Award-winning writing that illuminates, educates, and intrigues with vivid stories and distinctive voices, all on your deadline. My specialties: animal, veterinary, rural, historical, and natural history pieces, as well as stories from communities with distinctive but rarely heard voices.
Books and Sample chapters
From The Home Run Horse: Inside America's Billion-Dollar Racehorse Industry and the High-Stakes Dreams that Fuel It (DRF Press, 2004):
Available on Amazon.com or from the author via gcoakford [at] gmail [dot] com.
To read Chapter 1, The Gamble, click here.
To read Chapter 6, The Good Eye, click here.
I also am the co-author of
The forthcoming biography Joseph B. Thomas: An American Aristocrat (Rowman & Littlefield, 2022)
The Iroquois Hunt: A Bluegrass Foxhunting Tradition (Arcadia Press, 2014)
Champions: The Lives, Times, and Past Performances of America's Greatest Thoroughbreds (DRF Press, 2000) and contributed that book's second chapter, "Legacies," about the 1930s.
Writing Samples
US Equestrian Magazine - Features and full issues
Winter 2022 “A Barn for All.” Creating positive, inclusive culture in equestrian programs.
Summer 2022 “Going Green(er).” Exploring ideas to make equestrian operations more eco-friendly.
Spring 2018 “Preparing for Disaster.” Disaster preparedness.
Fall 2020 (full issue) Celebrating Diversity in Horse Sports
Spring 2020 (full issue) #HomeWithHorses During Lockdown
Fall 2018 (full issue) World Equestrian Games Preview
CUSTOM MARKETING CONTENT
“Take Your Best Shot” for Zoetis
“Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch” for Ariat
“Equestrian Helmet Fitting and Safety” for Charles Owen
VETERINARY
"No Definites Exist in Diagnosing Lyme Disease," The Chronicle of the Horse, October 27, 2014
"Equine Herpesvirus: What You Need to Know," United States Equestrian Federation, February 27, 2017
"Vets Gain Ground Against Disease Suffered by Paynter and Barbaro," Daily Racing Form, March 21, 2013
"Hoof Abscesses: Tips for Treatment and Prevention," Equestrian Weekly, September 26, 2017
FEATURES
"Saving Ground: Fair Hill's Equestrian Community Unites to Grow and Preserve Land for Horse Sports," Equestrian Weekly, August 15, 2017
"He's Not an Ordinary Horse": Team Effort Brought Crackerjack to Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event," Equestrian Weekly, April 28, 2017
"Horses are Helping Veterans Find New Joy—and a Path to Equestrian Sport," Equestrian Weekly, Nov. 7, 2017
"Morgan Pony Stallion Forsite Renoir Aims for Repeat at National Dressage Pony Cup," Equestrian Weekly, July 3, 2017
"Unbridled's Song a Game Changer," Daily Racing Form, Aug. 1, 2013
"Life After the Chase: Hound Welfare Fund cares for retirees," Keeneland, Winter 2013
"Zenyatta: Wait for First Foal Combines Science, Art, and Anticipation," Daily Racing Form, February 28, 2012
"Havre de Grace Tiptop Heading into Fasig-Tipton's November Sale," Daily Racing Form, October 18, 2012
"David Hanley: A Skilled Horseman," Constellation (WinStar Farm's in-house magazine), Winter 2015