The Lost Horses Congressional Letter-Writing Campaign
A National Call for Kids & Teens to Raise Their Voices for America’s Horses
March 15, 2026 Update: 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.
As we head to Washington on March 26, we carry their voices with us.
Thank you to everyone who submitted!
How It Works
Write a one-page letter to your U.S. Representative or Senators, sharing:
Why horses matter to you
Why every life deserves dignity and protection
Your hopes for how Congress considers horse welfare
Optional: Your personal thoughts about the SAFE Act
Letters should be handwritten or typed, heartfelt, and in the writer’s own voice.
Bonus: click here to download The Lost Horses postcards, and print them at Kinkos, Staples, or your local print shop!
STEP I: WRITE YOUR LETTER
Mail your letter to The Wild Beauty Foundation anytime between November 2025 and February 15th, 2026 to the following address. We'll bring them to Congress during our Washington D.C. fly-in day this spring!
The Wild Beauty Foundation
578 Washington Blvd. P.O. Box 361
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Required to include:
1. Name of child or teen
2. Age
3. State of residence
4. Parent’s name and written consent
5. Email address
6. Phone number
All letters received will be carried to Washington, D.C. during our Lost Horses Fly-In Day this spring, where one young advocate will have the opportunity to share their letter during the visit.*
STEP 2: MAIL YOUR LETTER
Upload a photo or scan of your letter and share it with contact@wildbeautyfoundation.org so that we have a second digital copy of your submission!
Required to include:
1. Name of child or teen
2. Age
3. State of residence
4. Parent’s name and written consent
5. Email address
6. Phone number
You may also share your letter on social media to help raise awareness for the Lost Horses. If you wish, feel free to tag @wildbeautyspirit, your Members of Congress, and equine-loving creators or local news outlets.
STEP 3: SEND AND SHARE
IMPORTANT DATES
November 2025 – February 15th, 2026
Letter Mailing Window
Write and mail your letter
Week of March 2nd, 2026
Semi-Finalists Announced
Watch WBF social media for news
March 6th, 2026
Video Round Submission Deadline
Top 10 finalists will be asked to record a video of reading letter
Week of March 9, 2026
Finalists & Grand Prize Winner Announced
Competition Rounds & Prizes
Semi-Finalists — Top 10
Ten outstanding letters will advance to the Semi-Final Round based on clarity, heart, creativity, and personal expression. Semi-finalists receive:
A signed Wild Beauty movie poster
An invitation to record a video reading of their letter (with parental permission), shared privately with the judging panel
Parents, guardians, and teachers: please ensure your young advocate is comfortable speaking on camera. Semi-finalists should also be willing and able to travel to Washington, D.C. if selected as the Grand Prize winner.
Finalists — Top 3
Each finalist will receive:
A signed Wild Beauty movie poster
A curated gift box filled with items donated by our generous sponsors — books, prints, equine-themed treasures, and more
Recognition on The Wild Beauty Foundation social media
Grand Prize — One Young Voice Will Help Carry the Message Forward
The Grand Prize winner will receive:
Round-trip airfare for the student and one parent/guardian to Washington, D.C.
Hotel accommodations during The Wild Beauty Foundation’s Lost Horses Fly-In Day
An opportunity to share their letter during our visit to Capitol Hill as part of a youth-focused celebration of compassion, storytelling, and civic engagement*
This young advocate will help highlight the importance of kindness, respect, and the protection of America’s horses during a special moment in Washington, D.C.
*Participation centers on personal expression. No specific political viewpoint is required to enter, advance, or win.
Sponsor a Finalist Gift Box
Brands, authors, photographers, equine businesses, and organizations are warmly invited to contribute items for our finalist gift boxes. These curated boxes celebrate creativity, compassion, and youth civic engagement.
If your organization would like to donate books, prints, equine-themed items, or other meaningful gifts, please email contact@wildbeautyfoundation.org. Sponsorships support recognition of the finalists and are not connected to any political viewpoint or outcome.
Important Notes & Disclaimers
All entrants must have permission from a parent or legal guardian, and a parent or guardian must complete the submission form on behalf of the child. The Grand Prize includes round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations for one child and one parent or guardian; families are responsible for any additional travelers or expenses. Dates for the Lost Horses Fly-In Day are subject to change based on Congressional scheduling, weather, or unforeseen circumstances. In the event of rescheduling or cancellation, the Grand Prize winner will receive an alternate prize at the sole discretion of The Wild Beauty Foundation.
Semi-finalists must be comfortable being filmed for the video judging round, and finalists may appear in WBF promotional materials with parental permission. Student information will be used solely for contest communication and will not be sold or shared without parental consent.
Letters must be the student’s own original work; adults may assist with spelling and structure but may not write the letter. Eligibility is limited to U.S. residents ages 6–18. No purchase is necessary, and participation does not require a donation. This competition is designed to support youth civic expression, and no specific political viewpoint is required to enter, advance, or win. Entries are evaluated on clarity, heart, creativity, and personal expression.