Celebrating Equine Media as an AHP Finalist

April 22, 2019 / Megan / Leave a comment

Even after so many years in the equine media industry, I’m still humbled and flattered to be named as a Finalist for the American Horse Publications’ Equine Media Awards. I believe this is the fourth or fifth year I have been named a Finalist as an individual member, and it never gets old.

I entered four pieces this year, including a piece on training your barn dogs for Horse Illustrated, a piece on female professionals in the Western performance horse industry shattering the glass ceiling for Horse & Rider and an educational article on how to buy horses online with confidence for The American Quarter Horse Journal. All three pieces have a special place in my portfolio for many reasons.

The barn dog piece features my beloved Corgi, Dallas Mae, and my heart horse, Skip’s Satin Lark (“Lark”) in a photo shoot by my friend, Chelle Zellers. (Note: the photo below is with our other American Quarter Horse mare, ‘Quila.)

From “Barn Dog Basics,” published by Horse Illustrated, photo by Chelle Zellers Photography.

The “Dirt Arenas, not Glass Ceilings” piece was a passion article that I pitched and did some heavy interviewing and research that I hope every female can stand up and say, “YES!” and know they can do anything in the equine industry, no matter the show level.

And the “Buy Now” piece features input from my friend, Chad Mendell, and tips that I hope to get to use when I start my horse search sometime soon.

Here’s a snippet of the press release from the AHP:

The announcement of award finalists ends the anticipation for 70 AHP members who have placed in the top five in one or more of the 63 classes in the 2019 AHP Equine Media Awards (EMA).

Held since 1974, the American Horse Publications (AHP) annual awards contest offers members an opportunity to be recognized for excellence in a variety of equine media categories. This year’s competition for material published in 2018 drew 711 entries from 119 members.

The Equine Media Awards, open to AHP members only, offer a Publishing Media Division for print or online publications and freelancers as well as a Business Division for equine-related businesses, nonprofit organizations, and colleges.

The next milestone on the road to EMA Gold is the announcement of the winners. Awards are placed first, second, third, or honorable mention based on the number of entries in the class. Every finalist is recognized for their achievement. The Equine Media Awards presentation will be held on Saturday evening, June 1, 2019, at the Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town during the AHP “High Desert Media Roundup” in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The results of the Equine Media Awards will be available after the awards presentation in June.

I have also been asked to be a panelist to present my tips for surviving event coverage, and I’m excited to present alongside friends and mentors Jennifer Paulson and Larri Jo Starkey, as well as fellow freelancers Diana DeRosa and Jenifer Bryant.

Also, big congratulations to my clients who have been named finalists for the AHP Equine Media Awards: Horse Illustrated, Horse & Rider, The American Quarter Horse Journal, NRHA Reiner and Quarter Horse News.

Saddle Up for Scottsdale

August 2, 2017August 2, 2017 / Megan / Leave a comment

I know this post is more than a month overdue, but I wanted to share some of the excitement from my trip to the American Horse Publications Seminar in Scottsdale, Arizona, in June.

As you may recall, I was a finalist in one category, plus I had an article that was submitted by a client, the American Quarter Horse Journal, that was a finalist in another.

I’m proud to say that this editorial series for the Journal won its class!

My personal profile on Tootie Bland for Western Horse & Gun Magazine took second in the Freelance Writer division, which I’m very proud of.

It was so fun to see fellow writers and magazines that I work for be honored throughout the night. The NRHA Reiner, American Quarter Horse Journal, Quarter Horse News, Western Horse & Gun Magazine and Horse Illustrated were all honored with numerous awards. I’m so lucky to get to work with some of the best writers, editors, photographers and designers in the industry.

Owners & Publishers of Western Horse & Gun, Ann & Rick Pihl

The NRHA Reiner staff: Bucky Harris, Simona Diale, Jana Thomason

Also at the Seminar, I took in some motivating information from renowned editor and writer Jacqui Banaszynski. I had heard so much about her, so I was happy to spend a day in writing sessions to learn about reporting and writing.

