A New Chapter for Horses: Announcing Horse First Initiative

Today, I’m thrilled to announce something that has been a long time in the making: the initial launch of Horse First Initiative.

Horse First Initiative was born from a simple but powerful idea: that the well-being of horses should never be an afterthought. It should be the foundation of every decision we make around them. Whether in training, care, or competition, the horse’s emotional and physical health must always come first.

Too often, horses’ needs are unintentionally compromised due to pressure, misunderstanding, or misplaced priorities. Our goal isn’t to point fingers or criticize any particular discipline or method. Instead, Horse First Initiative aims to re-center the conversation around the horse’s well-being in all aspects of care and partnership.

Through education, advocacy, and community support, we hope to create a culture where recognizing signs of stress, discomfort, and behavioral distress becomes second nature to everyone involved with horses. Where we can openly express our expectations for compassionate horse care, with grooms, vets, farriers, trainers, and others, knowing our concerns will be respected and our wishes honored. Prevention is key. Compassion is the standard.

Over the coming months, we'll be rolling out some exciting new programs and ways for you to participate in this movement. Please subscribe to hear all the new features as they are launched.

Here’s a glimpse at what Horse First Initiative will offer:

• Educational Resources: We collaborate with trusted experts to offer meaningful learning tools that help horse people everywhere better understand stress, behavior, and well-being.

• The Horse First Promise: A public commitment that individuals and organizations can make to stand proudly for horse-centered care.

• Peer Mediation Services: A confidential support system to help owners, riders, trainers, and grooms navigate concerns when they feel a horse’s well-being is at risk.

• Community Engagement: From webinars to barn chats to community events, we’re turning “Horse First” into a movement—and you’re invited.

• A Leg Up Program: Helping lift people into kinder, more informed horsemanship, through micro-grants, mentorship, and access to ethical trainers.

• The Art of Compassion: An exclusive collection of equine fine art prints and limited-edition pieces where all profits support Horse-First education and programs.

  
  

This initiative is for everyone who loves horses — whether you’re an experienced professional, a dedicated amateur, or someone who simply admires these extraordinary beings from afar.

I truly believe this can be a positive force for change. No matter your background, your discipline, or your training philosophy, if you believe in putting horses first, you belong here.

If you’d like to be part of this movement, learn more about our programs, or take the Horse First Promise, visit us at www.horsefirstinitiative.com.

You can also follow along with us on Instagram and Facebook at @horsefirstinitiative for updates, education, and inspiration.

Together, we can create a world where the horse’s welfare always comes first, without compromise.

Thank you for believing in a better way.

#HorseFirstMoment

#HorseFirstInitiative