The National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) is seeking proposals from experienced editorial professionals interested in serving as editor of Reined Cow Horse News, the official publication of the NRCHA.
Reined Cow Horse News serves as an important connection between the Association and its membership while documenting the horses, people, competition and traditions that define reined cow horse. NRCHA is seeking an editor who can build upon the publication’s established foundation while maintaining its quality, credibility and relevance.
The selected editor will provide comprehensive editorial management for six annual publications: five traditional magazine issues and the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity® Program. Working closely with the NRCHA Director of Marketing, NRCHA staff, freelance contributors and publishing partner Equine Network, the editor will guide each issue from initial planning and story assignment through final proof and publication.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Developing the editorial direction and content plan for each issue
- Identifying compelling stories, personalities, horses, historical topics and industry trends
- Creating and managing detailed run sheets and production schedules
- Assigning and managing content produced by freelance writers and contributors
- Copy editing for accuracy, clarity, consistency, grammar and AP Style
- Selecting appropriate photography and visual assets
- Coordinating with NRCHA staff and Equine Network throughout the production and proofing process
- Identifying opportunities to extend editorial content across NRCHA’s digital platforms
The editor’s primary role will be to assign, manage and edit freelance content rather than personally write the majority of each issue. Additional writing assignments may be available outside the base editorial services agreement with advance approval.
Qualified applicants should demonstrate professional experience editing or managing a print or digital publication, developing editorial calendars, overseeing contributors and guiding a publication through the complete production cycle. Strong copy-editing, proofreading, long-form storytelling and organizational skills are essential. Knowledge of the equine or Western industries is desired, while an understanding of reined cow horse is preferred but not required.
This opportunity will be structured as an independent contractor agreement. Attendance at NRCHA Premier Events is not required as part of the base agreement, although select event attendance may be encouraged when beneficial.
Proposal Requirements
Interested applicants should submit:
- A statement of interest
- A résumé outlining relevant editorial and publication experience
- Three to five relevant work samples
- A brief description of their editorial approach, including one or two ideas for strengthening the publication or engaging readers
- Professional references
- A proposed annual or per-issue fee structure
- Confirmation of availability and capacity to manage six annual issues
Proposals must be received by September 10, 2026. The desired start date is October 1, 2026, with the first issue scheduled for November/December 2026.
Please review the complete request for proposals below for additional information regarding the scope of services, qualifications and submission requirements. Click here to view the COMPLETE REQUEST.
Proposals and questions should be directed to:
Callie Boevers
NRCHA Director of Marketing
callie@nrcha.com
