Spring At Last

Steve Patterson, Editor-In-Chief

It is finally spring, and you probably don’t need us to remind you that this time of year is rich with rejuvenation and renewal. The birds taking up residence in your hay loft and the crop of crabgrass coming back to your yard will tell you that much. What might bear mentioning, however, is that this theme of renewal runs deeply through the lives of horses and horse lovers. That is why this issue features stories that keep the ideas of rebirth and new beginnings close to heart.

For instance, we have a story on the New York City Mounted Police Unit, which is reviving the valuable practice of horse-powered patrolling to help their city return to safer times. Then there’s youthful Dottie Gannon. She’s part of a movement to bring back the ancient art of jousting. Aubrey Simpson guides us through redesigning our barns to breathe new comfort into our horses’ homes. And most pointedly, we have a story of retired racehorses and incarcerated felons getting second-chance educations with each other’s help.

If all of that rebirth isn’t enough, keep in mind that this is mare and foal season. Go ahead and send us your photos of this year’s newborns. We’ll feature the best in our second annual Foals For Love Contest. Your foal could be in our summer issue and online at www.EquuSource.com.

So, now, as you clean the cobwebs out of your barn, oil your saddles, and knock a winter’s worth of dust from your riding blankets, please know that your friends at Southern States wish you safe spring riding and revived senses.