AHP Equine Media Conference Hits the Target

Scottsdale, Arizona | Sherackatthetrack

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SCOTTSDALE, AZ – With a wide array of intriguing seminars with topics ranging from journalism, photography, networking, sales/revenue building and digital media/publishing, there was something for everyone to take in at the American Horse Publication's well-attended three-day 'Saddle Up for Scottsdale' Equine Media Conference. Held at the Double Tree Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona, the conference was capped by Saturday evening's Equine Media Awards Banquet (congrats to all the winners, including our very own T.D. Thornton!). Here are some of the highlights from the conference:

Off With a Bang: Rootin, Tootin Cowboy Mounted Shootin

This pre-conference event, hosted by Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre in Queen Creek, Arizona, provided a fascinating inside look at the increasingly popular equine sport of Cowboy Mounted Shooting. Armed with a pair of .45 caliber single-action revolvers (loaded with black-powder blanks, of course), competitors shoot at balloon targets while navigating a challenging course all in a timed fashion (video). Think exhibition shooting meets barrel racing. It certainly takes a very special and well-trained horse (some of them don't even need earplugs) as well as an incredibly skilled rider just to compete. Professional CM shooters and trainers Dan Byrd and Kenny Lawson really put on a great show and also taught AHP members the ropes for an entertaining competition of their own.

Getting the Right Photograph for the Story

“Whether you're a writer or photographer, you're a storyteller… If you shoot with your heart, you're eyes will follow.” Those were some of the inspirational words spoken by Western photographer Scott Baxter during a popular one-hour seminar. With a focus on cowboys and ranching families as his subject matter, Baxter discussed and provided stunning black-and-white samples of his work and how he prepares for a story and develops his vision. He also stressed the importance of communication with both his subject matter and editors as well as posting photos on Instagram.

Surviving the New Media Landscape

Bob Boze Bell took over True West Magazine in 1999 and quickly was losing $30,000 a month. “If you try to do something different, it takes a while for people to catch on,” True West's CEO and Executive Editor commented. “Content is king. Ask readers what they want and give it to 'em.” The enthusiastic Bell discussed survival in today's digital world, including the use of Facebook to invoke reader feedback, and also shared some of the mistakes that he's made along the way. True West is now in its 64th year of production telling tales of the Wild West. “My job here today is to tell you what not to do,” he said to a room of laughs.

Personality Profiles & Story Structures Workshops

Jacqui Banaszynski, Knight Chair Professor, Missouri School of Journalism, spoke at a series of workshops throughout the conference, providing tips on evoking personality into profile pieces as well as creating a purposeful structure for stories. “One of the things about being a writer, you can always grow,” Pulitzer Prize winner said. “Profiles aren't biographies, resumes or lists of achievements. You really want to get inside someone's life.”

Visit Scottsdale

If you don't mind the heat–the mercury hit as high as 107 (!) this past Saturday afternoon–Scottsdale is certainly a beautiful place to visit no matter the time of year. With no shortage of top-shelf restaurants and bars and unique shops, as well as an art district featuring the work of Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, and Norman Rockwell, there is plenty to do and see in Old Town Scottsdale. Want to get a closer look at that stunning desert scenery? The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix (about a 20-minute drive) is a must visit as well. I know that I'll certainly be coming back.

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