What it’s all about
The WES Moments that Matter is a year-round celebration of our members and their western journey.
It is open to all WES members and runs continuously, with no fixed closing date. Members can submit a photograph and short caption at any time, capturing moments from showing, training, trail riding, youth participation, horsemanship, or everyday life with their horse.
This is not a traditional competition that opens and closes once a year. It is an ongoing way for WES to recognise, share, and celebrate the people and stories that make up our Society, beyond the arena and beyond the event calendar.
All submissions are reviewed before being featured to ensure they reflect WES values and remain suitable for use across Society communications.
What you can win 🎉
Throughout the year, selected images will be featured across WES platforms, giving members visible recognition and a chance to see their story shared nationally.
In addition, the competition includes the following rewards and recognition.
Quarterly awards
Each quarter, one submitted image will be selected and awarded a free annual WES membership.
That means:
- Four free annual memberships awarded every year
- Adult or Youth membership, depending on the winning entry
Annual recognition
At the end of each year, one image will be selected for special recognition, including:
- Front cover placement on the WES newsletter
- Front cover placement on the printed WES Journal
- Featured placement on the WES website
Surprise gifts and sponsor prizes
From time to time, additional gifts or prizes may be awarded, generously donated by WES sponsors and supporters. These may be linked to themed features, seasonal highlights, or special moments throughout the year.
Judging Windows
Moments that Matter is judged at various points throughout the year based on photos submitted in that calendar year - therefore the earlier you submit - the more chances you get to win! Currently agreed judging windows
Date of Judging | Prize | Judge |
15-02-2026 | Newsletter Cover Page feature | Newsletter Editor |
31-03-2026 | Annual Membership (1x Adult membership or Youth Membership) | WES Council |
please note that more windows will be added as the year progresses.
Why we’re doing this
Western riding is about more than results and rosettes.
It is about progress, partnership, community, learning, and pride. Many of the most meaningful moments happen away from the main arena, and they deserve to be seen and celebrated.
This competition sits within the Beyond the Arena programme, which is focused on creating visible, inclusive value for members throughout the year, wherever and however they take part in WES.
Submit your Entry
If you have a moment that matters to your WES journey, we would love to see it.
Submit your photo, add a short caption, and become part of WES’s growing story.