Join Us for Kind Wins Act II

Empathy Drives Excellence

The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) presented by MARS Equestrian™ launched the Kind Wins initiative in 2024, inspired by an anti-bullying movement in Sweden led by the Friends non-profit organization. Two years later, Kind Wins advances into its second act, with the important theme, “Empathy Drives Excellence,” and a new partnership with international equestrian mindset coach and renowned author Annette Paterakis. Paterakis works with equestrians ranging from ambitious amateurs to the world’s leading five-star riders, helping them reach new levels of performance by transforming how they think, deepening their connection and awareness, and strengthening the connection between themselves and their horses.

Watch to learn more about Kind Wins: Act II

In a sport that demands dedication, resilience, and trust, how we treat one another is fundamental. Empathy means noticing the rider who is nervous before entering the ring, recognizing the disappointment behind a difficult round, or understanding that someone at the barn may be facing challenges we cannot see. It also means listening without judgment, offering constructive feedback when needed, or lending a hand. Being a great rider includes being a thoughtful teammate, competitor, horseman or horsewoman, and person. Ultimately, kindness leads to better results, and this is where Paterakis brings expertise and perspective grounded in her deep belief that “Results Follow Connection.”

Partnering for Connection

Paterakis joins WIHS this week, bringing her expertise in sports psychology and her guiding philosophy that “Results Follow Connection” to the Kind Wins initiative.  At the heart of her work is the belief that how we show up for ourselves, our horses, and those around us directly influences the environment we create and the performances we make possible.

Kind Wins Act II will capture and share real-life acts of kindness through stories and short videos that showcase the Kind Wins pledge in action, featuring thoughtful feedback and guidance from Paterakis. Through her involvement, Paterakis will help bring “Empathy Drives Excellence” to life, inviting the equestrian community to look beyond results and become more mindful of who we are as we pursue excellence, especially in moments of pressure when our ability to listen, connect, and respond with empathy matters most.

Hear from Annette Paterakis as she travels to WIHS

What Is Kind Wins?

Kind Wins is a campaign promoting kindness, respect, and inclusion throughout the equestrian community. It helps people understand the impact of their words and actions, recognize when others need support, and take an active role in creating a welcoming environment. By making kindness part of the culture in barns, at competitions, and beyond, Kind Wins aims to build a community where people feel valued, supported, and confident enough to speak up, perform at their best, and feel good about it. The Kind Wins initiative was developed in partnership with and is supported by the Sophie Stenbeck Family Foundation.

The Kind Wins pledge has given riders, trainers, families, and supporters a shared commitment to treating one another with respect. Now, Kind Wins Act II turns that commitment into everyday action, moving from saying and recognizing the pledge to living it in how we train, compete, care for our horses, and support one another.

“We started with a pledge. Now we’re putting it into practice by making kindness part of how we compete, work, and support one another and ourselves. This also leads to stronger connections and outcomes,” said Kind Wins Director Hilary Yager.

What Does Kind Wins in Action Look Like?

A community where people feel supported gives them the confidence to ask questions, learn from mistakes, and grow alongside their horses. The Kind Wins pledge also asks us to notice and act, and to defend and support. Support continues beyond the moment, too. Checking in, listening, and making sure someone knows they are not alone are all ways to put the pledge into practice. Within the equestrian community, excellence includes who we are outside the ring.

Sharing the Message

At the 2026 WIHS, the Kind Wins Award, which celebrates an individual or group that promotes anti-bullying awareness and a culture of kindness within the equestrian community, will be presented to WIHS Junior Committee member Chloe Footer. She will be the third recipient, following Isla Pippin in 2025 and Sue Chambers and The Kindness Movement, founded by Izzy Baker and Paige Walkenbach, in 2024.

To share the Kind Wins message, events were held throughout the year at several shows, including World Equestrian Center – Ocala’s winter show series, the Winter Equestrian Festival, Upperville Colt & Horse Show, HITS Ocala and Hudson Valley series, Capital Challenge Horse Show, and, most recently, at the WIHS Regional Horse Show, presented by The Peterson Fellows Family, and USHJA Zone 3 Championships.

Visitors at the 2026 WIHS are invited to visit the Kind Wins pledge wall next to the WIHS Official Merchandise booth, learn more about Kind Wins, and consider how to put kindness into action in their own lives. Kind Wins is also a key part of the events at WIHS Kids’ Day, presented by Land Rover Alexandria, on Saturday, October 24.

New Kind Wins social channels will offer another way to connect, share examples, and carry the message beyond the show. Follow Kind Wins on Facebook and Instagram to find out more and join in!
Facebook: Kind Wins
Instagram: @kindwinswihs

If you would like to support the Kind Wins initiative at WIHS, please donate HERE.

Learn more at www.wihs.org/kind-wins/.