Melissa Moore brought the concept of a professional women’s group to the UPHA Board of Directors. They approved the formation of the United Equine Professional Women’s group to support, empower, and mentor professional horsewomen of all ages and disciplines.

The concept was introduced at the recent UPHA National Conference with the first meeting held on January 14, 2026, with over 50 women in attendance—demonstrating a strong and immediate need for this type of community within the equine industry. The mission of this group is to create a strong, supportive community where women can come together to share knowledge, experiences, and life lessons—learning how to navigate both the professional and personal realities of life in the horse industry.

At its core, this group is built on the belief that true growth comes through collaboration, not competition. Ours is an industry that demands women wear many hats every single day: managing farm operations, training horses, handling clients, maintaining financial records, fixing equipment, hauling horses, serving as counselors and problem-solvers, while also raising families, managing households, and caring for themselves. The list is long, and the expectations are high. There are countless accomplished women across our industry who possess invaluable wisdom gained through years of experience.

United Equine Professional Women aims to connect these women with younger professionals who are seeking guidance, encouragement, and practical tools to help them succeed and thrive.