Playing Polo and the Opportunities for Equestrian Equipment and Rural Land Productivity

I recently went horseback riding and played a little polo, something I do from time to time in California, although I have also ridden and played in Michigan. Polo combines horsemanship, athleticism, competition, and, of course, a fairly substantial financial commitment. It also got me thinking about potential opportunities in Delta County.

(Illustrative Only)

Owning a horse is a major commitment. When I owned one, I quickly learned that the horse becomes part of your schedule—you feed, groom, train, and care for it regularly. There is also an interesting business model in purchasing horses, training and developing them, and eventually reselling them. Many serious equestrians do this as part of the industry.

Polo is also a great way to improve riding skills. Without the horn or handle found on a Western saddle, you need a good seat while leaning over, swinging a mallet, and managing a horse that is stopping, turning, and accelerating. It is a workout—and occasionally a reminder that gravity always wins. (If you need fitness training I'm licensed so send me a message to the right).

Polo has a reputation as a “rich person’s sport,” and it certainly can be expensive. However, playing occasionally is much more affordable when you do not own the horse. A lesson and a few chukkers can cost around $120, while the club provides the horse and equipment. For occasional riders, that can make much more sense than taking on the daily costs of ownership.

This brings me back to Delta County. With its rural land, there may be opportunities for horse farms, boarding and training facilities, specialized agriculture, or other equestrian-related businesses. I am not suggesting Delta County become a polo center—Western riding may have greater market alignment—but the broader horse industry includes breeding, training, boarding, veterinary services, feed, equipment, tourism, and recreation.

Economic development does not always require one large industry. Developing several smaller industries that put underutilized land (organic farming, horses, recreation, etc.) to productive use could collectively increase local wealth by maybe 10 or 15 percent. Horses, small farms, tourism, and related businesses could complement one another and provide another opportunity worth exploring..

An interesting piece on market size....

Horse Riding Equipment Market Insights 2026–2031

• The global horse riding equipment market is estimated at approximately $1.0–$4.0 billion in 2026, with projected annual growth of 2.5%–8.1% through 2031.
• Market growth is being driven by increased participation in equestrian sports, recreational riding, equestrian tourism, and the professionalization of the industry.
• Amateur riders represent the largest consumer segment, while premium equipment is experiencing stronger growth as consumers increasingly seek luxury brands, advanced materials, and performance-oriented products.
• Asia-Pacific is projected to be the fastest-growing region, while North America remains a mature but expanding market supported by Western riding, English-style competition, and technology-integrated equipment.
• Technology and sustainability are reshaping the industry through smart helmets, air-bag vests, horse-monitoring sensors, 3D scanning, synthetic materials, vegan leather, and recycled textiles; however, high participation costs and animal-welfare concerns remain important challenges.

HDIN Research. (2026, January 30). Horse riding equipment market insights 2026, analysis and forecast to 2031. https://www.hdinresearch.com/reports/160418

Continued Economic Caution: US Consumber Confidence (August, 2026)

 Like many of the economic metrics out there, consumers are also not entirely sure what to make of the current market. That presents a challenge because a significant portion of the economy is driven by consumer sentiment, which influences engagement, investment, purchases, travel, and what I would call transactions that ultimately generate economic activity. Watching these statistics as they are released gives the impression that the market is doing so-so. Some areas are improving and looking positive, while other areas remain concerning, particularly those related to the labor market/human capital and consumer interests. Ultimately, we will have to wait and see how these trends develop.

U.S. Consumer Confidence Shows Continued Economic Caution

• The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index declined 0.8 points in August 2026 to 89.4, indicating that overall consumer sentiment remains relatively weak.
• Consumers’ assessment of current economic conditions improved significantly, with the Present Situation Index rising 6.8 points to 121.2.
• Despite improved views of current conditions, expectations for the future deteriorated. The Expectations Index fell 5.8 points to 68.2, suggesting increased concern about future income, employment, and business conditions.
• The Consumer Confidence Survey tracks consumer attitudes, purchasing intentions, vacation plans, and expectations regarding inflation, interest rates, and stock prices, providing an important indicator of potential consumer spending.
• The August results illustrate an important economic distinction: consumers can feel relatively positive about current conditions while becoming more cautious about the future, which could influence spending and broader economic growth.

