New for You
WE’RE FINALLY HERE— the moment we get to share with you a bold, new Horse&Rider. You hold in your hands an exciting concept that brings together the audiences of H&R, American Cowboy, and
The Trail Rider. Three groups of people who live and love Western life, including horse ownership, traveling with their horses, and experiencing scenic destinations and Western heritage.
We call this “Western Horse Life.” It’s the focus of our new tag line— Today’s Western Horse Life. Owning horses isn’t your lifestyle; it shapes your entire Western life.
TAKING A BROADER SPACE
You likely noticed there are more pages in this issue, giving us more space to include a variety of topics for every aspect of your horse life.
Each of the topics was tested against that new tagline. Is it modern and forward-thinking? Is it relevant to the Western world, whether for performance or trail riding or the Western way of life? Will it enhance your horse life, be that by improving your horsemanship, providing better care for your horses, offering helpful information, or giving you an enjoyable read? You'll see that common thread as you take in this issue and those to come, or visit us on our digital and social-media outlets.
NEW FACES, STORIES
Trusted H&R standbys—Bob Avila, Al Dunning, and Dr. Barb Crabbe; top competitive trainers, clinicians, and equine experts; and the H&R staff—are joined by new contributors to our team (but they’re probably familiar to you). René Riley joins as Trail-Content Editor, ensuring that we share with you the best trails to explore and reliable trail-riding information. Bob Welch provides an insightful column ( Riding Outside the Circle, page 17) based on his Western horse life, and you’ll see his favorite gear in My Collection, page 112.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
We’re nothing without you, our reader. You’ll find more ways to get involved in the magazine, especially in the new Saddle Chat department, beginning on page 21. We can’t wait to share your Instagram photos tagged with #HorseLifeIRL (IRL = In Real Life in social speak). And don’t worry—you can still see how your horses stack up against others’ in Conformation Clinic. (Check out its new look on page 57.)
Our delivering what you want requires your participation, so please, join the conversation. You can email me at the address below or message Horse&Rider on Facebook. I read every note from every reader and carefully consider the comments and critiques. I look forward to hearing what you think about your new H&R!