2020 Readers’ Choice Award Winners!
We’ve tallied the votes: click here to find the best Horse Nation content of 2020, as decided by readers!
At the end of each December, we at Horse Nation like to look back on the year that was and highlight the articles, stories and videos that most inspired readers, triggered important conversations or had everyone rolling on the floor with laughter — and then let readers decide which one is deserving of the title of the Best of the Year. The votes are in: let’s see what resonated the most with you in 2020!
Kentucky Performance Products Video of the Year: “Synchronized Side Pass”
Synchronized Side Pass
Originally published on June 30, 2020
“Look at this fancy footwork! No restraints and no aids — just a subtle cue and some really good training! After watching this video, we’re inspired to get out of our seats and teach our horses something new!”
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‘Oh Crap’ Moment of the Year: “Nope”
Nope
Originally published April 27, 2020.
Sometimes you head into the week confidently, looking ahead with promise. And sometimes Monday morning comes along and gives you a reality check.
This horse and its huge “nope” is that Monday morning.
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Mind Your Melon Video of the Year: “Bridleless Galloping” AND “Fancy Footwork”
That’s right, we have a tie. We have two Mind your Melon Videos of the Year.
Bridleless Galloping
Originally published on March 11, 2020
“This video depicts a helmeted rider who is performing a series of maneuvers while riding her horse bridleless outside of the arena. She trots down a trail and goes through water, but what is most impressive is the footage of her galloping her horse through the sand.
“Having a horse that you trust to this extent is freeing and lovely to watch!”
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Fancy Foot Work
Originally published on March 25, 2020
“This horse is showing off his fancy foot work over poles. To really get the full effect of what’s happening the video is in slow motion. This horse knows exactly where its feet are being placed in relation to the poles. Meanwhile some of us are at home still stumbling over items in our household that have been there for years. The horse’s floaty movement over each pole without as much as grazing one is impressive. This makes trotting over poles look easy!”
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Idea of Order Cartoon of the Year: “When Breed Marketing Goes Off the Rails…”
When Breed Marketing Goes Off the Rails…
Originally published on June 3, 2020
“In any case, while I *ACTUALLY* like many rare and/or trendy breeds, I feel like they are sadly the victims of people with marketing degrees and no horse sense blowing their popularity through the roof (usually for absurd reasons like color or long manes/tails), which results in them being over-bred and in many cases dumped when their popularity wears off (usually because they’re more attractive to people looking for the novelty of the horse rather than its ability to perform in a given discipline).”
SmartPak Photo Challenge Gallery of the Year: “18 Horses Who Are Just Done With 2020”
18 Horses Who Are Just Done With 2020
Originally published on July 9, 2020
“From bucking and kicking to sticking their tongues out or giving the world ‘The Butt,’ as one reader put it, these 18 horses and one reader getting through life on their unicorn pool float are straight-up D-O-N-E, done, done, done with 2020 and its curveballs.”
Photo by Stacey Knapp.
Ride Heels Down Best Series of the Year: “Gibson and the Apocalypse”
Gibson and the Apocalypse
“Jenny, a seasoned equestrian and heavy metal fan, can’t imagine a better friend in life than Gibson, her big, huggable, Quarter Horse/Draft cross gelding. With his perpetually cheerful disposition, inquisitive nature and habit of showering everyone in his path with affection, Jenny knew from the day she met Gibson that they’d stick together until the end of the world.
“But what happens when the world actually does end and the fabled Four Horseman arrive to recruit Earth’s remaining equestrians for the cause? Do these two have what it takes to make it in a post-apocalyptic society, or will they become the least effective horse people of Armageddon?”
On great thing to come out of 2020 was Jenny Kammerer introduced the world to Gibson, the ever-optimistic QH/draft cross who, along with his pal Jenny, has been tasked with assisting Four Horsemen during the end of the world.
Legends Funniest Piece of the Year: “What Your Favorite Horse Breed Says About You”
What Your Favorite Horse Breed Says About You
Originally published on January 16, 2020.
“As a horse trainer, people often ask me how I feel about one breed of horse or another. The truth is I love every breed I have worked with over the years. But, my husband shared a list from McSweeney’s with me called “What Your Favorite Classic Rock Band Says About You,” and it made me think about what your favorite horse breed could possibly say about you. So, I attempted to exploit some elements of my favorite breeds to create a tongue-in-cheek look at what your favorite horse breed says about you.
“Mustang: you’ve worn a flower crown at least once in your life
“Thoroughbred: you enjoy lighting money on fire and then dancing around the fire like a deranged imp”
Cambox Story of the Year: “An Old Horse’s Dream”
An Old Horse’s Dream
Originally published on January 22, 2020.
“He was more affectionate whenever he had something to do. He was truly happier with a job. Maybe old horses, just like old dogs and even old people, don’t want to be forgotten or tucked away. They want to be part of a family. They want to be useful and needed. So, a little work for the old horse from now on. Only 30 minutes a few times a week. Or 10 minutes, if 30 is too much. A light rider (just walking is enough). A child to love him. Light riding, lots of grooming and plenty of treats should be enough to keep him happy.
“Andy is our old horse and this is his story. This is how I learned that the best thing for an older, sound horse is to need them. Make them feel useful. And allow yourself to be humbled by their sense of duty.”
This tear-jerker from reader Alicia Schueler tells the story of Andy and the best home she could provide for him.
Andy and John. Photo courtesy of Moonlight Oaks Ranch.
Thank you for your votes and thank you for reading. We look forward to continuing go-to website for all things horsey in 2021. Happy New Year!
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