The Horse magazine and TheHorse.com were awarded first place in the “Best Use of Facebook” category of the 2012 PagePlay Equestrian Social Media Awards (ESMA), second place in the “Most Informative” category, and third place in the “Best Use of Social Media by a Publication” category.

Designed to bring together the global equestrian community, the ESMAs began in 2010 in the United Kingdom and allow professionals, fans, and followers of equine brands and businesses to vote for their favorite social media users.

The 2012 winners were narrowed down by a panel of branding experts, marketers, and social media gurus from around the globe to 258 finalists in 31 categories, and winners were decided by more than 14,000 people voting from 124 countries.

“We strive to deliver the most relevant, informative, and useful content to our audience and social media is one of the fastest growing avenues to do so,” says Monica Marrs, director of Marketing and Audience Development at Blood-Horse Publications, parent company of The Horse and TheHorse.com. “Our readers keep us on track and it’s rewarding to know that our audience appreciates of our use of social media to keep them informed. On behalf of The Horse and TheHorse.com, I thank all the readers who took the time to vote for our dedicated staff and their efforts