The Conference Board. (2026, August 25). US consumer confidence edged down slightly in August. The Conference Board. https://www.conference-board.org/topics/consumer-confidence/

Escanaba City Council Regular Meeting Thursday, August 20, 2026: Water to Homecomings

Watching this Escanaba City Council meeting helps me think about some of the infrastructure improvements taking place in the area, particularly the highway projects. These improvements should increase the speed, efficiency, and ease of transportation and movement throughout the area. It is also interesting to see investments in new equipment, water and wastewater plant improvements, playgrounds, city construction, and community events such as homecoming parades. Overall, Escanaba is a small town, but it is clearly a town on the move. People have lives, businesses, families, and activities, and there is a lot happening in the community.

August 20, 2026 Agenda

Summary of meeting minutes,

Meeting Opening & Administrative Business

• Call to Order & Roll Call: Meeting called to order with five council members present.

• Pledge of Allegiance: Recited by the council and attendees.

• Approval of Minutes: Minutes from the August 6, 2026 regular meeting were approved as written.

• Agenda Adjustments: Approved moving general public comments and committee reports to right after Item #8 under New Business, and adding Item #9 (a city construction update regarding street projects).

• Conflicts of Interest & Public Comment: No conflicts declared; no public comments made.

New Business Items

• Item 1: Water Plant SCADA Improvements

  • Details: Approved retaining FDS Engineering and Electrical Services (Iron Mountain, MI) for SCADA system improvements in an amount not to exceed $3,900.

  • Discussion: Water administration noted these were overlooked details from a previous project; funds are available in professional services.

  • Vote: Approved unanimously (5-0).

• Item 2: Wastewater Treatment Plant New Sewer Truck

  • Details: Proposal to purchase a Sewer Equipment Company of America combination sewer cleaner for $373,591.44 (after a $225,000 trade-in for the 2020 model).

  • Discussion: Water administration strongly advocated for replacement to prevent mechanical failures and escalating maintenance costs. Council expressed concern over the budget oversight, as only $150,000 had been budgeted for repairs rather than a full replacement.

  • Vote: Motion to deny passed 4-1.

• Item 3: Property Abatement (208 South 4th Street)

  • Details: Authorized the City Attorney to file circuit court action against property owners to abate property maintenance code violations, blight, and fill below-grade spaces following a February 2023 fire.

  • Discussion: Code Enforcement explained the owners refused to sign a formal cleanup agreement. Despite recent partial sand filling, formal legal proceedings are needed to ensure winter compliance.

  • Vote: Approved unanimously (5-0).

• Item 4: Purchase of Highway Street Light Poles

  • Details: Approved purchasing 80 aluminum breakaway street light poles for $212,320 to replace rusted steel poles along US-2 ahead of an upcoming state highway project.

  • Discussion: Existing LED light fixtures will be reused. The bulk order leaves 6–10 spare poles in inventory for future vehicle damage repairs.

  • Vote: Approved unanimously (5-0).

• Item 5: Playground Equipment & Installation

  • Details: Approved $97,588.62 in city funding to purchase two new playground structures and install three total (including one previously purchased via community build) scheduled for October.

  • Discussion: Although $52,100 was budgeted, excess wood chips and staffing shortages offset the cost. Purchasing both now took advantage of manufacturer promotional discounts.

  • Vote: Approved unanimously (5-0).

• Item 6: Special Event – Escanaba High School Homecoming Parade

  • Details: Approved closure of Ludington Street (4th to 14th Street) on Friday, October 9, 2026 (5:00 PM – 6:00 PM), subject to standard insurance and cleanup conditions. An alternate route is planned if street construction interferes.

  • Vote: Approved unanimously (5-0).

