American Horse Publications (AMP) has announced the winner of the 2019 Equine Media Awards. Elise Gaston Chand and her Because of Horses podcast took the honors for her episode with National Cowgirl Hall of Famer Tracy Westfall, “Making Every Moment Count.”

I want to thank Tracy Westfall and Elizabeth Letts for offering a glimpse into their fascinating worlds,”

Said Elise, who also took the second-place for her episode with Elizabeth Letts, author of “Snowman: The Horse That Inspired a Nation.”.

I am grateful to the AHP and all the judges for presenting us with this honor out of such a large field of phenomenal contestants. Many thanks to our sponsors, all our supporters and our production team. We couldn’t produce the podcast without you.”

Each week, Elise Gaston Chand hosts informative and entertaining conversations with, for and about horses, horse-people and the equestrian life. Because of Horses is the horse-lover’s podcast for listeners worldwide, sharing notable equestrians’ personal stories, challenges, triumphs and expert insights, as well as timely topics and exciting event information from around the globe. Because of Horses is the official podcast of the Hampton Classic, one of the largest outdoor shows in the United States.

Elsie is a lifelong horsewoman and former Capitol Hill reporter who worked in corporate communications and human resources while she ran Pura Raza Española (PRE) breeding and training facilities near Dallas and Seattle. She is the author of “A Parent’s Guide to Riding Lessons: Everything You Need to Survive and Thrive with a Horse-Loving Kid” and four works of fiction under the name, Elisa Paige.

Now based full-time in Dallas, Gaston Chand launched the Because of Horses weekly podcast in October 2017. It has exceeded all expectations for subscribers and followers. She has developed a reputation for her well-researched and thoughtful approach to her interviews and her guests and listeners send a constant stream of letters, reviews and emails praising her work. Kristine Dahms, from Life Between the Ears, describes her as “the Terry Gross of the equestrian world.”

About the Awards

Held since 1974, the AHP annual awards offer an opportunity for members of equine-focused media to be recognized for excellence in a variety of categories. This year’s competition for material published in 2018 drew 711 entries. Visit American Horse Publications for more information.