I've been thinking quite a bit about working horses as we move into this month's issue. What does it mean to be a "working horse," exactly? Does the horse need to pull a carriage or plow a field? Don't show horses work, too? What about any horse that lets a human sit on its back or behind it in a cart and tell it what to do?

With all of the controversy surrounding the racing industry after the tragic death of Eight Belles at the Kentucky Derby, thoughts of how horses pay their own way in life--and what we can do to make that life better for them--certainly abound. Those of us who love horses want to see them treated well, but what constitutes that treatment can vary greatly from horse to horse.

This month, we've taken a look at horses that work in a variety of different venues. Movie horses have long days, but are cared for wholeheartedly and chosen specifically for their aptitude, at least when they work with Lee and Jerri Phillips of Alberta, Canada. See the cover story on The Hallmark Channel's upcoming horse movies to learn more about these highly specialized equine actors. Also in this issue is a look at the lives and history of carriage horses, plus some advice on getting those foals off to a good start for any kind of future work.

If you have an opinion on working horses in any industry, why not share it with us? We're always open to letters to the editor, in either mailed or emailed form. Your thoughts mean a lot to us, so send them to editor@nwhorsesource.com or mail to Deb Taber, Editor, Northwest Horse Source, PO Box 717, Blaine, WA 98231.

Have a great July!