Happy 4th of July! As we bring you this month’s issue of the NWHS, we celebrate the Working Horse. For over 200 years, the horse has made our country great. Horses have played key roles in American history, and that heritage has grown into many of today’s sports, such as reining, cutting, and cowhorse competitions. The cover story on page 6 will introduce you to the Northwest's reining associations. Stories on pages ?? and ?? give historical and modern perspectives on ranching and working sport horses.
Without a doubt, God has directed me to do this business. He has put key people into my life to help make this happen, and I am truly blessed. An even greater gift has been given to all of us as Americans. As we approach our great nation’s birthday celebration, I feel it important to say how grateful I am to those people who have sacrificed to keep our country safe and preserve the freedom we sometimes take for granted. We live in a country that is rich with opportunity. God bless our soldiers for keeping us safe and sacrificing their own lives so we as Americans can enjoy freedom. Here within our own country, horses help protect those freedoms, too. See the article on page ?? for a look at the police horses of Portland, Oregon.
I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome two new members to our team. Pam Heathers and Nick Walls have joined us in the effort to build the magazine, and their presence has already infused the office with a fresh enthusiasm. Nick is in charge of the Equine Marketplace Affiliate Program, so give him a call if you have any questions. Pam will be heading up our sales department, bringing her experience and talent to guide the sales team.
I'd also like to extend my appreciation to Kathleen Capson, who joined our team in December and has helped keep us organized and on track, and Deb Taber, who joined us in January and has made a nice transition into the role of editor.
With all of these new faces, we've outgrown our old office space. For nearly 13 years, the NWHS has been a pretty small operation--just two full time people and one part time. It’s taken me a while, but I’ve finally come to realize I can’t take the magazine to the next level on my own. As I write this month’s editorial, we’re in the process of moving into our new offices, and my life has been full of remodeling, painting, moving phone lines, and Internet service transitions. I really want to thank you for all your patience as we make these changes. It feels great to finally be in our new, larger office where we can all focus our energies on growing the magazine!
Over the years, family, friends, and colleagues have generously given of their time and talents to help the success of the Northwest Horse Source. Again, as we take this next leap of faith, some of those same people have stepped up to the plate and given of themselves. I am truly grateful for those people in my life.
Most of all, I want to thank my readers and advertisers for all the help and support over the past years. As we approach the upcoming summer activities, I hope I have the opportunity to meet more of you in person. Whether it’s at a show, event, or on the trail, I look forward to meeting you and hearing how we can continue to bring you the best educational equine resource in the Northwest! Have a great July and remember to ride!
