Equestrian Sports, Fitness, and Rider-Horse Performance

 Horse riding is an activity that requires both fitness and skill. Riders need balance, flexibility, coordination, and core strength to perform well and remain comfortable in the saddle. Like many sports, the more you ride, the better you become. Over time, riders develop significant muscle memory, allowing them to communicate more effectively with their horses and react naturally to movement.

The equestrian industry also creates a strong sense of community. In Delta County, Michigan, there are many smaller farms and rural properties that are well suited for raising, training, and keeping horses. The local equestrian community is active, with riders participating in events, competitions, and social gatherings throughout the area. Many horse owners know one another and share a passion for the sport and lifestyle.

As a licensed fitness trainer and yoga instructor, I can help riders improve their core strength, flexibility, balance, and overall fitness to support their equestrian goals. If you are interested in developing a fitness program tailored to riding, feel free to send a message.

If you are considering starting a horse operation or looking for property suitable for horses, Delta County offers a variety of rural properties that may be worth exploring.

A Narrative Review of Factors Influencing Rider Performance and Horse Welfare in Equestrian Activities

• The review examines the unique partnership between horse and rider, emphasizing that successful equestrian performance depends on the interaction of two athletes with different physical and psychological needs.
• Rider characteristics such as physical fitness, balance, posture, coordination, strength, and psychological preparedness can significantly affect both competitive outcomes and horse welfare.
• Effective communication between horse and rider is essential. The quality of cues, training methods, and mutual trust influences performance, safety, and the well-being of the horse.
• The review highlights that poor riding techniques, inadequate fitness, or inappropriate training approaches may negatively impact horse health, stress levels, and overall welfare.
• The authors conclude that future research should adopt a more integrated approach that considers both rider-centered and horse-centered factors to improve performance while promoting ethical treatment and welfare standards in equestrian sports.

Balog, O., Havanecz, K., Csányi, T., Ökrös, C., Tóth, L., & Berki, T. (2025). A narrative review of factors influencing rider performance and horse welfare in equestrian activities. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 7, Article 1744918. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2025.1744918

Music Mondays Escanaba

 Music Mondays Escanaba. 

Manufacturing, Innovation, and the Future of U.S. Economic Growth (Industrial Production May 2026)

 Industrial output and the ability of the United States to manufacture and create products are essential to long-term economic health. Encouraging small, medium, and large manufacturers to innovate and develop new products and services that can be sold globally helps strengthen the economy and create quality jobs. It doesn't happen overnight but it can with focus.

For many years, companies often moved production overseas to reduce costs. While global trade remains important, it would be beneficial to see greater investment in domestic manufacturing and local communities. Expanding production within the United States can help increase economic output, strengthen supply chains, and support long-term economic development.

(PS I got a great little town in mind if you want to invest in expanding your operations.)

According to the latest industrial production report, there is still some unused manufacturing capacity in the economy, while overall industrial production increased modestly. Industries such as motor vehicles, electronics, and semiconductors posted gains, while other sectors experienced declines. This highlights the importance of economic diversification. Producing goods and services across multiple industries helps reduce risk when one sector slows, allowing growth in other sectors to help offset losses. This strategy is often referred to as hedging (In the economic cluster concept you can build a hedged cluster in theory.).

Mining production also increased, which could be encouraging for regions such as Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Rising demand for metals and critical minerals may create opportunities for renewed investment in mining operations and related industries. While some mines have remained closed for years, growing interest in domestic resource development could potentially support future economic activity.

Industrial output also benefited from continued investment in artificial intelligence and related technologies. While the impact may not yet be as large as some anticipated, many emerging technologies are still in the early stages of adoption. Their full effect on productivity, manufacturing efficiency, and economic growth may take time to materialize. For now, the report suggests steady progress, and it will be interesting to see how these trends develop in the years ahead.

U.S. Industrial Production Shows Modest Growth in May 2026

• Total industrial production increased 0.1% in May 2026 following a stronger 0.9% gain in April, indicating continued but slower growth in the industrial sector. Manufacturing output was unchanged during the month.

• Manufacturing performance was mixed. Gains in motor vehicles, electronics, semiconductors, and other technology-related industries were largely offset by declines in several nondurable goods industries. Strong investment in artificial intelligence-related technologies continued to support high-tech manufacturing.

• Mining production increased 1.3%, helped by a rebound in oil and gas drilling activity, while utility production declined 0.4% after a strong increase in the previous month.

• Capacity utilization for the industrial sector rose slightly to 76.2%, remaining below its long-run historical average. Manufacturing capacity utilization held steady at 75.7%, suggesting there is still unused productive capacity in the economy.

• Industrial output was 1.7% higher than a year earlier. Economists noted that artificial intelligence investment, business equipment spending, and a potential improvement in global supply conditions may support manufacturing activity in the months ahead.

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. (2026, June 15). Industrial production and capacity utilization: G.17 statistical release. Federal Reserve. https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/g17/current/default.htm

How Values Shape Our Decisions and Perceptions

(Illustrative Only)

Theory of the Mirror
Do you see yourself as
who you are or as
a reflection of social
or value ideology distortion?

