Most people aren’t aware there are 300+ horse magazines. If they are aware, they might think the editors and writers would be snippy toward each other, because it’s such a competitive market. But it’s just the opposite. Sure we’re competitive when it comes to trying to develop the best product. But there’s a great sense of camaraderie, and you’d be surprised to find how often competitors help each other.

I thought how much professional associations are like horse shows. Some horse show environments are downright socially hostile, with newcomers made to feel like permanent outsiders. But other shows encourage people to pull together, to network, to have fun around a barbeque — even though when it comes to competition, there’s only one blue ribbon per class.

Developing an atmosphere where friendships develop among competitors takes a lot of work and forethought on the part of the organizers, but the results are worth the effort. It’s great for the sport, the industry, and the individuals who attend.

By the way, our team cheered as friends won awards at the awards dinner. But we can’t help a little brag when we tell you that Perfect Horse and The Trail Rider won our fair share, too. Having a new certificate to hang on the wall — the equivalent of a horse show ribbon — is great. But having your peers cheer for you is even better. It inspires you to come home and do a great job, so you look forward to the event again next year.