EG Media Appoints Abigail Boatwright as Contract Editor of Western Life Today Magazine

Photo credit: Jashley Boatwright

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information:

EG Media Investments LLC

Abigail Boatwright

Contract Editor

Abigail@abigailboatwright.com

EG Media Appoints Abigail Boatwright as Contract Editor of Western Life Today Magazine

DURHAM, N.C. – EG Media Investments LLC has appointed Abigail Boatwright as contract editor of Western Life Today magazine. The first issue under her guidance will soon hit newsstands across the country, chock-full of all things Western, featuring cowgirl comedienne Chelsea Edsall on the cover.

Western Life Today is a sister publication to EG Media’s Horse Illustrated magazine. It was built on the framework of the single-issue publication Western Life, edited by Boatwright and published in 2021, which saw record-breaking sales. Western Life Today has expanded on that initial issue, bringing readers interesting stories about trends, products, destinations, and trailblazers in the Western world through print and digital issues, plus a robust website and social media presence.

“My vision for Western Life Today is to make it a gateway for readers interested in the Western lifestyle, as well as highlighting the hottest trends,” Boatwright said. “I hope this magazine delights, inspires and informs readers about what makes cowboy culture so special.”

The summer issue has lots to enjoy, including a profile on country musician Stephanie Quayle, a destination feature on wineries in California’s cowboy country, tips on how to make the perfect margarita, informative pieces on reining sire Gunner and reined cow horse, and a photo essay of the iconic Wagonhound Land & Livestock Ranch.

Boatwright brings 17 years of equine media experience to her role at Western Life Today, including 12 years as a freelance writer, photographer, copyeditor and managing editor for many of the leading stock horse publications.

“I am thrilled to be able to produce Western Life Today because I feel so passionate about making our lifestyle accessible for horse lovers of all walks of life, and I look forward to sharing our world with a greater audience,” Boatwright said.

About EG Media Investments LLC

Equestrian brands Horse Illustrated, Young Rider, and Western Life Today are part of the EG Media stable. Western Life Today is a guide to living the Western lifestyle, covering everything from fashion, décor, entertainment, and destinations to the people, ranches and horses who shape the Western community. As part of the long-standing Horse Illustrated family, Western Life Today builds on rich heritage of one of the equine industry’s most-loved titles to reach a new audience, including those who have been part of the Western world for generations and those who have just recently been introduced to this culture. Western Life Today reaches audiences through print and digital issues, as well as through its website and social media platforms. For more info and to subscribe, go to westernlifetoday.com.

About Abigail Boatwright Communications

Abigail Boatwright is an award-winning freelance writer and photographer for equine publications including The American Quarter Horse Journal, Paint Horse Journal, CHROME, Barrel Horse News, Western Horseman, Reined Cow Horse News, NRHA Reiner, Horse & Rider, Horse Illustrated and Young Rider. She writes features, training pieces, health articles and profiles, as well as lifestyle pieces. Boatwright also writes compelling copy for a variety of platforms. Her equine photography has graced 25 magazine covers, and her stock library (stock.abigailboatwright.com) houses 1400 equine images. Abigail co-owns The Freelance Remuda, a podcast and resource for professionals in equine media. She is based in Fort Worth, Texas. Abigailboatwright.com.

Reflecting on a Decade of Freelance

Ten years ago this past July, I left a staff position at the American Paint Horse Association’s publications and set out as a freelance writer and photographer. Ten years sounds like a long time, and it is. 

I have put off writing this blog post since July because reflecting on and recapping 10 years of work feels overwhelming. But here we are, wrapping up the end of this year, and I just didn’t want to let this milestone pass without sharing a few words.

 I just sat down and counted, and not including my first 6 months because I didn’t keep track of assignments the same way, I have had 1,130 assignments over the last 10 years. That is an average of 113 stories A YEAR (and some assignments of editing, photo shoots, etc). Additionally, I did 413 separate photo shoots. There’s no way I can count how many photos that is, but it’s a lot!

