Snow Montage!
Labels: December 2008, The Lunge Line

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Welcome to the NWHS Article Archive1/01/2009Snow Montage!This month's "The Lunge Line" looks at the Pacific Northwest storms of December with images, music, and advice on planning ahead. Labels: December 2008, The Lunge Line 12/01/2008Digital Edition Tutorial
by Deb Taber
Did you know we have a digital edition of the magazine now? Check it out through the links here or on the home page, and experience the full issue of NWHS online. Check out the hyperlinks, video, bookmarking, and other features. This tutorial will show you how. If you're on a dialup connection, we recommend downloading the video to watch offline. Just click the "Download this Video" tab when it pops up at the top of the screen (you may have to click the play button to get the tab to appear). This also allows you to view on a larger screen. Labels: November 2008, The Lunge Line 11/01/2008In MemoryWelcome to the new audiovisual version of The Lunge Line, Northwest Horse Source's monthly editor's column. No horses this month, but we have a feline spokesmodel! The NWHS editor shares thoughts on senior pets. Labels: November Issue Online Exclusives, October 2008, The Lunge Line 10/01/2008Change Can Be Good
by Deb Taber
Like our horses and most of our other animal companions, we humans tend to balk at change. It helps if we're introduced to new concepts slowly and allowed time to adjust. So while I'm awfully excited about some of the changes going on at NWHS, I know there are readers who may toss their manes, stomp the ground and say, "But I liked it the old way!" Well, take your time. Grab an oatmeal cookie and settle in. Northwest Horse Source, the magazine, remains pretty much the same. Northwest Horse Source online, however, is changing. We invite you to explore our new website. Some of it remains the same, but many of your favorite features, such as articles, news, Ask the Experts and The Cyber Saddle weblog, have been updated to make them easier to navigate and more interactive. What's New · Use the site to comment on articles · Better search function · Find horse supplies and services on our Equine Neigh-bor map (coming soon) · Find locations that offer NWHS · Enlarge article photos for a better look · Video coming soon! What Stays Familiar · The Equine Marketplace · The events calendar · Old articles still hosted at their old homes—no need to change your bookmarks · Everything's still easy to access at www.nwhorsesource.com There's more of both the old and the new, so check them out at www.nwhorsesource.com. See the links in the sidebar of the home page to learn more about us and get tutorials on how to get the most out of the new site. You, our readers, are the reason for the redesign. We hope you enjoy it. Labels: September 2008, The Lunge Line 9/30/2008Letter to the Editor--Let Your Voice be Heard
by Deb Taber
I recently received a letter regarding an article from 2007. We knew that article might excite some controversy among readers, but receiving feedback now is perfect timing. As we unveil our new online features, this offers you an opportunity to revisit an old topic. Instead of waiting until November 1 to post this column online, I offer it immediately so you can revisit the story and perhaps begin a discussion with other readers. To read the article in question, "Barefoot or Shod: It Depends..." click here. Once you have read the article and the letter, feel free to post your response by clicking the blue "Click here to comment or read others' comments" link at the end of this post. If there is a number before that text, it means there are other comments already posted. To read comments from others, you can either click the comment link or the article title at the top of the post. After commenting, you can return to the main articles page by clicking Northwest Horse Source Articles at the top of the comment page. Now for that letter: Dear Ms. Taber, I have just been reviewing some Horse Source magazines given to me and would like to comment on an article in the March 2007 issue titled "Barefoot or Shod." All of the reasons cited in the article for not going barefoot have been found to have no basis in fact by Pete Ramey (a former farrier) in his experience with hundreds, if not thousands, of horses of all breeds and backgrounds. Two of the most authoritative sources in the field are Mr. Ramey and Jaime Jackson. These men have written two excellent books on the subject, "Making Natural Hoof Care Work for You" and the "Horse Owners Guide to Natural Hoof Care," respectively, along with training DVDs. In most cases Mr. Ramey was able to cure horses with serious hoof problems such as laminitis and navicular syndrome. This includes those hopeless navicular problems and