"Kind Wins" at the 2024 Washington International Horse Show
Thanks to Friends from Sweden
Sept. 4, 2024 – In 2024, the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) is stepping up to bring the anti-bullying movement ignited by equestrians in Sweden to the United States through a generous private grant and a partnership with Friends, an anti-bullying organization based in Sweden. With the guidance and input of the WIHS Junior Committee and our partners from Sweden, WIHS is thrilled to launch the “Kind Wins” campaign which will culminate in a multi-faceted celebration during the 2024 show October 21-27 as part of National Anti-Bully Awareness month.
An international anti-bullying movement in Sweden, Trygga Ledare, has taken off within the youth equestrian community with support from the Swedish International Horse Show, the Swedish Federation, and top Swedish athlete ambassadors such as Peder Fredricson and Malin Baryard-Johnsson. The WIHS “Kind Wins” campaign is designed to support mental health and to prevent bullying behaviors with fun, equestrian-themed illustrations and messages with attitude. The goal is to encourage first time fans, competitors, trainers, parents, local equestrians, and grooms to embrace a positive mindset, stand up for honest and open communication, and welcome everyone to come out and celebrate the horses.
“Bullying has been a reoccurring societal problem for a very long time. It has only been worsened by social media and what is known as cyberbullying. Many people have witnessed bullying, or have even been victims themselves.
This campaign would be able to advocate for positivity and anti-bullying measures in the equestrian community. With the proper resources offered, this campaign can help to bring a stop to bullying in the hunter/jumper community, and make the equestrian industry more welcoming to people of all ages.”
Natasha Randhawa, 2024 Junior Committee Youth Ambassador
Key elements of the 2024 “Kind Wins” program will include:
- Sweden will be honored as the 2024 WIHS international partner country bringing back a longstanding WIHS tradition. The WIHS Board of Directors and Experience Prince George’s will host a Special Embassy Celebration Cocktail Party honoring Sweden in the Winner’s Circle at 6 pm on Saturday Night.
- “Kind Wins” is the 2024 Theme for Thursday’s Barn Night. Young equestrians representing regional barns will compete for prizes by producing videos, posters, and t-shirt designs all focused on the “Kind Wins” messaging.
- A new WIHS “Kind Wins” Award will also be presented on Barn Night to an individual, group, or organization who has helped bring education and awareness on anti-bullying to the forefront in the equestrian community. Applications are due October 7. Apply online here.
- In the spirit of giving and inviting the community to share the love of horses, WIHS will promote a “Kind Wins Giveaway for Kids. Share Your Breyer Horse or Book.” Barn Night participants and others are encouraged to donate a horse book or Breyer horse for Kids’ Day attendees. Horses and books will be distributed on Saturday during Kids’ Day, a free, fun, educational event.
- WIHS Junior Committee will host a “Keep it Kind: Bullying Gets the Boot” panel with representatives from Sweden, and U.S. Kind Wins Ambassadors. Details to be announced.
- All Exhibitors and fans attending the 2024 show are encouraged to support the “Kind Wins Pledge” and receive a free “Kind Wins” pin.
Leading up to and throughout the 2024 show, WIHS “Kind Wins” ambassadors and WIHS junior committee members will encourage the equestrian community to participate in a “Kind Wins” content sharing countdown campaign on anti-bullying and kindness. To learn more about the campaign contact Quinn@wihs.org.
