The 2021 Heels Down Spark Awards are officially open to creative individuals making their mark in the equestrian industry.
The Spark Awards is an international competition for inspiring individuals to recognize the creative talent brewing in the horse world. Hosted by Heels Down Media, the Spark Awards are open to equestrians, entrepreneurs, writers, designers and more – basically anyone with a cool idea that touches the equestrian industry in some way.
The winners will be selected by a panel of expert judges (75%) and a public vote in the Heels Down Spark, our daily equestrian newsletter (25%). Apply by May 30. To get all the contest details, click here.
The changemaker category is open to individuals who have changed the equestrian world for the better in some way, either through advocacy, nonprofit work, product design and implementation, or through other means. Submissions should include examples of the action taken or tangible impact this person or team inspired.
And now, to introduce our panel of expert judges:
Changemaker
Tik Maynard is an icon in the equestrian world, combining his passion for riding with the importance of proper training and horsemanship. Tik represented Canada in the sport of Modern Pentathlon at three World Championships and the Pan Am Games in 2007. In early 2008, while trying to make the Olympic Team, he suffered a broken collar bone at the World Cup in Mexico City. Today, Tik’s work combines 3-Day Eventing with his passion for Horsemanship. He is married to US Eventing Team Member Sinead Halpin Maynard. Together they run Copperline Farm in Citra, Florida. In addition to being world competitors, Tik and Sinead are focused on developing quality young horses to be top level and Team eventing competitors. Tik published his first book in 2018, “In the Middle are the Horsemen” with Trafalgar Square Books.
Abriana Johnson is a multi-talented horsewoman whose vision is to create a space for people of color who are passionate about horses, agriculture and entrepreneurship. Originally from Chapel Hill, N.C., Abriana attended North Carolina State University and received a Bachelor’s in Animal Science. She has over 15 years of horse experience ranging from reproduction and barn management to trail riding and showing her Tennessee Walking Horse, Maestro. Abriana completed her Masters of Health Science in One Health from the University of Florida in May of 2020. While finishing school, she developed a budding podcast, Young Black Equestrians, and authored/illustrated Cowgirl Camryn, a series of children’s books. Abriana is a co-leader of a local 4-H club and travels with her miniature horse Encore sharing the message of Cowgirl Camryn, horsemanship and equine assisted therapy.
Stephanie Bulger was born and raised in New York City, and caught the horse bug early from watching the hansom cabs in Central Park. She has owned and ridden some of the country’s top show hunters, and currently competes in the Amateur Owner Hunters while cheering on her Grand Prix horses. She is the president emeritus of the Equestrian Aid Foundation, and has long been involved with various equestrian and animal organizations such as the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center and the Humane Society of the United States. Stephanie founded Green Is the New Blue in 2018 after seeing a troubling lack of awareness of environmental concerns around the horse show circuit. Her goal is to make the world a greener place for herself, for her family, and for the horses she loves so much. Currently, Stephanie lives in Bridgehampton, N.Y. with her husband and son, along with too many rescue pets to name.
Get the recognition you deserve. Enter the Spark Awards by May 30.