coffin bone penetrations. Mr. Ramey found that the huge controversy over this issue was fueled by misunderstanding and by the fact that some very vocal people are making major mistakes in hoof trimming and attempting to justify trimming guidelines that lead to sore horses. Probably one of the best known converts to Pete Ramey's and Jaime Jackson's line of thinking is Clinton Anderson of Downunder Horsemanship. It's important to note that this article first appeared in the American Farrier's Journal, not exactly a publication that would recommend doing away with horseshoes. ~David W. Brokaw Coos Bay, Oregon Let us know what you think! You don't have to leave your name, but comments will be screened for inappropriate content so please keep them family-friendly and relevant to the topic. Labels: The Lunge Line 8/01/2008Creativityby Deb Taber For me, creativity is inseparable from living a healthy, happy life. It makes no difference whether you show that creativity in visual or literary arts, or simply in the way you interact with others in your life and approach the challenges that come to you. That is why I felt the Equine Lifestyle issue was the perfect place to feature the creative talents of local horse people. The art contest was the most popular for all age ranges, but I think the most difficult category to judge was the youth fiction. The stories and poetry we received from our teen readers showed creativity and skill that perhaps I should have expected, given the entries into our youth essay contests in previous years. The winner in this category was a poem, "Beneath Me" by Kyllian Genzmer, that captures the awe and kinship between a girl and her horse. You may also recognize the name of our youth category honorable mention, Sarah Gregory, from her essay in 2007's April issue. The entries into the child category also drew amazement from our staff. It is a pleasure to know there are such talented young people who share our love of horses. It's hard to believe the eloquent story "Windsong," by Rayn Joy Norton, was written by someone so young. Janet Lee led the way in our adult fiction category with a story of caring and kindness that will leave many a reader misty-eyed. Art from adult category winner Kathleen Kresa captures the beauty and joy of being with horses. The artists in our youth and child categories, too, show impressive talent, as you'll see in this issue. Although we were only able to select one winner in each category, I hope we will be able to bring you the work of some of our honorable mentions in future issues. For those who didn't make the final round this year, don't worry! You can be sure this will be a recurring event. Labels: August 2008, The Lunge Line 7/01/2008Hard at Work
by Deb Taber
I've been thinking quite a bit about working horses as we move into this month's issue. What does it mean to be a "working horse," exactly? Does the horse need to pull a carriage or plow a field? Don't show horses work, too? What about any horse that lets a human sit on its back or behind it in a cart and tell it what to do? With all of the controversy surrounding the racing industry after the tragic death of Eight Belles at the Kentucky Derby, thoughts of how horses pay their own way in life--and what we can do to make that life better for them--certainly abound. Those of us who love horses want to see them treated well, but what constitutes that treatment can vary greatly from horse to horse. This month, we've taken a look at horses that work in a variety of different venues. Movie horses have long days, but are cared for wholeheartedly and chosen specifically for their aptitude, at least when they work with Lee and Jerri Phillips of Alberta, Canada. See the cover story on The Hallmark Channel's upcoming horse movies to learn more about these highly specialized equine actors. Also in this issue is a look at the lives and history of carriage horses, plus some advice on getting those foals off to a good start for any kind of future work. If you have an opinion on working horses in any industry, why not share it with us? We're always open to letters to the editor, in either mailed or emailed form. Your thoughts mean a lot to us, so email us or mail to Deb Taber, Editor, Northwest Horse Source, PO Box 717, Blaine, WA 98231. Have a great July! Labels: July 2008, The Lunge Line 6/01/2008Equestrian Geocaching
by Deb Taber
