Prepare for Winter and Enjoy the Fruits of Summer
Ahh, autumn, the most golden time of the year and my favorite season. I love the cooling temperatures, the colors of fall, fewer bugs, wearing my favorite hoodie, everything pumpkin, and the first fire of the season. The downside is that this is the time of year I start to worry about the upcoming winter and what calamities it may hold. How hard will the wind blow? How many times will we lose power? How cold will it get? How much snow and ice? Will I be ready?
And so, while I try and enjoy some time in the mountains and a few colorful trail rides and hikes this time of year, I also make sure I’m doing all I can to prepare for winter, especially where the needs of my horses are concerned.
Fall is also a good time of year to look back at the spring and summer and think about what I’ve done, those things I’ve left undone, and make plans for next year, both with my horses and projects around my farm. It’s a time to draw in, to collect our thoughts, and make a nest.
Summer is busy for me, running around judging shows, teaching lessons and clinics, working the horses and getting them out to shows or other events, and keeping the farm mowed and the garden weeded and watered. Fall is a time to let some of that go and enjoy all my hard work. It’s a time to seek out and enjoy some peace and a slower pace.
I hope you enjoy our September/October issue. Our cover story, written by Taryn King of Horse & Hearth, discusses some important issues about preserving equestrian properties and how crucial it is we horse people stick together, network, and speak out. As well, “Trailmeister” Robert Eversole delves into the benefits of hoof boots. I hope my article on preparing your horses and property for the upcoming winter is useful to you too!
Enjoy the golden days of autumn. Please feel free to email me at editor@coloradohorsesource.com for suggestions and ideas on how we can improve the magazine.
See this article in the September/October 2023 online edition:
Colorado Horse Source Magazine’s September/October 2023 Issue
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.