I also took in the session led by the Freelance Remuda, and led a session speaking to our student members about careers in the equine media field. It felt a little odd to have younger writers come up and say they’d read my work and aspired to do what I do…wasn’t I just that person a few years ago?

And, who can forget the gorgeous location and scenery around the Double Tree? The cacti were gorgeous, the pool amazing, and the friendships that were solidified were empowering.

If you are ever interested in equine media of some sort, I highly recommend becoming a member of the AHP and attending a seminar. Next year we will be in Hunt Valley, Maryland, and I’m looking forward to the trip already!

The Freelance Remuda ladies & fellow freelancers: Abigail Boatwright & Kate Bradley Byars

The infamous Larri Jo Starkey: Editor/Mentor/Friend

(L to R) Abigail Boatwright, Jessica Hein, me, Katie Navarra, Larri jo Starkey

American Horse Publications Finalist!

April 25, 2017April 25, 2017 / Megan / Leave a comment

The equine journalism world has what we like to think are the equivalent of the Oscars, only with no red carpet and we truly are excited just to be nominated. This morning the announcement was made showcasing the finalists for the Equine Media Awards. The awards are for work published in 2016 for member publications, associations and individuals, and will be awarded at the annual seminar in June.

And, yours truly is a FINALIST!

I entered only a few articles and crossed my fingers–they were what I thought my best works from 2016 (that clients hadn’t already entered to represent their publication). So to be named a finalist for at least one of the three articles I entered is pretty cool.

I want to congratulate and give a shout-out to my fellow freelancers for their finalist title, as well as some of my clients who were just named finalist: Horse Illustrated, NRHA Reiner, Quarter Horse News, The American Quarter Horse Journal, and Western Horse & Gun Magazine.

Below is the press release:

APRIL 25, 2017 – The wait is over. The finalists in the 2017 American Horse Publications Equine Media Awards (EMA) have been named. “This announcement ends two-months of anticipation for the 71 AHP members who have learned that they placed in the top five in one or more of 64 classes,” says Chris Brune, AHP Executive Director and EMA Coordinator.

Held since 1974, the AHP annual awards contest provides members with an opportunity to be recognized for excellence in equine media. This year’s competition for material published in 2016 drew 783 entries from 105 members, an increase in entries and participants from last year.

The Equine Media Awards, open to AHP members only, offer a Publishing Media Division for publications and freelancers and a Business division for equine-related businesses, organizations, and colleges.

The awards not only recognize excellence in equine media, but every entry is critiqued by professional judges to encourage members to improve.

The excitement isn’t over for the finalists. The next milestone is the announcement of the winners. Awards are placed first, second, third, or honorable mention, so every finalist is recognized for their achievement. The Equine Media Awards presentation will be held on Saturday evening, June 17, 2017, at the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Paradise Valley during the AHP “Saddle Up for Scottsdale” Equine Media Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Members interested in attending the AHP Equine Media Conference & Awards in Scottsdale can access conference information and register online.

The results of the Equine Media Awards will be available on the AHP website after the awards presentation in June.

Who will be this year’s stars who earn EMA gold in Scottsdale? Here is the list of AHP members who are Equine Media Award finalists for 2017. Congratulations!

PUBLISHING MEDIA DIVISION FINALISTS

American Cowboy
American Racehorse
America’s Horse
Barrel Horse News
BloodHorse
California Horsetrader
Chrome
Cowgirl Magazine
Daily Racing Form
Dressage Today
Driving Digest
Equine Career Network
Equine Journal
EQUUS
Hoof Beats
Horse & Rider
Horse Illustrated
Horse Radio Network LLC
Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred
Modern Arabian Horse
New York Horse
NRHA Reiner
Off-Track Thoroughbred Magazine
Paint Horse Journal
PATH Intl. Strides
Pennsylvania Equestrian
PleasureHorse.com
Practical Horseman
Quarter Horse News
Ranch Horse Journal
Sidelines Magazine
Speedhorse
The American Quarter Horse Journal
The Chronicle of the Horse
The Florida Horse
The Horse: Your Guide To Equine Health Care
Thoroughbred Daily News
Untacked
USDF Connection
USHJA In Stride
Western Horse and Gun
Western Horseman Magazine

