The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Reiner Magazine earned top honors at the 2023 American Horse Publications Equine Media Awards. The presentations were held during the AHP Meet at the Mesa Conference in Tempe, Arizona, on July 24th. The awards program recognizes media in over 50 categories based on judges’ scoring of the submitted items.
Promoting excellence in equine media has been part of AHP’s mission for over 50 years, and the general excellence award is one that is especially coveted. The Reiner Magazine won this award in 2017 and is proud to have earned it yet again for the 2022 publishing year.
“Undoubtedly, I am proud of our team,” said NRHA Commissioner Gary Carpenter. “While they appreciate the awards, they work extremely hard to put a Reiner Magazine in the mailbox that appeals to you as an NRHA member.
“We appreciate our partnership with Morris Communications and the success that this partnership enjoys. Kelsey Pecsek works tirelessly to keep our content, statistics and data above and beyond anything this industry has seen, and it shows. I appreciate that Sara Honegger, who has so many other balls to juggle, puts so much useful effort into the Reiner Magazine as well as its staff liaison.”
The annual awards competition recognizes standards in journalistic integrity for informative and engaging content in various media categories. Showcasing excellence in equine media and providing guidance for improvement are the two key elements of this member program.
Submissions to the 2023 Equine Media Awards totaled 515 entries from 87 AHP members. Finalists represent 26 Media Industry members, 25 Media Professional members, and 10 Business members who have advanced to the top five in one or more of the 54 classes. Congratulations to the NRHA Reiner Magazine on the following awards:
Top NRHA Placing Entries
General Excellence Association Publication circulation under 15,000
Kelsey Pecsek Hruska, Editor
Holly Tarquino, Art Director
Sara Honegger, Staff Liaison
June 2022 and August 2022
Judge’s Comments: The pair of editions submitted for this publication are incredible. The editorial content is high-caliber and appeals to readers with diverse interests within the western world. Each story effectively stamps personality and individuality throughout the editions. Additionally, the design, high resolution and appropriately sized photos, nearly flawless usage of color theory, and perfect white space and design proportionality set this publication apart. Simply put, this publication sets the standard.
Association Equine Media Personality Profile Single Article
No. 19
Kelsey Pecsek Hruska, Editor
March 2022
Read the article here.
Judge’s Comments: This submission exudes infallibility. The author crafts a heartfelt, impactful story of the late Jack Brainard – his life, inspiration, and legacy. Every sentence contributes to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the precedent established by Brainard. This submission provides emotional appeal, has impactful contributory quotations from supplementary sources, and meshes all trains of thought, theory, and reflection into a beautifully constructed feature. This story encapsulated the epitome of high caliber writing.
Association Equine Media Service to the Consumer Single Article: 1st Place
Building the Band
Kristin Pitzer, Author
Kelsey Pecsek, Editor
February 2022
Read the article here.
Judge’s Comments: One mark of a good article is its appeal to someone outside the intended audience. I’m not into reining horses, and I’m not looking for broodmares, but I found myself reading this article because it was interesting. This article had multiple sources, adding credibility and simplicity to its explanation of breeding concepts.
The National Reining Horse Association is not responsible for the information contained in this press release. Please contact the author or submitting organization for further information, requests, or questions.