Eventing Nation: The third annual EN Blogger Contest

Love writing AND riding? Consider throwing your hat in the ring for EN’s Blogger Contest. Jenni Autry tells us how.

From Jenni:

It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for! The Third Annual Eventing Nation Blogger Contest is upon us. Abby did a super job of running the Blogger Contest last year, but she’s now off at Oxford getting smarter than all of us. That means I’ll be taking over as emcee for this year’s contest. If you’ve followed along with the previous two Blogger Contests, you know that this is your shot to join the eclectic EN team that delivers your eventing fix every day.

Let’s go back in time two years ago, when a yet-unknown 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.

And last year, I proposed that eventing gives thrill seekers an outlet for their addiction, ensuring we don’t engage in questionable activities. That post — which spawned the catchphrase “Eventing: Do it for the children” — clinched the win. Since winning the Blogger Contest, I’ve come on to the EN staff full-time as Assistant Editor, providing live coverage at Badminton, Rolex, Fair Hill, Jersey Fresh and The Fork. The point is that if you’ve been looking for a way to get your foot in the door for a writing career in eventing, this is your 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 two 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 two years (interesting, funny, informative, creative), and factor public opinion into our final decision. Keep in mind that you’re writing for an audience of thousands, and we’ll be selecting finalists based on the quality of entries — no pressure.

Entries are due one week from today, on Wednesday, June 5, at 8 p.m. EST. Email your entry to [email protected] with the subject “EN Blogger Contest Entry.” Good luck, and go eventing.