Values and ethics play an important role in society. They influence how we behave as individuals, how businesses operate, and how leaders make decisions. Whether someone is running a company, serving in government, or leading an organization, their personal values and beliefs will affect the choices they make and how they view other peoplen (Specificially the value or lack of value they assign to others.). The reason why we should elect, support, and incentivize those with the highest most aligned values in our society versus the most connected, partisan or extreme. 

This is one reason the Allegory of the Clan, a hypothetical philosophical thought experiment, can be useful. Similar to the Allegory of the Cave, it explores how deeper understanding can reveal hidden assumptions and beliefs. In the story, some people assume they are superior to others and believe that justice should protect insiders rather than treat everyone fairly. They ignore wrongdoing, dismiss the rights of others, and even target witnesses or whistleblowers. As a result, victims are pushed aside and denied recourse perpetuating problems onto future victims.

The story shows how deeply held values can shape decision-making. Some of the decision-makers judge others based on social connections, status, race, religious practice, or group identity. In and out group dynanics. They decide who belongs, who deserves protection, and whose rights matter. Even when evidence challenges their views, some may ignore it because it conflicts with their existing beliefs. In some cases they embrace at their root illegal behaviors that force silence on victims, witnesses, and intellectuals in society so positive change can be avoided (This is natural if you get the benefit of misused public resources. We continue to discuss the connection between hate and corruption.)

This illustrative learning story demonstrates how values act as a lens through which we see the world. If they are poor our outputs will be poor. People do not always view situations objectively. Their assumptions and experiences influence what they notice and how they interpret events. In the allegory, this idea is described as a "theory of the mirror." When people dehumanize others, they may actually be projecting their own fears, biases, or insecurities rather than seeing others as they truly are.

The story also reminds us that most people want to do the right thing. Most leaders, officials, and citizens try to act fairly and ethically. These are the people we should support and encourage to engage more to create additional checks and balances. When people uphold their responsibilities and values, institutions function better and society benefits. However, the story highlights how important it is to examine our own assumptions and values, because those beliefs influence every decision we make. We all have a responsibility in that. 

Ultimately, our values shape how we define justice, treat others, and respond to challenges. Understanding those values is essential for ethical leadership, responsible decision-making, and building a fair and healthy society. Like in the Theory of the Mirror, what we see and how we act toward others is a reflection of ourselves. Your values are about you and how you see yourself, responsibilities to society, and your in that.

*This is a hypothetical thought experiment so come to whatever conclusion you desire so long as you thought about it. Take with a grain of salt.

Values, Decision-Making, and Empirical Bioethics: Understanding How Values Shape Ethical Judgments

• The study develops a conceptual framework for identifying and analyzing value judgments within empirical bioethics research. It emphasizes that ethical decisions are influenced by underlying values that shape how evidence is interpreted and applied.

• The authors argue that values are present throughout the research process, including problem selection, data collection, interpretation of findings, and policy recommendations. Recognizing these values improves transparency and rigor in ethical analysis.

• The framework distinguishes between different types of value judgments, helping researchers systematically identify where and how values influence decision-making and ethical reasoning.

• The article highlights the importance of integrating empirical evidence with ethical reflection rather than treating facts and values as entirely separate domains. This integration can lead to more informed and ethically sound decisions.

• The proposed model provides practical guidance for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to evaluate ethical issues in healthcare and other settings where competing values and interests must be balanced.

Ives, J., Dunn, M., Cribb, A., & Draper, H. (2023). Values, decision-making and empirical bioethics: A conceptual model for empirically identifying and analyzing value judgements. BMC Medical Ethics, 24(1). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10643456/

City Council Regular Meeting (June 04, 2026): Marina docks, celebrations, splash parks, insurance, picnics and downtown development site.

If your keeping up with the local governance news. If your interested in helping to develop our downtown consider exploring a new developmental site (s).

June 4, 2026

The Escanaba City Council met on June 4, 2026, approving meeting minutes, the agenda, and moving through a series of new business items focused on infrastructure, recreation, property maintenance, and economic development. June 4th 2026 City Council Meeting

Key Actions Approved

• Marina Dock Repairs
  • Approved $18,500 for repairs to Dock 2 at the Escanaba Marina.
  • Damage was caused by winter ice movement and broken welds.
  • Additional preventative measures, including another bubbler system, are planned.
• Labor Day Celebration
  • Approved the sixth annual Labor Day Celebration on September 7, 2026.
  • Event includes a parade from the Bandshell to the municipal dock and a beer tent.
• Webster Splash Park Improvements
  • Approved $15,000 for construction of a covered pavilion and ADA-compliant concrete pads for benches.
  • Project is funded through donations.
  • Splash Park is nearly complete and awaiting a final water connection.
• Property Cleanup at 208 South Fourth Street
  • Approved a settlement agreement addressing a fire-damaged property that has remained unfinished since 2023.
  • If the owner fails to complete cleanup within the specified timeframe, the city may perform the work and assess the cost to the property.
  • Approved an additional $2,600 contract for cleanup and restoration work if city intervention becomes necessary.
• Property and Liability Insurance Renewal
  • Approved the city's annual insurance renewal.
  • Premiums increased approximately 8.9%, largely due to public safety activities, fleet additions, and drone coverage.
• Elks Picnic Special Event
  • Approved closure of Ludington Street on August 1, 2026, for the Escanaba Elks Lodge picnic.
• Municipal Dock Restroom Facility
  • Approved construction of a new restroom facility at the municipal dock for $371,555.
  • Project is partially funded through grant dollars and has been planned for several years.
• Street Striping Program
  • Approved up to $17,500 for pavement marking and street striping services.
  • Work will focus on major traffic corridors and high-use areas.
• Downtown Development Opportunity
  • Approved purchase of two vacant lots on Ludington Street for $10,000 each.
  • Combined with an adjacent city-owned parcel, the three-lot assemblage creates a future downtown development site.

