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Pick up your copy today, or contact us to subscribe! Read Margaret Evans' column "In the Shadow of Equus" Editor's Desk The blanket of winter still covers us, but under it the horse community is already wide awake and dreams of the coming riding season are on their way to becoming realities. Like seeds in warm spring soil, this issue’s Calendar of Events has sprouted a healthy crop of horse industry activities which will grow and bloom in coming months. The vast majority of these events are organized and hosted by horse clubs, and that means they are the work of volunteers. Ask anyone who has participated in a show, clinic or other horse event and they’ll tell you that volunteers are the backbone of our industry. Why do we volunteer? For some of us, organizing weekend clinics and finding enough like-minded riders to fill them is the way we gain access to the coaches and trainers we need to improve our horsemanship skills. These activities provide access to educational opportunities not otherwise available. We find rewards in sharing our skills and expertise while helping others improve and accomplish projects. Volunteering gives us the chance to learn new skills and experience responsibilities we might not otherwise be offered. We enjoy the support of our peers and the satisfaction of working together. It’s a great way to make friends and meet good people who share our interests. But volunteering is about more than sharing our time and passion. As volunteers we always reap more than we sow, because what is accomplished comes from the heart. This year, why not jump in and get involved in your local horse club? “We make a
living by what we get,
we make a life by what we give.” — Winston Churchill. With breeding season approaching, our writers share their expertise on breeding-related topics, resulting in several articles of special note in this issue. Margaret Evans reviews recent research from the University of Edinburgh which examines the relationship between success at the track and the influences of genetic heritage vs environmental factors such as the horse’s management and training. We also look at the dual careers of stallions who compete as well as perform breeding duties, and stallion owners share their insights on balancing their horses’ concurrent careers. And our Stablehand reminds us of the importance of colostrum and reviews how to collect and freeze this life-giving liquid so it is available for foals in need. Our Competitive Trail Riding feature moves ahead into the conditioning phase as we prepare for the coming riding season. And we are pleased to announce the results of our Horse-Of-My-Heart Poetry Contest just in time for Valentine’s Day. — Kathy Smith |
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