Last month, our “On the Plus Side” column addressed the rider’s fitness. I can’t tell you how much I support this philosophy and how important this is to me, personally, right now. Most of us live incredibly busy lives, so carving out time to keep healthy seems nearly impossible. I will say this: in just 6 weeks of attention to diet and exercise my riding skills have improved, and riding seems easier with a stronger core. I encourage you to give it a try!
The last few months have been incredibly exciting at NWHS. We’ve added some incredible new staff members and are making significant moves toward the next level. It takes good people to make a great team. From generating ideas to being willing to implement them, we’re on our way! We have some incredible issues planned for you in the upcoming months, and as projects unfold and relationships build, I’m continually humbled by the enormous human kindness and compassion that exist around this magazine.
Losing Mary Trout last year hit me pretty hard. Yesterday (February 22) was Mary’s birthday. I was working away when my cell phone chimed the reminder. It stopped me dead in my tracks as I remembered the good times I had with Mary and what a huge asset she was to the magazine. I sure miss her. She really taught me about looking for the best in people and what a sheer joy life was to her. Her laugh was infectious and her whole presence really brought joy into everyone's day. If only for a moment, her life touched many people. She will always be remembered. A big thank you to those of you who stepped up to the plate and helped me get through this tough time.
The focus of this issue is Equine Disciplines. One of our desires is to bring you a variety of training methods and activities you can try out on your horse or incorporate into your lifestyle, so enjoy the upcoming pages!
Page 50 begins the first in a series of lesson plans to facilitate a greater partnership with your horse, whatever your discipline. On page 6 you will find essays written by young people who really love their equine companions. Join Paul Dufresne on page 26 as we begin our new Trainer's Corner series with a look into the minds of stallions.
Lastly, we have a great opportunity for those of you who would like a little extra income, or some supplementary cash to pay for your advertising. We are launching a new Equine Marketplace affiliate program. We’re very excited about this program and look forward to sharing it with you. For more information, visit page 63.
Have a great spring, make each day count, and remember to ride!
Quote of the month: The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
Martin Luther King, Jr.
