Western Horse Review Turns 15
May 2008
Passion typically conjures up images of love, yearning, and…stallions? In the case of award-winning equine magazine Western Horse Review, the coupling of magazine publishing and horses is a perfect match.
A trusted resource for riders across North America, Western Horse Review offers practical advice such as a horse care column, the latest gear for riders, and sporting events coverage, among other relevant and compelling features. The magazine turning 15 is not surprising then, especially considering that editor Ingrid Schulz doesn’t just walk the talk—she rides it.
Schulz and her daughters are avid riders. Schulz even qualified for both the Canadian Finals and the North American Finals in cutting, a western sport in which a horse separates a cow from a herd of cattle. AMPA caught up with the busy editor to chat about the mag’s 15th anniversary.
AMPA: 1) First off, congratulations on your 15th Anniversary! Can you describe the 15 Great Giveaways promotion and other ways you will be celebrating this milestone?
Ingrid Schulz: Yes, we're thrilled! We've teamed up with specific partners in the equine industry to offer 15 products each issue—from CDs to horse blankets to trips, the list is quite extensive—to all subscribers, and anyone else who wants to enter for the entire year. The promotion has had an outstanding response so far. Additionally we launched a completely redesigned website – www.westernhorsereview.com, which is creating a buzz as well.
2) Canadian Heritage has continued to support funding to your magazine. How does it help you long-term?
IS: As Canada's only national western riding magazine, and one of only a few with a bona fide subscriber base, we really appreciate the recognition Canadian Heritage has paid to Western Horse Review. It helps us continue to produce award-winning, credible, reliable Canadian editorial. A growing North American audience has come to recognize Western Horse Review as an outstanding showcase of Canadian riders and horses.
3) You cater to a very specific readership of riders. How important is it for you, as editor, to be immersed in the world of riding in your personal life? In other words, do you eat, breathe and sleep riding?
IS: The horse industry is unique in its fragmentation by factors of breed, discipline and geography, which makes it important for me to touch as many of those genres as I can humanly fit in. It's invaluable for giving me insight into the scope of the industry. Being involved in multiple aspects of the horse world means I get to keep a pulse on the industry, discover what riders are talking about, and meet key people for future resources. Of course, being situated in the heart of horse country is an absolute bonus. We have amazing facilities in Alberta and this province hosts the nationals or finals of nearly every sport and breed event in the Canadian equine world. Many people do not realize the horse industry here is an atmosphere comparable to Kentucky or Texas in the U.S. And currently, it's booming.
4) Why should someone pick up Western Horse Review now?
IS: I've seen too many people purchase inappropriate horses because they simply aren't in touch. Our magazine is a portal into the western riding world, it's where you will meet the people you'll need to know if you're interested in horse ownership and western riding in any format. Besides, there are photos of incredibly athletic and gorgeous horses in it. Who doesn't like that?
For more information, or to subscribe, check out Western Horse Review’s member page.
