Horse Spot earns internet recognition in the Big League
This two-year-old platform , designed to streamline show management and equestrian events, has been named a Webby Honoree in the “Web Services & Applications” category—one of the most competitive segments in the 29th Annual Webby Awards.
Now, if you’ve ever raised an eyebrow at some of the more fluffy equestrian awards like the ESMAs [guilty as charged, being a former ESMA nominee], this one hits differently.
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The Equestrian Social Media Awards (ESMAs) were once a popular, community-driven initiative recognizing equestrian influencers and brands on social media. The awards were largely based on public voting and lacked formal industry oversight or judging criteria. As a result, they often prioritized popularity over real innovation or impact.
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Cause the Webby Awards are the real deal. Established in 1996 and dubbed “the Internet’s highest honor” by The New York Times.
Every year they receive nearly 13,000 entries from over 70 countries—and only the top 25% even make it onto the Honoree list. That’s why this isn’t just a nice pat on the back for a well-designed website. It’s a milestone for the entire horse world.
In a landscape where “innovation” often looks like a sparkly saddle pad or a new feed bucket color, Horse Spot has shown the tech world that equestrianism can be both deeply traditional and forward-thinking.
What’s particularly exciting is that this award wasn’t handed out by a horsey crowd. This recognition came from an academy of digital industry professionals—the same people who build the platforms, design the apps, and run the campaigns that define the modern internet. And yet, they saw Horse Spot and said, “Yes, this belongs here.”
The platform itself is modern, clean, and practical. It's already helping shows—from local to rated—run more smoothly, with tools that serve everyone from exhibitors to managers.
But more than anything, this award is a signal: the equestrian world is being taken seriously even in tech circles.
It also quietly reminds us that when equestrian creatives are given room to dream brilliant things do happen.
Horse Spot’s journey shows what’s possible when we stop settling for outdated systems and start embracing design, strategy, and digital thinking that meets today’s standards.
The bar’s been raised, and this time, it’s not just for show.