Nancy Jaffer honored with Equine Science Center’s “Spirit of the Horse” award

November 22, 2013

New Brunswick, N.J. – The Equine Science Center at Rutgers University is proud to name noted equestrian photojournalist, Nancy Jaffer, as the 2014 recipient of the “Spirit of the Horse” award. Ms. Jaffer received the award during the Center’s annual year end event, “An Evening of Celebration and Science” on Tuesday, November 19.

The “Spirit of the Horse” award recognizes individuals whose lives have been profoundly changed because of their involvement with horses and who have acknowledged the impact by giving back to the horse industry.

Director of the Equine Science Center, Karyn Malinowski, stated, “Nancy Jaffer’s tremendous admiration and love for horses is no secret; one can just refer to any of the innumerable articles that she has written about equestrian sport and the equine industry throughout her illustrious career. Nancy provides a voice for the industry and we were thrilled to honor her with the Spirit of the Horse award.”

Nancy Jaffer is an award-winning freelance photojournalist specializing in equestrian sports and issues. She has covered nine Olympics and all of the World Equestrian Games that have been held since their inception in 1990.

Nancy is the longtime equestrian columnist for The Star-Ledger, the largest newspaper in New Jersey, and has a particular interest in the state’s horse industry. She is a member, and former officer, of the International Alliance of Equestrian Journalists. In addition, her stories and photographs have been featured in a variety of publications around the world, and she has written several books, including “Riding Through” with Olympic dressage medalist Debbie McDonald.

“Horses are the focus of my life, so I feel fortunate to reside in New Jersey, where there are so many equine activities and facilities such as the Rutgers Equine Science Center that benefit the animals,” said Nancy Jaffer. “Let’s also recognize all our great veterinarians, noted trainers, wonderful trails and numerous competitions. How many other states have so many such assets within a short drive of wherever horses are living? My mission is to keep people informed about all aspects of the state’s equestrian scene, as well as writing about the bigger horse sport-related picture around the country and the world. It is an honor to be recognized for my work by the Center, whose progress I have followed since it was founded.”

A lifelong rider and horse owner who has competed in a variety of disciplines, Nancy now enjoys trail riding when her schedule permits.

For more information about the Spirit of the Horse award, or the “Evening of Celebration and Science” event, visit the Equine Science Center’s website at esc.rutgers.edu or contact Tiffany Cody at cody@njaes.rutgers.edu or 848-932-9419.