Welcome to the first edition of SA Horseman in 2009. With all the festivities behind us, it is back to the grindstone. May 2009 be everything that you hope for.

In this edition we focus on shows. We provide tips on the daunting task of presenting a show, both from an organisational and a participatory point of view.

We have a very practical guide to forecast more or less how big a foal will become, once it is mature.

We also try to give some perspective on what the fundamental principles are on which to judge good horsemanship and we present a report on a clinic presented by a well-known German dressage trainer. Just to get the balance right, we also go on safari in a horse carriage.

To end off, allow me to boast a bit. SA Horseman is, by any standard, a rather young publication. Our achievement being awarded a "Highly Commended" certificate at the Magazine Publishers' Association of South Africa’s annual Pica Awards late last year, was therefore for me personally rather special.

I would like to use this opportunity to thank everybody who is involved with SA Horseman from the bottom of my heart, for helping to make this dream possible.

Happy reading, but more importantly, happy riding!