Friends in High Places….

Shorter days and colorful leaves are telltale signs of the months to come. Fall is here! I enjoy the activities, and it’s a time of change and reflection for me. I always want to focus on the positive, but this has been a trying summer, and when trouble keeps coming I tend to wonder what a higher power might be trying to say.

This past year, it has really come home to me that I learn more through struggle than when times are easy. I tend to think that I don’t need the help of others when everything is smooth sailing. I don’t look toward God as readily when times are good. It’s when trouble is on the horizon that I find myself looking up. Blaming something or someone is much easier than looking inward. I’ve been learning some difficult (but necessary) lessons about working with people. I am so thankful that I am a work in progress and that God isn’t finished with me yet.

Through this time I’ve been able to refine my relationships with others and build a team of people that have the tenacity and determination necessary to provide the quality education and information you need. These difficult times have turned into valuable lessons for me, and great things for the magazine.

This issue will bring you information on “Educational Opportunities”. Having a successful relationship with your horse and the horse people in your life is well worth the time invested. As you leaf through the pages, you will find some great ideas for making your learning a lifelong venture. As I visit different groups and activities in the Northwest, I am amazed at the valuable input I receive. I’ve learned from my readers and I really thank all who have taken the time to give their input.

Keep the letters to the editor coming! We love your input and thank all of you who’ve taken the time to write down your thoughts and send them to us. The richness of the information we are able to provide is enhanced as we question each other and look from various perspectives. We look forward to meeting more of you at EquiMasters 2003 this year! This event, October 11-12 in Puyallup, Washington, gives horse people the opportunity to see various methods of training and an abundance of horse products and gifts. This is definitely a multi-breed, multi-discipline event!