Terms and Conditions

INTRODUCTION

By participating in the competition, you agree to these terms and conditions. The competition is run by Australian Performance Horse Magazine, a provider of print and digital advertising services to Australian equestrian businesses and publisher of premium equestrian content for horse riders (“the Organiser”).

DEFINITIONS

• Organiser: Australian Performance Horse Magazine
• Competition: The ‘Heroes & Horses’ Art Competition invites entrants to submit original work exploring the powerful stories of courage, loyalty, and heart shared between horses and humans.
• Entrant: An individual who submits an entry to the competition.
• Entry: 1-3 entry submission in one of the following categories—Photography, Visual Arts, Writing, or Makers (Leather and Metal Work)

ELIGIBILITY TO ENTER

1.1. The competition is open to Australian residents only.

1.2. The competition prize categories are open to amateur artists only. Professional artists and individuals who derive significant income from their creative work are not eligible to place or win prizes.

1.3. Professional artists are welcome to submit artwork for consideration. While professional entries will not be judged as part of the official competition, selected works may be featured by the Organiser across print, digital, or social media platforms.

1.4. Employees, contractors, and immediate family members of the Organiser are not eligible to participate.

1.5. Entrants under 18 must have consent and supervision from a parent or legal guardian. Submissions must be entered by the guardian on behalf of the child.

COMPETITION PERIOD

2.1. The competition opens for promotion on May 8

2.2. The final date for entries is Midnight on June 3

HOW TO ENTER

4.1. Entrants must submit original work in one of the following categories:

Photography

Submission Requirements:

• Format: JPEG or PNG
• Max file size: 20MB
• Minimum resolution: 300 DPI (for print consideration)
• Camera type: Any (smartphone, DSLR, mirrorless etc.)

Editing Rules:

• Basic edits allowed (brightness, cropping, contrast, color grading)
• No compositing, added or removed elements, or digital manipulation beyond standard adjustments
• No AI editing or generation tools

Other Conditions:

• Watermarks, branding, and borders may be included
• All photos must be taken by the entrant.

Visual Arts

Accepted Media:

• Traditional: Pencil, paint, ink, charcoal, mixed media
• Digital: Drawing tablets or software such as Procreate, Photoshop, Illustrator, Clip Studio Paint

Artwork Guidelines:

• Must be scanned or photographed clearly for digital submission
• No AI-generated or AI-assisted artwork
• Digital artworks must be created solely by the artist
• No use of templates, filters, or auto-generation tools

Writing 

Types of Entries:

• Short stories
• Poetry
• Creative non-fiction (memoir-style, essay, reflections)

Submission Requirements:

• Word count: Max. 800 words
• Format: PDF or Word document, 12pt font, double-spaced

Entry Must Be:

• Original and unpublished
• Free from plagiarism or copyrighted material (no song lyrics, commercial characters, etc.)
• Written by the named entrant (no AI or ghostwriting tools)

New! Makers (Leather and Metal Work)

Types of Entries:

• Saddlery (e.g. bridles, halters, reins)
• Tack and gear accessories
• Belts, bags, and wearable items
• Decorative or artistic leather/metal pieces
• Horse-inspired functional or display items
• Custom or handcrafted pieces

Submission Requirements:

• Photo Submission Format: JPEG or PNG
• Max file size: 20MB
• High-resolution, print-ready photo.
• Basic edits allowed (brightness, cropping, contrast, color grading)
• No compositing, added or removed elements, or digital manipulation beyond standard adjustments
• No AI editing or generation tools

Entry Must Be:

• Entirely the entrant’s original work
• Handmade using leather and/or metalworking techniques
• Free from AI generation or digital fabrication methods
• A completed physical item (not a concept or design draft)
• Accurately represented in the submitted photograph
• Created within the last 12 months

ARTWORK GUIDELINES:

Special Conditions:

4.2. Entries must relate clearly to the theme: Horses & Heroes

4.3. Entries must be submitted digitally via the form at horsepublishing.com.au
4.4. Accepted file types are JPEG, PNG, or PDF.
4.5. Maximum file size: 20MB
4.6. Entrants may submit up to 3 per category.
4.7. All submissions must be original work by the Entrant.
4.8. No AI-generated content is permitted in any category.
4.9. All entries will be published in the online gallery on horsepublishing.com.au

JUDGING AND PRIZES

5.1. Judging will be based on creativity, originality, emotional and narrative impact, and relevance to the theme
5.2. A panel selected by the Organiser will judge entries anonymously.

5.3. Prizes will be awarded as follows for each category (Photography, Visual Arts, Writing and Leather & Metal Work):

Photography, Visual Arts & Writing
(3) Three Winners in each category will have the opportunity to be featured in the 2026 Industry & Artistry print edition, showcasing their work to a national audience of horse lovers, creatives, and equestrian industry professionals.

Makers (Leather & Metal Work)
Selected entries in this category will be featured across our magazine and online gallery, highlighting exceptional craftsmanship and creativity to our national equestrian audience.

All Entrants Receive:

• A free copy of the 2026 ‘Industry & Artistry’ Edition
• An opportunity to have their artwork showcased in the online gallery on our website.

5.4. Winners will be notified via email by June 12. If a winner does not respond within 7 days, the prize may be forfeited.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY & USAGE RIGHTS

6.1. Entrants retain copyright to their work.
6.2. By entering, Entrants grant the Organiser a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, and publish submitted entries in connection with the competition, including promotional materials and publication in print and digital media.
6.3. Credit will be given to the Entrant wherever possible.
6.4. Entrants confirm the submission is original and does not infringe third-party rights.

DISQUALIFICATION

LIABILITY & INDEMNITY

8.1. The Organiser is not responsible for late, lost, corrupted, or incomplete entries.
8.2. The Organiser shall not be liable for technical issues or damages incurred during participation.
8.3. By entering, participants agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Organiser from any legal claims related to submitted content.

DATA PROTECTION

9.1. Personal data will be used solely for administering the competition.
9.2. By entering, Entrants consent to receive email communication from the Organiser. Entrants may unsubscribe at any time.
9.3. For questions about data use or to request removal, contact hello@horsepublishing.com.au

GENERAL

10.1. The Organiser reserves the right to amend these Terms & Conditions at any time.
10.2. In the event of unforeseen circumstances, the Organiser reserves the right to cancel or modify the competition.
10.3. The competition is governed by the laws of Australia.
10.4. For inquiries, please contact hello@horsepublishing.com.au

Ready to submit your entry?