Lately, mentions of "geocaching" have come across my desk with increasing frequency. I understood the basic concept of this popular new sport, but wasn't quite sure how well it integrated with the equestrian community. As it turns out, the mix is so popular it gave birth to such companies as Equicaching, LLC, which provides coordinates, games, and a newsletter specific to the equestrian form of geocaching. So what is geocaching? Geocaching--from geo (earth) and cache (hiding place)--uses Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) units as part of what is frequently described as a "high-tech treasure hunt." Cache owners hide a waterproof container (the cache) somewhere in the environment and send its GPS coordinates to a website. Players download the data and follow the directions to the cache, which can be filled with items that include a log book for recording your visit and possibly mementos left by other players. Some games will hide real "treasures"--money, gift cards, or products. The main rule of the game: if you take something, leave something behind. The difficulty of the treasure hunt depends on the difficulty of the trail. Anything from an easy canter through flat fields to obstacles and jumps can be between the players and their goal. Learning the GPS system isn't much harder than learning to read a compass, and most equestrian geocaching groups offer a little training to get you started. If you're interested in trying out equine geocaching, why not support a good cause at the same time? The AQHA PMSAR Benefit Ride offers the opportunity to do both. Labels: June 2008, The Lunge Line 5/01/2008Reflection
by Deb Taber
I started this column in January, not quite sure where it would take me. We've now been introduced, I've mused about the magazine and books and photographs, but I realized I never really gave anyone a look inside the column itself. I'm more of a reader than a rider, so it focuses on more of the magazine aspects of NWHS than the creatures that make this all possible. It also reflects just a little bit of what goes on in The Cyber Saddle, our web log (blog) I update every Monday, Wednesday and Friday with news and thoughts and inside peeks at the magazine (http://nwhorsesource.livejournal.com). But how did The Lunge Line come about? I titled the column because it reflects what I do: stand in the center of all the activity, guiding those around me with emails, phone calls, encouraging clucks, and cracks of the whip. Every once in a while, I get to get out of the center and "ride," like in the interviews I've conducted with Dr. Marty Becker (December), Dr. Wendy Vaala (February), and stunt rider Jerri Phillips (coming this July). For the most part, however, I'm content to let our writers take the reins. This month, they have plenty to guide you through. Take a walk through a harrowing experience as you learn to cross rivers safely with Angel Gnau. Explore a new discipline with the British Columbia Competitive Trail Riders as Shannon Mayer trots you through what you need—and what you don't need—to join the fun on the competitive trails. Let our experts take the lead with information on tying up, getting your horse in shape and preparing you for "scary" obstacles you'll find out on those gorgeous Northwest paths. Rest up now, because this issue will have you itching to get out and saddle up your horse. I won't even need to crack that whip. Labels: May 2008, The Lunge Line 4/01/2008Youthful Enthusiasm
by Deb Taber
Not long ago, I went to a reading given by The Hearts of Horses author Molly Gloss. I love going to live readings—there is something about hearing a writer give voice to her own work that infuses it with a different kind of life than just seeing the words on the page. In addition to reading, Gloss talked a bit about her own horse background. Growing up in rural Oregon, she never had a horse of her own but often rode with friends and neighbors. After many years away, when she got the idea of writing about a young woman who broke horses in the early 1900s, she knew she needed to get a little more hands-on background. Gloss started a BLM mustang with coaching from a professional trainer. The life in her eyes as she talked about the mustang reacting to her most subtle cues showed clearly her love of the horses around her. I heard several people talking in the audience afterward. Some were horse owners, others just held onto their childhood dreams of quiet time with their equine friends. I overheard one woman talk about how the book made her feel like taking up riding, but at age 61, she felt to old to begin. I'm a firm believer that you're never too old, yet I find that I, too, am a lot more cautious than I used to be after so much time away from horses. That hesitation is countered every month by the articles I read and edit...the ones that make me look forward to the opportunity to set my feet into stirrups and go out in the world with that special view you only get on horseback. And speaking of special views, I'm pleased to announce the winner of part 2 of our newsletter's "Winter Wild!" photo contest. For those of you who don't get the newsletter, we split the contest into two categories, so here I give you the Winter Wild! Part 2 winner, Chris Johnson of Northwind Arabians. Congratulations, Chris! I hope you enjoy your copy of Molly's book. Sign up for our semi-monthly newsletter at www.nwhorsesource.com for sneak peeks, tips, contests, and more. Labels: April 2008, The Lunge Line 3/01/2008Winter Winner & Springtime Shows
