With the new year in full swing again, we welcome you to the first issue of SA Horseman for 2010. The spotlight in this edition falls on the ever-present problem of both internal and external parasites, and control measures to minimise the risk of disease they may cause.

We also look at two of the less prominent breeds in the country. We discover the magic of the Red Indian spotted steed, better known as the Appaloosa, and we discuss the increasingly dominant role that our local Hackneys play on the world stage.

We look at how to know when your horse is fit enough and how to apply the age-old technique of strapping a horse. Then we get a perspective of groundwork techniques from a competitive dressage rider and trainer.

We kick off with the first in a series of articles aimed at problem-solving for younger riders. These articles, written by a person with extensive experience in training children to ride horses, aim to inform our younger riders and equip them with the principles of natural horsemanship. Finally we visit the Eastern Free State for a wonderfully relaxing trail ride in the mountains of Rosendal.

SA Horseman caters for a wide variety of readers. The feedback we receive indicate that we are respected for the quality of articles we carry and that many readers are keen to read about other disciplines and activities to broaden their own perspectives.

We hope this edition doesn't disappoint.