• Item 7: Special Event – William Bonifas Arts Center Block Party

  • Details: Approved partial closure of 1st Avenue South and South 7th Street on Friday, September 4, 2026 (5:00 PM – 10:00 PM) for the "Raise the Roof" block party.

  • Vote: Approved unanimously (5-0).

• Item 8: Interim City Manager Agreement Extension

  • Details: Approved extending the Interim City Manager agreement.

  • Discussion: Council acknowledged the extreme workload involved in balancing city management alongside upcoming audit preparations.

  • Vote: Approved unanimously (5-0).

• Item 9: City Construction & Infrastructure Update

  • FiveStar Project: Restorations are underway on the south side; lead service line work has halted due to fallen timelines. The city fell 400–600 lead service lines short of seasonal expectations due to contractor staffing delays. Substandard asphalt patches were rejected and ordered redone.

  • ARPA Project (Oberstar): Water main and lead service line replacements went smoothly and fully utilized allocated funding.

Supporting San Diego Police Foundation

 From time to time, philanthropy provides an opportunity to support organizations doing important work in the community. Recently, the San Diego Police Foundation visited one of the organizations I belong to, sharing information about its mission and the work it does to support local law enforcement.

The conversation also highlighted an important need: recruiting the next generation of police officers. Communities benefit from attracting young recruits from diverse backgrounds and high ethical standards who want to serve, contribute, and make a difference.

Police officers have an important role in keeping communities safe, and the vast majority are committed to doing the right thing and helping others. The good we want to keep. It is  important to recognize the many officers who dedicate their careers to protecting and supporting the communities they serve.

Supporting organizations such as the San Diego Police Foundation is one small way community members can help strengthen that mission.

San Diego Police Foudation

The Employed and the Functionally Unemployed In July as a Indicators of a Softening Labor Market

When we talk about metrics, surveys and studies draw data from the market and create measures that help us understand what is happening in the economy; in this case labor market. Different studies may approach the same question in slightly different ways, such as, “How is the U.S. labor market doing?” They may examine issues such as wealth concentration, the cost of living, labor-force participation, wages, and worker engagement.

The article below looks at some of the hidden weaknesses in the labor market. The traditional unemployment rate tells us how many people are unemployed, but it does not necessarily tell us whether people are earning enough to support themselves or whether they are working enough hours. Someone who is working part-time involuntarily or earning very low wages may technically be employed, but could still be considered “functionally unemployed” because their employment does not provide enough income to meet their needs.

This also becomes a human capital issue. Improving outcomes for these workers may require developing new skills, improving the match between workers and available jobs, and creating opportunities for higher wages. Ultimately, this suggests that policymakers and businesses should look beyond simply maximizing employment and focus on creating opportunities for sustainable, productive, and adequately compensated employment. 

See the study below.

The Hidden Weakness in the U.S. Labor Market

• The official U.S. unemployment rate fell to 4.1% in July, but CBS News reports that this measure may not capture the full condition of the labor market.
• The Ludwig Institute for Shared Economic Prosperity estimates that 24.9% of workers were “functionally unemployed” in July, including unemployed workers, involuntary part-time workers, and people earning poverty-level wages.
• Functional unemployment has increased for four consecutive months, raising concerns that the labor market may be weakening even while the traditional unemployment rate remains relatively low.
• Wages are also struggling to keep pace with inflation. In July, consumer prices increased 3.4% annually while wages increased 3.2%, putting pressure on household purchasing power.
• Economists caution that the 24.9% alternative unemployment measure should not be treated as equivalent to the official unemployment rate, but weaker wage growth and employment trends could constrain consumer spending and broader economic growth.

Cerullo, M. (2026, August 24). Nearly 25% of U.S. workers are “functionally unemployed,” economic analysis finds. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/functional-unemployment-us-labor-market-analysis/

A Picture of a Coffee Shop

The other day, I frequented a coffee shop and noticed how beautifully designed and thoughtfully crafted the space was. I thought you might appreciate this photo—it’s very nicely done.

Prints can be up to
post size for $50.
Glossy or matte.
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 muradabel@gmail.com

Can the Development of Human Capital and Giftedness Help Solve Societal Problems?

