One of the WH staff trail rides.

In 2010, when I started as an assistant editor at Western Horseman, the magazine was gearing up for the 2011 75th Anniversary. It allowed me the opportunity to dive into the magazine’s history, learning of its start on the Tarantula Ranch in California, moving to Colorado, and the many, many topics covered in the 75 years of publishing. I was the lucky staffer to interview the first female editor, Pat Close, as well as help facilitate articles about the magazine’s history.

Now, in 2026, the magazine is celebrating its 90th Anniversary. Once again, I have the opportunity to be part of the celebratory issues. Reconnecting with friends and fellow staffers, starting with the “From the Lens” with my publisher, Darrell Dodds.

Darrell shared his memorable or favorite images from his many years helming WH. For some, I was with him, holding a flash, doing the interview while he did the photo, and trying to glean any bit of wisdom or photography knowledge I could. Darrell was my travel partner to South Dakota and to California, a couple of times. He was a safety net, asking a question that helped my interview; taking a photo far, far more superior than my baby editor skills could fathom. As the Randy Rogers lyric goes: “I learned more from these cities than I ever did in class,” and that is the truth. The road was a great teacher.

Darrell Dodds shooting former Editor Pat Close in Colorado. (that is my shadow!)

The January issue also included a “Backcountry” article where I caught up with Ben Masters. As the assistant editor I oversaw the general WH email, and Ben sent in an idea to write about the cross-country trip he and his friends did in 2011. After vetting him, and the trip, the story became our first collaboration, “Three for the Trail.” Ben came back to WH to be part of “Unbranded,” another cross-country trek that included using Mustangs adopted and trained by Ben and friends. The documentary was a stepping stone into Ben’s career today, with Fin & Fur Films, creating documentaries about nature and the West. It was fun to visit withi him for the article.

Baby editor Kate at the old WH Colorado Springs office in 2011.

The January issue allowed me to go down the memory trail of many of the good times had working for WH. From staff trail rides, to the first issue I had a byline in, to the first feature I wrote (thanks John Willemsa) to the many, many friends made on the road. I can’t wait to keep the memory train rolling for 2026!

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