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS

Megan Arszman
Abigail Boatwright
Melinda Brown
Kate Bradley Byars
Sarah Evers Conrad
Jennifer Keeler
Bianca McCarty
Merri Melde
Kathryn Navarra
Dusty Perin
Cheri Prill
Kelly Sanchez
Kara Stewart
Scott Trees

BUSINESS DIVISION FINALISTS

American Paint Horse Association
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.
Central Garden & Pet
Certified Horsemanship Association
Horse Lifestyle
Horseware Products, Ltd.
Manna Pro Products, LLC
Monty Roberts JOIN UP International
National Reining Horse Association
Ohio Quarter Horse Association
Pinto Horse Association of America, Inc.
PM Advertising
Purina Animal Nutrition
Road to the Horse/Ride the Remuda Productions
SmartPak

Finalist stamp

American Horse Publications Launches 3rd Equine Industry Survey

January 30, 2015 / Megan / Leave a comment

Horse owner? WE NEED YOU!

The American Horse Publications (AHP) is launching its third Equine Industry Survey to gauge participation trends and management practices in the U.S. equine industry, identify critical issues facing the equine industry as perceived by those who own or manage horses, and better understand issues pertaining to horse health.

In 2009, AHP conducted an online nationwide survey made possible by the sponsorship of Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health and Zoetis, formerly Pfizer Animal Health. In 2012, a second nationwide survey was conducted, sponsored by Kentucky Equine Research, Merck Animal Health, and Zoetis. The AHP 2015 Equine Industry Survey is being sponsored by Zoetis, a company made up of people who are supporters of the horse industry because of their love of the horse, not just because it’s their business.

The initial survey collected a total of 11,171 usable responses; the second survey yielded 10,539 usable responses. AHP will strive to exceed these numbers with its 2015 survey.

Those eligible to participate in the survey are men and women, 18 years of age and older, who currently own or manage at least one horse and live in the United States. This study is anonymous; this means that no one – not even members of the research team – will be able to associate information that is given with respondents. When the survey results are tallied, only aggregated results will be presented.

To take the 2015 AHP Equine Industry Survey, go to www.ahphorsesurvey.com

Please share this link with every horse-owning group and individual horse owner.

The survey closes April 1, 2015.

The 2015 AHP Equine Industry Survey is being conducted by American Horse Publications (AHP). AHP is a nonprofit association that promotes excellence in equine media. Its members include equine-related publishing media, professionals, students, organizations and businesses. Dr. C. Jill Stowe is providing consulting services for data collection and analysis to the AHP. Dr. Stowe is currently an associate professor of Agricultural Economics at the University of Kentucky.

Thankful for a Successful 2014

December 30, 2014December 30, 2014 / Megan / Leave a comment

The time between Christmas and New Year’s is usually a time to reflect on the previous 365 days and how far we’ve come. I’m always guilty of this because I’ve caught myself saying that the year has gone by so quickly, but then again, you feel as though it hasn’t.

It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation. — Herman Melville

This past year has seen MA Communications grow exponentially. What started as just a side gig to fill in time and keep in touch with my favorite industry has turned into a second full-time job with a growth in contacts that I appreciate everyday. Last week I sent in my last article for 2014, and I have already been working on articles for the 2015 editorial calendar.

Overall, in 2014, I wrote 80 articles–both online and in print–and covered four live events in person, as well as a couple from afar. I’ve been published in eight print magazines, as well as eight websites.

It was exciting covering the World Equestrian Games for two websites, bringing the excitement of reining to everyone.

I launched my Facebook page.

I love sharing my work and experiences on my Facebook page for everyone.

