their footsteps is a walk worth taking.
Which leads me to my present endeavor… transitioning to the day to day management of Mill Ridge Farm. Those in the business appreciate what a unique walk this has been for my mother, Alice Chandler, who built something extraordinary in Mill Ridge along with her many contributions to the betterment of the Thoroughbred industry. To say the least, she is a special person, not only for her accomplishments but what she stands for as a person; caring for people and her devotion to the horse. She will be the first to tell you she has lived a blessed life … and she has … and yes, she has worked very hard to achieve. She will also be the first to tell you she had a lot of help in the process … a lot of help from people who consider Mill Ridge to be family, a home to demonstrate their talents and accomplishments. My mother shares the platform and genuinely expresses gratitude to all those who have made Mill Ridge so special.

She will also tell you that her guiding light was her father, Hal Price Headley. A legend in the Thoroughbred business and one who wasted little time in tackling whatever issue needed tackling, from business, to farming, to the political arena. Thus, through him, she rarely accepted the word “no” or “that can’t be done”, for she hadn’t learned any other way but “yes you can”. She has lived the “yes you can” principle her entire life, and that quality along with so many others, have provided her the foundation for success.

Another quality which rarely gets recognized is her intuitiveness. Those close to her know it, feel it, and see it every day. Those close to her know she is instinctive in the way she precedes no matter her involvement. This is not by accident, for her father was the same, that God-given talent which separates people.

So it is with true pleasure that I touch briefly on my transition to the day to day workings of Mill Ridge. I am fortunate that I have been involved with Mill Ridge for some time, but now I will have the pleasure of continuing the legacy into the fifth generation. Like Mom, I continue to be surrounded by many talented and dedicated individuals who allow Mill Ridge to stand on its own. Likewise, Nicoma will continue to play an integral part of Mill Ridge, assisting as it always has as an arm of the farm, providing expertise to new and existing clients.
Thankfully, this transition is occurring while Mom is in wonderful health and has the ability to continue to enjoy all the fruits of her labor. She is not going anywhere but where she has been since 1962 when she started Mill Ridge. Thankfully, she lives in me every day, like her father did her, and her guiding light will shine for me to continue a most special walk.

	Warm Regards,