As this year draws to a close, I’ve been reflecting on both the personal milestones and the incredible growth we’ve seen at Horse&Rider.
It’s been a year of challenges and triumphs in my own horse life—working hard to bring my horse, Keira, back into shape after her two colic surgeries has been a humbling yet rewarding journey. At the same time, we’ve made great strides within the magazine and on Horse&Rider OnDemand, expanding what we offer to our subscribers. This year has been all about learning, connecting, and progressing, and I’m more excited than ever for what lies ahead.
Ready to Ride
After a rough 2023, I’m so thankful that Keira has made a full recovery from her colon resection and two colic surgeries. The road back wasn’t easy, and required a lot of time and patience. I spent the first couple of months post-surgery focusing on getting her to a healthy weight again after she dropped to below 800 pounds between her first and second surgeries. But once she was back to a healthy weight, I started to focus on rebuilding her stamina and muscle. Now, after almost a year of steady conditioning, we’re finally back to training with the goal of competing.
I’m not in any rush, but after wondering if I’d ever get the chance to ride her again, I’m looking forward to the day we can go into the show pen together.
[READ: Tips to Hit Your New Year’s Goals]
Master a New Discipline
One of the most exciting developments on Horse&Rider OnDemand this year has been the launch of our new masterclasses. We’ve partnered with some of the best trainers in the industry to bring you step-by-step training videos, no matter where you are in your horsemanship journey.
Our first masterclass brings back ranch riding expert Bud Lyon. In this series, Bud covers everything from preparing for your first show to the tack and gear you’ll need, along with the key fundamentals your horse should know. He even has two of his riders run through several AQHA ranch riding patterns, giving you a clear understanding of pattern placement and what a polished performance looks like. Next up, we’re proud to feature reined cow horse professional Brad Barkemeyer in our upcoming masterclass. Brad guides you through everything you need to know before attending a reined cow horse event, and as a judge himself, he breaks down score sheets to help you understand how each event is scored. By the end of the series, you’ll be able to confidently decode your scores and improve your performance in the show pen.
Looking Ahead to New Adventures
As we wrap up this year, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and engagement with Horse&Rider. Whether you’re following along with Keira and me on our journey, diving into our masterclasses with top trainers, or exploring the wealth of resources we provide, it’s all part of our shared passion for the horse world.
