I am extremely happy to have a new columnist, Maria Belknap, who has written three books to assist us with the care of our animals and working with our Spanish-speaking caregivers. Her column "Horse Words" will help us to communicate better with those working in barns, in communities where Spanish-speaking workers are prevalent. I am very excited to have her join our team.

Two friends of mine, Ken Graves and Jo Johnson, write their version of a trip we took together in the Lassen National Park and Shasta Trinity Forest. Tamara gives us a great interview with an animal communicator and we have a very unusual holiday recipe from the main chef of Cavalia.

Our columnists give us great teaching materials this month as always. Dr. Eastman shows us new technology in treating lameness and Martha McNiel tells us why she is thankful. Be sure and check them all out and read our entire issue.

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I hope it will be ok to use some of your information in my DAILY NEWSletter from time to time. Of course I will give credit for each article used and the author if I have permission to use some of your information.

I enjoyed reading Jerry Tindell's article. He is a friend whom we have come up and do a clinic with us every February.

I'm looking forward to reading your online magazine each month. 

Yvette Mendes

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Your clinician - Jerry - needs a serious talking to. Putting a young child on ANY horse like that with no helmet is irresponsible. If someone wants to teach people - make sure they really want to teach and not show off. That little boy looks like he may even be under 3 years  of age.  A child under 3 should never be on a horse because the bones in  their skull have not fused and they are at serious risk for a brain  injury if they fall.  Children over three years are able to fall (with  helmet protection) safely.  Jerry is not being responsible with a little  child, why should we think he is responsible enough to teach us?  You  should be embarrassed to have that picture in your magazine!  You have  put too much work into it to spoil it that way.

Michelle Haseltine

Dear Michelle Haseltine:

I appreciate your comments about the photo in my last article. Safety is ALWAYS my number one goal, so I have taken your email straight to heart. Rest assured, there was no intention to show off when we posed for the photo. My grandson, Cody, was placed on my trusted and very consistent mount, Mister, for only a moment or two, just long enough to take the photo. BUT, even for a moment, safety must always be the utmost consideration, as you have pointed out. My two grandsons are required to wear helmets when riding. Your conscientious observation is valid! They should be required to wear helmets at all times, even for a photo shot that takes only a moment. It is NEVER my intent to be irresponsible in any way, especially with my family and my students. If you are familiar with my program and teaching methods, I am confident you are aware that safety is a vital element, critical to the foundation that I teach. Thanks for reading my column and being a safety conscious horsewoman.