I hope this issue of the magazine finds you incorporating your love of horses into your lifestyle during this summer season! Life is just a whole lot brighter from the back of a horse. I often wonder why we rob ourselves of the simple pleasures of life. Our society and the all too frequent lifestyle that develops is one of the greatest competitors. It seems that now more than ever it takes a conscious choice to select from the many opportunities we have around us to allow room for the simple pleasures.

Quiet time, reflection and relaxing with our equine partners are often our reward if we get all our work done. However, we usually never find the end of the work. Consequently, we don’t take the time to recharge and refuel our passion and drive for life. As we consider horses and the resulting opportunities as a “lifestyle,” let’s consider how we can more effectively incorporate the aspects that bring time for reflection, relaxation and renewal.

We just recently returned from this year’s annual American Horse Publications Convention, held in Seattle this year. It’s one of the most rewarding things I do all year. It is a wonderful opportunity to mingle with other people in the equine publication industry and share ideas and inspiration. We joined this organization nearly eight years ago with the goal of producing a more effective publication. It has always been the highlight of my year. We feel so fortunate to be able to network with our peers, intent on bringing readers top quality information and resources. This convention helps us see other magazines as colleagues rather than competitors.

Each year we come back with great ideas for the upcoming year. Editorial opportunities are great and we are intent on using the space that we have to bring you the most useful and informative information possible. Watch our upcoming issues for great ideas on horse care, training, education and general information about the world of horses!
In this issue, we have some reader response to articles in the magazine. We cannot emphasize the value we place on these comments. We believe that creating a dialogue between readers and the contributing writers is a benefit for all. Please make sure to read the Nutrition Corner on page 30, which features a question from one of our readers. Also, check out the upper right of this page for an additional reader comments. We love to hear from our readers!

Last but not least, please consider submitting a personal story about your favorite ‘oldie but goodie’ four-legged friend for our Senior Horse Essay Contest. Deadline is September 25 – see more information in the middle of page 47.

We’ll be attending two great events coming up in August. You won’t want to miss the AQHA’s Regional Event, in Redmond Oregon August 18-21 or the Vashon-Maury Island Horse Association’s ride August 26. I hope to get the opportunity to visit with some of you!

Have a great summer and remember to ride!