Reinventing Ownership: How Next Gen Professionals is Changing the Horse Industry
- Lindsey Oaks
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
3/29/26 Wellington, FL - For 19-year-old rider Nora Nauss, “Unstoppable”—or “Uno” as he’s known in the barn—is more than just a horse. He’s the start of her professional journey. Last season, Nauss guided Uno to victory in the 6-year-old young jumper final at WEF, and the bond between rider, horse, and the people supporting them has been transformative.
“It's amazing to work with him,” Nauss says. “He’s just a really good guy—so lovely on the ground, so fun to ride. And being part of Next Gen Professionals has made all of this possible.”
Next Gen Professionals (NGP) is a new program designed to reimagine what it means to invest in and own horses. Andrew Welles, who helped launch the initiative, explains why it was needed:
“When I came to Wellington for the first time in 2002…there was a real culture around being part of a horse. Now, that experience has largely disappeared, and many potential supporters never make it past their first interaction with the industry because of high costs, lack of transparency, and the feeling that it’s too complicated to navigate.”
NGP aims to restore that sense of connection by offering a structure in which ownership is accessible, enjoyable, and rewarding. Unlike traditional models where investors might only shoulder bills, NGP allows investors to participate in a pooled portfolio of horses, spreading risk and increasing opportunities for profit.
“Instead of getting bills back…they’re getting checks back in the mail,” Welles explains. “Investors receive real-time distributions from the horses’ successes, and riders get predictable support for their careers. It turns ownership into a shared, exciting experience rather than a financial burden.”
The program isn’t just about numbers—it’s about creating a culture where everyone involved feels part of a team. Investors can follow multiple horse-rider combinations at shows, bringing friends and family to watch the horses they support, while young riders like Nauss gain mentorship, professional development, and a tangible pathway into the sport.
“Before this, there was no real pathway for young professionals,” Nauss says. “It’s kind of hard to get your feet under yourself, especially if you don’t have a family connection or barn guiding you. NGP creates connections and opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise exist.”
The benefits extend beyond competition. Welles has structured the fund to meet SEC guidelines, with 90% of the portfolio allocated to horse purchases and reinvestment of principal over three years. Riders are insulated from the financial complexity, allowing them to focus on training and performance, while investors see a return on their involvement and build a deeper connection to the sport.
“We’re creating a system where the riders just get to be the fun part for the investors,” Welles says. “They develop relationships, gain mentorship, and focus on riding while the investors enjoy the experience and financial upside of being involved.”
NGP is still in its early stages, but the response has been enthusiastic. With a strong group of horses already in the program and plans to continue expanding, Welles expects a robust team of 15 riders supporting the fund’s horses this season. Young professionals like Nauss are experiencing the difference firsthand: structured mentorship, access to quality horses, and the chance to compete with support from a community of investors.
“It’s just such a community,” Nauss says. “There’s so much support for young riders, and it’s really building connections. The education and experience this program provides are going to benefit the next generation of professionals and the sport as a whole.”
For an industry long criticized for being opaque and inaccessible, Next Gen Professionals offers a refreshing model. By aligning investor interests with rider development, it’s redefining ownership, empowering the next generation of professionals, and creating a culture that celebrates both the sport and the people who make it thrive.
“We’re changing the culture,” Welles says. “We’re reinvesting in horse people. And instead of watching the industry shrink from the top down, we’re bringing people up from the bottom and giving them a way to be part of something meaningful.”
Lindsey Oaks is an author, professional rider & coach, photographer, branding strategist, and mom.
She lives in the Chicago suburbs, teaching "horse-crazy kids" (and adults) to communicate effectively with 1000-lb animals who don't speak English and creating strategies for service providers and consultants to communicate with the world. Her students and clients describe her as a coffee-addicted, high-energy smartypants who tells stories to teach lessons.
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