2020 Readers’ Choice Awards: Cambox Story of the Year

Horse Nation likes to keep you interested in as many ways as possible — from lists to advice to personal essays, we have it all! Take a look back at our five most popular pieces and pick your favorite in our poll.

At the end of each December, we at Horse Nation like to look back on the year that was and highlight the articles, essays 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.

These are our most-read stories of 2020: which one was YOUR favorite?

The nominees are…

“An Old Horse’s Dream”

Originally published on January 22, 2020.

Andy and John. Photo courtesy of Moonlight Oaks Ranch.

“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.

“Advice for Equine Business Owners During COVID-19” 

Originally published March 23, 2020. 

Photo provided by Entrigue Consulting

“COVID-19 has changed the world quickly and in ways that most of us never thought possible. Who would have predicted even just a few weeks ago that businesses, restaurants, schools, libraries and more would completely shut down? It’s a strange time.

“In times like this, it is important to take care of one another. It’s important that we make connections, reach out, offer to help and care for those around us. As an equine business owner, you likely have questions about what coronavirus means for your business and how to best weather this storm. We gathered our team and came up with a game plan to help you, help others, and keep your business strong throughout the coming months.”

This story by Kaitlyn Schultz of Entrigue Consulting contains valuable advice for equine business owners.

“Passing Horses and Horse Trailers Safely”

Originally published on April 22, 2020. 

Photo by Amber Harper.

“As equestrians, we put a lot of time, effort and money into our horses. We love them more than we love our significant others and make our best attempt not to put them into harmful situations.

“Riding on roads between trails or trailering them to our next show, their safety is of utmost importance and we strive to keep our horses free from injury or traumatizing situations.”

This story from Marcella Gruchalak helps remind non-horsey motorists of what they can do to keep us and our horses safe.

“52 Thoroughbreds: Back With a Vengeance”

Originally published on June 8, 2020.

Adobe/Mark

“This really is the Facebook post that will never die. We can’t quite figure out how or why this post manages to get revitalized every year or so, but come back to the forefront of our Facebook feeds it does. Normally at least one non-horse friend forwards the message to me. You know how it goes…

“FREE HORSES!!!! 52 thoroughbred horses need homes. Will go to Sugarcreek this Sat. for slaughter. Gentleman died and his son wants nothing to do with them. Most broodmares are broke and some are in foal weanling, yearlings, 2 yrs. and 3 yrs. old most are gelded. FREE and papered. Friend of the deceased is trying to find homes. 440-4XX-4XXX* Barnesville, OH.
Please copy and paste this on your status
I would hate to see all these horses put down. PLEASE someone help they are FREE and papered!!!!!!!!

“The most recent iteration popped up late last week, only this time there was gruesome twist. It appears that this herd of 52 Thoroughbreds had an owner who passed away due to COVID-19. The most recently shared post looks something like this:

“FREE HORSES!!!! 52 thoroughbred horses need homes. Will go to Sugarcreek this Sat. for slaughter. Gentleman died due to COVID-19 and his son wants nothing to do with them. Most broodmares are broke and some are in foal weanling, yearlings, 2 yrs. and 3 yrs. old most are gelded. FREE and papered. Friend of the deceased is trying to find homes. 732-6XX-8XXX* Fairhill, MD.
Please copy and paste this on your status
I would hate to see all these horses put down. PLEASE someone help they are FREE and papered!!!!!!!!

“Here’s what we find really interesting about this year’s version of the post. Someone didn’t just reshare the original post. It didn’t pop up in someone’s memories, get shared and then get reposted by some poor unsuspecting non-horse person who doesn’t know any better. No, someone actually took the time to copy the original post, change the wording to include COVID-19, AND change the phone number and location. Then it was reposted by some poor unsuspecting non-horse person who doesn’t know any better.

“What the actual heck, people? Has quarantine really left you that bored? Did you have “52 free Thoroughbreds post reappears on social media” on your 2020 bingo card and you needed it to win? We really don’t get it.”

This story by DeAnn Long Sloan highlights the newest iteration of the 52 Free Thoroughbreds post and gives the facts… again.

“Knowing When to Say No: Admitting When a Horse Isn’t the Right Fit” 

Originally published on April 24, 2020.

Photo by Amanda Uechi-Ronan

“I recently returned an adopted horse to the organization from which I adopted him and this is the first time I’ve talked about it. I didn’t post anything about it on my social media and, besides a few close friends, nobody really knows. The secrecy is a direct result of the guilt I feel for the relationship not working out and fear of public shaming. A quick look at the comments on any article about selling or rehoming a horse will give you my reason why. Most are adamant that the author “didn’t try hard enough” or “went in unprepared,” or a million other variations of “shame on you, it’s all your fault, the horse had nothing to do with it.” And maybe that’s all true or maybe none of it is or maybe it’s some combination of both…

“What I’m saying is, there could have been a million and one reasons why this didn’t work out and there could be a million and one reasons why his next situation will be perfect. So we shouldn’t be ashamed and we shouldn’t condemn each other for selling and buying horses. Horseback riding is a relationship and, like any relationship, should be pleasant for all parties involved. There should be mutual give and take and if the relationship turns toxic, you should have the opportunity to step away without being ostracized by other people in our community. There are plenty of things to divide us nowadays, and our mutual love for horses shouldn’t be one of them.”

This honest and raw story from Amanda Uechi Ronan discusses her journey with Goose and discusses dealing with a horse that just isn’t the right fit.

Let us know which of these stories is your favorite. Go vote and go riding!