After 40 years as Editor and Publisher of Arabian Horse World magazine, I decided to change direction and create a more intimate project, one that would allow me to work alongside a handful of some of the most talented and knowledgeable people in the breed. They all happen to be dear friends of mine whom I admire. They each have their own particular talents, but one thing they share is that they are fearless advocates for the Arabian horse.
Joining me on the Swift Runner’s Editorial Board are: Cindy Reich, an international judge as well as a popular clinician and a prolific writer on many topics; Scott Benjamin, Manager of International Marketing and Media Relations for Mulawa Stud in Australia, and an international judge, educator, and lifelong steward of the breed; Johanna Ullström, Arabian horse breeder, trainer, deep thinker, and breeding program manager for clients at her farm in France; and Betty Finke of Germany, one of the world's leading Arabian horse historians and observers, as well as a poignant writer. Also joining The Swift Runner is Jeff Wintersteen, another great friend of the Arabian horse, and an evocative writer. Over the years Jeff and I have driven hundreds of miles throughout Europe in search of special horses and stories to write about… and we’re still friends! Luckily for me (and our readers), they all said “yes” when I asked if they would be part of this token of love for the Arabian horse.
The name “Swift Runner” comes from a quote attributed to the Prophet Mohammed, and also from a book by Lady Wentworth in which she praises the Arabian as the original “swift runner” and the source of speed in the Thoroughbred.
For us, the Prophet’s quote conjures the beauty and romance of the Arabian breed. It reminds us of the thrill we felt upon seeing our first Arabian horse in the flesh...and the passion for this horse that lives in us still.
Think of the Swift Runner as the axis around which all aspects of the Arabian horse world revolve. We invite you to join us as we begin this new, beautifully-curated on-line literary journal that honors the Arabian’s rich history and brilliant achievements, past and present.
– Denise Hearst
