From equestrian athlete to Olympic recruiter, Michael Pollard’s life is a story of horses and high achievements.
There are so many reasons to love living at The Spires, a stunning lakeside senior living community immersed in the vibrant campus culture of Berry College. A 27,000-acre backyard full of walking paths, wildlife and breathtaking views. A state-of-the-art fitness center offering everything from cardio drumming to water fitness. A bustling music scene where you can sing, dance or jam to your heart’s content. And the peace mind of a full continuum of care if further assistance is ever needed.
What our residents are saying:
“I’ve enjoyed making new friends and the staff is unbelievable from top to bottom.” — Dr. Woody Davis, Resident
“People here have been intensely supportive, and they mean it. It’s been a happy serendipity.” — Ann Marie Hollomon, Resident
“I think the best way I can describe the experience here is ‘community’ and I just give thanks. The opportunities are just endless for people to connect.” — Dr. Jennifer Barbieri, Daughter of Resident
“For social, emotional, mental and physical wellbeing — everything I need is here. It’s just been amazing the way our community loves each other.” — Julie Wahtola, Resident
Come see for yourself — we think you’ll love it here, too. Call 706-607-5322 or visit RetireAtBerry.com to schedule a personal tour.
APRIL 2025 COLUMNS FEATURES
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Letters to the Emperor is a monthly humor column from the self-proclaimed Emperor of Rome, GA. This month, Nero takes current events and political challenges, tosses them in a manic blender, and serves up a slurry of practical solutions.
During April, a host of spinning blue pinwheels are planted in the grass near several Harbin Clinic locations, a reminder that there is hope for the children of at-risk families.
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This Hardy Home’s natural paradise is a canvas waiting for an artist.
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From equestrian athlete to Olympic recruiter, Michael Pollard’s life is a story of horses and high achievements.
Publisher's Note
OWNER & CEO Ian Griffin
I know this isn’t a sports magazine, but for the second straight month, I’m talking basketball. I have a good reason, I promise.
I was born into Florida Gator fandom, and from as early as I can remember, the orange and blue were a huge part of my life. My mother grew up in Wildwood, Florida and we would go on family trips to football, basketball and other events in Gainesville each year. I watched Emmit Smith run all over the field, I cheered from home while Lon Kreuger’s 1994 basketball team made an improbable run to the school’s first final four and savored the three national championships in football and 2 in basketball when they were captured between 1996 and 2008. When I first started pulling for the Gators, they didn’t win much of anything. And since those championships in the big two sports, they haven’t sniffed a shot at another until this year’s NCAA
How Nero Saves the World
Letters to the Emperor is a monthly humor column from the self-proclaimed Emperor of Rome, GA. Nero Romansky, the unqualified descendant of Julius Caesar, answers his letters from his less-than-loyal subjects. It’s like going through the Chick-fil-A drive-through in a plastic submarine.
CONTENT WARNING: The following questions and correspondence discuss the mature topics of local and global politics, and Nero is anything but mature. Reading this column may bend your insides worse than the insane s-curve at the bottom of Mt Alto Rd.
Be assured that Nero does not side with Conservative Republicans or Progressive Democrats. Nor is he a Libertarian, Green Party, Federalist, Whig, Bull Moose, or Planet Fitness member. Like the Caesars before him, he rules Rome and Floyd County by the divine right of kings.*
First Question.
EMPEROR NERO,
“What is a tariff? And why is everyone in the world panicking right now?”
—Joshua Candlebroom | Main Elementary, Class of 2032
DEAR JOSHUA
Let the emperor give you a simple lesson in economics and animal husbandry. A tariff is a designer breed of canine that crosses a Mastiff Bulldog and a Pterodactyl. However, with the rising impact of shrinkflation, buying products like specialized tariff chow becomes steadily more expensive. Then Polk, Cobb, and Gordon counties increase the price of their exports to Floyd by 500 percent or more.
Now, as a pet owner, you have a terrible choice. Do you spend exorbitant cash on your beloved puppy or, for the sake of your family budget, release Mr. Buttons into the forest wilderness of Berry College?
As a helpful pet care reminder, the West Rome Animal Clinic reminds you to always have your tariffs spayed or neutered.
Me Vexat Pede, — Nero
DEAR EMPEROR,
“I’m surprised you haven’t issued formal decrees or made any new laws since you became emperor. What gives? And what proclamations do you plan to make?”
—Geofferson McEshleberger | Political Science Major, Shorter University Class of 2026
DEAR JEFF,
Ahhh, yes. Emperor Nero has been too long distracted by gladiatorial bouts and lavish parties to be fully engaged in matters of statecraft. Here are a few he’s considering for local pronouncements.
