InStride Edition was awarded two first place awards – one for Editorial Illustration and one for Editorial Design – in the 2015 American Horse Publications Annual Contest. This year’s competition was judged by 27 professionals and included over 60 classes, 837 entries, and 115 contestants, of which 72 were finalists. The winners were announced on June 20 at the awards banquet and presentations held during the AHP Tally-Ho at the Alamo Seminar in San Antonio, Texas. InStride Edition writer Katie Navarra was on hand to accept the awards.

“We are exceptionally pleased to be honored with these awards,” says Brad Borton, publisher. “I believe we have one of he most talented and hard-working editorial teams in the industry. They truly understand the audience they serve and strive to produce the highest quality publication for owners, trainers, professionals and exhibitors. “Given the fact that the magazine is just beginning its third year, I am excited to see what the future holds. It’s nice to be honored by our peers in the magazine industry but it’s even more gratifying to talk to the people who appreciate what we do every day.”

InStride Edition won a first place award for Joselyn Leonhart’s “Frozen Semen” illustration in the Illustration (Print or Online) category. Judges wrote of the entry: “This is an excellent drawing technically and illustrates the concept in an ingenuous way that is easily understood. Aimed at an audience of horse breeders, it hits the mark and will easily draw its audience into the article. Leonhart has been illustrating for the Editorial Department of InStride Edition since the launch of the publication in 2013. She has attended some of the best schools for graphic design and photography in the country, from Chicago, Miami, Atlanta and Minneapolis, to name a few. She has been designing ads for the past 15 years for some of the most successful owners, breeders and trainers in the industry. Leonhart lives in Marine On St. Croix, Minnesota with her husband of 25 years, Tom; and their children, Charlie and Bella. She still rides every day and attends local shows on the weekends with her beloved all around gelding, Spongebob Squarepaint.

Joselyn Leonhart

“I am fortunate to work with an extremely talented group of writers, photographers and designers,” Borton says. “Eric Hardesty is so creative and savvy with a lens. As soon as I described the story and my ideas for presentation Eric jumped right in and made magic happen. I’m confident we would not have had that award-winning package without his amazing picture.”

American Horse Publications is a non-profit association promoting excellence in equine publishing media. Its members include equine-related print and online media, professionals, students, organizations, and businesses, which share an interest in equine publishing. For further information on the awards competition or member benefits, contact: Chris Brune, American Horse Publications, (386) 760-7743 or visit the AHP web site at www.americanhorsepubs.org.