I traveled to South Carolina to receive my first independent award from the American Horse Publications.

First time entering an awards contest independently = not too shabby.

I’ve expanded my horizons and stepped out of my comfort zone to bring the best of what I could offer to different audiences–and I’ve loved every challenge.

I’ve brought along clients for social media marketing and to help grow their business from just starting to thriving in just one year.

I’m looking forward to another great year in 2015. I already know there will be challenges (in February the newest member of the MAC family will joining us as Matt and I welcome our little girl), but that will only make it more interesting!

Thank you for supporting and reading everything from MAC. If you have any article suggestions or topics you’d like to see covered more in any genre, please let me know!

Thank you to the following websites and publications that worked with me in 2014:

America’s Horse
American Paint Horse Journal
American Quarter Horse Journal
American Quarter Horse Journal Online
Canine Chronicle
CanineChronicle.com
Clean Run
The Daily Corgi
DressageDaily.com
Equine Chronicle
EquineChronicle.com
GoHorseShow.com
HorsesDaily.com
The Reiner
Rodeo News
Western Shooting Horse Magazine
The Wrangler–Horse & Rodeo News

AHP Seminar Wrap-Up: Awards, Networking & Friendship

June 23, 2014 / Megan / Leave a comment

It was an awesome four days in Charleston, South Carolina! Not only is the city beautiful, but the experience of the American Horse Publications Seminar was spectacular. I learned a lot, met a lot of new people, rekindled old friendships, and did lots of networking.

The event was capped off with the annual awards, where I earned Honorable Mention for my article on Tammy Sronce and her recovery from a head injury in Western Shooting Horse Magazine—Refilling the Glass.

I networked with editors from The Chronicle of the Horse, Horse Illustrated, Western Horseman, Paint Horse Journal, Equine Journal, and the Quarter Horse News–all great publications with huge followings. I also got to spend some time exploring the city, including taking in Charleston’s weekly farmers’ market that took place across the street from my hotel.

I have to thank the editors and fellow freelance writers that I met for their time and camaraderie, especially those who worked behind the scenes to put together the annual seminar. If you’re interested, at all, in equine media, I highly suggest joining the American Horse Publications (students, corporations, freelancers, websites, and publications are all invited to join). It’s like one giant family.

Writer buddies: Rachel Florman (Assistant Editor, Paint Horse Journal), Abigail Boatwright (Abigail Boatwright Communications), Kate Bradley (Kate Bradley Creative), Kelsey Pecsek, Features Editor, Quarter Horse News), and myself

AHP Seminar roomies! (Rachel Florman, Assistant Editor Paint Horse Journal)

First time entering an awards contest independently = not too shabby.

One last gorgeous scene from Charleston’s boardwalk.

On Charleston Time

June 20, 2014June 20, 2014 / Megan / Leave a comment

Thursday I flew into South Carolina to attend the 2014 American Horse Publications Seminar in Charleston. It’s beautiful here! I’m somewhat familiar with the area because in 2012, my husband and I honeymooned on Pawley’s Island and visited Charleston for the day, but I’m so happy to have a chance to be able to spend more time here.

How can you not take a deep breath and relax with this scenery?

So far I’ve enjoyed dinner at Prohibition and lots of walking around downtown. I was able to be a guest at CrossFit Discovery Downtown Friday morning, where I did a drop-in workout and actually enjoyed being soaked with sweat even before the workout began (humidity is no joke here).

CrossFit Discovery

Sessions I’ve attended so far include “Tell Me A Story” and “Beyond Words” with Vanessa Gregory, a journalism professor and freelance writer, as well as “What’s a Platform, and How do I get one?” with Milt Toby and “The Art of Pitching” with a panel of magazine editors.

I’m looking forward to meeting and networking with many more equine publication editors and my fellow freelancers Saturday, as well as see the results from the awards, where I’ll keep my fingers crossed that I’ll hear my name!

Ironic that I find this place the day after my dad’s 68th birthday!