The Anti-Pork Fat Sludge Referendum
Mayonnaise shall be permanently banned in Rome and all its territories because it’s gross . Ranch dressing is excluded. This bill currently has the support of two-thirds of the state legislature and the lobbyist group P.U.T.R.I.D (People against the Unethical Treatment of Ranch and Italian Dressing).
The Two For One Discount Statute
The commissions for both Rome City and Floyd County shall hereby meet in the same room, at the same time, using the
Mark Suroviec, M.Ed., is the Chief Ambassador of Fun at WorkPlay Solutions, the author of Forever Sisters, and the Vice President of the Children’s Museum of Rome. He hopes you pity laugh at his humor and satire stories, especially the ones that aren’t funny.
same chairs. Should the chamber run out of chairs, commissioners may be stacked up to three people high. This statute will be in effect until someone can explain to ole’ Nero why we have two sets of local governments for the same geographic territory. Nero is not a licensed mapologist, but he is pretty sure the City of Rome exists inside the fabled hills of Floyd County.
The Keep Snowdays Sacred Constitutional Amendment
The state constitution of Georgia shall be amended to the following: All public, private, and Montessori schools in Georgia may not cancel for “extreme winter weather” when it is 45 degrees outside. If a school elects to have a snow day, school administrators must build a snowman at least five feet tall as proof of winter conditions. If they cannot, the missed day will be rescheduled during spring break.
Me Vexat Pede, — Nero
DIVINE EMPEROR,
“What about decrees for the United States and the rest of the world?”
— Jennica Horticulture | President of the Young Civil Service Club at Darlington School, Class of 2025
DEAR JENNICA,
As a Roman emperor, Nero sometimes felt like he had the weight of the entire world on his shoulders. However, that weight was lifted for a blessed ten minutes while pop star Katy Perry was in space.
The Great Influencer Space Race
Emperor Nero decrees that before 2030, NASA, Space X, and Jeff Bezos’s phallic-shaped rocket company will combine forces to send 10,000 additional pop stars and TikTok influencers on a historic space mission—to the surface of the sun.
Space Force Federal Expansion
Nero discovered a major enforcement oversight when the United States Space Force was added to our armed services. The Space Force only polices outer space and, therefore, has no jurisdiction over the surface of other planets. Mercury Force, Venus Force, Earth Force, Mars Force, Jupiter Force, Saturn Force, Uranus Force, and Neptune Force are officially commissioned. As a bonus, we will have a Pluto Force made up exclusively of people born after 2006.
The Whoops Doctrine
If the Emperor accidentally deports a Roman citizen to El Salvador, he has to get them back the next day — two days if the Whoops occurs on the weekend. Failure to comply will restrict all the emperor’s social media accounts until the unfortunate citizen is back on Roman soil.
That’s all the advice the emperor has this month. You can figure out everything else on your own.
Me Vexat Pede, — Nero
Disclaimer: Emperor Nero Romansky is a satirical character written and created by Mark Suroviec, M.Ed. All people and quotations are fictional, invented by the limited imagination of the author, and do not reflect the opinions of the author, editors, or V3 Magazine. *This column is satire, regardless of whether or not you find it amusing. If you are upset, please complain to Ian Griffin. His cell phone number and home address are hidden in invisible ink somewhere on this page.
CELEBRATIONS OF HOPE IN APRIL
During April, a host of spinning blue pinwheels are planted in the grass near several Harbin Clinic locations, a reminder that there is hope for the children of at-risk families. Harbin Clinic and Atrium Health Floyd partnered with The Exchange Club Family Resource Center and Advocates for Children this month to raise awareness and provide encouragement, education and practical help for our children and families in honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Children see their pediatrician for an average of 15 well-child visits in their first five years. Therefore, Harbin Clinic and Atrium Health pediatricians are natural partners in the awareness effort as they manage the physical, mental and emotional well-being of their patients in every stage of development. By building a relationship with a health care professional early on, families are equipped with tools to support children’s emotional, social and cognitive development.
Dr. Robersteen Howard, a pediatrician with Harbin Clinic, said one in seven children in Georgia experience neglect or abuse each year.
“It is our collective responsibility to raise awareness, to provide support and take action," she said. “By working together we can create safer environments, advocate for stronger protections and ensure every child has the opportunity to grow up healthy, safe and supported. I am proud to work in a community where this is so important," she concluded.