by Deb Taber
The weather is finally warming up (well, getting less cold, anyway) and the daylight has decided to come back and join us for a little bit longer each day. I know I'm looking forward to getting back up on a horse and out on the trails, but before we leave the winter weather behind entirely, I'd like to present to you the winner of our Winter Wild! photo contest, part 1. Congratulations to Cindy Oswald at Westwind Ranch in Idaho for submitting the winning photo. I hope you enjoy your copy of Molly Gloss' The Hearts of Horses! Many thanks to all who entered—it was great to see all those horses having some snowy fun. If you missed the call for this photo contest, don't worry, there will be more! All you have to do is sign up for our semi-monthly email newsletter. You can sign yourself up at www.nwhorsesource.com. The e-letter contains sneak peeks into upcoming issues, grooming and horsekeeping tips, advertising and marketing tips, and--of course!--contest notifications. If you don't have access to email, don't fret. Our annual youth essay contest is closed, but we'll be announcing a new all-ages contest in the April issue. Until then, the NWHS staff will be attending quite a few events this month, so look for us in the following places: March 15-16: LMQHA Horsemen's Bazaar and Country Fair, Langley, BC March 21-23: NWRCHA show, Lynden, WA March 28-30: Northwest Horse Fair and Expo, Albany, OR Have a great spring, and perhaps we'll see you soon! Labels: March 2008, The Lunge Line 2/01/2008Renewal
by Deb Taber
As spring approaches, we see the earth renewed with fresh plant life and a new crop of foals. Care of these critters begins long before the birth process, and Dr. Wendy Vaala, a specialist in mare and foal care, has provided NWHS with some important guidelines to care for your expecting mare.Complementing Dr. Vaala's advice is a wholistic look at pregnant mare care in our Equine Wellness column by Nicole Lanphear. Spring renewal isn't just for horses. Here at NWHS, we're renewing our commitment to our clients and readers. Results from our readers' survey are in, and we're using your guidance to continue improving the magazine. Look for the winner of our survey drawing to be announced here in the next issue. We also have our youth essay contest going on, and are beginning a redesign of our website to make it easier to use. Check for updates on this and more at www.nwhorsesource.com, and look for tips for your own web redesign in this month's "Bits and Bytes" column. I hope you and your horses are enjoying a happy, healthy 2008 wherever hooves and dreams can take you. Labels: February 2008, The Lunge Line 1/01/2008A Letter From the Editor
by Deb Taber
After a year here at the Northwest Horse Source, it seems time to step up and introduce myself. As a horse person, I'm mostly a bystander with just a few handfuls of lessons and trail rides under my belt. Still, horses have been a part of my life from a very young age, through books and stories, movies and imagination. Fact or fiction, it didn't matter. All through school, I read breed histories and how-to texts in between Walter Farley and Marguerite Henry. I begged to go riding on every birthday, every vacation. I saw the Rocky Mountain National Forest and criss-crossed the Rio Grande on horseback as a result of that persistence. It comes as no surprise, then, to find myself the editor of a horse magazine. While my current reading tastes are far more varied than they used to be, I love reading everything that comes across my desk here at NWHS. Our columnists have taught me much, and even if I have no horses to train or care for, their lessons are often applicable to other aspects of life: prepare, be patient, and work for clear communication and understanding. That sounds a lot like an editor's job. I hope that all of you have enjoyed the past year with NWHS as much as I have. As we begin 2008, I'm pleased to bring you a full lineup of columns from all of our great writers, as well as a highly informative look at the basics of breeding with AI and TCS techniques (see page ??). I'll also be using this space to give you glances at what's ahead for NWHS and to respond to reader comments and concerns. Is there something you want to see in NWHS as the year unfolds? Just send a note to editor@nwhorsesource.com. In the meantime, have a great 2008. May your horses be healthy and your trails take you where you want to go. Labels: January 2008, The Lunge Line |
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