From the Publisher | July 2022

HRL Publisher Barbara Godwin on a once-in-a-lifetime ride in Versailles, France

Whether wild horses or cars, the Mustang is an iconic symbol of American freedom. In honor of Independence Day, it is with great pleasure that I introduce HRL’s “Mustang Month”!

We believe the Mustang horse deserves as much recognition as the Ford Mustang and should remain as free as the symbol it represents. With this in mind, July’s content represents those who have dedicated their lives to preserving what nature intended for America’s wild horses: freedom. That includes the environment they reside in.

Wild horses have long been the center of political controversy regarding public lands and the environment. We are honored to have Craig Downer share with HRL and its readers the real truth about saving the environment. Not just for the wild horses, but for all those dependent on its salvation – including us humans. 

HRL has also published an open letter to the CEO of Ford Motor Company, Jim Farley. While HRL has reached out to Ford’s corporate headquarters to inform them of the letter, we have not received a reply at this time. We are hoping for comment regarding how the Mustang car and Ford have benefited from the wild Mustang horse as an icon…and that they might consider using their significant visibility to help the mission to keep wild horses wild.

July is host to one of the year’s most celebrated dates, the 4th of July – with backyard barbecues, parades, and…fireworks.

There was a time when fireworks were mostly held for communities, and overseen by public officials in a designated and safe environment – but over the years there has been a major shift to private parties creating their own fireworks displays, and creating major concerns for neighbors with pets and livestock. Our concern is not just mental harm from fear, but also physical damage from panicking and the loud noises themselves. Many creatures, including children, cannot physically endure the decibel levels of fireworks without repercussions.

Also, this month features a HRL exclusive by one of the finest writers in the equine world, CuChullaine O’Reilly, with his amazing story “Savin’ All My Love For You”.  It’s a dramatic and entertaining tale based on the facts about the beginnings of horse slaughter. Don’t miss it.

Last but not least, Cristina and I review the documentary The Long Rider featuring Filipe Masetti Leite.

Here’s hoping this July brings hope and change to a world that is full of noise.  May our voices be heard and create a positive environment for all concerned.  

Barbara Godwin

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Barb currently resides in Central Florida with her three horses; when she’s not writing or riding for HRL, she loves to read and travel. horseandriderliving@gmail.com

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