2023 AHP Champion: Cheryl Erpelding
Cheryl Erpelding started her publishing business in December 1986. San Diego County Riding Magazine was an 8-page startup with a press run of 2,500 copies. She hand-drew her logo and typeset and shot her printing plate negatives with a graphics arts camera in her garage.
She became an AHP member and joined the AHP board of directors in 2004, serving as a director for several years. She was elected to the executive committee in 2007 and became the 2011-2012 President. In August 2013, Erpelding decided to sell her business, continuing to freelance as a sales representative.
In 2011, Erpelding developed secondary lymphedema one year after undergoing surgery for uterine cancer. She is an advocate for further research and better health insurance benefits for people who suffer from this debilitating lifelong disease.
Erpelding has always championed AHP small publishers. She was instrumental in recruiting new members and went over and beyond, giving extra time to promote AHP at trade shows and various events.
Erpelding has worn many hats in her career, from publisher to horse show announcer, riding instructor, advocate, and photographer.
In the AHP world, the hat she wore was a mentor and champion. Her determination motivated many of AHP’s old-timers to embrace changing the AHP logo. Her best one-liner was the tagline, “Promoting excellence in equine media.”
At the annual conference in Tempe, AZ, Erpelding was surprised to receive the 2023 AHP Champion Award presented to individuals who are instrumental in the development and growth of the association. She joins other past winners in the AHP Circle of Champions. The AHP Board of Directors selects the recipients.