Spring. All of us seem to have a little more pep in our step these days. Perhaps it’s the increased daylight, winter hair shedding and flowers sprouting. Even in the doldrums of winter, I find myself eagerly anticipating any sign of spring. Those who know me well know how much I enjoy digging into the flower gardens as soon as I can. This year will be no different.

As everything changes from dull brown to lush green, I’m reminded about the newness of the season. Spring always brings growth and invigoration around my home and the barn. The same is true at our office. If you have called recently, you have probably noticed a new cheerful voice greeting you. That voice belongs to Janice Edson. She has over 20 years experience in office administration, marketing, advertising and customer service. Janice has one Quarter Horse who she enjoys taking on trail rides.

Added to our list of marketing consultants is Heather Holloway. Heather has been immersed in the equine industry since age three and brings a wealth of experience as a trainer and instructor when it’s time to help clients plan their advertising strategy. Welcome to the team ladies!

Feedback from you, our readers, has been overwhelming since our February issue hit your mailboxes and the newsstands. Our decision to go to one book with all of our features and news has been well received. We listened to the thoughtful comments and suggestions from you our readers as well as our advertisers, which resulted in this change. We certainly appreciate all of your emails, letters and phone calls! If you see something you do or don’t like, please let us know. We are always striving to improve!

As with everyone else, I continually remind myself that it’s important to remember that time doesn’t stand still. We all need to keep up with the changes. In fact, just the other day a coworker was telling me that fax machines are becoming obsolete. I find that hard to believe, but then again, two years ago I hadn’t heard of Facebook or Twitter either!

I’m continuously overwhelmed by the response our Facebook and Twitter pages receive on a daily basis. Our own social networking site, myequinejournal.com, is rapidly growing thanks to your involvement. If you haven’t visited us at any of these sites, be sure to visit and leave us a comment. And for those of you who want even more say, be sure to take our reader survey at www.equinejournal.com. Voting closes on March 30. This is your magazine, and we want to meet your needs.

We are excited to be in the middle of all the action here in New England. Judging by the events that have already come our way it will be a busy season for all of us. Even with the news still discussing the economy, we are seeing new events pop up left and right – a clear indication to me that while our industry may have been affected, we are still out there enjoying our horses to the fullest extent possible.

If you haven’t sent in your horse show, trail ride and clinic dates for our annual special edition, Dateline, do so now. You can send them to editorial@equinejournal.com, fax to 603-357-7851, or mail to 103 Roxbury Street, Keene, NH 03431. The clock is officially ticking with the deadline of March 1. Dateline is a handy reference to keep at the barn or at home. My daughter Jenn has always enjoyed pouring through the listings searching for the right event. Now she is responsible for compiling and proofing them all to make it the most complete listing for you. Our own calendars are quickly filling up with shows holding suitable lead line classes for my granddaughter Kiera. We can’t wait to see you out there!

Yours in Sport,

Natalee