Senior Editor Jennifer Denison catches up with 16-year-old American Idol contestant, Jeneve Rose Mitchell.
Jennifer Denison submitted her first article and photographs to Western Horseman in 1991 at age 18. To her chagrin, the article was returned with many red marks and a rejection note. She took the edits to heart, though, and pursued her passion for writing and photographing horses and the Western lifestyle throughout college. After more than 20 years in the equine publishing field, 17 of which she has worked for Western Horseman, she likes to think both her storytelling and photography abilities have improved, but she still has a lot to accomplish.
Growing up in Woodland Park, Colorado, Jennifer developed diverse interests in art, music, hunting and horses. She competed in 4-H and youth rodeo, helped on a family ranch for 14 years and rode all over the Colorado Rocky Mountains with her father, who was an avid hunter and packer.
Jennifer was the 1994 recipient of the American Horse Publications Student Award, which jumpstarted her career. After graduating from Colorado State University in 1995 with double majors in equine science and technical journalism and a minor in art, she was hired by Horse & Rider magazine as assistant editor, and throughout her six years with the magazine she advanced to senior editor. In 2002 she joined the Western Horseman staff as senior editor and continues to hold that title. She also serves on the AHP Board of Directors.
Known as the staff’s “road warrior,” Jennifer takes pride in continuing Western Horseman’s legacy of taking readers to remote areas of the West and documenting the colorful cowboys and artists who share their stories with her. She thrives on finding the humble horsemen hidden in the sagebrush and sharing their experience and knowledge, or immersing herself in a small-town event celebrating horsemanship and the Western lifestyle. Her favorite subjects to cover are vaquero traditions, sustainable ranching, family ranches, art and music.
At home she has two horses and two dogs. In her limited free time, she is developing her ranch roping skills and continues to roam the mountains of Colorado or in the red rocks of northern Arizona.
Could your body position be impeding your horse’s performance? Unleash his movement with these balance pointers from horseman
Martin Black.
From the moment you enter the corral or pasture, you’re sending your horse messages. Set the tone for a successful training session with clinician Tammy Pate’s advice on catching your horse.
I’ve come to realize that ranching is not only a way of life, but also a way of being and seeing the world. It involves living in harmony with others, as well as with animals and the land. With it comes a special awareness of intent, balance, spirituality, family values, the fragility of life, and the beauty of the inner and outer worlds.
The same is true with two of my other passions, yoga and horsemanship.
The Trappings of Texas may not be the largest Western art show, but it showcases world-class pieces from emerging and established artists and gear makers.
Mike Beck, a free-spirited West Coast singer-songwriter, composes songs inspired by his days as a working cowboy.
A hand-carved rocking horse with custom, half-sized tack rides away in the hearts and minds of collectors at the 17th annual Traditional Cowboy Arts Association Exhibition & Sale.
Artisan and college student Nevada Watt hosts an impressive new silver show.
Watercolorist Teal Blake reflects on the road that led him to the Cowboy Artists of America and his first show with the group, which happened to coincide with its 50th anniversary.
The Great Basin Buckaroo Gathering spotlights the skills and traditions of some of the handiest horsemen in the West.
The bond between the cowboy, his horse and stock dog is strengthened by preparation from the time the dog is a pup.
