Middleburg Eccentric contributor Lauren R. Giannini, longtime freelance writer, won the Alltech A+ Journalism Award for "Little Horses Do Big Jobs" (Sidelines, September 2013). In the press release about the Awards Dinner which wrapped up the American Horse Publications' annual seminar, held this year in Charleston, SC, June 19-21, AHP stated:

The Alltech A+ Equine Journalism Award was presented to the author of the best article that increased awareness and love of equestrian sport to mainstream readers. Lauren Giannini won the award with her article, "Little Horses Do Big Jobs," published in Sidelines Magazine. The judge commented, "In looking at the criteria for this award for 'increasing awareness and love of equestrian sport to mainstream readers' this heart-warming tale is difficult to beat. Although there were other very well-written articles in this category, this story far and away takes the lead in appealing to the mainstream public and engaging them in the tale of these therapy horses. Really enjoyed reading about these little horses and their big jobs but also about the big hearts of these horse's humans."

This was Giannini's second national award. In 2008 she won the AHP news-related story category with "Justice For John Elwin" (Sidelines, April 2007). In 2012 she earned Honorable Mention in the AHP single feature category for "Galloping Into The High Tech Future: Cloning" (In & Around Horse Country, Aug/Sept 2011).

"It's always an honor to be recognized in your field and, although the equine journalism industry is considered a niche market, its writers are amazingly talented and passionate about their work," said Giannini. "To write about horses in aspect, especially what I call "creature features" like the Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses and their very brave people who helped me to win the prestigious Alltech A+ Journalism Award, is a source of great pleasure and satisfaction. It is also humbling and motivating, because I can't rest on my laurels. Every story gets the same attention and effort, whether it's a paid assignment or my contribution to a charitable organization or just hoping to give some good ink and recognition to someone or something in the community. One of my goals is to teach special seminars in area schools and libraries so that I can share what I have learned about writing. It's my fervent ambition to inspire a greater passion for reading in kids of all ages."

Lauren Giannini visited Zika Petersen and her daughter Catherine Mack in Middleburg on her way home from Dulles Airport after the AHP seminar. Of course, they had to see her trophy, which survived the flight in spite of being wedged into the front compartment of her laptop bag, thanks to the two bags carryon only rule.