I’m honored to share that The Pony Island received First Place in the Equine-Related Website category at the 2026 American Horse Publications Equine Media Awards.
As both the designer and creator of the site, this recognition is especially meaningful because The Pony Island represents the intersection of many things I’m passionate about: illustration, design, education, and, of course, horses.
The idea for The Pony Island grew from a simple question: How can we make learning about horses more engaging and accessible for kids?
The answer became an online learning platform filled with original illustrations, interactive courses, printable activities, educational games, and hands-on resources that encourage young horse lovers to explore horsemanship at their own pace. Every illustration, page layout, icon, and learning experience was thoughtfully designed to create an engaging and welcoming environment for children and families.
The award judges noted the site’s cohesive visual identity, playful design, and ability to balance creativity with functionality while remaining true to its educational mission. Hearing that the experience resonated with industry professionals was incredibly rewarding.
This recognition also marks another milestone in a career that has blended art, illustration, and digital design. Earlier in my career, I founded Allpony, an equestrian website that was later acquired by the United States Pony Clubs. Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition from American Horse Publications for both editorial illustration and website design.
While my current focus is creating original artwork and illustration, projects like The Pony Island remind me how powerful visual storytelling can be when combined with thoughtful design. Whether I’m painting a horse, illustrating a children’s educational resource, or designing a digital experience, my goal is always the same: to create work that informs, inspires, and connects with people who share a love of horses.
I’m grateful to American Horse Publications for this honor and to everyone who has supported The Pony Island since its launch. It’s exciting to see the project continue to grow.