Rules

Each photo submitted must have an element of an equine as the essence of the photo. It may be beautiful, creative, funny, or emotionally charged, but above all must depict all subjects in within in safe, healthy surroundings.

This is a contest for families to enjoy. Unethical, or indecent photos will be deleted, and fees will not be refunded. Photo entries may not be watermarked nor copyrighted, and they must be the entrant's own work.

By submitting a photo(s) to the Hoofbeats Equine Photo Contest you are giving the Pennsylvania Equine Council exclusive, royalty free rights to the image(s) for 3 years and irrevocable, non exclusive royalty-free license to use photograph as we wish for promotional, advertising or marketing purposes thereafter as well.

To be considered for a calendar spot or the Judges choice awards photographs must be high resolution, digital, color images with a preferred resolution of (3650 pixels x 2740 pixels) and a MINIMUM of (1500x1200 pixels) and 300 pixels per inch to minimize distortion when enlarged. (hint) Most camera phones cannot meet these specifications.

Due to the unique reproduction/printing requirements regarding resolution quality, background clutter, cropping etc. we cannot guarantee with total certainty that the Photo Finish choices will appear in the full-size page of the 2022 hoofbeats calendar. It is our every intention to do so however, in such a case that the image cannot be used due to non-compatible cropping, resolution or unforeseen circumstances, the prize will be still be awarded however we reserve the right to substitute a different photo in the calendar and use the originally chosen photo on the collage page insert.

If Photo release cannot be obtained the prize will NOT be awarded and each photo on the placing list will move up one place. *See recommendations for your best shot at winning and inclusion in the 2022 calendar.

Every winning photographer will be emailed a release stating that the photo is an original photo, free of copyright, watermarking and is their own work and has not been created by any manipulations other than this contest allows.

Enhancements allowed are CROPPING, LIGHT AND CONTRAST ADJUSTMENTS AND STRAIGHTENING

NO OTHER COMPUTER OR IN CAMERA post processing or ENHANCEMENTS ARE PERMITTED

If you enter a photo with visual enhancements that are not allowed. Your photo will be removed from the judging and your fees will NOT be refunded.

Peoples' choice winners will be posted the morning after contest ends, pending releases being obtained if necessary and notification via email. Check on this website or on our Face Book Page at PEC mercer county.

You are responsible for keeping your email up to date in the event that your photo is selected and you cannot be reached for photo releases, you will forfeit the placing and all others will move up a placing.

The panel of judges will convene within 3 days after the close of contest and entries will be judged on a point system. Winners of all judged categories will be notified by July 15^th 2021 and posted on contest website and The PEC Mercer County FB site and The Pennsylvania Equine Council.org website pending releases being obtained.

**Prizes are not transferrable, must be accepted as presented and are not redeemable for cash. We reserve the right to exchange any part or all of the prizes listed here for alternate items of equal or greater value at the sole discretion of the PEC fundraising committee.