This has been an outstanding summer in the Northwest! I hope you’ve had a chance to get out and enjoy our beautiful surroundings. It doesn’t get much better than this. In addition to the beautiful weather, we have had the opportunity to experience some exceptional shows.

This month our editorial focus is training. You will find a captivating story of Cavalia, a traveling show that changes one’s perception of such events forever. Our office staff had the privilege of attending opening night in Seattle in late June. Lying beneath the surface of this multi-media extravaganza including equestrian arts, acrobatics and live music is a philosophy of training that honors the spirit of both horse and rider in a way unprecedented in previous equine spectaculars. The equestrian co-directors and performers are able to perform in partnership with their horses in a way that leaves even those who consider themselves specialists astounded.

I believe true horsemanship develops when the individual can draw from many styles of riding. No single discipline or method is complete in isolation. We can learn from people of different interests and methods. It’s one of the reasons we’re so committed to an “all-breed, all-discipline” publication. If just one little tidbit of information can help you have a better relationship with your horse, we’ve been successful in helping you look from a different perspective.

I recently had the privilege of attending two shows in my local area. On July 15-18 I visited the Puget Sound Quarter Horse Association, Show of Shows in Monroe, WA. They’ve got a team of people organizing this event who really know their stuff. PSQHA has partnered with the Northwest Reined Cow Horse Association to provide a show that captures not only the traditional show events but other aspects of the growing sport of Reining and Reined Cow Horse. It’s this type of collaboration that makes our organizations more successful.

I also attended the Northwest Gaited Horse Club’s Evergreen Gaited Horse Classic in Puyallup, WA July 24th & 25th . What a unique experience! This show included a variety of the gaited breeds. It was not only a show but an educational experience. The judge gave the novice class participants individualized pointers after their class and ended the day with a clinic about understanding the movement and structure of gaited horses. A chiropractic demonstration was included in the roster for the weekend. I was impressed with the relaxed atmosphere and the observation that these people were truly having a good time. The show was heavily supported by spectators as well! It was a one of a kind show.

If you would like to take a pictorial visit of these two events, visit our website at www.nwhorsesource.com – select “photo gallery”.

Watch for magazine specials throughout our pages this month. We are introducing a new section, “Stallions of the Northwest” that will premier in our January Stallion issue. Call us for details on becoming a part of this special gloss section in our annual stallion issue.

We are truly committed to making this publication the best resource for today’s recreational rider. Please keep the comments and letters coming. Have a great fall season and remember to ride!