 We have discussed talented individuals before, often using terms such as giftedness or genius, depending on how those concepts are defined. Since we also talk frequently on this blog about human capital, this is a fitting topic to explore.

Contributions to society can come from anyone, gifted or not. However, higher levels of cognitive ability, emotional intelligence, creativity, and other capabilities can often contribute to higher levels of performance. The study below argues that if society became better at identifying and developing its gifted and talented members, we might be better positioned to address some of our larger and more complex problems. There is certainly a reasonable argument to be made for that.

(Illustrative Only)

Joe thinks about
his new invention
, "Look at that!
If I put this helmet on in 
the morning while
working I could 
charge my phone
and turn on my coffee
pot. ☕ Amazing!🙃

A Discussion
on Values

History provides plenty of examples of what can happen when highly talented individuals are given opportunities to develop. The Renaissance, for example, was characterized by significant advances in art, science, philosophy, and human understanding. The lesson for organizations today is similar: you do not necessarily need everyone to be "gifted," but you want to identify and develop your best and brightest rather than simply rewarding those who are the most connected (Going back to that overconcentration problem.).

Talent can also be overlooked when our definitions are shaped by assumptions or biases about who is capable of exceptional performance. Gifted individuals can come from virtually any demographic, socioeconomic background, religion or culture. Talent should therefore be viewed broadly. It is not limited to intelligence or academic achievement. It can include technical skills, artistic ability, athletic performance, creativity, leadership, problem-solving, or the ability to make connections between seemingly unrelated ideas.

In many ways, giftedness is about the capacity to absorb information, recognize patterns, make sense of complexity, and use that understanding to create something new or solve a problem. As individuals develop these capabilities, they can move through different stages of learning and development until they reach increasingly sophisticated levels of performance.

The larger question, then, is not simply how we identify gifted people. It is how we take talented individuals from across society and give them opportunities to grow and contribute. If we did that more effectively, what impact might it have on education, organizations, innovation, and society as a whole? Maybe nothing but its a philosophical idea to ponder. 🤔

There is another important question: Are we actually prepared to have highly talented people in our society? Exceptional individuals often challenge existing assumptions. They may introduce different opinions, new ways of living, or unconventional approaches to solving problems. If we are unwilling to accept different perspectives, or limit freedom of speech (i.e. the free society and higher performance and individual freedom argument.) we may unintentionally suppress the very people capable of creating meaningful change. (In other words, why share ideas when it gets misinterpreted, politicized, misused etc. Few positives and lots of negatives. So the type of environment we create is important. Think about that for the long term health and innovative capacity for a company or a society for a moment. This is the human capital element where egagement and disengagement is a root behavioral transaction based on many micro transactions that help create an implicit sense of environmental context.)

(As a side note, a number of drafters of the Constitution were considered gifted. How they thought and came up with those ideas comes from free exchange and open conversations.)

That is something worth thinking about. Developing human capital is not simply about finding the people who already fit our definition of talent. It is also about creating a society and organizations capable of recognizing potential, encouraging different ways of thinking, and giving talented people the opportunity to develop.

Developing Gifted Talent to Address Real-World Problems

• The article argues that developing the talents of intellectually gifted students can contribute significantly to solving major societal problems in areas such as health, science, technology, and economic growth.
• The authors define the intellectually gifted population broadly as approximately the top 5% in cognitive talent and emphasize that these individuals represent an important source of potential innovation.
• Research suggests that mathematical, verbal, and spatial abilities are associated with later contributions to innovation, leadership, and important societal accomplishments.
• A major challenge is identifying talented students from disadvantaged and historically underserved populations who may be overlooked by traditional gifted education programs.
• The authors argue that gifted education should develop more than academic ability, emphasizing open-minded thinking and intellectual humility so that highly capable individuals can apply their talents effectively to complex real-world problems.

Wai, J., & Lovett, B. J. (2021). Improving gifted talent development can help solve multiple consequential real-world problems. Journal of Intelligence, 9(2), 31. https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence9020031