 If you’ve followed my career for any length of time, let me first say thank you so much for reading my articles and looking at my photos. I wouldn’t be able to do this work without an audience! If you’re an editor or business who has given me assignments—I owe everything to you. Thank you for believing in my ability to produce content that lives up to the standards of your publication. Thank you for helping me carve a career path that is meaningful and brings me joy. If you’re a horse person and I’ve had the honor of interviewing you or taking your photo, thank you for your time and expertise. I’m so thankful to have been able to learn from horsemen and veterinarians at the top of their field, to be in the presence of great horses, and most of all, to share the stories of connection between horses and riders.

 I’ve decided to mark 10 highlights that come to mind as I think over my time with Abigail Boatwright Communications. I’ll try to make this brief!

Most of the magazines I write for or have written for in the last few years.

 Goal Publications

I grew up reading horse magazines cover-to-cover. My parents gave me subscriptions to a bunch and I’m so thankful! Each time I was able to write for one of these magazines that I revered as a child gave me such a thrill: The American Quarter Horse Journal, Horse Illustrated (my first subscription at 8 years old) Horse & Rider, Western Horseman—contributing to each of these and many others were huge milestones in my career. Seeing my work in Fort Worth magazine, a mainstream publication, was also really neat. 

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 Got It Covered, LIterally 

My first cover photo was for the American Quarter Horse Journal, when I was an intern. I was able to contribute 12 covers to APHA media while I was on staff, and each one felt like such an achievement. Since then, as a freelancer, I’ve had 14+ more covers for other publications like the American Quarter Horse Journal, Horse & Rider, America’s Horse, The Horse and NRHA’s The Reiner. It feels like such a visible contribution to a magazine. Seeing your photo on a NEWSTAND at Barnes & Noble (Like with a Horse & Rider cover photo of Carol Metcalf) was extra cool.

 Covering Events

I learned how to cover World Show events as an intern for the American Quarter Horse Association and on staff at APHA, and my earliest freelance work was covering major National Reining Horse Association shows. Since then I’ve also been able to interview winners at the premier events for the aforementioned associations, plus National Cutting Horse Association, National Reined Cow Horse Association, National Barrel Horse Association, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeos… and others that I am probably forgetting. 😊 It’s so cool to be able to talk to the very best riders about their performances and their horses, and the first-timers just thrilled to be riding in these famous arenas.

 Winning Awards

Accolades are not why I do my work. But especially as a freelancer, it’s sometimes hard to gauge my performance. I don’t get a lot of feedback from readers and I don’t receive promotions within a company. So that’s partly why winning awards through associations like the American Horse Publications and Livestock Publications Council mean so much. Being judged by media pros against quality work submitted by my peers is a great way to improve my craft. Having said that, I count the seven American Horse Publications first-place awards I’ve been given as very special parts of this career journey.

 Bucket List Travel

One of my early freelance articles was taking care of a couple of horses with a shipping company on an airplane from Houston to AMSTERDAM! This still ranks as one of the coolest experiences. My husband and I went to Australia in 2012, and I was able to pick up several stories there for work – at a campdraft, for one. It was so cool to see an event brand new to me that hadn’t happened in the U.S. before that point. I’ve visited the wilderness of New Mexico for stories with a guest ranch, met Przewalksi’s Horses at Kit Moncrief’s house and seen beautiful scenery at several ranches around the country, just to name a few.

Interviewing Temple Grandin was one of the highlights of my journalism career! i only wish our conversation could have been longer!

 Top Work Memories

I truly cannot pick favorites here—it’s like choosing a favorite child! It’s too overwhelming to contemplate. When I think about some special pieces I have written, people I’ve gotten to meet and interview, a couple come to mind. 

