As part of UPHA’s ongoing commitment to the safety and well-being of our members, exhibitors, and horses, we are pleased to announce that UPHA will purchase an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for each chapter, along with a five-year maintenance plan.

These AEDs are intended to provide an added level of preparedness and emergency response support at chapter events and activities. We are proud to be able to make this investment in the safety of our UPHA community. The AED units will be shipped directly to a designated individual in each chapter. 

“UPHA prides itself on caring for its members and their equine athletes. Providing AEDs to each chapter as part of the new safety bags is another example of our ongoing commitment to improving safety at horse shows and events," says UPHA President, Paul Boone.

In 2025, the UPHA Horse Show Advisory Committee updated the UPHA Emergency Kits, which were originally developed in 2009. Dan Shirley generously donated the gear bags used for the kits. Each UPHA chapter received a complimentary gear bag filled with supplies for use within their chapter. The suggested items for the bag can be found here.

“Not all of our horse show facilities have AEDs readily available," says Dan Shirley, Co-Chair of the UPHA Horse Show Advisory Committee. "And early access to AEDs and emergency response equipment can make a critical difference during a medical emergency. The Horse Show Advisory Committee updated the contents of the original UPHA safety bag based on feedback from horse show officials, and providing AEDs was the next step in UPHA’s ongoing commitment to improving safety at horse shows and events.”

To request the use of a UPHA Emergency Kit for your horse show, please contact your UPHA Chapter Chair.