by Nicole Kraft, communications director, U.S. Trotting Association

Columbus, OH — The Hoof Beats Photo Contest has returned for 2008!

We will offer three divisions — PROFESSIONAL (for those who have been paid more than $500 lifetime for their photography), AMATEUR (those who have not been paid more than $500 lifetime for their photographic work) and PHOTO ILLUSTRATION (open to amateurs and professionals).

Winning photographers will receive an award certificate from Hoof Beats and their photos will be published in the October 2008 issue.

All photographs must relate to some aspect of the Standardbred horse and/or the sport of harness racing. Photos may have been taken at any time, but must have been taken by the contestant. Photos that have previously been published, that are pending publication, or have won any photo contest are ineligible. The horse(s)’s USTA-registered name or specific location where photographed (i.e. “Hanover Shoe Farms, Hanover,PA”) must be included on the entry form.

The contest is open to original digital files, black and white prints and color prints; no color photocopies. There is no entry fee.

Click here for complete contest rules and entry form.

To qualify, entries must be received no later than Aug. 1, 2008. Address your submission(s) to: Hoof Beats Photo Contest, 750 Michigan Ave., Columbus OH 43215, or e-mail hoofbeats@ustrotting.com, with PHOTO CONTEST in the subject line.

Information: 877.800.8782, ext. 2.