·      Profile on singer Aaron Watson and his Quarter Horses

·      Profile on NFL Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw and his daughter Erin

·      Training stories with Craig Johnson, Nancy Cahill, Casey Deary, and so many other talented trainers

·      Profile on Casey Deary and his family

·      Profile on NFR champion Tuf Cooper

·      Q&A with the one and only Temple Grandin

·      Equine ER series with 12 of the MOST interesting and crazy injuries as case studies

·      A profile about a horse that helped heal the grief for three different women who all lost their sons

·      A feature on how the community of Refugio banded together after Hurricane Harvey

·      A profile on the Compton Cowboys of Compton, California

·      A profile on Fort Worth royalty and Cowgirl Hall of Fame President Kit Moncrief

·      A profile on the interesting life of all-around hand Amanda Mayfield

·      Profile on trainer Carol Metcalf

·      Photo shoots with Smart And Shiney, Rugged Painted Lark and Gunner.

Building Stock

Thanks to the already-mentioned 413 photo shoots, I have just a few extra photos on my hard drive that weren’t used for their original purpose. Since I almost always supply my own photos for stories I write, I usually pull from my stock for these stories, if I don’t take new ones. But in 2018, I decided to make the best of these photos available for editorial and commercial purposes, and after many hours of culling/sorting/tagging, I launched Abigail Boatwright Stock Photos. I am continuing to add to this library, and I have 1400 images there so far. I’m about 3 years behind on photos, so check back to see what’s new! Seeing my photos as commercial images for banners, signs, ad campaigns and feed bags is SO fun.

Freelance Remuda: Podcast, Mentorship, Community

In January 2017, my friend Kate Byars and I launched “The Freelance Remuda,” a podcast for equine media professionals. We talk about how we navigate different parts of being a freelancer for the horse world, and we also interview editors and creatives in our field. Along the way, we created a private Facebook Group, which has grown to encompass a wonderful community of equine media pros where we have great discussions and support each other. We have been able to gather every year at the American Horse Publications conference and it’s been SO fun to build friendships that started on the internet into real connections. 

One of our Freelance Remuda Gatherings—so much fun!

We have fun on our mentorship session video calls!

In 2018, Kate and I launched a mentorship program, which assists aspiring equine media professionals toward launching their own freelance careers. I believe The Freelance Remuda Mentorship Program is by far my greatest achievement in my career. Several of the clients we have worked with have taken their talents and creativity, as well as tips we’ve given them, and they’ve set out to become excellent reliable, award-winning equine media pros. It gives me SUCH joy and pride to have contributed to their successes in a small way by sharing my own experiences, and offering support along their journeys. 

One of our talks at Texas A&M

Speaking Engagements

It feels surreal to be asked to speak to classes that I once attended as a student. But I’ve been invited to talk to quite a few Texas A&M University ag communications classes, and a couple of equine science classes. Often Kate and I will go together, and we talk about things like our career paths, how to break into freelancing, writing and photography techniques and much more. Hearing from people in the equine media field when I was a student was incredibly impactful to me, and I hope to have contributed in even a little bit the same way through my own talks at Texas A&M.

By myself and with Kate, we’ve also led panels and sessions at the American Horse Publications Equine Media Conference on various freelance and equine media topics. 

Branching Out

One of the latest developments in my career has been an increase in proofreading and editing assignments. I have done proofreading for several publications for going on 5 years? Maybe longer. I love getting to see the magazine and suggest changes to make it the most accurate as possible. I continue to proofread every month.

But 2021 saw a higher level of additional editing work. I did some contract managing editing work for APHA magazines the first few months of the year while the editor was on maternity leave. 

In the summer, I had the chance to bring the inaugural Western Life by Horse Illustrated special edition magazine from concept to publication as the contract managing editor. Working with the staff at Horse Illustrated, I got to choose what content to include, freelancers I wanted to work with, stories to publish, photos to accompany the stories, cover looks, editing at multiple stages and more, as well as write my own stories for the magazine. It was a huge project with many, many articles, but in the end it was supremely rewarding to see the work of so many people result in a beautiful and fun-to-read magazine that was on newsstands around the country! This was my first project of this scope and size, and I really enjoyed it all.

This fall, I joined APHA as a regular contract managing editor. It feels full-circle to be so integrated 10 years later to a company that really gave me a start in this industry. I love getting to work closely with the APHA staff and help shape these iconic publications each month.

What’s Ahead?

