INTERVIEW: Kaitlynn Carter On Her Role As An American Wild Horse Campaign Ambassador, Joining “The Hills: New Beginnings,” Season 2 Of The MTV Hit And More

MTV’s The Hills star Kaitlynn Carter has had a lifelong admiration for horses, so it was a no-brainer to champion the American Wild Horse Campaign, a nonprofit organization working to protect the future of America’s iconic wild horses, as an Ambassador.

“We are very excited to have Kaitlynn Carter join our team as an Ambassador,” said Suzanne Roy, Executive Director of American Wild Horse Campaign. “Kaitlynn’s efforts to bring awareness to the younger generations to help protect the American Wild Horse and preserve this American icon for generations to come is a tremendous addition to our mission.”

We recently caught up with Carter about her Ambassador role, joining The Hills: New Beginnings, her podcast, the Hamptons and more.

You’re an American Wild Horse Campaign (AWHC) Ambassador. Why is this a cause you’re passionate about?

KC: My passion for horses was probably inspired by the equestrian summer camp I attended throughout my childhood. We were entrusted with a lot of responsibility caring for these animals from such a young age, which I think had a big impact on me. Horses are intelligent, powerful, graceful animals that are often very therapeutic and awe-inspiring to be in the presence of. If I’m ever stressed or overwhelmed, I make time to be around horses and that sets me at ease without fail. I figure with all that horses have meant and done for my life, the least I can do is help to ensure they have the advocacy and protection they deserve.

Tell us about your role as an Ambassador.

KC: When I first discovered American Wild Horse Campaign, I was completely uneducated about, and unaware of, what injustices wild horses in our country are facing. I didn’t know that there was a horse population control issue, had never heard that the Bureau of Land Management performed regular “round-ups” to remove horses from public land, I didn’t know how inhumane the process was or how often horses died being rounded up. My role as an ambassador is primarily to increase awareness on behalf of these animals and help AWHC to raise funding to support their humane sterilization programs, which will help to control the wild horse population without injuring them or sentencing them to life in a small government-owned pen.

You took part in AWHC’s virtual fundraiser on October 1. Tell us more about this event. How much money was raised?

KC: AWHC hosts a benefit every year, but due to the pandemic, we went virtual this time around! The fundraiser included a performance by Lukas Nelson, as well as a silent auction. We were able to raise nearly $180,000!

You joined the cast of The Hills: New Beginnings. What was it like to be a part of the iconic MTV show and can we expect another season anytime soon?

KC: It was certainly surreal and challenging at times, but also a lot of fun. Word on the street is we’ll be back to filming at the start of November!

You host The Bright Side, a podcast that focuses on optimism and positive ways to contribute to the world. What inspired you to start the podcast and who else will you welcome in upcoming episodes?

KC: Actually, an ex told me I was too optimistic and positive all the time, and that really struck me. I was in a difficult place in my life and I knew the one thing I didn’t want to change was how optimistically I saw the world around me. A close friend, who now produces The Bright Side, had been trying to launch a podcast with me for a while, and it just hit me that positivity and optimism was what I wanted to share with the world. We’ve just begun recording “season 2,” and guests include poets, fashion designers, authors, DJs, entrepreneurs, actors, artists and anyone else I find genuinely positive and inspirational.

What else are you working on at the moment?

KC: I wrote a scripted dark comedy series with another writer during lockdown, so I’ve been pouring a lot of time and love into that. It’s allowed me such a great creative outlet and become a real passion project for me.

Have you ever been to the Hamptons? If so, what are some of your favorite spots?

KC: I have been to the Hamptons! I grew up on the East Coast so everything about the Hamptons feels very nostalgic for me — the hydrangeas in bloom, freshly mowed, bright green grass, and that quintessential New England architecture. It’s heaven on earth. I think my favorite memory from the Hamptons was cruising around on a catamaran, picnicking and checking out all the homes from the water.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

KC: Thanks for having me!

For more information about the American Wild Horse Campaign, visit www.americanwildhorsecampaign.org. For more information about Kaitlynn Carter, visit www.instagram.com/kaitlynn.