UNITED PROFESSIONAL HORSEMEN'S ASSOCIATION

The UPHA Industry Expert Referral Program is a member-exclusive benefit that connects UPHA members with experienced industry professionals who can provide guidance, insight, and support across a range of equine industry topics. Administered by the UPHA Promotion Committee, the program matches UPHA members with vetted mentors based on their specific goals and areas of interest. Participation is voluntary and offered at no cost to both mentors and advisees, reinforcing UPHA’s commitment to supporting its members and strengthening the industry as a whole.

 

Mentors are vetted UPHA members in good standing who bring valuable experience and agree to uphold strict standards of professionalism and confidentiality.

The UPHA Industry Expert Referral Program reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to education, collaboration, and the long-term success of its members by fostering connections that empower individuals and elevate the industry.

 
Key Features:
•Member Benefit: Once launched, the mentor roster will be accessible only through the UPHA member portal.
•No Fees: Participation is entirely free for both mentors and advisees as a value-added UPHA membership benefit.
•Professional Standards: All mentors must be members in good standing and agree to the UPHA Code of Conduct and Athlete Protection Policy, emphasizing confidentiality and professionalism.
 

Phase One: Mentors

UPHA members interested in sharing their knowledge and expertise with fellow members are encouraged to sign up as Industry Expert mentors.

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.

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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.

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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.

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This group is to empower and mentor professional horse women, not just horse trainers, of all ages, through mentorship, networking and sharing life lessons on how to handle being a woman and a professional. There are so many amazing women in our industry and they have so many great life lessons they can share to young women trying to maneuver through this industry. To instill that true growth is through collaboration not competition.