After all of that, it’s hard to say what’s next! I have a couple of goals I’d like to work toward. Probably not just for 2022, but the next few years. I have no idea what the future holds, but I’m thankful for the work I have and the companies I get to partner with. We’ll see what happens!

ABC goals:

·      Greater balance between personal and work life

·      Increasing leadership roles

·      Expanding stock photo library

·      Following through on a book idea

Abigail Boatwright Communications Adds Copywriting Services

Hey y’all! I’ve got an exciting announcement, particularly if you’re a business or non-profit. I now offer copywriting services! As a freelancer, I’ve actually always offered copywriting, but I’ve beefed up my skills this year to be able to offer a greater variety of copy that really gets results. Below is a bit more in a press release sent out today. Please contact me if you’d like to work with me.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

July 1, 2020                                       

For more information:

Abigail Boatwright, owner

Abigail Boatwright Communications

210-414-6761

Abigail@abigailboatwright.com

abigailboatwright.com

Abigail Boatwright Communications Adds Copywriting Services

FORT WORTH, Texas – Abigail Boatwright Communications recently added copywriting to a solid stable of content writing and photography services. Drawing on over a decade of experience writing for a variety of publications in the horse industry, Abigail Boatwright brings her skills of crafting clear, concise and compelling copy to each business client.

Although Boatwright has always offered copywriting for clients, during the COVID-19 pandemic she used the additional time at home to complete copywriting coursework, sharpening her skills to write results-generating copy for a variety of platforms.

“As an equine media professional, I really enjoy matching my writing style to each publication voice and target audience,” Boatwright said. “And with copywriting, I get to align with even more amazing brands to share their messages with customers.”

Abigail Boatwright Communications crafts:

·      Advertorials

·      Biographies

·      Brochures

·      Newsletters

·      Press releases

·      Sales letters

·      Web copy

·      And more branded materials 

Whether you’re just looking to update your biography or want to overhaul your company’s website, Abigail Boatwright Communications is ready to hit the ground at a gallop on your next project. Contact Boatwright today at abigail@abigailboatwright.com.

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About Abigail Boatwright Communications

Abigail Boatwright is an award-winning writer and photographer for equine publications including AQHA Media, Paint Horse Journal, CHROME, Barrel Horse News, Horse & Rider, Horse Illustrated, Young Rider and Western Horseman. She writes profiles, training pieces, health articles and profiles, as well as lifestyle pieces. She also writes compelling copy for a variety of platforms. Her equine photography has graced 25 magazine covers, and her stock library (stock.abigailboatwright.com) houses 1400 equine images. Abigail co-owns The Freelance Remuda, a podcast and resource for professionals in equine media. She is based in Fort Worth, Texas. Abigailboatwright.com

Susan and Chance

The vast majority of the time, I photograph stock horse breeds, mainly Paints and Quarter Horses, mainly in Western tack. On the rare occasion that I get to photograph a different breed or sport—it’s a special day. So when I showed up at Susan’s barn and saw her grooming this majestic unicorn-slash-rescue horse named Chance in dressage gear, I was positively gleeful. I don’t think I’ve ever photographed a draft-type cross, much less one as flashy as Chance. These were shot in the heat of the summer, but they give such a nice fall vibe that I thought they’d be nice to share now. I had so much fun photographing Susan and Chance, and I hope you enjoy these photos.

"Good Bones" earns accolades at AHP Equine Media Awards

My other American Horse Publications finalist entry, “Good Bones” earned an honorable mention in a class of 28 entries (!!) called Service to the Horse Industry. This is an article discussing research done on stall-bound horses—their bone density is negatively affected by the lack of exercise. It was fascinating and really important research, and i was glad to be able to share it wth American Quarter Horse Journal readers last year. And now, you can read it too!

"Running Wild" wins award at American Horse Publications Equine Media Awards

Well hey there! I am just coming up for air after a whirlwind (and fun) trip to Albuquerque for the American Horse Publications High Desert Media Roundup. While there, two of my articles were finalists in the annual Equine Media Awards. My profile about Mustang Maddy for Horse & Rider magazine placed first in the deep Personality Profile category. I’d like to share it with you below! Check out my Facebook Page and Instagram for snapshots and candids from the trip.

