Part of the challenge of working for a health-focused horse publication is that when your cover story is about something not so attractive–say, colic, parasites, manure, or, as was the case this month, skin conditions–you’re left grasping for cover model options. We’re not going to put scaly/crusty/funky skin on our cover, so we have to be creative with our choices and our cover lines.

Managing editor Alex found a compelling shot of a Curly Sporthorse Mare, which ended up as a perfect choice; freelancer Dr. Stacey Oke had described what’s normal (not just the Bad Stuff), along with a short description of some of the unique equine hair coats out there.