We started work on this issue in mid-August, just as the fires were starting in Northern California. Surely, I thought, those will be out and everybody will be safe soon. Surely, we won’t add wildfires of unprecedented scope to this year of a public health crisis of unprecedented scope. When I was a young equestrian growing up in Northern California, my biggest gripe was rain that prevented me from riding my horse. Even back then, I had a karmic approach to the weather’s impact: trusting, for example, that three days of rain-related no riding would equal three days of being able to ride later. That method of managing bad news lingers today in my sense that, surely, we simply can’t have any more bad things happen in our world: everybody needs a break.
But, no.
So instead, we have yet another fall issue focused on how our remarkable equestrian community is coping with the fires ripping through our region. A silver lining, I guess, is better preparedness, as is discussed in my interview with the amazing Claudia Sonder, DVM (pg 10). Or in the value of Phoebe Smith, DVM, sharing her experiences with vets in the Northwest, who are relatively new in dealing with the aftermath of fire and smoke on their horses. There is a ton of exciting stuff going on at the Galway Downs International, starting Oct. 28 in Temecula. With the CCI3*-L National Eventing Championships, the Adequan Futures Team Challenge and new Kellerhouse Presents “Challenges” for Modified-Training, Training-Novice and Novice-Beginner Novice divisions, this is truly the event of the season and a big opportunity for the West Coast to shine on the national stage. Consider sponsoring or volunteering to be part of the effort! Skylar Wireman dominated the early going of the hunter/jumper medal season. And dressage columnist Nan Meek has a terrific column about all that went into deciding whether to continue with the California Dressage Society Annual Championships. They were a go, set for The Horsepark at Del Mar the weekend after we went to press. I’m volunteering there all day Sunday, so will have that perspective to share in the next issue. Thanks to everybody for reading, for supporting our great advertisers who make it possible for us to keep bringing you news and interesting stories, and to all who contribute suggestions for future articles. Happy riding and reading. Be safe and healthy. Kim F Miller, Editor Carter is a darling pony up for adoption at FalconRidge Equine Rescue in Valley Center, CA.
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Written by CRM
Thursday, 01 October 2020 17:11
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