| APHA writer and photojournalist
earns award for compelling feature
FORT WORTH, Texas—Paul A. Cañada, a writer and
photojournalist for the American Paint Horse Association (APHA)
and the Paint Horse Journal, was honored recently
with the prestigious National Cowboy and Western Heritage
Museum Wrangler Award for his story “The Water Crisis
Continues.” Cañada received his award for the
piece, which was published in the October 2003 issue of the
Paint Horse Journal, at the National Cowboy and Western
Heritage Museum’s 43rd annual awards presentation in
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
“It was an unexpected surprise and an honor to be named
a 2003 Wrangler Award winner,” Cañada said. “When
I consider the great number of famous writers, recording artists,
actors, directors and producers who have received this award
in the past, I am humbled and very appreciative.”
The Western Heritage Awards program was started in 1960 and
has honored artists in Western literature, music, film and
television. Winners receive a 13-inch bronze replica of sculptor
John Free’s masterpiece, “The Wrangler,”
which portrays a range cowboy watching over a herd from atop
his horse. Cañada and APHA each received a bronze.
“The overall experience—seeing the museum, meeting
celebrities from various walks of life, witnessing the great
appreciation for our work—was worth much more than the
13-inch award,” Cañada said.
Past award-winners include distinguished writers, actors,
producers and directors such as John Wayne, Clint Eastwood,
John Ford, James Stewart, J. Frank Dobie, Sidney Pollack,
Robert Redford, Louis L’ Amour, Tom Selleck and Sam
Elliott.
For Cañada, the story started with a lead about two
Paint Horse sales in Colorado. From there, it grew into more
than he anticipated.
In “The Water Crisis Continues,” Cañada
explained how Colorado ranchers were dealt a hard blow in
2002, when severe drought conditions reduced grazing land
and hay production. This, in turn, led to a rise in feed prices.
In all, it is estimated that ranchers in the state paid out
more than $150 million in extra feed costs.
Canada described the struggles of the ranchers to overcome
these hardships, focusing on two stockmen, Virgil Lawson of
Wetmore, Colorado, and Vern Wagner of Hartsel, Colorado. Drought
conditions forced them to sell off foundation breeding horses
that took them two decades to establish.
“It’s gratifying to think that the Paint
Horse Journal might have succeeded in drawing national
attention to the plight of Colorado’s stockmen,”
Cañada said. “It’s my sincere hope that
‘Water Crisis Continues’ has somehow shown some
of the struggles the American cowboy has endured through the
many years.”
Paint Horse Journal Editor Jennifer Nice, who also
attended the awards presentation, said she felt the same way.
“Paul is an incredibly talented writer with an amazing
ability to tell a story." Nice said. "He profiled
a topic that is a reality for many people, not just Vern and
Virgil.
“I think it might have opened some people’s eyes
to the type of magazine the Paint Horse Journal is.
You don't necessarily have to own Paints to be able to enjoy
and appreciate its content.”
Nice added, "Getting to attend the awards ceremony as
a representative of the association was a great opportunity.
Considering Paul’s talent as a writer, I fully expect
to repeat the experience.”
Cañada remains concerned about the needs of Colorado
ranchers.
“The drought continues throughout much of the West,
and the water needs of Southwestern stockmen continue to go
unfulfilled,” he said. “As water consumption in
urban and semi-rural population centers continues to grow
at an alarming rate and dry weather patterns continue, the
struggle between agricultural water needs and urban growth
will surely continue and even worsen in the near future.
“That’s the message delivered in ‘Water
Crisis Continues.’ ”
About the author
Cañada joined the Paint Horse Journal staff
in February 2003 as a staff photographer and feature writer.
Born in Oakland, California, Cañada graduated from
California State University at Hayward with a bachelor of
arts degree in geography. Now residing in Roanoke, Texas,
he is an accomplished writer, photographer and illustrator.
Cañada worked eight years as a full-time freelance
writer and photographer before joining the Journal
staff. His byline and photos have appeared in 14 state, regional,
national and international magazines. He has also earned numerous
writing, illustration and photography awards.
More about the Paint Horse Journal
The Paint Horse Journal was created in 1966 for horsemen
and -women who have an interest in American Paint Horses.
The Journal is the official publication of APHA—one
of the largest and most popular horse breed organizations
in the world. APHA continues to experience significant growth
around the world with 765,000 Paint Horses registered since
its formation in 1962 and the current membership totaling
more than 106,000.
The Paint Horse Journal holds a unique position
in the horse industry because its readership is clearly defined.
For 37 years, the Journal’s staff has devoted
itself to providing outstanding editorial content of specific
interest to Paint Horse owners. Each issue of the Paint
Horse Journal reflects a special theme and offers valuable
advertising opportunities.
To subscribe to the Journal, go on-line at painthorsejournal.com,
or call Mary Reales at (817) 222-6431. Contact Reales by e-mail
at mreales@apha.com.
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