Here we are well into a new year! I hope this finds all of you back in the saddle with renewed hope and energy. The topic of this issue, mares and foals, lends itself to thoughts of renewal as we look forward to birth and new life.
This issue is packed with information to help you be successful with your equine partner. We have some detailed information on caring for your new foal as well as a continuation of our discussion on nutrition. We also have some great information for those of you “Plan Ahead” types. Thought there wasn’t a dude ranch to fit your riding style and experience? Take a look at “Rating Riding at Dude Ranches” in this issue.
Thanks to all of you who responded to our 10-year anniversary story. This was the highlight of our year and a real milestone for the magazine. We couldn’t have done it without you! Thank you for your continued support. Please keep you comments and inquiries coming. We’d like to commit space in each issue to share your comments with all our readers.
We’re pleased to announce a new column this month – “On the Plus Side”. Allison Trimble, a non-pro competitor, has joined our team to help keep us on the inside track of the Working Cow Horse in the Northwest. Allison brings several years of experience in showing and breeding these fantastic performance horses. She will bring quotes from trainers, Q&A on getting into the sport and words of wisdom from those actively participating in the sport from the non-pro competitor to the trainer and breeder. If you’ve not experienced the world of the Working Cow Horse, hang on! You’re in for a ride.
Mary Trout, who many of you previously met in the October article “Light in a Dark Time for NWHS,” was our graphic designer for several years. She was diagnosed in July with a malignant, inoperable brain tumor. Mary’s condition has remained stable for a few months now. Her initial chemo and radiation has run its course and she currently receives monthly intravenous chemo injections. She’s lost some of the use of her right side and requires full care. Her courage and undying faith seem to keep her in a positive light. She’s always happy to see visitors and still makes it to many family outings or to church when she can. It was truly a blessing to spend December 16th with her and Bob at our office party. Please keep Mary and her family in your prayers.
It has been inspiring to see the way the horse community has reached out to the Trout family. A special “Thank You” to Si Eldred of Laurel Farm and Western Supply and Jerry Keizer of Elenbaas Country Feed in Lynden for donating hay to Mary for her horses. Many friends and neighbors have stepped up and taken on responsibilities to help Mary and her family with food and donations to help them through this difficult time.
Enjoy your horses and good health. It is so easy to take those gifts for granted until we no longer have them. Pause for a moment, close your eyes, take a deep breath and be thankful for what you have.
Come as see us at the “Horse Affair” in Boise, Idaho, February 17-19 and the “Mane Event” in Vancouver, Washington, also February 17-19. We’d love to visit with you so stop by and say “Hi”.
Have a great February and remember to ride!
"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out."
– Robert Collier
Copyright © 2008 The NW Horse Source, LLC
Top of Page
|
