Discover Horse Spot’s ‘Best in Show’ campaign—celebrating rescue horses, unsung equestrians, and the everyday victories that happen far from the show ring. Join the movement and share your story.
In a world where show rings and blue ribbons often define success, Horse Spot is redirecting the spotlight. Their new “Best in Show” campaign is a heartfelt initiative designed to honor the unsung heroes of the equestrian world: rescue horses and the dedicated people who believe in them. This campaign celebrates the daily victories, the quiet breakthroughs, and the powerful bonds forged far from the judge’s eye.
At the heart of this movement is a simple but profound idea. True horsemanship isn’t just about flawless performances; it’s about patience, compassion, and the transformative journey of turning a second chance into a success story. We spoke with Lindsay Lenard, Co-Founder and Product Designer at Horse Spot, to understand the inspiration behind a campaign that champions the underdog and strengthens community bonds.
An Honor for the Unseen Moments
The “Best in Show” campaign was born from a desire to recognize the hard work that happens at home. It’s a tribute to the equestrians who pour their hearts into their horses long before they ever step into a show ring.
“We were inspired to create a campaign that honors the work horse people put in at home when they’re not in the show ring,” says Lenard. “Winning doesn’t only happen at shows; it happens every day in the quiet moments, the breakthroughs, and the patient work that often no one sees.”
This sentiment is the core of the campaign. It acknowledges that a perfect grooming session, a new level of trust, or a ride that simply feels right are victories worth celebrating. “At the heart of it, this isn’t about the blue ribbon, it’s about the journey of getting there,” Lenard adds.
Why Rescue Horses Take the Spotlight
The decision to focus on rescue horses was intentional. Horse Spot wanted to highlight a group of equestrians whose dedication often represents the pinnacle of love and labor in the industry.
“When we were thinking about role models in the horse industry, we recognized that horse people bringing along rescue horses are some of the hardest-working,” explains Lenard.
“Rescue horses have some of the most inspiring stories in the equestrian world. Bringing one along takes patience, consistency, and so much heart.”
The campaign seeks to share these powerful transformation stories. It’s about celebrating the journey from an uncertain past to a bright future, where every horse feels worthy of the title “Best in Show.” Lenard notes, “Everyone loves a transformation story, and people naturally become invested in seeing growth—the kind that shows just how far dedication and compassion can take you.”
Fostering an Inclusive Community
Horse Spot’s mission has always been rooted in inclusivity, and the “Best in Show” campaign is a direct reflection of that ethos. The platform serves equestrians at all levels, from grassroots riders to national competitors, and this initiative makes space for everyone to share their pride.
“Horse Spot is for everyone,” Lenard emphasizes. “This campaign reflects that spirit by making space for all riders to share their moments of pride, regardless of discipline or competition history.”
This approach breaks down barriers and builds connections. It creates a supportive environment where riders from different backgrounds can cheer for one another. As their website states, “Community Matters,” and Horse Spot is committed to creating a platform where everyone feels seen and celebrated for their unique passion for horses.
How to Join the Celebration
Participating in “Best in show” is designed to be simple and engaging. It’s less about strict competition and more about collective celebration.
Equestrians can submit a photo of their rescue horse in their “best turnout”—whether that means polished for a show or simply looking their best at home. To enter, they just need to tag @HorseSpotShows on social media. Participants are also encouraged to share the story of their journey together. While not required, these stories add depth and heart to the submissions.
The community gets to participate by showing their support for their favorite entries. The top three submissions with the most engagement will win prize packs, but Lenard stresses that the real magic is in the sharing. “Each entry is a chance to tell a story, inspire someone else, and be part of a collective celebration.”
Prizes and Partners
To make the winners feel truly special, Horse Spot has teamed up with several generous brands. The top three winners will receive curated prize packages for both horse and rider. Partners include Dreamers & Schemers, ManeJane, The TackHack, FireHorse Rescue Kits, The Infused Equestrian, Equinium Marketing, and Instagrooms. Prizes range from stylish gear and wellness products to a professional photoshoot.
The campaign features H.O.P.E. Acres Rescue, whose adoptable horses are the faces of the campaign.
A Personal Mission
For Lindsay Lenard, this campaign is more than just a marketing initiative; it’s a personal step toward deeper community involvement. While she hasn’t worked directly with rescue facilities before, her volunteer experience with therapeutic riding and her design internship with Net Posse—an organization dedicated to finding missing horses—instilled in her a profound sense of responsibility for equine welfare. “That experience cemented my belief that, as horse lovers, we have a responsibility to advocate for the welfare and wellbeing of every horse, no matter their background,” she reflects.
This campaign is her way of taking action. “From a personal level, the rescue community is one I’d love to get more involved in—and this campaign feels like the first step in doing just that,” says Lenard. “If this campaign inspires one person to take a chance on a rescue horse, or makes one rider feel seen for their behind-the-scenes effort, it’s a win.”
Join the “Best in Show” Movement
The “Best in Show” campaign officially launched on October 1, with submissions open for two weeks. Winners will be announced on October 15.
This is more than a contest; it’s an opportunity to shine a light on the incredible heart of the horse world. It’s a message that every horse deserves to feel like a champion and every rider’s dedication matters.
Horse Spot invites you to join the celebration. Share your story, cheer on others, and help showcase the beauty of rescue horses. Visit the @HorseSpotShows pages on Instagram and Facebook to learn more and see the inspiring entries. Your horse’s comeback story could be the one that inspires the next.
To discover upcoming events, visit horsespot.net or learn more about the platform at about.horsespot.net. For ongoing updates and community stories, follow @HorseSpotShows on Instagram.
