Creating Opportunities. Supporting Education. Strengthening the Equine Community.

At the heart of the West Coast Equine Foundation (WCEF) is a simple belief: the future of the equine industry depends on investing in people, supporting horses in need, and creating opportunities for the next generation of horsemen and horsewomen.

Through the generosity of our supporters, sponsors, and equine community partners, WCEF has proudly provided more than a quarter million dollars in support for equine-related education, therapy, disaster relief, and philanthropic efforts. Over the years, more than a dozen organizations and programs have benefited from WCEF’s mission-driven work, helping create a lasting impact throughout the equine community.

Whether supporting a student pursuing an equine career, helping a therapeutic riding program change lives, providing resources during times of disaster, or expanding opportunities for young riders, WCEF is committed to making a meaningful difference for horses and the people who care for them.

Mission & Purpose

The focus of the West Coast Equine Foundation is to:

  • Provide grants and scholarships that promote educational opportunities for youth pursuing careers in equine-related fields.
  • Support and collaborate with therapeutic riding programs and equine-assisted services that improve the lives of individuals through the human-horse connection.
  • Support organizations working directly with equines impacted by natural disasters.
  • Expand opportunities available to youth participating in equestrian sports and encourage the development of future generations of riders, leaders, and advocates.

WCEF in the Community 

Therapeutic Riding & Equine Rehabilitation Programs

WCEF proudly supports programs that harness the power of the horse to inspire confidence, healing, independence, and connection.

Supported organizations include:

Veterinary and Equine Disaster Relief

When disaster strikes, horses and their caregivers need immediate support. WCEF is committed to helping provide resources, education, and emergency assistance to those on the front lines.

In 2018, WCEF partnered with the Northern California Association of Equine Practitioners (NCAEP) to sponsor an emergency response trailer designed to support veterinarians responding to natural disasters, including devastating wildfires such as the Camp Fire. The need for specialized equine disaster response became clear following the fires throughout Sonoma, Napa, Lake, and Nevada Counties.

This triage trailer provides a mobile veterinary base for first responders and helps ensure that equines affected by disasters receive timely care and support. WCEF and its partners continue to support veterinary teams working at evacuation centers and assisting horses during times of crisis.

Additional support includes:

Community Youth Programs

Investing in youth means investing in the future of the equine industry. WCEF is proud to support programs that encourage education, responsibility, sportsmanship, and lifelong involvement with horses.

Supported organizations include:

Scholarships

Education is one of the cornerstones of WCEF’s mission. To date, more than $170,000 in scholarships have been awarded to hardworking and deserving students pursuing careers in equine-related fields.

Scholarships are awarded to both undergraduate college students and students continuing their higher education journey, helping them pursue their goals and become future leaders in the equine industry.

Youth Horsemanship Challenge 

The Youth Horsemanship Challenge is one of WCEF’s signature youth programs, held during Gold-N-Grand circuit shows and the Let’s Show Halloween Classic.

Designed for youth ages 6–18, the challenge promotes:

  • Horse health and welfare
  • Humane treatment of horses
  • Strong horsemanship principles
  • Knowledge, confidence, and responsibility

Through this program, WCEF encourages young riders to become not only better competitors, but better advocates for the horses they love.

Because the Horse Comes First

At the center of everything we do is one shared belief: The Horse Comes First.

The horses we love depend on knowledgeable, compassionate people to care for them, advocate for them, and ensure their future. That is why the West Coast Equine Foundation is dedicated to supporting education, expanding opportunities for youth, advancing therapeutic programs, and providing resources when horses and their communities need help most.

Every scholarship awarded helps develop the next generation of equine professionals. Every program supported helps strengthen the bond between horses and people. Every partnership created helps ensure that horses receive the care, respect, and compassion they deserve.

Through the generosity of our supporters, sponsors, exhibitors, and the greater equine community, WCEF continues to make a difference, because when we invest in people, we protect the future of the horse.

The mission is simple. The purpose is powerful. The horse comes first.