New Photos and Keywords Added to Stock Site

Good morning! I’ve just added 200 images to Abigail Boatwright Communications Stock Photos. Mainly to the Ranching category, but you’ll find new images in just about all of the categories. I also have been working on adding hundreds of keywords to the existing 1200+ images to make searching for the right photo even easier.

If you’re interested, go take a look! Sign up for the newsletter to be notified each time I add new images or with updates. In thanks, you’ll get a coupon for $20 off your first image purchase.

Angel Horse for America's Horse magazine

Every so often, I get the kind of assignment that allows me to tell an incredible and emotional story. It's a weighty responsibility, but I'm always thankful. These kinds of stories are my favorite, and it's an honor to share them with readers.

This is a story about three women, and the Quarter Horse mare that bound them together due to a strikingly similar tragedy in each of their lives. "Shirley" was a healing balm for these moms in their times of grief, and she continues to be an angel in the life of her forever home.

Sherry, Becky and Tracy shared their stories with me and I in turn shared them with AQHA's member magazine America's Horse. The result was a beautiful tribute to a sweet bay mare by the women who love her. The story got an incredible response from each woman's community--more than a hundred comments across their Facebook pages. I've never seen anything like it, but each woman lived through a hard time thanks to Shirley, and their friends knew it.

For Mother's Day, Becky's daughter made a gallery of the article and Becky hung it in a place of honor in her home. It is such a good reminder that stories like this are why I do what I do. Sometimes my work can have a positive effect, both on the sources, and on the readers. It was a privilege to share these women's story. It can be found in the January-February 2017 America's Horse.

Introducing ALBUMS!

I am so excited to introduce y'all to my new albums! I've searched high and low for the perfect album for my portrait clients, and here it is! Each album features an 8x8 leather- or cloth-covered flush mount album in your color choice, starting with a base of 20 pages of images. The pages are stiff and your photos will display beautifully on the archival quality paper. Each spread lays flat for easy viewing, and the cover contains a cameo image.

This album is included in one of my portrait packages or a la carte, and I'm offering this album to all my previous clients, so if you've had a session with me in the past, you can still get an album.

Here are some more photos of my sample album. Ask me about it if you want to see it in person! 

Five Years of ABC!

Five years ago today I began my freelance career. So much has happened during the last five years that it feels like a lot longer. In all, I've been working in the equine magazine industry, writing and taking photos, for ten years this year. But as a freelancer, I've written a huge amount of articles--I just did an inventory and kind of blew my own mind at the number. 

But for each article, I spend a lot of time planning, interviewing multiple sources, transcribing, writing, editing and taking/editing/writing captions for photos. Each story is a labor of love, and I work really hard to make it entertaining, educational and compelling for the magazine reader. Plus, hopefully avoiding massive editing headaches for the magazine staff. :-) 

This last month was a heavy workload. I was very happy to turn in all my stories, but 24 hours later, as I was driving to visit the gelding I get to ride once a week (My reward!), my mind was planning future stories and contemplating sources. I get so much joy spending time with my children during the day and pressing in to my work when they're asleep and on the days when we have childcare. I'm still jazzed to sit down with a cup of coffee in my office to craft a good story. Especially when I can work in my house shoes and pet my cat sitting on my desk! I love to talk to sources and hear their expertise and tales, knowing it's going to turn into a good solid article. I love when a photo shoot has magic light, pretty horses and everything just comes together. Even when it doesn't work perfectly, when I get the shots I need, it's still a success. And I'm so appreciative of the relationships developed with editors, sources and colleagues. The horse publication world is a niche in the journalism industry. It's been such a good home for me and I'm proud to be able to contribute to these magazines. 

This has been a wonderful five years, and while I don't know what the future holds, it's exciting to plan, dream and work hard every day. At so many points on this journey, I see God's hand. He's provided for me, given me these talents and continually opened doors. I give Him all the glory for anything I've been able to accomplish. Thank you for reading. I do this for you!

