Chrome, Paint Horse Journal and the American Paint Horse Association itself received championship honors for equine media excellence at the 2026 AHP Equine Media Awards. The contest attracted over 400 editorial, design and multi-media entries from across the horse industry. Awards were presented at the 2026 AHP Equine Media Conference, May 14–16 in Lexington, Kentucky.
APHA’s flagship publications each received champion honors for editorial content. Chrome earned first place in Association/Organization Publication Equine Media Personality Profile Article; its winning entry was “The Unbreakable Tyler Peasley,” published in the Spring 2025 Chrome. Paint Horse Journal won for outstanding Human-Animal Bond Article; its winning entry was “Massimo Bonini Takes on the Halter Million with his Italian Stallion,” which was published on apha.com. Read the stories below.
APHA’s 2026 AHP Equine Media Awards are:
- First Place | “The Unbreakable Tyler Peasley” in Spring 2025 Chrome — Association/Organization Publication Equine Media Personality Profile Article; written by Editor Jessica Hein
What the judges said: The descriptive, pulse-pounding introduction of this entry sets the standard for what’s to come. With each paragraph, the reader is left in anticipation due to the writer’s adept, thoughtful, eloquent craft. This entry takes the reader on a roller coaster of emotion with each new layer of the story. Ultimately, this phenomenon is what elevates the submission to highest accolades: sheer, perceptible engagement. Of particular note, the closing direct quote reverberates an unrivaled, lasting impact. This is a masterfully crafted story of true grit. Incredible work!
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First Place | “Massimo Bonini Takes on the Halter Million with his Italian Stallion” in Paint Horse Journal via apha.com — Human-Animal Bond Article; written by Editor Jessica Hein
What the judges said: When your writing is strong and fundamentally correct with good flow and structure, it’s just going to rise into the top tier of the class. You set up the story well with a strong lead and preview, then move into the meat of the story. I really appreciate the way you incorporate you quotes early on and give them the emphasis they deserve by letting them stand alone as independent paragraphs, and they really add to the flow of your story.
- Second Place | Summer 2025 Paint Horse Journal — Cover Page Design; designed by Creative Director Jody Johnson
- Second Place | “WCHA Hall of Fame Honors Jason Smith” — Business Equine-Related Storytelling or Documentary Video; produced by Director of Marketing & Creative Design Dylan Davidson
- Second Place | “In Full Bloom” in Winter 2025 Chrome — Equestrian Lifestyle Journalism Article; written by freelancer L.A. Berry
- Second Place | “Broken Bones, Bright Spirit” in Winter 2025 Paint Horse Journal — Association/Organization Publication Equine Media Feature Article; written by freelancer Allison Rehnborg
- Third Place | “The Heart-Horse Connection” in Winter 2025 Chrome — Horse-Human Bond Article
- Honorable Mention | “The First Fall” in Winter 2025 Chrome — Personal Column
“At APHA, we strive to go beyond typical association news to tell deeper, more meaningful stories about our remarkable members and horses. Whether through the pages of Chrome or the Paint Horse Journal, video or digital media, it’s our privilege to share their passion, accomplishments and connection to the Western lifestyle,” APHA Senior Director of Communications & Editor-In-Chief Jessica Hein said. “We are honored to receive these accolades from the American Horse Publications, which reflect our team’s creativity and dedication. Thank you to our APHA members and readers who ride alongside us, trusting us to tell your stories and engaging with us across our media platforms. Your support and connection are the greatest rewards of all.”
APHA’s publications are distributed as a benefit of APHA membership. Chrome is also the official publication of Mule Alley in the Fort Worth Stockyards and distributed throughout the historic district.
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About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association. Since it was founded in 1962, APHA has registered more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories. APHA promotes, preserves and provides meaningful experiences with Paint Horses. Learn more at apha.com.