Canadian Horse Journal Receives Multiple Honours at Equine Media Awards
Updated:
June 16, 2024“The function of good journalism is to take information and add value.” — Bill Moyers
By Kathy Smith, Editor and Publisher
As editor, I have the privilege of working with an extraordinary community of writers whose dedication and professionalism continue to strengthen Canadian Horse Journal magazine and this website. Their commitment is one of the reasons our features and columns remain vibrant, relevant, and the most trusted resources in Canada. Our contributors come from many backgrounds and disciplines within the horse world, bringing not only expertise, but also passion, curiosity, and a genuine desire to inform and inspire fellow horse people. I am deeply grateful for the care and heart they invest in every story they share with our readers.
To view and read our complete list of award-winning articles from over the years, please see below:
2026 Equine Media Awards
Social License to Operate in Equestrian Sport - What Does The Future Hold?
By Li Robbins
1st - Service to the Horse Industry (19 entries)
Main photo: Shutterstock/Sychov Serhil
Once upon a time animal acts were the big draw beneath the big top. Bears danced, elephants balanced on balls, and tigers leapt through flaming hoops — all in the name of human entertainment. Nowadays though, wild animal circus acts are largely gone. The reason for their demise is in part because they lost their “social licence to operate,” or SLO — the unwritten law that exists between the public and any industry.
Judge’s comment: “Well-written and clear. Uses several ‘voices.’ Lead does a good job drawing reader into the story. As a side note, layout and photo choices enhance the impact (although they did not factor into deciding this contest.) The sources cite mostly high-level (i.e. Olympic) competitions although for a good reason, since they are the most visible. Story flirts with becoming an opinion piece but doesn't cross the line.”
Published in Canadian Horse Journal's Annual Industry Guide 2025
Here's a list of Canadian Horse Journal's AHP Awards, from past years:
Canadian Pony Club - Then and Now
By Tania Millen, BSc, MJ
2nd - Public Awareness Journalism (5 entries)
It’s common for riders to compete at high levels today without advanced horsemanship knowledge. A rider’s success in the show ring seems to have greater value than their horse management skills, but that wasn’t always the case...
Judges comment: So many aspects of this entry seem to hit the heart with a lasting impact. It is an incredible example of storytelling. From depicting the history of the CPC to detailing the intricate passion equine enthusiasts have for their animals, this story weaves together hard-hitting information with so many well-devised, heartfelt take-home messages. This well-done article addresses the equine industry's good and bad in a professional, easily interpretable manner.
Published in the 2023 Canada's Equine Guide
Canada's Wild Horses - An Uncertain Future
By Tania Millen, BSc, MJ
1st - Public Awareness Journalism (4 entries)
Imagine a sandy island surrounded by the fierce Atlantic Ocean where waves endlessly crash on white sand beaches, dune grasses are flattened by the wind, and wild horses run free...
Judge’s comment: "This entry is incredibly thorough and well-researched. The author explains why these horses matter, and what is and isn’t being done to protect them. Excellent work."
Published in the Winter 2022 issue
Practical Nutrition for Donkeys
By Shelagh Niblock
3rd - Horse Care (25 entries)
Everybody loves to see a donkey! With their large fuzzy ears and soulful eyes, they naturally tug at the heartstrings of horse lovers everywhere....
Judge’s comment: "This thorough article clarifies that donkeys are not the same as horses regarding diet. It repeats this information without being overbearing. I feel confident that if I were to get a donkey or a mule, I would know how to feed it based on this article. A good explainer with helpful websites at the end."
Published in the Spring 2022 issue
If Your Horse Could Drive...
By Kevan Garecki
2nd - Instructional Single Article (24 entries)
Photo: Pam Mackenzie
To help you understand what he experiences during transport, your horse might suggest that you stand inside the horse trailer, with your hands in your pockets and your eyes closed, while he drives you around…
Judge’s comment: "The author of this article creates a comfortable space for the reader. There is an immediate authoritative tone; however, the reader never feels looked down on or criticized. Personal experiences add authenticity."
Published in the Early Summer 2021 issue.
Solo Horse Packing Adventures in Canada’s Southern Rocky Mountains
By Tania Millen
2nd - Equine-Related Public Awareness Journalism Article (6 entries)
Photo: Shutterstock/Protasov AN
Sven, the Haflinger pack pony, jerked his head up and snorted. I looked uphill towards our camp and caught a humpy flash of beige ducking behind a stunted fir tree. Grizzly, I thought. I was hand-grazing Sven and my paint mare, Jewel, on a frosty July morning in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park, British Columbia during a solo pack trip…
Judge’s comment: "The author’s language is descriptive and flows gently. It’s a ride many readers would be happy to take."
Published in the Spring 2021 issue.
