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 Colouring – In Contest
ELIGIBILITY TO ENTER
1.1. The competition is open to Australian residents only.
1.2. This competition is open to amateurs only. Professional artists and individuals who derive significant income from their creative work are not eligible.
1.3. Employees, contractors, and immediate family members of the Organiser are not eligible to participate.
1.4. 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 16 June 2025.
2.2. The final date for entries is Midnight on 1st of August 2025 (EST)
ENTRY FEES & CHARITY SUPPORT
3.1. An entry fee of AUD $20 per submission applies for all categories, excluding the Colouring In category, which is free to enter.
3.2. 100% of all entry fees will be donated to Samford RDA
3.3. Entry fees are non-refundable under any circumstances, including disqualification or withdrawal after submission.
HOW TO ENTER
4.1. Entrants must submit original work in one of the following categories:
PHOTOGRAPHY
- 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:
- All photos must be taken by the entrant.
- Watermarks, branding, and borders may be included
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:
- Max Size: A3 (297mm x 420mm)
- 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)
COLOURING-IN
Eligibility:
- Open to all ages and abilities
- Entrants may use the official APH Colouring-In Template (downloadable) or create their own equestrian-themed colouring sheet in line with the Horses & Heroes theme
Artwork Guidelines:
- Any colouring medium accepted: crayons, pencils, markers, paint, etc.
- Must be scanned or photographed clearly for upload
- Entrants are encouraged to express their individuality through colour choice, interpretation, and personal flair
- Traced or commercial templates not allowed (except for the official APH one)
Special Conditions:
- All valid colouring-in entries will be showcased in an online gallery on the APH website.
- Please note: this category is for participation and recognition only — no formal prizes will be awarded.
4.2. Entries must relate clearly to the theme: “Horses & Heroes“
4.3. Entries must be submitted digitally via the form at performancehorsemag.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 performancehorsemag.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 and Writing)
Winner (1 per Category):
- 1-Year Australian Performance Horse Magazine Subscription
- APH Hat & Merchandise Pack
- 1-Hour Mentoring Session with an Industry Professional
- Published in Print + Online
- Exclusive prizes from our sponsors
Runners-Up (2 per Category):
- Feature in Print + Online
- APH Hat
- Exclusive Prizes from our sponsors
All Entrants Receive:
- Free Digital Copy of the Sep/Oct ‘Industry & Artistry’ Issue
- Artwork showcased in the online gallery on our website
5.4. Winners will be notified via email by 15 August 2025. 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
7.1. Entries may be disqualified if they:
- Contain offensive or inappropriate content
- Infringe copyright or appear plagiarised
- Are submitted by or on behalf of a professional artist
- Violate submission guidelines
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@aphpublishing.com
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@aphpublishing.com