Spring's Awakening!

Steve Patterson
Editor-In-Chief

After a long winter, it’s never too early to greet the beginnings of spring. All of us at Southern States are just as exited as you are to watch the seedlings pop up in the pastures and to welcome the season’s arrival of gangly foals. We’re proud to partner with you in the celebration of the changing season. We know that the past few months have been challenging to the equine community, and that many of you had to cut back on your travelling and those non-essential purchases. We thank you for holding true to providing the best when it comes to the feed you choose for your horses.

And, speaking of choices, this issue is a round of choice features and seasonal articles. EquuSSource holds the reins to five unique stories about successful Southern States customers, who like you, have weathered the winter and are ready to hit the softer trails and riding arenas. On the cover you caught a glimpse of Amidala, a prized dressage champion in the prime of her career. And for those readers looking for a career in the equine industry, you just have to turn a few pages to learn about the Equine Studies program at Centenary College. Ritchie Rozzelle shares the passion and commitment of Sandy Rose in the feature “Big Pony Business.” She has devoted her life to breeding and raising competitive ponies at her Wynnbrook Farm. Then there’s the 4-H Drill Team of Spalding County, Georgia. They’ve worked hard to perfect their riding patterns showcasing the American flag. We round up this issue with our colt-starting friends at Jerry King’s Training Center in Parkton, North Carolina.

Given the time of year, it is once again your chance to pull out the camera to document the birth and first steps of your foals to share with EquuSSource. Go ahead and send us your photos of this year’s newborns. We’ll feature the best in our third annual “Foals For Love” Contest. Your foal could be in our summer issue and online at
www.equussource.com.

From everyone at Southern States, we wish you happy trails and a safe spring!