Ponies and kids are always adorable, and our July issue, which goes to Pony Finals, always has a heavy kidlet concentration. This year is not only no exception, but our most pony-fied one yet.

Jan Westmark takes us there, and thanks to Melissa Burns (mom of our cover girl) we have lots of great photos from her friends to give you a flavor of what this oh-so-important show is all about. Jan also profiles Olivia Burns, who is becoming a Pony Finals veteran.

Betsee Parker is one amazing pony trainer, and Lauren Giannini catches up with her and learns a bit about Betsee’s winning philosophy... “the best rider for the pony” is her motto.

In this issue we are introducing our newest junior columnist, Lauren Corey, who is taking over the Juniorside slot.  Lauren is a California girl, and since she’s just 15, we are expecting to have her around for some time to come.

Our Pony Kids column is always popular with the younger set, and the person most often picked as “Equestrian Idol” is Beezie Madden. Jan connected with Beezie while she was still in France, cleaning up at Le Baule, and got a wonderful interview that includes Beezie answering the Pony Kids questionnaire.  What a great way to learn a little more about our favorite Idol!

Pablo Barrios is one interesting guy, and Erin Gilmore tracked him down in Florida.  Pablo is having a great summer so far, and seems to be leading rider at just about every show he attends.  This guy is definitely one to watch.

Erin also reports on Equestrian Life, a social site for horse people that’s now making the big leap into equestrian TV programming. Check this story out, for sure.

Sarah Ward always has something interesting to say in her My Line column, and this issue is no exception. Summer fun and a little heat seem to keep this resilient young woman bouncing back.

One of the things I’ve particularly enjoyed in this issue is including a story about young riders in eventing, dressage and foxhunting. Sam Eckroyd, Natalie Pai and Mary Taylor Miller, respectively, prove there is life beyond the hunter ring.

No matter your age or interests, you’ll find someone interesting to read about in the pages of this issue.

I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed putting it together.

‘Till next month,

Cornelia Henderson