I just finished reading a book, Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less. 

This book is all about how doing less gives you more. It talks about the importance of being bored because boredom sparks creativity. The book has taught me that it's okay not to be busy all the time.

I challenge you t...

Last year, we almost sold the ranch because we felt like all we did was work. 

We weren't born to just pay bills. So many people get so busy doing their job they miss out on having a life. The number four has helped me find more balance in my life. 

Everything I'm doing is four days a week. I've h...

Right now, someone has the same goal as you and THEY ARE STICKING WITH THE PLAN! 

Let it be you with the amazing story one year from now.  Let it be you that others look up to gain strength to achieve their goal.  Consistency is the key to achieving all goals.  If you are reading this article, then...

The mounts that are used by the Mounted Police must be desensitized to everything!  That is exactly what Celeste Bennett and Brandy Von Holten did this summer while attending the National Mounted Police training with Instructor Bill Richey. 

Celeste’s mule, Tucson, is a 13-year-old Molly mule from ...

Luke, the donkey, has hit the jackpot in terms of finding a forever home at our trail riding facility in Missouri.  He will have the task of being loved by children and adults during birthday parties and being kissed by brides that want to have unique wedding photos.  It is a pretty good gig that is...

Adventures at Von Holten Ranch is a book series consisting of six books with each book featuring a different horse or mule from Von Holten Ranch in Mora, Missouri!  Book number two and six, bring a mule to the spotlight for different character development lessons.  Book number two, Adventures at Von...

Bullying is something kids do and adults grow out of, right?  Wrong.  In fact, I feel that it even gets worse as some age.  The high school clicks that you were sure would dissipate as more important parts of our lives develop seem to show their nasty face in the equine world in age groups that shou...

Equifest of Kansas is a three-day expo put on yearly by the Kansas Horse Council.  It is a big deal for the equine industry in Kansas and Missouri.  Equifest is vital to our trail riding facility.  We only close three times per year; Christmas, deer hunting season, and Equifest of Kansas. 

2019 was...

This is a podcast transcription of an interview between Brandy Von Holten and her brother Gary Vaughn, Jr. about the loss of Gary's daughter, Kaytlynn.  If you would like to hear the podcast, the podcast is Country Tough with Brandy Von Holten.  Gary is episode #33.  The photo with this blog is Gary...

If you have been bullied on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, you name it; I just want you to know you are not alone.

Bullies take on different forms throughout our lives.  From the child that pushes you down on the playground to the boy that pops your bra strap to the click of girls that decide they a...

I am not what I use to be.  I have said those words, I have felt those words, and I am dealing with those words currently.  I use to be a lot of things including almost 100 pounds smaller.  I use to be an Olympic level athlete.  I use to be a buckle winning champion on my horse.  I use to be able to...

Want to Succeed, Get to Failing More

So many people want to do these great things in their life… start a business, live in another country for a year, write a book, complete a half marathon…..but when it is time to actually DO what they are wanting, those large goals that were the topic of numerous...