Immersed in the Muskwa-Kechika
A Place That Changes You
By Tania Millen
2nd - Public Awareness Journalism Article (7 entries)
Photo: Tania Millen
Judge's comments: "This story rose to the top for me because of the quality of writing. Descriptive writing made it feel as if I was on the trip and left me with similar feelings the author shared. This is difficult to do and I recognize the talent the author has to make a trip log into a spectacularly written story."
Published in the Spring 2020 issue.
Lights! Camera! Action!
Hoofbeats Across the Silver Screen
By Margaret Evans
1st - Feature Single Article (26 entries)
Photo: Alamy/Ridley Scott Film Company Universal Pictures/AF Archive
The film industry has an enduring fascination with these amazing animals that shaped our civilization and remain our faithful partners.
Judge’s comments: “This is a wonderful read that will benefit TV and movie fans as well as horse lovers. The writer does a deep dive into researching decades of feature films’ use of horses – not just those in starring roles, but their doubles and backups. The information on how horses and other animals were abused on film sets is presented with straightforward accuracy, never descending into sentimentality. And the information provided by trainers, stars, stunt workers, and caretakers adds an unexpected depth. It is a superb story; I savored every word.
Published in the Winter 2019 issue.
Safer Landings: How to Minimize Risk of Injury from Falls
By Margaret Evans
1st – Service to the Horse Industry Single Article (18 entries)
Photo: Clix Photography
Falling, or otherwise parting company with your horse, is part of riding. If fall safety training saves even a small number of riders from catastrophic injury, it’s worth training every rider.
Judge’s comments: “We have all been told that if we fall off a horse, we must get right back on. Well, easier said than done. And no one ever told [most of] us that we could actually be trained on how to do a fall the right way. This very thorough article covers that and more. It is well sourced on the training and the need for physical fitness. This article also includes interviews with riders who described what happened to them physically and mentally after coming off a horse. Most of us who have come off a horse can identify with their experience.
Published in the Autumn 2019 issue.
Senior Senator’s Triumph
By Margaret Evans
1st – Feature Single Article (16 entries)
Photo: Douglas Lees
The incredible story of a steeplechaser’s recovery from a broken neck to win the Maryland Hunt Cup for a second time.
Judge’s comments: “The article was impressive and explained the complicated surgery and equipment clearly while keeping the focus on the horse. The writer gave the audience enough before and after the surgery to make for a compelling story about a complex procedure.”
Published in the Autumn 2018 edition.
Canada’s Horse Industry Builders
By Margaret Evans and Kathy Smith
2nd – Equine-related Editorial Series (15 entries)
Photo: Robin Duncan Photography
The inspiring stories of 18 extraordinary Canadians who blazed uncharted territory and took our horse industry to new heights.
Judge’s comments: “Quite a range of people in this series, from the founder of the Calgary Stampede to the owner of Northern Dancer to a former slave. An impressive series of stories covering 30 pages. Detailed research from their beginnings to how they died (unless still alive!). You will learn something, and you might be inspired to create your own worthy story.”
Published in Canada's Equine Guide 2018.
550 Kilometres on Horseback on the Trans Canada Trail
By Tania Millen
2nd Place – Equine-related Human-Animal Bond Category (15 entries)
Photo: Bryn White
One woman, one horse, and 550 kms over and through the trestles, tunnels, mountains, and valleys of Southern BC.
Judge’s comments: “What a great piece! The first-person narrative was so strong. The balance between history of the trail and trip diary was perfect. I felt like I was right there, but also am inspired to go see it myself. The intro immediately grabbed your intention and the author did a nice job of closing the loop by picking back up with that moment toward the end. The photos also helped paint the picture. Overall, this piece captured the bond between the author and her horse, as well as a trip of a lifetime.”
Published in the Spring 2018 edition.
#MeToo in the Horse Industry
By Margaret Evans
3rd – Feature Single Article (16 entries)
Photo: iStock/ND3000
Our voices joined the worldwide conversation calling for gender equality, respect, and safe places.
Judge’s comments: “The situation the article described needed to be brought to light and the author did a super job. The sidebar stories from other victims added a needed dimension to the piece. Nicely done. A good combination of information and emotion.”
Published in the Spring 2018 edition.
Ghosts of the Coal Mines: Pit Pones and Horses
By Margaret Evans
1st - Feature Article
Photo courtesy of Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenafon, Wales
The story of the horses and ponies that lived and died in one of the world’s most hostile and dangerous working environments (published in Canada’s Equine Guide 2017).
To Serve and Protect: The Death of Brigadier
By Karen Briggs
Photo: Anne DeHaas
Describing the tragic death of a Metro Toronto police horse that sent shockwaves through the city and spurred a call for action (published in May/June 2006).
Canadian Horse Journal is Canada’s leading magazine for all breeds and disciplines, published four times per year by Horse Community Journals Inc.
Our publishing network also includes the industry-leading website HORSEJournals.com, The Hoofbeat E-Newsletter, and a Social Media community.
Main Photo: AdobeStock/Mark J Barrett
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