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Issue
1, 2004
Welcome
From the Editors:
Dear Baroque Horse Enthusiast,
A few days ago, an acquaintance sent me a copy of the United States
Dressage Federation (USDF) Connections magazine... the issue that
celebrates the Horse of the Year awards. As I flipped through the list of
winners, I was reminded of an old saying. "Fads come and go, but a
classic will always be in style." Of course, that phrase is normally
reserved for clothing. We are talking horses. Specifically, the baroque
horse. The horse of kings.
As I mentioned in our last issue, I believe the baroque breeds are
standing on the threshold of a boom in popularity, prepared to once again
reclaim their historic place as the most sought after horses in the world.
This isn't a fad. It is a classic, revisited. The strength and athleticism
of the baroque breeds is surpassed only by their beauty and temperament.
It's an irresistible combination. It's something that baroque horse
aficionados have always known, but that the rest of the horse world is
just beginning to realize.
One example of this can be found in the Solid Gold feature of this issue.
Solid Gold is a recurring feature in Horse of Kings where we profile an
exceptional example of our breed type that is excelling in open
competition. In this issue you will find a listing of all Andalusians,
Friesians, Lipizzans, and Lusitanos who achieved award status in the USDF
Horse of the Year program in open competition last year. Within this elite
group of baroque athletes are two brilliant individuals who have already
won top honors in previous years. Returning for the third year in a row is
Onyx, a Friesian gelding owned by Amanda Harlan, who received the Fourth
Level Open title. Nimbus, a Lusitano stallion owned by Dr. Byrde Lynn
Green of Carpe Diem Lusitanos, returned for the second year in a row and
took home the USDF Third Level Open. First time Horse of the Year
recipient Tango, a Friesian gelding owned by Nita Sweet, leapt into the
USDF spotlight, winning top honors out of a field of 653.
Also in this issue of Horse of Kings, we are pleased to bring you a rare
interview with Lady Sylvia Loch, widely recognized for her passion for
Classical Dressage and for the baroque horse breeds... particularly the
Lusitano. In addition to Sylvia Loch, our own Leah Juarez has submitted an
intriguing article on the medieval warhorse, the SCA, and its place in
modern equestrian sport. It is sure to change any pre-conceived notions
you may have had about jousting... at least, it did for me. Dr. Thomas
Ritter joins us again with the continuation of the popular "Zen and
the Art of Riding" series. In this issue, he explores the connection
between Gentleness and Discipline. Our proofreader became so caught up in
the article, she forgot to proof it, and we hope that you will find it
equally intriguing and informative.
Now I would like to share with you perhaps the most exciting thing that
has happened to us since we started this magazine. Beginning with Issue 2,
2004, Horse of Kings will be available on select newsstands and in major
bookstores throughout the U.S. and Canada, including Barnes & Noble
and Borders. Now, not only will HOK be found in hundreds of tack stores
nationwide, where it is picked up by existing horse owners... but it will
also reach a potentially endless audience who are researching or dreaming
of the purchase of their very first horse. If you will remember back to a
time before you owned a horse, the hours spent pouring over magazines and
books in the bookstore had a tremendous influence on the type of horse you
eventually came to covet for your very own. We are very excited about this
new exposure, and all of the possibilities that it brings with it. Fads
come and go, but a classic is always in style. The baroque horse makes a
come back.
All of us at Horse of Kings wish you a happy spring, and a healthy foaling
season. Be sure to take lots of photos for our next Cute Foal Contest. And
please let us know if you walk into a bookstore and see HOK sitting on the
shelf. It will make our month.
Sincerely,
Nia and Meaza Ridley
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