For most of you the show season is already in full swing and you and your horse are working on getting back into full form. For some, what’s left over from a long, cold winter, is an out of shape body and an out of shape horse. If you’ve ever suffered from back pain, Dr. James Warson’s book — The Rider’s Pain-Free Back: Overcoming Chronic Soreness, Injury and Aging and Stay in the Saddle for Years to Come, reviewed on page 30 — takes a look at what happens to your back joints while riding, be it dressage, jumping, cutting, pleasure riding or barrel racing and gives practical advice on how to maintain a strong, healthy back.
 

After the death of Natasha Richardson, wife of actor Liam Neeson, in a skiing accident earlier this year, I hope this tragedy has opened the eyes of every rider to the importance of always wearing a helmet, especially for children. In our story on page 24, we give you some tips on how to buy a helmet that’s right for you and that will help keep you safe should you take a tumble.
 

In this issue we also take a look at a couple of equine health concerns. Dr. Carol Shwetz discusses deworming on page 10 and on page 22, we take a look at how West Nile virus affects you and your horse, how to effectively manage mosquito breeding grounds on your property and some practical ways to protect you and your horse.
 

Spring is about trying new things and for every adult out there who thinks they’re too old to learn how to ride a horse, please turn to page 28 and start reading. If you’re thinking about getting involved in a new sport, why not try cutting. Turn to page 25 and find out all the ins and outs of getting started in cutting from multiple NCHA world champion and NCHA Riders Hall of Fame honouree, Tom Lyons.
 

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As always, if you have any comments about what you’re reading in Horses All, or suggestions on who we should highlight in our Horses All Places and Horses All People features, please send me an email.