New cutting publication 2 1/2 Minutes is a winner, with high marks for content and eye appeal. Although editor Carolyn Kiesz notes that the mission of 2 1/2 Minutes is to promote the sport of cutting in the Northwest, specifically Oregon and Washington, the magazine has a broad appeal, with human interest stories and guest editorials by trainers, judges and non-pros.

In the May issue, for instance, trainer Nate Smith, who is completing his Master’s degree in Equine Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Texas A&M University, explains why high fat diets benefit cutting horses and how to adjust diets to include more fat. Smith’s article is easy to digest in seven concise paragraphs.

2 1/2 Minutes is a labor of love for Kiesz and her husband, Rick, a retired print shop owner and graphic designer. Their expertise, as well as pride in their product, is evident everywhere, from the graphic design to the unique spiral bound format and card stock pages with rounded corners.

“I suppose there are lots of people who might think we’re nuts for starting this at our ages,” said Carolyn (carolyn@twoandahalfminutes.com), who turns 60 this year. “But we are having the time of our lives!”