American Farriers Journal took home six American Horse Publications Equine Media Awards on June 1, 2019, at the High Desert Media Roundup conference in Albuquerque, N.M.
The American Farriers Journal staff wrapped up a successful 2018 editorial year with three writing awards, two photography awards and one digital media award.
Lead Content Editor Jeff Cota was awarded first place for Human-Animal Bond Photograph, which depicts Bend, Ore., farrier Kurt Fisk tending to the feet of a gelding at Perry Dressage in Tumalo, Ore. The photo was published in the January/February 2018 issue.
Cota was also awarded second place out of 27 entries for Publication Cover Page, which features Kenny Bark, the United States team farrier, hammer clinching a shoe during the mid-September 2018 World Equestrian Games at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, N.C. Bark was being supported in the photo by Dr. Tim Ober; Robbie Shuler, a Robbinsville, N.C., farrier; and Sandy Johnson, a Wellington, Fla., farrier. Shuler and Johnson were part of the official event farrier team assembled by the American and International Associations of Farriers (AAPF/IAPF). The photo was published in the December 2018 issue.
Cota and New York-based freelance writer Katie Navarra both were awarded third place for Feature Single Article and Service to the Consumer Single Article, respectively. Cota’s article focused on the hoof-care provided by AAPF/IAPF farriers, as well as various team farriers, during the 2018 World Equestrian Games. Navarra’s article, which was published in the July/August 2018 issue, discussed the communication and hoof care concerns of eventing riders.
Dr. Ric Redden, a member of the International Equine Veterinarian Hall of Fame, was recognized with an honorable mention for his article, “Developing the Eye for Detail.” The article discusses ways that veterinarians and farriers can tune their eyes to observe greater detail in their hoof care. The article was published in the July/August 2018 issue.
Jeremy McGovern, American Farriers Journal publisher and executive editor, was awarded an honorable mention for hosting the AFJ Podcast episode, “A Conversation with Mark Caldwell.” The member of the International Horseshoeing Hall of Fame discussed his journey into farriery, a chance meeting with Lubbock, Texas, farrier Burney Chapman and how he strives to impart the importance of building knowledge to the profession. The episode was published in September 2018.