Living Up to Our Potential
by Kim Roe
My horse, Exodus, is a Lusitano. A Portuguese horse, he is bred for ranch work, dressage, and bullfighting. I do dressage with him, some working equitation, and also hope that he will be a good and safe trail horse someday.
The problem is that he’s smart, athletic, and reactive — all traits needed for survival in the bullfighting ring. Like other athletic horses, he has more options for getting into trouble. I keep working, learning, and trying, but there are days when his reactive nature, mixed with his athleticism, brings out some rather frightening antics and I think to myself, what have I gotten myself into? I keep at it because I love him, I enjoy a challenge, and I believe he has the potential to be a great performance horse.
As the new editor of the Northwest Horse Source, I have moments where I ask myself that same question: what have I gotten myself into? I have a degree in English, but I’ve been a horse trainer and riding instructor for more than 30 years. Writing is a passion of mine, and I’ve longed for more time at my desk working with words instead of colts.
I’ve read and loved horse magazines since I was a child, and have appreciated the Northwest Horse Source from the start. It’s a great resource for all of us in the horse community, and I’m proud and excited to be a part of it. Like my dear Exodus, I see a lot of potential in this magazine and I’m grateful for this opportunity.
July is our performance horse issue. Our cover story features an exciting facility, Grateful Pine Farm in Snohomish, Washington, and its owners, Kelly and Dan Munro, who have innovative ideas for keeping hard-working horses of all breeds and disciplines happy and healthy. Their beautiful farm has amenities that keep riders happy as well. Also, check out the article on the Lady Long Rider, Bernice Ende. She and her horses have been out riding around the country for 12 years!
The Northwest Horse Source wants to encourage, inspire, and support you whatever you do with your horses. I’d love your input and ideas on what you’d like to see in these pages in the future. Email me at [email protected].
Kim Roe grew up riding on the family ranch and competed in Western rail classes, trail horse, reining, working cow, and hunter/jumper. She trained her first horse for money at 12 years old, starting a pony for a neighbor.
Kim has been a professional dressage instructor in Washington state for over 30 years, training hundreds of horses and students through the levels. In recent years Kim has become involved in Working Equitation and is a small ‘r’ Working Equitation judge with WE United.
Kim is the editor of the Northwest Horse Source Magazine, and also a writer, photographer, and poet. She owns and manages Blue Gate Farm in Deming, Washington where she continues to be passionate about helping horses and riders in many disciplines.