England Sisters Portraits

This is one of my favorite shoots I've ever done. I photographed Emma and Madeleine in 2014, and again last year, but I haven't published their images yet. The shoot was magical. The day was cloudy, which made the light soft and shadow free. These girls loved their horses and it was a joy to photograph that relationship. I hope you enjoy! 

One of a Kind Feature in Chrome

I pretty much want every single item I featured in this article for Chrome magazine. I scoured the web for beautiful and unique Western-style products and decor, and these artisans did not disappoint. As a bonus, I learned what to look for when choosing leather goods and reclaimed furniture, for example. Have a look--maybe you'll find something you want for yourself!

Here are the web addresses from below:

Will Boedeker Leather

Stephanie Ferguson Boots

Brewster Barn

Treestump

T Bones Custom Creations

David Naylors Interiors

Iron Haus

Kehrberg Leather Art

Western Weddings feature for Chrome magazine

I love weddings. I really enjoyed planning my own, and for a while there I spent many weekends at the weddings of friends. They're such a fun time to get dressed up, see friends and family, eat some good food and have a good time. This article for Chrome magazine was fun to write, as I got to interview some great sources: Wedding planning guru David Tutera, Tara Wilson of Tara Wilson Agency and Julie Neubauer of Yonder Design. I'm so appreciative of the stunning photography--it really made the article. Caroline and Jacob Fusilier's horse-themed wedding was also featured. Hope you enjoy!

Jordan Gibson Portraits

I loved doing this shoot with my friend Jordan Gibson at Lyon Performance Horses. The light was stunning, I got to use a new lens, and the human and equine models were beautiful. Hope you enjoy these images!

High Octane Feed article for the American Quarter Horse Journal

I thought I'd posted this article already, since it was published in the American Quarter Horse Journal in 2013, but I don't think I did! It's January, and many of us (myself included) are trying to eat healthier, so I'm glad to revisit this article. It's really hard to eat healthy at horse shows. The cinnamon rolls at Will Rogers Equestrian Complex are just so delicious, and I know other shows have similar offerings at concession stands. So for this article  I talked to avid Amateur competitor and nutritionist Christine McWhorter, as well as fitness champion Monica Brant--her husband is AQHA Professional Horseman Brad Jewett. Both of my experts have spent many hours at horse shows, so they know the value of healthy food at competitions. I hope you enjoy the article!

Destination Down Under article for Chrome magazine

Australia is an incredible country. Zach and I visited Oz in 2012, and it was life-changing. One thing I really loved about it was the horse culture. We spent some time at a campdraft, among other things, and we had a great time. So writing this travel piece for Chrome magazine was a lot of fun. We got to do some of these things while we were there, but after writing this article, I've added a bunch more activities for the NEXT visit Down Under. :-) Hope you enjoy!

Show Clothes TLC article for the Paint Horse Journal

Proper care goes a long way in protecting your expensive horse show clothes, so I was glad to be able to work with great sources to write this helpful article for the Paint Horse Journal. How do you care for your show clothes?

Saddles and Sweat article for the Paint Horse Journal

This article for the February 2014 Paint Horse Journal was really neat to put together. I interviewed four Paint Horse enthusiasts to learn about their fitness passions. I talked to a cross country runner, a CrossFit junkie (Amanda Ryan--you've met her in other articles, like the January 2014 issue), a p90x warrior and a bikini competitor. I loved getting to learn about why they chose these activities, and how they related to horses. Hope you enjoy!

Fit to Ride article for the Paint Horse Journal

In January and February 2014, I wrote a two-part article for the Paint Horse Journal about rider fitness. "Fit to Ride" explains the importance of being in shape for better riding, and it also shares ways to achieve your fitness goals without going to the gym.

Being healthy, fit and strong is important to me, so I loved working on this article with my sources. I also collaborated with my former Texas A&M equestrian teammate Amanda Ryan for the photos! Check it out and let me know what you think!