PRESS RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Laura Stevens, Associate Producer of Marketing and Promotional Content
(817) 834-2742, ext. 420
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APHA Publications Announce Editorial Leadership Changes
Recent changes to the American Paint Horse Association’s Publications Department leadership are poised to bring growth and progress to the association’s three flagship magazines: the Paint Horse Journal, Paint Horse Connection and Paint Horse Racing.
Beginning with the November issue of the Paint Horse Journal, former Managing Editor Jessica Hein takes the reins as editor of the Journal and Paint Horse Racing.
A veteran of the APHA publications team, Jessica joined the association in 2006, first serving as a staff writer/photographer before quickly rising through the publications ranks. Away from the office, Jessica competes with her 14-year-old bay overo gelding, Float Trip, in Paint Alternative Competition and Western dressage.
“A Paint Horse owner and APHA member myself, I understand the appeal of our breed, both to veterans of the industry and horse lovers just beginning their journey in APHA,” Jessica said. “As part of the APHA publications staff for nearly seven years, I’ve enjoyed meeting my fellow members—as well as their beautiful Paint Horses—and telling their unique stories through our award-winning publications. I am excited about the journey that lies ahead as the editor of the Paint Horse Journal and Paint Horse Racing magazines, and I look forward to leading the magazines to an even brighter future.”
Moving into the newly created position of content innovation director, Tonya Ratliff-Garrison will reenergize the Paint Horse Connection into a premiere equestrian lifestyle magazine.
“I’m very excited about this opportunity to bring new life into the Paint Horse Connection by transforming it into an equestrian lifestyle magazine like no other. With a distinct new look and design, the reinvigorated magazine will highlight the uniqueness of Paint Horse people in stories and photos along with features on fashion, travel and much more. Also, my job will be to create new revenue avenues for APHA, with the first to develop e-publications for Paint Horse owners. APHA has many remarkable opportunities to help it move into the next 50 years, and I’m thrilled I can be a part of these exciting ventures we are embarking on.”
Tonya came on as editor of the Paint Horse Journal, Paint Horse Connection and Paint Horse Racing in October 2010, and guided the publications to multiple top honors in the Livestock Publication Council and the American Horse Publications, including the coveted general excellence award for the Paint Horse Journal. Outside of the office, Tonya breeds reining horses and hopes to return to the show arena next year.
To learn more about APHA’s award-winning trio of publications, visit apha.com/publications.
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About the American Paint Horse Association
The American Paint Horse Association (APHA) is the world’s second largest equine breed association. Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, it celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2012. In fulfillment of its global mission to collect, record and preserve pedigrees of the breed, APHA recognizes and supports 111 regional and international clubs, produces championship shows, sponsors trail rides and creates and maintains programs that increase the value of American Paint Horses and enriches members’ experiences with their horses. APHA has registered more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded, and now serves over 64,000 active youth and adult members around the world. For more information about the American Paint Horse Association, visit apha.com or connect with Paint Horse fans globally at facebook.com/americanpainthorse or on Twitter @APHANews and @WorldShow.