We’re so grateful to everyone who participated in our youth letter-writing competition calling on Congress to pass the SAFE Act. We received thoughtful, heartfelt submissions from young advocates across the country, and what came through clearly in each one was this: the next generation is paying attention.

We’re honored to announce our Grand Prize winner: Casey Chafik, age 14.

Casey’s letter stood out for its clarity, sincerity, and deep connection to horses. She writes about the first time she sat on a horse and how something shifted for her, how that kind of love doesn’t leave you. And from that place, she asks something simple and direct of Congress: to protect them. You can watch her video submission below.

We also want to recognize our runners-up: Ruby Wagner, 13 (California) and Madison Yun, 12 (Pennsylvania), and our wonderful semifinalists who will be announced on social media. Their letters were thoughtful, grounded, and deeply felt. There is a kind of honesty in the way young people speak about animals, without cynicism or distance, and it’s something we should all be paying closer attention to. 

This competition was never just about writing letters. It was about listening. And what we heard, over and over again, is that young people understand what’s at stake for America’s horses, and they’re asking us to do better.

Thank you to everyone who submitted!