Editors DO Just Want to Have Fun!

Let's just say it's been one of those deadlines from hell. Mega stress, little time, ripping hair, biting finger nails, running around like headless chickens. But, we're on the home stretch...thank God! 

With this in mind, thought I'd share a goofy pic of me and Erin at a photo shoot at Charlie Cole's ranch. (I had to be the English model; Erin the Western-working diva.) This, too, had been one LONG (but fun) shoot, so Erin and I couldn't help but get the giggles and act like lil' girls at the shoot's conclusion. (Alas, I can't possibly act like I'm 30 yet!)

I promise we really are professionals! But ya all gotta let loose every once in awhile, even as H&R editors!

Alana (left); Erin (right)

TOMORROW: Get ready! I have an uber-controversial topic I desperately need to discuss with you guys. If you've received your December issue yet, you can take a guess at what it might be about. Stay tuned, as I really, really WANT your input.

Cheers to letting your hair down, every once in awhile!

Peace,

Alana :-)

AL, At Last!!!

A mild miracle occurred on Sunday night/Monday morning! After showing all day this past Sunday (Memphis did fabulous, BTW), I was exhausted after dinner and completely passed out on the couch----with the TV on. 

I woke up at 2:30 am, and in my daze, I attempted to turn the TV off. (My husband has so many remote controls going, I'm scared I'll accidentally hit the self-destruct button if I'm not careful.) Instead of turning the TV off, I inadvertently scrolled down a few channels...accidentally landing on Animal Planet...and who's shining face do I see? None other than Mr. Albert Dunning's!

FINALLY, I caught one of his "Untamed, Uncut" episodes. (Hoping it was a replay, and not scheduled for 2:00 in the morning.) I was super proud that one of our Team H&R members is now a full-fledged TV star!!! I immediately wanted to call all of our editors, but fortunately remembered the time.

Have any of you guys seen an episode? If so, please share. And, tell me which one you saw. This one took place in Argentina with a vaquero who was badly injured after falling off a wild, young mare.

Go Al! You're a rock star!

 

Appaloosa World: Report To Come!

Erin and I had a blast at the Appaloosa World Show last Friday in Fort Worth. We promise we haven't forgotten to give you a full report on the show--------and the highly anticipated Breyer Horse cocktail party. But, as the mag biz goes...our January deadline is looming, and we have to kick it into high gear to meet our deadline.

Not to mention, we're headed off to Erin's barn and ranch area tomorrow for a photo shoot. So, much to prepare for that, as well. But, I promise we'll give you the full dish post-photo shoot.

Did anyone else attend the show, or the "Toys For Tots" performance with the freestyle reining classes? Let us know whatcha thought! Thanks guys! Will chat with you soon...off for photo shoot preparations. ~Alana :-)

And speaking of Breyers, are any of you collectors? I met a woman at the party who owns well over 500 models! (My mom complained back in the day, thinking 20 was too many horses for indoor display. She had NOTHING to complain about!)

(Below, a photo from the last Western pleasure class of the day, after the freestyle performances.)

Don't Miss Charlie's Zoo!

Be sure not to miss our slide show tour of Charlie Cole's fab barn in Pilot Point, Texas...not to mention the rest of his exotic menagerie. If you haven't seen it yet, go to EquiShopper.com/charliecole. You'll find a lot more species than those of the equine variety (photo preview below). But, hey, that's what makes Charlie so cool! Let us know what your fave animal is!

Alana

Off to App World!

Tomorrow morning, Erin and I are headed over to the Will Rogers Coliseum in Fort Worth for the Appaloosa World Show. We'll be scoping out the scene, takin' pics, talking to competitors and spectators, and handing out plenty of free mags. So, if you happen to spot us (we'll be sporting our H&R shirts), PLEASE come say hello! We'd love to meet you.

AND, to top off the already fun-packed day, Erin and I will be attending a cocktail party hosted by Breyer, which will feature "Roxy," one of the newest Breyer models. (Just in case you're out of the loop, Roxy is Stacy Westfall's famously fab mare...who performs, flying lead changes, sliding stops, and spins without a bridle, saddle, or any other type of tack. Stacy is magic, of course!) 

The party will be held at the Cowgirl Hall of Fame Museum, so we'll sure to check that out as well! Then, on to the big deal of the evening, the "Toys for Tots" performance in the John Justin Arena, which will include the Ladies Pleasure Rope Race Calcutta, freestyle reining competition, and the ApPHA Open Two-Year-Old Snaffle Bit Western Pleasure Futurity! Wow...what a day!

We're pumped, though. Will take lots of pics and report next week! And, don't forget to say hi if you're there!

Alana :-)

***Below: a photo I shot at last year's App World...

Thanks to Caryn! Scottsdale Arabian Show...

I just wanted to give shout-out to Caryn Sappelli, who responded to my "Congress Report" post. Thanks Caryn! After returning from Congress, I wondered what were your other fave shows or events to attend...so we can make an H&R event "wish list"! 

I hope you guys read Caryn's post, but just in case you haven't seen it yet, she said her favorite is the Scottsdale Arabian Show (obviously in Scottsdale, Arizona). Caryn says of the show, "What could be more beautiful than a schooling ring with gorgeous horses of every color and discipline from Western pleasure to park to hunter hack, from seniors...down to kids!"

I'm uber-jealous! I've never attended this show before, but our head editor, Juli Thorson, went a few years ago. The below photos were taken by our contributing photographer Cappy Jackson during their trip. If you happen to have a copy of our June 2007 issue, we ran a beautiful feature on the show called, "Paradise Arabian Style" (H&R Road Trip). BTW: If you're ever interested in ordering a copy of a past issue, don't hesitate to call our main office at 940-497-4600.

This year, the 55th Annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show will be held February 11 to 21, 2010 at Westworld, Scottsdale, Arizona. Here's the Web link if you want to check it out the details: http://www.scottsdaleshow.com.

Caryn mentioned she sometimes works in a vendor booth, so if you head to the show this year, be sure to say "hi." Caryn, if you want to tell us what booth you work in, please do!

Caryn also claims this show is one of the best for cute cowboys! Hmmm...wonder if hubby would mind? If it's in the name of work, surely not! Hope H&R sends me there some day! And, thanks again Caryn! We greatly appreciate your feedback!

Enjoy the photos, and please let us know what others events are at the top of your list!!!

Trophies Galore!

I'm currently working on a slide show of Team H&R member Charlie Cole's facility for one of our company's Web sites, EquiShopper.com, and I came across this photo of one of Charlie's trophy rooms. 

If you happen to subscribe to our sister publication, EQUUS, you'll be receiving a copy of our EquiShopper magazine with your November issue. (Erin and I wrote the barn-tour article about Charlie's place.) 

Anyway...just wanted to share this pic, as Charlie and team will be returning from the All American Quarter Horse Congress in the next few days, and we can't wait to see how many awards he'll have to add to this collection! 

We'll keep you posted! And, if you want to check out the slide show (which will include pics of Charlie's exotic tortoise collection), go to EquiShopper.com/charliecole in the next week or so.