Community Announcements

• The Downtown Development Authority emphasized that downtown Escanaba remains open for business despite construction activity.
• The Farmers Market has begun its new season and continues weekly.
• Upcoming events include:
  • Lunch on Ludington music series
  • Youth and Art program
  • Pop-Up Market
  • Friday Night Jams
  • Make Music Escanaba
  • Escanaba Log Jam Music Festival on June 27
• Enhance Escanaba reported progress toward its fundraising campaign for the proposed ice rink project, with approximately half of the $75,000 local fundraising goal completed. Matching funds are available through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).

Overall Themes

The meeting focused on maintaining public infrastructure, advancing recreation projects, improving neighborhood appearance through code enforcement, supporting downtown revitalization, and preparing community facilities and events for the summer season. Council unanimously approved all major agenda items presented.

The Power of Community: Entrepreneurship and the Economics of Social Capital

(Illustrative Only)

Social interaction
is the other side and often
missing component of
economic development.

Microtransactions are
the foundations of strong
economies even
if they are not often measured.

Continuing to understand how entrepreneurship works, how it can be fostered, and how it can accelerate innovation requires us to examine the micro-level factors that drive economic activity. In my own work, I often refer to these as microtransactions—the countless interactions, exchanges, and relationships that collectively create systems capable of generating economic development. These systems benefit not only entrepreneurs and small businesses but can also create value for larger organizations and entire communities.

This study suggests that innovation is influenced by social capital, organizational capabilities, and the ways individuals think and solve problems. These elements work together to support entrepreneurial success. Networks and trust, topics we have discussed extensively in this blog, are foundational not only to a healthy economy but also to a healthy society.

Consider a downtown district with a strong sense of community. Formal and informal interactions among entrepreneurs, business owners, customers, and community leaders create opportunities for information sharing and collaboration. In these environments, ideas often evolve, adapt, and spread more quickly because people are constantly exchanging knowledge and experiences. The social dimension of economic development is frequently overlooked, yet it may be just as important—or perhaps even more important—than many of the traditional economic indicators used to measure growth.

Science itself is an adaptive process. We learn, test, refine, and adjust our understanding to improve outcomes. Entrepreneurship operates in a similar way. Entrepreneurs continually experiment with ideas, searching for products, services, and business models that create value and generate profit. Through this process, innovation emerges.

If a community wants to generate more local wealth, one strategy is to encourage the creation and growth of small businesses, particularly in concentrated areas such as downtown districts. However, simply increasing the number of businesses is not enough. Communities must also improve the likelihood of success by providing access to resources, mentorship, knowledge sharing, and opportunities for social interaction. These connections help entrepreneurs learn from one another, build trust, and identify new opportunities.

At least in theory, stronger networks with richer social capital and human capital create conditions that support innovation and economic growth. While this study offers its own perspective on these relationships, its findings align with several themes we have explored throughout this blog regarding entrepreneurship, innovation, and local economic development.

 Enabling Entrepreneurial Breakthroughs: The Synergistic Role of Social Capital, Dynamic Capabilities, and Innovative Thinking

• The study examines how social capital, dynamic capabilities, and innovative thinking work together to enhance entrepreneurial success and business performance.
• Social capital, including relationships, networks, and trust-based connections, provides entrepreneurs with access to information, resources, and opportunities that support venture growth.
• Dynamic capabilities enable entrepreneurs and firms to adapt to changing market conditions, identify opportunities, and reconfigure resources to maintain competitiveness.
• Innovative thinking acts as a catalyst for entrepreneurship by encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and the development of new products, services, and business models.
• The findings suggest that entrepreneurs who effectively combine strong networks, adaptive capabilities, and innovative thinking are better positioned to achieve sustainable business growth and competitive advantage.

Pal, A., Gupta, K., Gaur, D., et al. (2026). Enabling entrepreneurial breakthroughs: The synergistic role of social capital, dynamic capabilities and innovative thinking. Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 15, 15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13731-026-00618-9

Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach

I can print most pictures up to
poster size for $50
Frame or Unframed. I do
this as a hobby so 50% for charity
and 50% for me. 
Send me a message to the right
or my email. 
You may check out My Gallery
and Art Page