Only here at EN do Blogger Contests take six months. We could say it simply adds to the suspense, but the reality is: we owe you an apology! Our finalists have been patiently waiting to hear the results of the 2022 EN Blogger Contest, and we are pleased to — at very long last — announce the winners who will be joining the team in 2023!
We received an overwhelming number of initial entries as well as reader votes on the eventual finalist pieces. While we’ve identified our official winner and runners-up, who will each receive cash prizes, we have also extended offers to continue writing for EN to two other finalists.
Without further ado, your Blogger Contest results are:
Winner: Diana Gilbertson
Photo courtesy of Diana Gilbertson.
Diana, a UK resident and adventure junkie, has displayed the highest level of enthusiasm throughout the entire Blogger Contest process, despite our clunky delays in wrapping this contest up. Her writing exudes a passion for the sport and we’re thrilled to give her a crack at continuing on this path she’s found herself on. Diana now joins Tilly Berendt (winner: 2017) as our second winner from the UK. Welcome to the team, Diana!
Runner-up: Allie Heninger
Photo courtesy of Allie Heninger.
Also known as the Autoimmune Equestrian on social media, Allie is an amateur rider who brought her deep perspectives to her writing and whose passion for horses and perseverence is evident in everything she does. We look forward to adding her viewpoint to our roster of writers from all types of backgrounds!
Runner-up: Sydney Steverson
Photo courtesy of Sydney Steverson.
Sydney had us absolutely rolling when she sent in her first entry (which we’ll share here on EN soon) depicting the conversations we have with our horses on cross country. Her second entry, The Terror and Hope of Cross Country Day, accurately sums up the eventing experience for approximately 99% of us. Sydney hails from the midwest and is also an avid TikToker (is that the right term? I’m old) with a sense of humor and a perspective that lends itself well to inspiring as well as entertaining. We can’t wait to see what else Sydney has up her sleeve — welcome to the team!
Other writers who have been extended offers to continue writing for EN are: Cheg Darlington and Cassidy Oeltjen.
Congratulations to all of you, and thank you to all who submitted pieces for this year’s Blogger Contest. If this wasn’t your year, we encourage you to re-submit during our next contest — you never know!
Go Eventing.
