Publisher, Lauren Abbott, addresses the focus of articles in The Horse Review.
Dear Readers,
The fall season is upon us, and with it comes a special kind of magic for equestrians. The sweltering heat of summer gradually gives way to the cool, crisp air of autumn, signaling not only a change in weather but also a shift in our equestrian activities. This is a bustling time of year filled with events and shows that keep us all on our toes. Yet, as the show season begins to wind down, we find ourselves preparing for a different set of equestrian pursuits—winter series events, fox hunting, field trials, and trail riding.
It’s during this transitional period that we also prepare our barns and horses for the forthcoming winter months. It's a time that demands our attention and care, ensuring our beloved companions are ready for whatever the colder days bring.
Amid these seasonal changes, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the recent transformation of The Horse Review into a glossy magazine format. The response from our community has been overwhelmingly positive, with readers and advertisers alike sharing their appreciation for our new look. Many of you have shown unwavering support and loyalty, offering invaluable ideas and suggestions to help us improve with each passing month.
However, as with any change, there have been differing opinions. One reader expressed disappointment regarding our September issue, feeling that we had neglected a vital part of our audience—trail riders. They perceived that our focus had shifted solely to "show" horses. I want to address this concern.
As the publisher, I carefully curate an editorial calendar for each year. This planning allows my team to develop content that resonates with equestrian activities across the U.S. Not only does this structure help us stay timely, but it also ensures that we touch on a broad spectrum of equestrian disciplines. Our content is crafted for the EVERYDAY equestrian—those who interact with their horses daily, whether they are sport and competition horses, trail horses, backyard friends, retired companions, hunt horses, or even those that are simply adored yard ornaments, like a couple of my own.
While we certainly celebrate the achievements within the show ring, it has never been the singular focus of our publication. Our true purpose is to serve as a resource for all horse owners and lovers. In this issue, for instance, we've included a feature on "Top Trail Riding Destinations in the Southeast," highlighting national parks that have superior trails for horses and riders. It's a piece planned since last year, with the intention of recognizing the joy and beauty of trail riding during the fall season. Alongside this, we offer highlights from various events that our readers participate in.
Looking ahead, my hope is to expand our page count significantly over the next three to five years, enabling us to cover an as many equine activities and disciplines within our magazine. Achieving this goal relies heavily on building strong relationships with our advertisers; their support is crucial to our ability to publish. And without advertisers, we would not have a publication at all.
I understand that not every reader will be pleased with every issue. But for those of you who have been loyal supporters, and for any new readers willing to join us on this journey, I encourage you to please continue to share your feedback, both positive and negative. Your insights are invaluable, making The Horse Review a more well-rounded, resourceful, and overall a successful publication.
We are committed to growing with you, to listening to you, and to ensuring that The Horse Review remains a publication that you can rely on and enjoy.
Warm regards,
Lauren Abbott | Publisher
The Horse Review
