Spring 2020, Volume II, Issue 2  
Creativity During the COVID-19 Pandemic
By Jennifer Denison
As social distancing, wearing masks and following other health-care guidelines and restrictions become the "new normal," feelings of isolation, depression, uncertainty and a lack of creativity can arise for writers, photographers, sales associates and consultants. That is even as some states begin to reopen.

Here, Regan Hofmann of the Freelancers Union offers three tips for freelancers to not only survive the slumps, but also thrive during the coronavirus pandemic.

1. Be kind to yourself. "When you work independently, you may be used to putting pressure on yourself to be productive," says Hofmann. "But it's important to recognize that this is a unique situation that is putting all kind of stress on people, whether you have kids at home, are a caretaker for others who may be sick or compromised, or are feeling anxious. It's okay if you're not able to do business as usual."

To occupy your mind and get those creative juices flowing, Hofmann recommends finding a creative outlet that's not related to your horse. Consider baking, drawing, painting or having a dance party in your living room. In the case of AHP Board Member Emily Esterson of E Squared, she's taken up baking bread and says she has a good sourdough recipe she'd share!
2. Work on personal projects . "If you do want to feel productive while [assignments] are not forthcoming, this is a great time to take on some bigger projects that you usually can't block out the time for," says Hofmann. "Things like learning to produce   video  or  podcasts , doing a marketing audit to find places you can   improve your branding , or starting on that book you've always wanted to write can fulfill, and could bring work your way, or at least set you up for more success in the future when we come out of this period of crisis."

3. Apply for aid. "We encourage everyone who has lost income to apply for the government aid programs that are available," advises Hofmann. "The CARES Act created a system of unemployment insurance for independent workers for the first time in U.S. history; its implementation has been a mess as each individual state builds its own system for distributing those funds, but it's still important to get into the system. Benefits are paid retroactively, so even if you have to wait some time to receive funds, you should be able to catch up on bills when it comes through."



How has COVID-19 affected the way you work and your daily routines? How have you found creativity and stayed connected to colleagues? Send your thoughts and photos to Jennifer Denison for a future newsletter.
Share Your
AHP Video Testimonials
We’re looking for dedicated AHP members to submit short video testimonials about why they love AHP and why they think others should join. It’s easy and fun, and helps build and enrich membership for the future.

Member Video Submissions Guidelines:

  • Record your video in MP4 format using iPhone or camera video, Quicktime > New Movie Recording or Windows Media Player.
  • Keep it short—no more than 2 minutes.
  • Answer any of the following questions:
  1. At the beginning of the video, state your name, your affiliation (company name, magazine name, etc.), your job title, where you live, and your AHP membership level (media professional, business, publication, etc).
  2. Why are you a member of AHP?
  3. What do you love about being a member of AHP?
  4. What benefits have you received from your AHP membership (i.e. professional connections, a job offer, educational tips about something specific, lifelong friendships,etc.)?
  5. Why someone should join AHP?
  6. Why does your business choose to support AHP?
  7. How does AHP help bolster your brand?
  8. Other information about the benefits of AHP that you’d like to include.

  • Include images of your work (jpgs of stories, magazines, screen shot of videos, book covers, etc.).
  • Submit video and images to the AHP Dropbox by June 15.

Questions? Contact Emily Esterson, marketing committee chairman, at Emily@emilyesterson.com.
AHP eGatherings:
A New Way to Connect

Not even canceling the AHP 50th Anniversary Equine Media Conference could keep AHP members from meeting for coffee and networking, virtually through Zoom. The first eGathering, hosted by Chris Brune and Judy Lincoln, was held May 14 and had 24 attendees from all over the United States who tried out this new way of networking.

The next eGathering was held May 21 and featured Cowboy Entrepreneur Scott Knudsen with special guests Stephanie Macejko, vice-president of marketing for Breyer Horses and hall of fame farrier Ada Gates Patton. The trio came together to discuss ideas for " Getting COVID-19 Creative: Silver Linings in Those Clouds ." (Link to recording)

Grab a beverage of choice and join hosts Abigail Boatwright and Kate Bradley Byars of the Freelance Remuda for a Happy Hour eGathering on Wednesday, May 27 at 5 p.m. Central Standard Time . Conversation topics include finding creative solutions to being an equine media professional in the time of coronavirus. To register for the Zoom meeting, RSVP with Abigail Boatwright .

