Equine Media and Journalism

State Line Tack would like to provide a comprehensive look into careers within the equine industry. Our goal is to give you the inside scoop on these distinctive jobs in hopes that you will gain an appreciation for them, and possibly become inspired by them!

September Spotlight: Equine Media & Journalism

Equine media journalists bring us the content we love to read about horses. Whether you are perusing a magazine, blog, or social media, reading a book, or listening to a podcast, a media journalist was involved. They are also behind the marketing and digital specialization of your favorite equestrian products!

To learn more about this exciting career, we sat down with Katie Navarra, a self-employed Equine Media & Journalism specialist. A lifelong rider and avid horse lover, she discovered her knack for writing in grade school and credits many teachers and mentors along the way for her success. This year, she left her corporate job behind to become her own boss, and now runs her own business. Her path to equine journalism started with a major in communications, an internship, and membership in American Horse Publications, of which she's currently a board member.

Q&A with Katie Navarra, a self-employed Equine Media & Journalism specialist

Q: How did you first become interested in equine media?

A: In sixth grade, I discovered my knack for writing through an essay about my childhood dog, Pokey. A few years later, a high school English teacher who shared my passion for the horse industry nurtured my writing abilities. She said to me one day, "you know you could write for horse magazines." She inspired me to combine my lifelong love of horses with my natural talents for writing to pursue a career in equine journalism.

Ironically, I didn't attend a college with an equine program or go to journalism school. Midway through college, my advisor told me that if I ever wanted to write for horse magazines I would have to get published. She arranged an internship at the Livingston County News, a local newspaper one block from campus. The internship immediately turned into a paid weekly column that allowed me to cover the community's horse people, history and activities. About the same time, I also learned about American Horse Publications, a group for anyone involved with equine media. I joined as a student member and have served on the board of directors for more than five years now.

For the first 15 years of my career I also worked a full-time job outside the industry to take time to build a solid client base. In March 2020, I officially left my "day job" and launched a full-time equine media business that includes content strategy and creation. I have plans to add business and executive coaching services in 2021.

Q: What education and certifications have you obtained for your career?

A: I have two communications degrees; a masters and a bachelors. SUNY Geneseo had a journalism track, but I studied corporate communications thinking I would work in marketing or public relations for an equine company. Right after undergrad, I spent a summer in New York City where I worked for a crisis communications firm in the MetLife Building on Park Avenue.

Many friends earned a journalism degree and that taught them the ins and outs of the industry that I've learned on the job. J-School has its advantages and can be a great investment, but not always needed.

Q: What kind of projects have you worked on?

A: The writing projects I work on vary widely. Most of my work currently includes writing articles for publications, print and online. That includes interviewing at least three people for each story and conducting some additional research on the topic. I've also had the chance to write case studies about products, blog posts, website copy, text for marketing brochures and advertisement, video scripts, press releases and more.

Q: What is your favorite thing about your job? Your least favorite?

A: My favorite aspect of the job is the wide range of topics I get to write about and the feeling of always being challenged. At my previous "day job" the pace was slow. Even though I routinely asked to take on new work, it wasn't enough to keep me on my toes. Running my own business gives me the flexibility to take on projects I'm passionate about and that push me to use my skills in new and more creative ways. Over time my services have expanded to include content strategy and will soon include coaching. I thrive on helping clients consider new approaches to their goals.

My least favorite part of the job is that it requires a lot of sitting. I'm an active person so being seated all day long can get tedious. I build in time to workout either first thing in the morning or over lunch to get moving. I also have an electric adjustable height desk so I can stand up throughout the day.

Q: How is COVID-19 affecting your business?

A: For 15 years I had been planning and saving to launch my freelance business. My last day at work was March 6, mere weeks before the COVID-19 shutdown. A few magazines cancelled assignments because of budget constraints, but business continues to grow. Each month the amount of projects I have billed out has exceeded my goal for the month.

Q: What continuing education do you participate in?

A: The American Horse Publications Annual Seminar has been key to developing a thriving media business. The event offers a wide variety of media related education sessions, but it's the networking that has proven incredibly valuable-it's where I first met many of the editors I work for today.

Early on I participated in online writing and classes through organizations like Poynter and the American Copy Editors Association. More recently, the continuing education I participate in is focused on business topics that help me build a sustainable self-supported business for the long-haul. There are a lot of great podcasts for writers and creating high-income writing businesses. I'm also currently enrolled in a coaching certification program through the Rutgers Executive Leadership Coaching program as I prepare to add those services to my business.

Q: What suggestions do you have for people interested in this field?

A: Get involved with American Horse Publications! I know I've mentioned the group multiple times, but I owe my career to the organization. They offer student awards, connections to internships and potential clients.

The entire media industry, even outside the horse industry, is changing rapidly. I think it's important to stay open-minded about the type of content you would like to or might have an opportunity to create. You might find your niche as a writer, a book author, a broadcaster or a podcaster. Or you could find yourself working in a marketing or digital specialist capacity for a company that sells products or services to horse owners. The opportunities are limitless as long as you are willing to consider the possibilities.

Q: What is the most unusual thing you've seen during the course of your career?

A: This doesn't really count as unusual, but it's the most unique reporting experience I've had. One magazine flew me to Oklahoma to interview two celebrities at their respective ranches. One was $1 million National Snaffle Bit Association trainer Gil Galyean and the other was palomino horse breeder and Super Bowl Champion Terry Bradshaw. Before and since that trip people have always asked if I was nervous meeting someone famous. Coincidentally, I am horrible with directions and was more worried about getting lost! Both were incredibly gracious hosts.

Q: What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started your career?

A: The number of phone calls I'd be making in a year. Many publications don't have travel budgets for freelancers and unless clients are local, most of the prep work is done through phone interviews, email and now Zoom. Depending on project cycles there are days that I spend five or six hours on the phone collecting information before writing can even begin. That can be mentally exhausting. When I know I have a day like that coming up, I try to start the morning with a run to get my mind cleared. I also set reminders on my phone to get up and move throughout the day.

Since ditching the daily commute, I've filled that time with reading and I've found it's a great way to get motivated. My favorite reads include historical fiction focused on World War II, leadership and business development topics.

To learn more about Katie's company and see more of her work, visit:

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