“Legacy is the most personal collection I’ve ever created. It’s not just about the beauty of horses, but about the beauty of connection—between people, between past and present, between a moment in my childhood and the work I do today. Partnering with 13 Hands allowed me to give back to the very animals that shaped me. Every piece carries a story, a memory, and a little bit of my heart.”
- JOY HAUGAARD
JOY HAUGAARD, 1996
Legacy: A Love Letter to Connection
There’s something timeless about the bond between humans and horses—an unspoken, soulful exchange that has captivated me for as long as I can remember. Legacy, my diamond horse collection, is nothing less than a love letter to that magical connection.
WHY HORSES?
Horses embody purity, grace, kindness—qualities that have always stirred something deep within my heart. Their gentle nature, their quiet strength, and the way they truly see us, attuned and responsive to our emotions—that’s what sets them apart. They aren't just majestic creatures; they are mirrors, holding space for our calm, our awe, and our inspiration.
In designing every piece of the Legacy collection, my goal was to distill that emotional resonance into tangible form. Each diamond horse, each line and curve, is a tribute to human–horse bonding—and to the enduring connections we share with those we love: family, friends, memories. Just as horses capture our hearts, these pieces aim to capture love’s essence in every shape and sparkle.
Why This Collection Means So Much
Right now, cowboy themes and equestrian motifs may be trending—but for some of us, their impact goes beyond a moment. For me, these designs are deeply personal.
I grew up in Aarhus, Denmark. My sister Sarah and I spent countless afternoons horseback riding at the nearby farm. Riding wasn’t just an activity—it was joy. I even had a horse of my own that I cared for lovingly. When we moved from Denmark to Long Island, New York, our equestrian passions followed us all the way into the City.
Though city life pulls me in many directions, my heart remains tethered to those horses. Visiting them upstate—feeling that familiar rhythm, that calm, that light—is something I’ve always gravitated toward. The Legacy collection gave me a way to shine a light on that part of myself, even amidst the urban bustle.
13 Hands Equine Rescue
One organization especially close to my heart is 13 Hands Equine Rescue. Based in New York State, they are dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming horses in need—many of whom have faced neglect, abuse, or abandonment. Beyond giving these horses a second chance, 13 Hands also partners them with humans through Equine Assisted Learning programs, offering comfort, healing, and empowerment to individuals coping with challenges like PTSD, anxiety, and trauma. Their work is a powerful reminder of the profound ways horses and humans can help one another heal.
Wanting to give back in a meaningful way, I decided to partner with them directly. Together, we created their official logo—a design that reflects both their mission and the spirit of the horses they serve. Every time someone purchases this logo piece, 100% of the proceeds go directly to 13 Hands Equine Rescue, ensuring more horses find safety, care, and the opportunity to thrive.
As for the name itself—“13 hands” is an equestrian term for measuring a horse’s height, with one hand equaling four inches. A horse that is “13 hands” stands 52 inches tall at the withers, a height that often evokes images of smaller, gentler equines. It’s a name that carries humility and quiet dignity—perfectly mirroring the organization’s compassionate mission.
