Pat Raia is a veteran journalist who has covered crime and politics in Chicago, and national and international business topics. She currently covers equine welfare and legislative issues for The Horse, the award-winning monthly magazine devoted to equine health, care, management, and welfare, which is the formal education partner of AAEP (American Association of Equine Practioners.)

Heidi Vanderbilt, an award winning author, is currently writing a suspense novel set in the world of sored Tennessee Walking horses. Her works have received numerous awards, including a Special Edgar Award from Mystery Writers of America. She owns and runs an equine rehabilitation and boarding facility near Tucson, Arizona. She competes in endurance riding and has completed the arduous Tevis Cup three times, known as one of the most grueling 100-mile endurance rides in the world.

Dr. Kim Walsh-Childers, a former Fulbright scholar, holds a Ph.D. in mass communications research from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A former newspaper health and business reporter, she is a professor at the University of Florida and a lifelong horse owner. Her expertise in media ethics stresses the great impact of news coverage on the knowledge and attitudes of the public, and therefore the responsibility of the journalist. She teaches journalism and mass media ethics, feature writing, and a graduate seminar in mass media and health.

Due to a scheduling change, Dr. Walsh-Childers was unable to present in person, but we appreciate the copy of her planned presentation that she provided us.