Ralph Waldo Emerson, the 19th century philosopher, poet and writer, once said: “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” It’s a quote I have hanging in my office because, as I must admit, sometimes it’s that feeling of enthusiasm that escapes me during my day-to-day existence. Unfortunately, it’s sometimes misplaced in between all of the many responsibilities that vie for these valuable and precious 24 hours of each day—family, work, riding, commuting, after-school activities, etc.

So last week I broke out of my routine and traveled to Chicago for the Folio: Show 08, a conference for magazine professionals. There, it was easy to rediscover my enthusiasm. The conference included some of the best minds in magazine publishing, whose great ideas, passion and foresight have reformed and reinvented the industry.

One of the themes of the conference was new media and technology, which is quickly changing the way we access news and entertainment in print and on the Internet. You may remember that a few months ago I wrote about the wonderful opportunities that we had to follow the Olympic Games on live streaming video and to engage with the athletes through their websites and blogs (Aug. 15, p. 6). In Chicago I discovered that these technologies are just the tip of the iceberg in new media.

Here at the Chronicle we’ve worked diligently to blend the traditional with the modern. For more than 70 years the print magazine has informed and entertained sport horse enthusiasts, and for nine years our bulletin boards have grown to include more than 30,000 “COTH” members (www.chronicleforums.com) who share their viewpoints and stories. This year’s launch of our social networking site (www.chronicleofmyhorse.com) was met with great interest, and more than 3,800 members share friendships along with photos, videos and blogs. We now offer an online-only subscription option for the magazine (www.chronofhorse.com) so that our readers throughout the country and around the world may access the Chronicle’s news, results and features instantly with the click of a mouse.

Looking ahead to 2009, we’re further expanding the Chronicle’s presence in the new media world, and we hope that in the months and years to come you’ll enjoy taking this exciting ride along with us.

I’m always inspired when I gather with others who share the same passion; their energy and enthusiasm is contagious. Similarly, I’m looking forward to attending the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association and U.S. Equestrian Federation annual meetings later this winter. This is the perfect time to set aside the demands of the day to concentrate on generating new ideas and improving the future of our sports.

If you’re feeling bogged down or, like me, have briefly misplaced your enthusiasm, I encourage you to attend your affiliation’s annual meeting. It’s wonderful motivation, and great things happen when brilliant minds gather. Why not add yours?

Tricia Booker, Editor