HQ153 is our final issue for 2020, and we’re pretty happy to be seeing the back of this first year of the ‘20s. At the same time, we’ve learnt a lot, built some serious resilience, and gained some perspective on just how important our horses are for our sanity and wellbeing! So, we’d like to extend our gratitude to all of the horses out there for keeping us humans in line, and also to each and every one of you for continuing to support this magazine through this very difficult 12 months. We couldn’t have got through this without you!
We’re optimistic about the fun 2021 will bring, and the ‘new normal’ where we’ll prioritise our horses EVEN MORE and bring you EVEN BETTER content to spice up your equestrian life. We love learning with you and, as always, it would be great to hear from you about what you’d like to see more of/less of/none of in the magazine in future. If you have suggestions, please feel free to drop us a message on Facebook or send us an email at hqmagazine@panorama.co.za. And finally, don’t forget to keep checking this website, www.hqmagazine.co.za, for more great equestrian content. We have lots of exciting plans in the pipeline and we can’t wait to start sharing them with you – so stay tuned.
Now, to turn to this issue, we have a jam-packed adventure for you this month in HQ153, starting out with Deidre Janse van Rensburg and her rather special mare Balaika. Deidre has been selected as one of our 20 riders of 2020, for the wonderful bond she shares with her horse, and her sheer versatility across multiple disciplines with her mare. Deidre is president of the Mounted Archery Association South Africa and an avid competitor herself, having competed overseas at the world championship for the discipline on two occasions. She also does dressage, showjumping, eventing and Western riding – often competing Balaika in nothing more than a neck rope. She is a supremely talented rider, and the article contains some real insights and learnings for all of us!
We also focus on summer fashion this month, with some of our top equestrian brands showcasing their summer styles.
We give you a variety of exercises to try for low-intensity schooling over this period.
Our breeds of the month are the Icelandic Horse and the Clydesdale, and we have articles on the psychology of performance and improving your riding fitness.
We also have great health articles on pinworms (prepare to be grossed out) and the locking stifle, and we look at how to take the best care of our horses in the heat.
All in all, there’s something for everyone here, and we hope you enjoy this issue.
If you want to buy a print copy, you can find HQ153 in the following stores:
Alternatively, you can buy the digital version online at www.coolmags.co.za.
https://www.coolmags.co.za/product-category/digital-magazines/hq-digital/