SunSafe Equestrian is a nonprofit organization founded by Louisiana horse show family members, including dermatologist Dr. Chad Prather and his daughters Stella and Vivian Prather-Silva, to address the high risk of sun damage and skin cancer among equestrians. Recognizing that many riders and horse show staff spend long hours outdoors with limited access to dermatologists, the group offers free skin cancer screenings, sun protection education, and sunscreen samples at horse shows. Their mission is to promote sun safety through early detection, prevention, and education, making skin care a routine part of equestrian life.
The organization has already participated in several horse shows, including the USEF Pony Finals, where Dr. Prather performed screenings and distributed educational materials created by the sisters. They emphasize practical sun safety tips such as regular sunscreen reapplication, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak UV hours. With plans to expand their outreach through social media, partnerships, and a dedicated website, SunSafe Equestrian aims to integrate sun protection as a standard safety practice within the national equestrian community.