Editor’s Letter

This month, we have a unique perspective for you on working equines. Horses, mules and donkeys were traditionally used as beasts of burden, although that’s not how we think of them today. Most of us consider our horses more like companion animals—a luxury, to be sure, but not the animal you depend on to provide for your family. However, in many parts of the developing world, people still absolutely use horses this way. Kim’s article on Brooke and BrookeUSA on pg. 54 provides a look into this charity focused on education and aid to these equines and their owners.

Here in the U.S., there are still a few working animals to be found as well. In “Equines Fighting Fires,” Stacey follows the life of pack mules bringing fire supplies to hardworking crews out West. While they don’t generally come close to the actual flames, their work is invaluable for reaching areas where trucks and even ATVs can’t go.

Finally, don’t forget to tune into our first podcast, released May 25. Interviews include a rider with the ultimate dream job; a western horsemanship clinician with life advice for all riders; and an equestrian fiction author with books you won’t want to put down. Listen in by downloading on your favorite podcast app, or by going online to www.horseillustrated.com/podcast.

Happy listening, reading and riding!