When it comes to diversity and inclusivity, SmartPak has been blazing new trails toward making sure that EVERYONE feels welcome in our sport. With June being Pride Month, SmartPak is proud to support all the riders in the communities they serve — and as a part of their mission to give back to these communities, they’ve partnered with Nature Heals to donate 5% of all Piper Apparel sales throughout the month of June!
Nature Heals is a service organization that provides nature-based therapies in order to improve the mental and emotional well-being of children and/or adults who would not usually be able to afford these therapies. Their “Becoming a Herd” program supports members of the LGBTQ community.
From the Nature Heals website:
“LGBTQ youth are twice as likely as their straight peers to be physically assaulted or harassed at school. They are four times as likely as their straight peers to attempt suicide. However, for LGBTQ youth with supportive parents or mentors, the suicide rate drops from 57% to 4%. Because of this, we provide an equine therapy group for LGBTQ youth and allies, focusing on building a community, finding support, and encouraging empowerment in a safe and secure environment.”
Want to learn more about what Nature Heals is doing with LGBTQ youth and horses? Read more from Liese Foust, Executive Director of Nature Heals, in SmartPak’s blog here.
Want to shop Piper to help support the amazing programs, people, and horses at Nature Heals? Check out all the awesome Piper gear at SmartPak by clicking here.
