The Equestrian Health and Safety Foundation (EqHSF), a recently established non-profit, is working to enhance safety for young equestrians by providing free youth cardiac screenings and improving emergency response protocols at horse shows. Partnering with organizations like Who We Play For, EqHSF offered free electrocardiograms (EKGs) during the Winter Equestrian Festival in Florida, screening 43 riders aged 10 to 25 to detect underlying heart conditions that traditional physical exams often miss. The foundation emphasizes the importance of rapid emergency response, CPR training, and the availability of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), inspired in part by the survival story of show jumper Ryan Haselden, who suffered sudden cardiac arrest but was saved due to effective emergency preparedness.

Led by Dr. Michelle Hollis, a board-certified emergency medicine physician, EqHSF aims to modernize equestrian safety by aligning protocols with those in other sports and advocating for mandatory AEDs at all U.S. Equestrian Federation horse shows. The foundation also engages in outreach and education efforts, including CPR workshops and collaborations with sports medicine experts, to raise awareness about cardiac risks and emergency readiness. While funding remains a challenge, EqHSF is committed to expanding its screenings and safety initiatives to protect young athletes and promote a culture of health and wellness within the equestrian community.