Positive parenting through community support
The Exchange Family Resource Center works with parents who feel overwhelmed. Tina Bartleson, executive director of The Exchange Family Resource Center said, “Maybe parents or caregivers have a colicky baby, or they are not confident about how to raise children in supportive, healthy ways. We
go into homes and work with families every week for one to two hours for up to a year. We bring in information about child development, parenting, life skills, budgeting—anything they need to deal with whatever challenges they are facing.”
“What we find,” she said, “is some parents do not have access to good information. There are so many things coming at them. When coupled with the everyday parenting pressure, it can be overwhelming.” She continued, explaining their system is based on trust and relationships. Although some parents are hesitant to get involved at first, they often later say, “Please don’t go!”
Advocates for Children, another valuable community partner, works in 11 counties in Northwest Georgia. Amanda Tant, vice president at Advocates, said, “We have eight distinct programs, all designed to prevent child abuse and build family capacity.”
One such parent education program is “Hope in Your Home - First Steps.” Each year, Advocates for Children visits hundreds of babies in the hospital to give new families initial support in an exciting but sometimes overwhelming moment.
Further expressing the impact of community entities working together, Bartleson, concluded, “I want to express my appreciation to Harbin Clinic and Atrium Health Floyd for sponsoring this year's pinwheels placement event. Child Abuse Prevention Month is about renewing our commitment to children and the families that care for them. I am so grateful to be working in a time when agencies come together to serve families.”
To learn more about these organizations or to find more ways to help their missions, visit: FRCRome.org AdvoChild.org
To learn more about Harbin Clinic or Atrium Health Floyd pediatrics, visit: HarbinClinic.com/Pediatrics Floyd.org
A Creekside Canvas
Discover the serene beauty of this Gentry Road, creekside property where the opportunities are endless.
This stunning 101.7-acre property in the heart of Model district, with its rolling hills, mature hardwoods, and serene water features, is waiting to be discovered. It is more than just a piece of real estate; it is a canvas ready for an artist.
For Liz Means, the current owner, this land is more than just a plot on a map. It’s a living testament to her family’s resilience. “It was my great-grandfather’s land when it was a working farm,” Liz said. “He passed away when my grandfather was just 13, so he had to keep it running to save it. He did and ended up buying the property. He then passed it down to his boys, my dad and uncle, who have both passed away now. It had been in my family for a long time, but it hasn’t been a working farm in probably 70 years or so.”
text CURRY TEEMS | photo KEITH BEAUCHAMP
The farm in Rome was a place that shaped her childhood—wide open fields, dirt roads, and the quiet kind of freedom only the country offers. “We had two horses, Black Duchess and Brightsides, and my sister and I spent countless days riding through the creek and along the trails,” Liz said. “We’d play for hours on the rock bluff, climb, explore, and splash in the water below. Weekends meant picking corn, mini picnics, and cruising around in our SUVs just to see where the day took us. It was never fancy, but it was everything—especially time spent with our grandparents, whose stories and quiet presence made the place feel like home.”
A Natural Haven
Keith Beauchamp, the real estate agent handling the property, is equally captivated by its beauty. “The pictures of the land really speak for themselves,” he says. “It’s got a creek that runs through it, Dykes Creek. It’s toward the Model area, off Morrison Campground.”
Dykes Creek is the soul of this property, meandering through the land and providing a peaceful waterway unlike any other. “The creek flows right through basically the middle of the property and it has some of these beautiful rocks,” Keith says. “The best part of the whole property is the creek. There’s just something about being able to sit or walk alongside the creek and hear it running through the rocks. It’s so calming. The first time we went out to look at this property, I saw that creek and all I could think was ‘wow,’ because suddenly there’s these huge rocks and it is just incredible.”
The trees across the property are a mixture of hardwoods and pines and makes up the majority of the land. “It’s in a nice rural location with lots of privacy,” Keith adds. “It is part pasture, part woods, with a rolling hill kind of feel to it. It has approximately 15 acres of pastureland, and the other 85 is wooded.”
The property is zoned as agriculture, making it a canvas for its next owner to decide what to do with it. “It could be great for a farm, homesite, outdoors, hunting, anything along those lines,” Keith says. “It has fencing all around, so it could also be great for any livestock, like cows or horses.”
Perched atop a hill, the property offers a prime homesite. “Years and years ago, there used to be an old farmhouse up on that hill,” Keith said. “Nothing is there from it anymore, but the view is breathtaking.” The hilltop location provides a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, making it an ideal spot for a new home or a weekend retreat.
Despite its rural charm, the property is well-equipped with modern amenities. “There is electric on the property, water on the road. All the utilities are available. There’s no sewer, so everything out there is on septic,” Keith explains. This blend of natural beauty and modern convenience makes the property a rare gem.
