March 2026 Issue

A Letter from the Publisher Dear Friends, March has always felt like a hinge month in the horse world. The days stretch longer. Trailers start rolling. Tack trunks come back out of winter corners, and we begin imagining what the year ahead might hold—for our hors- es, our barns, and ourselves. This March marks something special for East Coast Equestrian. As we enter our 33rd year, we do so with re- newed energy, deeper commitment, and a strong sense of responsibility to the community that has carried this mag- azine for more than three decades. If you’re holding this issue—or opening it in your in- box—you’ll notice it right away.Themagazine feels different. It looks different. It is different. Starting in 2026, East Coast Equestrian will publish ten issues annually, along with two specialeditions:aRealEstateShowcaseandaHolidayGiftGuide/BestOfissue.We’removing to a fully glossy format—one that better reflects both the beauty and the grit of this sport and way of life. It’s a change driven by readers and advertisers alike, honoring both tradition and progress. You’ll also see broader coverage than ever before. Our footprint now stretches fromNew York through Florida, with expanded distribution at more than 250 additional tack and feed stores and a stronger presence at major events across disciplines—from hunter/jumper and dressage to eventing, steeplechase, breeding, and racing. Whether you compete at the top level, manage a barn, ride locally, or simply love horses fromthe rail, thismagazine is built to meet you where you are. What hasn’t changed—and never will—is our purpose. East Coast Equestrian has always been about service. About being useful. About show- ing up with information that helps horse people make better decisions, stay connected, and feel a little less alone in a demanding, wonderful life. That same spirit led us to launchNoHorse Hungry. If you’ve been around horses long enough, you know a hard truth: by the time a horse is visibly suffering, something has already gone very wrong. “No hoof, no horse” is true—but feed insecurity creates suffering long before it shows up in hooves, health, or behavior. It is often the first warning sign of deeper crisis. NoHorse Hungry exists to intervene earlier—to break that cycle. Launched by East Coast Equestrian inpartnershipwith the horse community, NoHorse Hungry helps keep horses fed when owners face financial hardship—without shame, judg- ment, or unnecessary red tape. The goal is simple: help people through a tough moment so horses can remain healthy and at home with the people who love them. We are currently in the launch phase. As a media organization deeply embedded in the horse world, we bring something powerful: a trusted network. In these earlymonths, we are connecting individuals and barns facing feed insecurity with businesses, hay and feed pro- ducers, veterinarians, suppliers, and others willing to help—while building the infrastruc- ture to support this effort sustainably. We’ll keep you informed as this work takes shape. In this issue, you’ll find a half-page ad with a QR code linking to our GoFundMe cam- paign. If you believe, as we do, that early intervention can prevent deeper crisis, we invite you to support the launch, share themission, or raise your hand as a potential resource. Together, we can keep horses fed and families intact. As publisher, I want you to know that every decision we’ve made—from expanding our schedule and holding advertising and subscription rates steady, to investing in quality and launching a nonprofit alongside the magazine—has been guided by one question: Does this serve the people and horses who rely on us? The pressures on horse owners, professionals, and businesses are real. Our commitment is to remain accessible, dependable, anddeeply connected—while growing thoughtfully into the next generation of East Coast Equestrian. Behind every issue is a small but mighty team who pour their experience, heart, and high standards into everything we publish. I wake each day grateful for their commitment and for the privilege of serving this community. Thank you for reading. Thank you for trusting us. And thank you—for everything you do, every day, for the horses whomake all of this possible. I’ll see you at the ring, in the barn aisle, or in these pages. With gratitude, Brooke KnightWarner Publisher &Owner, East Coast Equestrian P.S. As we grow, we want to do it with you inmind. Tell us what you’d like more of—or what we should explore next. You can reachme anytime at brooke@eastcoastequestrian.net . Con- sider this an open tack room door: ideas, suggestions, and thoughtful critiques are always welcome. Break the Cycle Before Rescue. Before Surrender. Before Suffering. No hoof no horse is true, but unhappy bellies create suffering long before we see it in hooves, failing health, or bad behavior – the impact fromwhich goes long into the future. Feed insecurity is often the first warning sign of a deeper crisis. Left unaddressed, it can spiral into declining condition, surrender, rescue intervention, or worse. No Horse Hungry exists to intervene earlier—to break that cycle. Launched by East Coast Equestrian, in partnership with the horse community, No Horse Hungry helps keep horses fed when owners face financial hardship—without shame, judgment, or unnec- essary red tape. By helping earlier, we can prevent deeper crisis and keep horses healthy and stable with the people who love them. The need is real—and growing. We are in the early stages of building this network. Donate today to help launch this effort. Scan the QR code to donate to our GoFundMe campaign.