Let's celebrate excellence in equine media together!
Join Chris and Judy for AHP eGathering: Equine Media Awards Presentations Party on Saturday, May 30 at 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time via Zoom . Bring a beverage of choice for the Cocktail Party that starts at 7 p.m. followed by the EMA presentation video at 7:30 p.m. Contact Judy Lincoln for an invite.
(Award results will also be posted on Facebook and AHP website after 8 p.m.)

On Wednesday, June 10 at 11 a.m. Mountain Standard Time (via Cisco Webex), Anna Sochocky will host an AHP eGathering on The Benefits of Online Learning for the Equine Media Professional. Topic examines how members currently use online learning to augment both their knowledge and their professional lives. Audience is limited to 15. To request an invite, contact Anna Sochocky .

If you're the contact for a member publication, be sure to invite other staff members to join the eGathering to learn about how AHP can benefit them.

If you're interested in hosting an AHP eGathering, contact Judy Lincoln .
Don't Get
Left Behind

It's not too soon to plan ahead for next year's Equine Media Conference on May 20-21 in Irving, Texas! We're so excited to see everyone and share the speakers and special events we've lined up that we've extended the 50th anniversary special registration rate until May 31, 2020. Come see why 51 is the new 50 at the 2021 conference. Until then, keep celebrating AHP's rich history in equine media through members' memories in the 50th Anniversary Blog .
AHP Recognizes Vision and Students

Two of the most prestigious awards offered through AHP are the Equine Industry Vision Award and Student Award . The award winners will be announced on Friday, May 29 on www.americanhorsepubs.org and social media.

Each year, AHP partners with Zoetis in presenting the Equine Industry Vision Award, which recognizes an individual or organization with exemplary leadership, innovation and meritorious contribution toward positive changes in the equine industry. After reviewing several nominations, the EIVA committee narrowed the field to four finalists:

Two finalists, Shelby Agnew and Ruby Tevis, were selected in the AHP Student Award contest. Agnew is a sophomore at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, pursuing a marketing degree. Tevis, who was a travel award winner and second runner-up in the 2019 contest, is a sophomore at Midway University in Midway, Kentucky, where she's majoring in marketing communications with a double minor in equine studies and sports management.


Last year's Student Award winner, Lucile Vigouroux, recently accepted a position as brand manager at Miller & Associates Equine Veterinarians in Brewster, New York. In her new position, she'll be in charge of planning and running events, including client education seminars and veterinarian continuing education events. She'll also manage the practice's social media accounts and websites, and travel to horse shows and events to promote the business.

"So it's pretty exciting!" she says. "I can't wait for life to go back to normal so I can actually do all of these fun things."

She's also pursuing an online Master of Science in Equine Performance, Health and Welfare at Nottingham Trent University in England. And, she's also contributing articles to The Horse: Your Guide to Equine Health Care in 2020.
Shelby Agnew
Ruby Tevis
Lucile Vigouroux
EQUINE MEDIA CONFERENCE

May 20-21, 2021
AHP Equine Media Conference
Irving, Texas
I Love the Freelance Life, But It's Taking a Toll on My Mental Health

Six Takeaways from the Author's Guild 2018 Author Income Survey


With Work Drying Up, Here's How Freelancers Can Pivot to Make it Through the Coronavirus Pandemic

Free ACES Webcasts Through July 31
Meet a Member: Susan Friedland
Interview by Jennifer Denison
An AHP member for 6 years, California author and blogger Susan Friedland writes heartfelt stories about overcoming obstacles in life and healing through horses. Read about the craziest place she met and connected with an editor and the projects she’s most excited about.

AHP Cares About Equine Media
Special early half year rates start June 1
The pandemic has created uncertainty about the future, loss of jobs, and indecision on career paths for members and anyone in the equine media industry.

If you know a non-member or staff member who would benefit from networking and professional development, please encourage them to take advantage of the special half year dues rates available online starting June 1, 2020.

#AHPCares #EquineMediaCares


Did you know that staff members can also be added to the AHP e-list?
Email Chris at ahorsepubs@aol.com with a list of staff email addresses you would like added to the AHP Newsgroup list or association news only list.

Interested in hosting an AHP eGathering? 

Have an idea for future newsletter articles?

Is there a topic you would like to see presented as a webinar?

For conference and membership questions: