Letters

From the Editor...

It's a new year, a new show season and a new economy. While we know that there is a certain amount of belt-tightening going on, for most of us horses aren't a luxury. They're a necessity and a way of life. We might trim a dinner out here and there, but who among us isn't going to keep buying that quality feed 'the boys' love and thrive on? Not me . and I'll bet, not you, either.

I've often compared horses to children: you simply build the budget around them, because - for heavens sake - you aren't going to get rid of them. So on with the show season! We aren't going to do without the fun and excitement this year just because we keep hearing tales of woe from the media. Far as we can see, the horse show world remains healthy and active.

Just look at this issue, for instance! We have great interviews with both former Olympian Peter Leone and Rudy Leone (who put together the most impressive, European style World Cup Qualifier in Sacramento. Both are upbeat, positive and committed. We love 'em!

Lauren Giannini has profiled Patty Heuckeroth, who has very definite opinions on the way show hunters should go. (We hope The Powers That Be who set courses take note.)

HITS desert Circuit takes front and center and it's great to get to 'meet' some of the familiar and not-so familiar faces who will be competing there this season. I've noticed we're getting more and more California stories of late, and it delights me. It's all too easy to think the East Coast is the center of the horse world, but just read this January issue of Sidelines and you'll know, 'it ain't so!" There's a lot of showing out there, all across the country all the time, and in the winter season, California, Arizona, the Mississippi Gulf Coast and Florida may dominate, but these horse show centers don't own the scene. (Check out Horse Show Roundup for verification.)

We have more foxhunting than usual this month: Virginia Field Hunter Championships, Junior Championships and a profile with Danny Kerr. Take a look at some of Lauren Giannini's photos and you'll have a glimmering of an idea how much fun it can be to ride a good horse to hounds. Many of us like hunting because it's not competitive, but once or twice a year, some of us can't resist the call of a blue ribbon!

Dressage enthusiasts will enjoy Christina Beal's coverage of the Del Mar Classic, a show that draws the best of the best. She also visits with trainer Kim Keenan, who juggled a wedding (hers) with managing equestrian events.

This issue we also welcome Sarah Ward as a new contributor. Sarah has excelled as a junior rider, and she's offered to share her thoughts, hopes, dreams and triumphs as she segues to the amateur ranks.

Whatever your discipline, there's something for you in this issue. So you'd better go make a big pot of coffee and find a nice comfy chair. There's lots and lots of good reading in the January Sidelines. I know you'll enjoy it as much as I did.

Until next month,

Cornelia Henderson