Happiest Horse Of The Year Awards

The Happiest Horses Of The Year Award celebrates horses who are thriving — not just performing. This annual award honours exceptional equine care, thoughtful training, and partnerships built on trust, well-being, and respect.

Open to horses of all disciplines and backgrounds, this award shines a light on owners, trainers, and caregivers who put the horse’s emotional and physical welfare first. Because a truly great horse isn’t defined by ribbons or results — but by how safe, relaxed, willing, and content they are in their daily lives.

Nominations open November each year, with all nominees and the award recipient announced on our website in the first week of January. Each nominee helps raise the standard for humane horsemanship and inspires a more compassionate future for horses everywhere.

 

What We Look For

We consider horses who demonstrate:

  • Visible signs of contentment — relaxed posture, soft expression, willingness, and curiosity

  • Thoughtful, horse-first care — including turnout, nutrition, rest, and mental stimulation

  • Kind, ethical training practices that prioritize understanding over force

  • Consistency in well-being both in and out of work, across seasons and settings

  • A healthy, happy human — where the owner or caregiver shows balance, self-awareness, and emotional well-being, recognizing that calm, regulated humans create safer, happier horses