A Rare Opportunity
Located just minutes from Rome, GA, this property offers the best of both worlds—rural seclusion with easy access to shopping, dining, and top-rated schools. “Imagine waking up to the sound of nature, walking along the crystalclear creek, and enjoying the breathtaking rolling hills and wooded trails,” Keith invites. “Whether you're looking for a private haven or an investment opportunity, this land checks every box.”
Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity to own a piece of paradise in Floyd County. Contact Keith Beauchamp at keithb@ hardyrealty.com or (706) 291-4321 today to schedule a visit and experience the magic of Dykes Creek for yourself.
Riding the Highs and Lows:
Equestrian Pro to Olympic Selector
Michael Pollard’s journey from a young equestrian enthusiast to a top rider and now an Olympic recruiter.
Text: Curry Teems
Photos: Ivan Felipe
Life at Pollard Equestrian is a symphony of hard work.
Each day begins at 5:30 AM with a highintensity team workout. By 6:45, the barn staff are already tending to the horses. After Michael’s kids leave for school, the rest of his day is spent alternating between office work, riding horses, and teaching lessons until dinner time.
Pollard Equestrian is a bustling hub with a team of dedicated workers and a family that shares Michael’s passion. The early mornings, long days, and late nights are all part of the equestrian lifestyle, a life Michael has dedicated himself to. From a young boy begging for riding lessons to a top young rider in the country, Michael’s journey has brought him full circle.
Michael’s love for horses was apparent from a very young age. “I had always loved horses and would ask for one every Christmas, but my dad, living in a neighborhood, always said no,” Michael said. “I went to a summer camp from ages 10 to 12, and they had horses there. I started with three weeks at the camp, then five weeks, and finally, I spent the whole summer there. I begged the riding instructors to convince my dad to let me have a horse. He finally agreed to let me take lessons.”
This summer camp experience was a turning point for Michael. It wasn’t just about the thrill of riding; it was about the connection he felt with the horses. This drove him to push harder and dream bigger.
Michael’s talent and dedication quickly propelled him to the top of the equestrian world. By 18, he was the top young rider in the country and shortlisted for the Pan American Games. Shortly after that, he spent two years in England before he returned to the U.S., his passion for learning more about horses unquenched. “Carl Bouckaert, a longtime friend and supporter of equestrian sports, invited me to run his facility in Chatsworth, Georgia. Luckily, I was looking for a way to continue my education in horse sports, and he was willing to help pay for lessons if I ran his barn. That was almost 25 years ago now.”
Despite a hiatus from competition, Michael’s passion for equestrian sports never waned. “A few years ago, my daughter and some students started competing at higher levels. I began attending major shows again, and several people asked if I’d consider being a selector. I had been on US Teams and knew the importance of the role. After an interview, I was named to the selector committee. I am one of five people, and we essentially choose the team that will represent the United States at the world championships and the Olympics. It’s an exciting thing to get to do, and I’ve been selected many times by a selection committee, so to be on the other side has been really interesting so far,” Michael said.
Being a selector is a complex and multifaceted role. It’s not just about looking at scores and ratings; it’s about understanding the longterm potential of young riders. “We look for athleticism, a long-term commitment, and the right attitude. Equestrian sports require persistence and a deep love for the animals. It’s also about building a winning team and handling the inevitable disappointments. The top riders often stay at the top for decades, so we focus on
long-term potential and the ability to consistently perform at the highest level,” Michael said.
Michael’s career has been marked by both incredible successes and profound challenges. “One of my biggest highlights was winning a gold medal with the US Team at the 2011 Pan American Games. I also completed the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event five times. It was the only 5-star event in North America for a long time. I represented the US Team in major competitions around the world, including the Luhmühlen in Germany and Burghley in England,” he said. “But there were lows, too. Right after the final selection trials for the 2012 Olympics, I had a horse trailer accident and lost all my top horses. It was like losing family members. Challenges like that also gave me perspective. I’ve been fortunate in many ways, and now I’m excited to help the next generation of riders.”
The highs of winning medals and competing at the highest levels are also met with the lows of setbacks and losses. Horses have been a central thread in Michael’s life, weaving through his personal and professional successes. From meeting business partners and traveling the world to finding love and raising a family, horses have been a constant source of joy and challenge.
For those looking to follow in Michael’s footsteps, his advice is both practical and heartfelt. “Find someone who needs barn help. Everyone with horses needs help, and even if you can’t afford lessons, most people will teach you if they see your passion. I did a lot of free labor to get riding lessons. If you’re not willing to do the hard work, life with horses may not be for you. My dad always told me, ‘No matter how successful you become, you’ll always be close to the pitchfork.’”
