From the Editor
What’s your go-to source for information? I’d bet it’s in your pocket or on the table next to you, somewhere within arm’s reach. It’s your phone. Whether you use voice commands to search topics or key your questions into a search engine’s homepage, you likely find the majority of what you’re looking for right in the palm of your hand. (Or at your desktop if you’re procrastinating at work.)
Looking for a video about how to fix your washing machine? Take your pick from a variety of resources, from manufacturers to tech-savvy plumbers. Need the weather forecast for your next horse show? Chances are you don’t wait for the 5 o’clock news; you check an app. Seeking alternate routes to your next trail ride? Check an app or do a Google search for the latest traffic info. These innovations have changed how we seek information, what we expect to find, and how we consume the knowledge.
We notice this because we have the same habits. We don’t have a crossreferenced library of past issues of H&R in our tack room. (If you do, please share a photo!) When we need a hack to quickly fix a piece of tack or to identify a skin condition, we go directly to our phones. (You can bet we’re searching HorseandRider.com first!)
That’s led us to make some big changes for how you’ll enjoy the H&R brand in 2019.
HERE TO SERVE
Horse&Rider’s mission has always had reader service at its core. We’re proud to be your go-to resource to solve any problems you face in your horse life, from horses that are hard to catch (see page 92) to safely leading your horse on the trail (page 32) to ensuring that your horse is properly identified in case of an emergency (page 120).
This issue in particular is bursting with helpful information. We did this to give you a taste of what you’ll start receiving in 2019—larger, more robust issues that contain information for every aspect of your Western horse life. To do this, the print version of H&R will come to you quarterly, with spring, summer, fall, and winter issues.
If that doesn’t seem like enough H&R for your horse life, fear not. We’re enhancing our digital offerings to serve you valuable, trustworthy information on HorseandRider.com and through all of our social channels. Because if this is where our audience is, it makes sense that we should be giving you what you’re looking for, where you’re looking for it.
AN EXCITING NEW TOOL
In addition to blog posts, timely articles, newsworthy “Fast Five Facebook Live” installments, and entertaining Instagram posts, we have an exciting new project set to launch in 2019. If you’ve ever read an article and said, “I wish I could watch this on video,” we’re here for you with Horse&Rider On Demand.
Two of our trusted contributors— Brad Barkemeyer and Bud Lyon—will be part of the first-of-its-kind video program. They’ll solve your riding and training problems and help you achieve your goals with a video library and weekly releases of new clips, supported by exclusive articles and subscriber-only offerings.
We’ve been working on this project for nearly two years, finding the right influencers to join as partners in this endeavor. Brad and Bud are gearing up for their first video shoots as I write this, so you’ll want to stay updated on the official launch by following us on social media and subscribing to our newsletter at HorseandRider.com.
GOING THE EXTRA MILE
‘It makes sense that we should be giving you what you’re looking for, where you’re looking for it.’
The process to get to this new phase for H&R hasn’t been easy. Change rarely is. A large part of me is sad to see the monthly magazine I’ve relied on in my horse life for 30-plus years go in a new direction. But I think that reverence will help me and the rest of our team ensure that we stay on track providing what you need, when you need it, where you’re looking for it. I look forward to sharing this new adventure with you!