Letters

From the Editor...

What an issue! Eye candy for us all in this, our third annual Equestrian Artists offering. Each year, I'm overwhelmed at the talented folks out there who paint in a variety of styles. I find myself as I put each page together saying "I want one this one85 and this one85 and, oh! this one too85" I keep finding favorites and ultimately have to decide they are all wonderful. I know you'll enjoy these interpretations of the best animal on the planet - the horse.

And speaking of best animals on the planet, we know everyone saw the Olympics, but the highlights in this issue as seen through Diana De Rosa's lens are well worth lingering over. What horses, what a venue, and what an experience it must've been for everyone. Congratulations indeed to all three of our teams, and a big cheer for our show jumping squad, who brought home the gold.

Pony Finals is an occasion that looms large in the lives of horse show kids (just think how many little contributors to our Pony Kids column have getting there as a goal) and Randi Muster took some great photos of these young competitors.

Lincoln Rogers covered the NAYRC for us, and Erin Gilmore caught up with Karl Cook on his return from the Colorado. Jan Westmark's "On Course with Arden Cone" was fun - Arden is rider and artist both, and we love 'meeting' these talented young people.

It's about time for the Washington International, and Jennifer Wood tells the thoroughly entertaining story of Anthony d'Ambrosio winning the Puissance way back when.

I don't often plug our Five Questions, but be sure to read Lauren Giannini's interview with Antony Gaylard, a most amazing huntsman who spent seven years 'hunting with god' (Captain Ronnie Wallace, that is). I was left wanting to know more about him.

This wasn't an easy issue to put together (just ask our production manager) but I think it is an exceptionally beautiful one thanks to the artists and photographers who contributed so freely, and it is also a great read, thanks to Sidelines' terrific writers. (And a special thanks to Stan Johansen, our usually-unsung hero of a production manager, who has to deal with a ditzy editor, and can still make a beautiful magazine and get it to the printer on time. Hats off to ya, Stan!

Until next month,

Cornelia Henderson