Our Vision
Horses are not tools. They are not just for riding, competing, or racing. Horses are soulful beings, sensitive and intelligent, who feel both physical and emotional pain — and who, when given the chance, can become our greatest teachers of love, trust, and presence.
Horse Bud was created to change the conversation. Too often, people are taught that force is acceptable, that horses don’t feel, that they exist only to serve us. I know from my own life that this isn’t true. Horses do feel — joy, grief, abandonment, betrayal, and the deepest love. They deserve to be seen, respected, and treated as partners, not objects.
This space is my way of showing what’s possible when we connect differently. It’s a home for stories — my own, and those of others — that reveal the magic of horse-human bonds, horse-to-horse friendships, and even the unexpected connections they form with other animals. Some stories may come from everyday people, others from familiar faces — but all have something in common: they remind us that horses choose us, just as much as we choose them.
I don’t believe riding itself is wrong. But I believe riding, training, or any activity with horses should come from a place of connection, respect, and mutual consent. Every horse is different: some may love riding, others may prefer tricks or simply companionship. When we take the time to listen and bond, we discover who they are — and the relationship that follows is beyond imagination, soul-filling and transformative.
My guiding belief is simple: when we open our hearts to horses, they open theirs to us. And that is where the true magic lives.
Meet our Team
Jazmin
Senior Editor
Founder of Horse Bud, she wrangles words, hay, and horse hugs in equal measure.
Jazmin has been around horses all of her life and continues to learn from their wisdom every day. Currently the only human on the team, Jazmin is a lifelong horse hugger and believer in bonds beyond the saddle. Through her stories, she hopes to spark awareness that horses are not tools, but beings with rich emotional lives who thrive on respect, love, and connection.
Her mission is to inspire a gentler, more soulful way of being with horses — one rooted in love, respect, and mutual trust.
Apache
Opinion Editor
Expert in side-eyes, strong opinions, and lessons you never forget.
Apache is the apple of Jazmin’s eye — her teacher, protector, and truest companion. Born from her first mare, Ištá Wí (/ishtawi/), and named in honor of a special soul, Apache has been by her side for over 23 years. A warrior at heart, he’s survived countless brushes with death and always found his way back, stronger than before.
Opinionated, competitive, and endlessly playful, Apache doesn’t hesitate to make himself heard. He can be stubborn, yes, but always with wisdom behind it. Through his actions, he’s taught Jazmin invaluable life lessons — from setting boundaries to standing tall — proving again and again that horses are the best coaches when we’re willing to listen.
Though he doesn’t get along with many other horses, Apache is deeply bonded with people. Sensitive and protective, he has even stepped in to defend Jazmin, and when fear strikes, he trusts her as his safe place. Together, they’ve grown, learned, and healed — two souls forever intertwined.
Airam
News Editor
Special correspondent in “neigh”sletters and breaking pasture updates.
Airam is the gentle soul of the team — calm, peaceful, and always tuned in. Sensitive by nature, he can spook easily, but his heart is steady and kind. He gets along with everyone, though he’s not above sneaking a bite of Apache’s food or stirring up a little brotherly mischief.
Airam brings balance to the herd. He’s also the catalyst: the one who sparks Apache’s competitive side and keeps the energy flowing. And when Jazmin sings in the arena, Airam is the one who stands close, listening, holding space — a quiet testament to the bond between human and horse.
