Eventing Nation: It’s Here – 4th Annual EN Blogger Contest

It’s that time of year, EN! The Fourth Annual Eventing Nation Blogger Contest is upon us. Jenni Autry has the details.

From Jenni via Eventing Nation:

If you’ve followed along with the previous three Blogger Contests, you know that this is your shot to join the eclectic EN team that delivers your daily eventing fix.

Let’s go back in time three years ago, when a yet-unknown Leslie Wylie submitted her introduction to the Inaugural EN Blogger Contest. She professed a “lifelong dream of interviewing Boyd Martin in his underpants,” carving a little Boyd-Martin-underpants-shaped hole in our hearts. Now take a quick peak at our sister site, where you’ll notice Wylie’s name atop the Horse Nation masthead, evidence of her full-time Managing Editorship — and also, evidence that if you love eventing and want to write, there are possibilities here.

I came onto the EN staff after the 2012 Blogger Contest and have since taken over as full-time Managing Editor and Chief Chinchilla Wrangler. I can honestly say I had no clue getting a journalism degree would some day lead to taking Instagram photos of a stuffed chinchilla sitting on the Badminton trophy. But that’s what EN represents: a chance to do the impossible if you’re chemically unbalanced enough to go for it.

Sally Spickard joined the staff after last year’s contest and has since become a part of our live coverage team; she’s also taken over managing Bloggers Row, John’s latest hair-brained scheme. Erin Critz also serves as one of our News & Notes writers and a West Coast correspondent. So, EN, the point is, if you want to get your foot in the door, the Blogger Contest is your best chance.

The fine print:

Contestants should want to write part-time for Eventing Nation — at least two to three posts per week. If this already sounds like too much, don’t apply. Otherwise, the gates are open. All are eligible (including previous contestants), and no prior experience is necessary — though competition has been fierce for the past three years — and personal style is a must. Take risks. Laugh. Entertain. Create something only you can create.

Your Round 1 entries will include a short bio (name, age, background, character-defining qualities, embarrassing tidbits) and a 300 to 600 word sample of your best eventing-related work. The EN team will judge by the same standards as the last three years (interesting, funny, informative, creative), and factor public opinion into our final decision. Keep in mind that you’re writing for a very large audience, and we’ll be selecting finalists based on the quality of entries — no pressure.

Entries are due one week from today, on Monday, June 9, at 8 p.m. EST. Email your entry to [email protected] with the subject “EN Blogger Contest Entry.” Good luck, and Go Eventing.