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Wellington, Fla — 3/11/26 — As part of its ongoing efforts promoting health, safety, and well-being in the equestrian community, the Equestrian Health & Safety Foundation (EqHSF) conducted free cardiac screenings at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington.  EqHSF partnered with “Who We Play For,” a not-for-profit charity that seeks to eliminate preventable sudden cardiac death in the young through affordable heart screenings, to provide free EKGs to 43 riders age 10-25. Held ringside at WEF, the screenings aimed to detect arrhythmia in the young riders.

“An abnormality in the heart’s electrical system can lead to Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), which can cause a person’s heart to stop abruptly,” said Dr. Michele Hollis, Medical Director of EqHSF. “This life-threatening condition is the leading cause of death in young athletes, and it can be prevented by early detection.”

The screenings, originally planned for 24 youngsters, drew a big response with 43 taking advantage of the opportunity. “We want to thank Wellington International for their great support and for giving us a ringside location that made it convenient for these riders to stop by.”

One week prior to the cardiac screenings, EqHSF conducted free CPR lessons for grooms and others at Eye Candy Farm. Held during one of the regular meetings organized by Dinette Neuteboom for her HorseGrooms organization, the lessons were a way to help those at horse shows be more prepared for preventing unnecessary tragedies.

“We thank Dinette for offering us the opportunity and Erica Hatfield for hosting us for these CPR lessons,” Hollis said. "We will continue to facilitate cardiac screenings and CPR lessons at horse shows and farms on an ongoing basis, doing what we can to educate on ways we can all promote health, safety, and well-being in the equestrian community.”

Working alongside leading organizations and experts, EqHSF is building a stronger culture of safety in equestrian sport as a member of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition – one aligned with the proven, high-performance models seen in organizations such as the NFL and NCAA. EqHSF is a partner of the Upperville Colt & Horse Show, Hampton Classic Horse Show, Capital Challenge Horse Show, and Washington International Horse Show in the development and implementation of competition safety plans.

Wellington, Fla — 2/6/26 — The Equestrian Health and Safety Foundation (EqHSF) is pleased to announce a major step forward in its mission to advance athlete safety and cardiovascular awareness within the equestrian community.

On February 22, the EqHSF will conduct a heart screening exam in partnership with Who We Play For from 10 AM to 2 PM in The Gallery for equestrian athletes between the ages of 10 and 25 on the grounds of Wellington International in Wellington, Florida. EqHSF strongly encourages eligible athletes and families to participate in this important preventive screening opportunity.

Why Heart Wellness Matters

EqHSF, in partnership with Who We Play For, is offering heart screening exams at WEF because early detection saves lives. Many heart rhythm conditions in young athletes show no warning signs, and a brief preventive exam can identify potential concerns before they become emergencies. By making screenings available during one of the sport’s premier gatherings, EqHSF is helping families prioritize long-term athlete safety alongside performance.

“This is an important moment for equestrian sport,” said Eric Straus, EqHSF Board President. “By prioritizing heart health and preventive screening, we are helping to ensure a safer future for the next generation of equestrian athletes.”

For more information about the heart screening exam or the work of the Equestrian Health and Safety Foundation, please contact:

Michele Hollis, MD
Medical Director, The Equestrian Health and Safety Foundation Inc

About the Equestrian Health and Safety Foundation (EqHSF)

The Equestrian Health and Safety Foundation is a 501 (C)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to protecting the well-being of equestrian athletes through education, awareness, and proactive health and safety initiatives. EqHSF partners with leading medical experts, national governing bodies, and premier equestrian venues to provide resources and programs that support athlete health, injury prevention, and long-term wellness throughout the sport.

Learn more at EqHSF.org

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