Knowing how to respond in an emergency can save a life. In a sport where accidents can happen in an instant, preparation is essential, not optional. That is why HorseGrooms is hosting a MeetUp focused on hands-only CPR, AED awareness, emergency response, and preparedness, led by Dr. Michele Hollis, Medical Director of the Equestrian Health & Safety Foundation.
This MeetUp will take place on Tuesday, February 10, from 6 to 7:30 PM at Eye Candy Land in Wellington, Florida, and is open to grooms and all other equestrians.
Why This MeetUp Matters
Grooms, riders, trainers, and barn staff work in a physically demanding and sometimes high-risk environment. Falls, accidents, medical emergencies, or sudden cardiac events can occur without warning. Being prepared to act in those critical first moments can make a life-saving difference.
CPR knowledge is not just for first responders. It can help save a rider who falls, a colleague who experiences a medical emergency, or anyone nearby when every second counts. Preparedness is about looking out for one another and lifting each other up through knowledge and action.
This philosophy closely aligns with HorseGrooms’ belief that education and community support are key to safer barns and healthier people.
About the Equestrian Health & Safety Foundation
The Equestrian Health & Safety Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing health, safety, and well-being in equestrian sport through education, training, and advocacy. Its mission centers on preparedness, prevention, and community, values that closely mirror those of HorseGrooms.
The Equestrian Health & Safety Foundation is the official Health and Safety Resources Partner of HorseGrooms, based on the shared belief that a safe and (physically and mentally) healthy working environment is of the utmost importance for grooms and other equestrian professionals.
The Foundation focuses on:
- CPR and AED training
- Competition emergency safety plans
- Concussion awareness
- Sudden cardiac arrest education
- Continuous improvement of safety standards at equestrian events
About Dr. Michele Hollis
Dr. Michele Hollis of HollisMed is a board-certified Emergency Medicine physician with more than two decades of experience in clinical care and sports medicine. She serves as Medical Director and Chair of the Medical Advisory Board of the Equestrian Health & Safety Foundation and is also Chair of the USHJA Safety Committee.
Dr. Hollis brings both medical expertise and deep compassion to her work with equestrians. She is widely respected for her commitment to improving health, safety, and emergency preparedness in the sport and for her genuine care for grooms and their well-being. She has written several articles for the HorseGrooms Community and is always available for questions and advice.
What to Expect at the MeetUp
This MeetUp is not a full CPR certification course. Instead, it is designed as a hands-on introduction to emergency response, with a strong focus on hands-only CPR and AED training. Hands-only CPR means chest compressions only; rescue breathing will not be part of this session.
Participants will practice CPR techniques on training mannequins (not real people) so they can physically experience what proper chest compressions feel like and build confidence in taking action during an emergency. While preparedness, prevention, and emergency planning will be briefly discussed, the core of this MeetUp is active participation and practice.
We fully recognize that becoming truly proficient in CPR requires more extensive training and regular refreshers. Formal CPR courses, such as the American Heart Association Heartsaver course, are available in traditional classroom settings or blended learning formats, and organizations like the American Heart Association offer in-person, online, and blended CPR training options.
That said, having basic knowledge and having practiced the steps once is far better than having no preparation at all. This MeetUp is about lowering the threshold to act, building confidence, and empowering equestrians to step in when something goes wrong.
In a critical moment, doing something is often better than doing nothing.
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, February 10
Time: 6 to 7:30 PM
Location: Eye Candy Land, 5420 Las Palmas Ave, Wellington, FL
Grooms and other equestrians are welcome to attend.
RSVP is required.
Please RSVP through the HorseGrooms Community.
For those who prefer not to join the community, this Google Form is available to register.
Supporting an Important Cause
HorseGrooms is deeply grateful to Dr. Michele Hollis and the Equestrian Health & Safety Foundation for donating their time, expertise, and energy to support the health and safety of the equestrian community.
We encourage anyone who is able to consider making a donation to the Foundation. Your support helps fund education, training, and safety initiatives that protect equestrians at all levels of the sport.
Preparedness saves lives. Community makes it possible.
HorseGrooms is a platform of resources, education, and support for grooms by grooms. This is an online community, hub of resources, and spotlight of industry highlights born out of love for the horse and love for the sport. But our mission goes beyond simply providing resources and creating content.
Our goal is to create a space to keep horsemanship alive; for grooms to support and educate each other; and to help advance the craft of grooming. HorseGrooms is dedicated to ambitious grooms everywhere.
