In 2007, I got Kansas, my first horse, and it was a life-changing experience and was the one that started it all. We had just moved to the country outside of Guelph when I was about 8 years old, and having a horse felt like a new chapter in my life. But before Kansas, I learned the importance of responsibility and patience by taking care of a bunny named Gracie for a whole year. This was just one of the many steps I took before I could earn the privilege of owning a horse.

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I also spent a couple of years taking riding lessons, which deepened my connection with horses and taught me valuable life skills. Kansas wasn’t just a horse; she was a teacher, a companion, and a reminder of how important it is to be patient, not just with animals, but with life in general. She taught me to appreciate the small moments and not to take life for granted.

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Sadly, Kansas passed away in 2019, but the lessons she left behind continue to shape how I approach life and animal care. Her calm presence and the bond we shared was like no other, she inspires me to provide the best care for all the animals I look after.