It’s quite possibly my favorite time of the year. There is nothing better than waking up on a crisp fall morning, grabbing a warm cup of coffee and stepping outside to enjoy some quiet time with the horses. It’s especially lovely here in New Hampshire with the colorful array of leaves in vibrant hues of red, orange and yellow.

It’s a great time to hit the trails and complete your outdoor projects before winter sets in. Inside this month’s issue we have articles about trail riding, farm equipment, and of course, blankets and coolers to help you prepare for the colder months ahead. This is also our annual Equine Affaire Preview Guide. If you haven’t already made plans to attend this fabulous trade show in West Springfield, MA, be sure to read all about the clinicians, vendors and breed pavilion within our regional edition.

Due to popular demand, we are pleased to announce that the “Wheel of Fun” will be returning to Equine Affaire. Once again, with every subscription that is new or renewed you will have a chance to win a great bonus prize. Not matter what, everyone wins something! Look for the list of vendors participating in the “Wheel of Fun” inside this issue. We hope you’ll stop by (Better Living Building booths 303/304) to cheer along our contestants as they spin the wheel!

If you’re like me, I am sure you have received a forward from a friend with a cute saying or story at some point and wondered, “Who wrote that?” It may have made you laugh out loud or even shed a tear, but it did make an impact. Recently, our editor, Kelly Ballou, received an email from a reader suggesting that she take a moment to read a story she had received and consider printing it. Imagine our surprise when it was from our “Last Laugh” that ran in our June 2009 issue by freelance writer, Ange Dickson Finn. Ange’s Equine-Assisted Economic Recovery article was a memo to President Barack Obama. Her suggestion? Give every American a horse. Can you imagine the trickle down effect if everyone had a horse? The increased need for barns, feed, tack, trailers, horse shows, apparel for horse and rider, trainers, veterinarians, farriers, equine education and more would certainly help everyone’s bottom line! If you haven’t already read it, visit equinejournal.com.

Just a friendly reminder that articles are often copyrighted and authors do appreciate credit for their hard work. The same rules apply to photography. We hear that photographers are having a harder time keeping their images from being stolen and posted on social networking sites. It’s a catch-22 situation for most as they post their proofs on-line as a courtesy to clients. Some are now considering going back to the old method of mailing proofs to show customers to keep their images from being used without permission. If you like what you see – purchase it!

Speaking of the internet, if you haven’t yet joined us on Facebook, Twitter and MyEquineJournal.com, sign up today. One lucky fan will be the recipient of a $100 gift certificate from Dover Saddlery!

Yours in Sport,

Natalee