May 23, 2025 — Canadian Horse Journal, in proud partnership with ThinLine Canada, is delighted to announce the return of our Annual Celebration of Horses Photo Contest, now in its 34^th year—Canada’s longest-running horse photo contest. Now open for entries through September 30, 2025, this annual contest invites equine photographers and horse lovers of all ages to capture the beauty, spirit, and quiet majesty of horses through powerful photography.

Presented by Canadian Horse Journal and ThinLine Canada, the Celebration of Horses Photo Contest is a national showcase of equine passion, featuring categories for every style—from action-packed sport photos to serene portraits and heartfelt candid moments.

New for 2025: Youth 17 & Under Category

For the first time, the contest welcomes a Youth 17 & Under category, encouraging young horse lovers to share their creativity and connection with horses. Open to youth aged 17 and under, this new division offers a platform for emerging equine photographers to gain recognition.

Returning: CQHA-Sponsored Photo Division

The Registered Quarter Horse Division also returns for 2025, celebrating the versatility and character of the Quarter Horse. Entries in this division must feature a registered Quarter Horse to be eligible.

Equestrian Photo Contest Prizes That Celebrate Creativity

The 2025 Celebration of Horses Photo Contest offers a generous prizes recognizing both artistic excellence and the heartfelt passion of Canada's horse community:

• ThinLine Canada will award seven Grand Prizes, each consisting of a $300 Gift Card. Winners can choose from a wide variety of equine performance products, including saddle pads, tack, and rider wellness gear.
• Canadian Horse Journal will present sixteen Runner-Up Prizes (2 per category), highlighting outstanding entries across all photo categories.
• In the Registered Quarter Horse Division, one Grand Prize and one Youth Prize will each include a 30" canvas print of the winning photo, a lasting tribute to photographic achievement.

Winning and runner-up entries will be published in Canada’s Equine Guide 2026 (available November 2025) and featured online at HORSEJournals.com, offering national exposure to Canada’s equestrian audience.

Photo Categories for 2025 Include:

• NEW! TRAILBLAZERS – 17 & Under
• STABLE STORK – Beautiful Babies of 2025
• LOVE OF HORSES – Depicting the Human-Horse bond
• HORSES ON THE JOB – Performance, working, heritage
• HORSES BEING HORSES – Humour, personality, action
• WINTER SCENES – Sleigh rides, winter wonderland, dashing through the snow
• AT LIBERTY – Horses in action (playing, galloping, with no tack)
• REGISTERED QUARTER HORSE DIVISION – Sponsored by CQHA

How to Enter the Celebration of Horses Photo Contest:

Visit the official contest page to view full details and submit entries

“The Celebration of Horses Photo Contest continues to be a cherished platform for equine photographers across Canada,” says Kathy Smith, Editor & Publisher, Canadian Horse Journal and HORSEJournals.com. “With the support of ThinLine Canada and CQHA, we’re proud to honour the stories, images, and creativity of Canada’s horse community.”

Entry Deadline: September 30, 2025

Submit entries and learn more

See the 2024 Winners, Runners-Up, and Honourable Mentions

Photo: Brandi Luthi