New Adventures
THE PAST YEAR has been full of change for the Horse&Rider team. Twelve issues ago, we were about to launch a major redesign of the magazine, incorporating new ideas, a refreshed look, and a more modern take on what “horse life” means. I can tell you it was scary. But our team came together and marched confidently forward into H&R’s new future.
Looking back, I’m not so sure what we were worried about. (Easy to say when you’re almost a year past it.)
With that evolution, our brand has continued to move forward and explore new things.
LIVE, FROM H&R HQ
We’ve all heard about Facebook’s algorithm changes (that strike fear into publishers’ hearts), the allegations of misuse of data, and other concerns about the social media platform that we can’t seem to quit. All the same, Facebook remains a vital way for us to communicate with you. We can share of-the-moment news (think disease outbreaks, natural disasters that leave horses and riders in need, and legislative updates concerning horse owners), pass on details about new programs we’re debuting (contests, offers, and partnerships), and communicate with you via messaging and posted comments.
And now, we’re taking it to the next level by going live.
That’s right. Our editorial team— usually comfortable behind the cameras, letting our experts tell the stories and give the information—has joined the Facebook Live revolution.
Remember when I said I was scared about the new H&R last year? I think terrified might better explain my feelings on the days I know I have to be on camera—live—on the largest social media platform in the world. (I think I just gave myself a panic attack.)
WHY LIVE?
I asked myself that question over and over when our marketing team suggested we try putting ourselves, the editors, in front of the cameras. We started small (or at least, it seemed small) on Instagram Stories. It was easy enough to flip the camera on the phone, tell you what we were going to do, and then put the focus back on the story. (With us safely removed from the view of the lens.) But it was time to try something bigger.
We worked with our team to come up with a few concepts to present live. They had to be meaningful—everything we do has a purpose—and entertaining in some way. We chose to bring you a biweekly “Facebook Fast Five” and a monthly “Horse&Rider First Look.” In the Fast Five piece, we’ll tell you about five things. They could be five quick grooming tips, five things we’re talking about in the office, or a random sampling of news and other topics. We’re always open to your ideas for our five items—in fact, we want to be sure what we’re presenting aligns with what you’d like to see. The First Look piece gives you an early peek at the next issue that’ll be in your mailbox and on newsstands. We’ll give you a behind-the-scenes look at just what it took to get that cover image, or tell the story behind the story, for example. We’re excited to hear what you think, so comment on our live efforts or email your comments if you prefer to keep your feedback offline.
IN THIS ISSUE
We’re excited to share can-do fitness advice from a variety of sources. In his department, Ken McNabb addresses the need to be physically fit when trail riding. H&R favorite (and June cover girl) Kelly Altschwager offers 30 ways to easily change your lifestyle—and your horse life—to see big fitness benefits. And readers just like you share their secrets for balancing their careers, families, and horse lives while still fitting in time to exercise. Let us know what you think!