48
SIDELINESMAGAZINE | November/December 2026
S I D E L I N E S • 2 0 2 6 H O R S E P E O P L E O F T H E Y E A R
Justin Haefner is an old soul in a young body, and he lives for the
betterment of horses. The first time I saw Justin interact with a horse,
I instantly knew that this was a person I wanted to know for the rest of
my days. His ability to relate to horses directly at their level makes you
look twice at and listen harder to him from that point forward.
He has the natural timing that most of us don’t, where he can
connect with a horse in the exact moment and in the exact way
that results in a positive response with each horse he works with.
Justin’s network does not end with the horse. He is laser focused
on connecting with fellow professionals and amateur riders alike,
and is dedicated to organizing intensive educational events that
center human psychology as taught to him by his father and
fellow horseman, Paul Haefner. Justin is a gift to the horse world,
and without being in a rush about it, by working hard and by
thoughtfully making a lasting impact in everything he does, he is a
horseperson to be admired.
When he worked with my young horse, I saw patience through his
eyes. When I saw him with a new prospect, I understood the timing
JUSTIN HAEFNER
48
SIDELINESMAGAZINE | November/December 2026
that creates unbreakable trust. And when I watch him interact with
others, both equine and human, I notice the way he leaves every
interaction better for it. He is truly a remarkable human—and that’s
what makes him the kind of horseperson the world is lucky to have.
~Erin Gilmore
I have a great deal of respect for Justin as a horseman. What has
impressed me most is his willingness to keep learning and apply
what he learns. He is not afraid to change his approach when new
information or a particular horse tells him there may be a better way.
Justin is open to different methods, disciplines and ideas, always
looking for what might benefit the individual horse rather than
being committed to one way of doing things. That kind of curiosity
and adaptability, combined with his genuine respect for horses, is
something I value greatly in a horseperson. I’m very pleased to support
Justin’s nomination for Horsepeople of the Year.
~Susan McClafferty, Founder & Executive Director, Horse First Initiative
Photos by Erin Gilmore Photography