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Anyone who knows me, knows I am a total sucker for ponies. So when Laurie reached out as an adult who also loves ponies, I knew it was meant to be. Driving to her farm was the definition of picturesque. Everything that is beautiful about rural Kentucky is on that drive.

I pulled into the drive to gorgeous goldeny light, and just about the cutest pony you could ever hope to meet.

Laurie found Dinero on facebook as a 4 year old. At 7, he is her leisure mount but also a competitive endurance athlete. He has such a sweet domainer to him, and is just a joy to be around. A total gentleman on the ground, he was also a superstar model. He would pose and prick up his ears as if he was born for the moment.

In the last few moments of sunshine, I enjoyed chatting with Laurie about the equine community as a whole, but also what it is in Kentucky. We talked about her past experiences in pony club as a child, and eventing and competing on horses that don't always "fit the standard". She noted her decision to pursue eventing and eventually endurance riding saying:"Growing up in a sport that promoted tall, lean riders with expensive imported horses I realized early on that my colorful, foundation bred Appaloosa and my five foot, heavy set stature self would never be able to compete at the top of the sport, no matter how talented. It was discouraging to see the same "type" in both humans and animals compete to be the best "normal". I ended up changing disciplines into one that was much more inclusive and celebrated personal achievement and community. I blossomed there, not only competitively but personally as well."

We talked about how she is raising up her children to appreciate those backyard ponies worth their weight in gold, and the hard work that goes into building a relationship with your equine partner. It is not realistic for everyone to get the next size up imported push button pony just to be competitive in the sport. She notes: "I have won many a competitions on horses that conformationally shouldn't have been able to be competitive and often times broke stigmas about the abilities of a small woman on a spotted pony.". Laurie is not the only person who has brought up stigmas when it comes to their mounts of choice. Bailey TOF, and Moo from one of my earlier model calls are constantly breaking stigmas around what is or is not "capable and competitive" in this community.

Laurie works in workforce development, specifically in the equine industry. She engages people of all ages, walks of life, and experiences and uses her professional position to help encourage diversity. The industry has so much to offer, and can only get better with more unique individuals. Laurie leads by example to the very definition, and encourages inclusion in the community at its very core. "Having equine employers, entities, and organizations strive to engage with the community and general public can start to change that perspective and allow others to see the opportunities to get involved."

To round the entire session out, Laurie also has the most precious farm dogs, and every aspect of working with her was lovely. I am grateful to see so many strong women who are raising up independent, vibrant, and inclusive participants in the community; whether their own children, or as employers.