My Story
Grace McFarland
Assistant Trainer with Monnington Farms
As an avid equestrian, I take pride in the bond I share with horses. With years of experience in riding, training, and caring for these majestic animals, I can confidently say that my passion for them runs deep. After graduating from high school, I pursued my love for horses by enrolling at William Woods University to gain a comprehensive understanding of the industry. Today, I am fortunate to work at Monnington Farms in Kentucky – a place where my love for horses is nurtured every day. My hope is to continue to grow, learn, and appreciate every moment spent with these magnificent creatures in the future.
My Mission
I am committed to achieving and surpassing my goals, which involve becoming a skilled and accomplished equestrian by breeding and training horses. I understand that reaching these objectives will require hard work, perseverance, financial investment, and patience. However, I am dedicated to putting in the effort and time necessary to achieve my aspirations. By fulfilling my mission, I will undoubtedly experience a lifetime of joy and fulfillment.
Here’s My Story
Grace McFarland “A Moment In Time”
As a little girl, I lived a typical life, spending my days playing sports and attending school. However, everything changed when I visited a pumpkin patch on a seemingly ordinary day.
The moment I mounted a horse, I felt an instant connection to the powerful and elegant animal. I was captivated by the sensation of controlling such a majestic creature. Little did I know, this experience would mark the beginning of a new chapter in my life.
After that day, my passion for horses grew immensely. I was no longer content with just playing basketball and volleyball. I wanted to learn everything about horses, from riding to caring for them. I spent every weekend at a nearby stable, practicing my riding skills and bonding with these beautiful animals. Eventually, I had to make a difficult decision and give up other sports to have more time for my newfound passion. Looking back, that pumpkin patch visit was the turning point that led me down a path I never could have imagined.
As a child, I was drawn to horses and everything about them. The more I learned, the more I wanted to know. I was fascinated by their daily care and responsibilities. As I grew older, my love for these magnificent creatures only intensified. Riding and caring for horses became a central part of my life.
Attending William Woods University in Fulton, MO, was a dream that I had been working towards for years. It was the top university for equestrian education, and I knew that it was where I needed to be. My parents were my biggest supporters, helping me prepare for my application and encouraging me every step of the way. Finally, after months of hard work and dedication, I received my acceptance letter.
The day of my high school graduation was a moment of great pride and excitement. I felt like I was on the brink of something incredible. I couldn’t wait to dive into the world of equestrianism and see where it would take me. William Woods University was the perfect place to do it.
As I prepared to leave for college, I visited my local barn one last time. The familiar sights and smells brought back a flood of memories. I hugged my favorite horses and said goodbye to the life I cherished. Tears streamed down my face. I was leaving behind a chapter of my life, but I knew that the next one held incredible promise.
I was ecstatic when I received the news that I had been accepted into the prestigious equine studies program at the university. The competition for a spot in the program was incredibly fierce, and I knew that only the top students were chosen.
Once I began the program, I realized just how intense it was. I was surrounded by small classes of highly competitive students from all corners of the world. Our daily responsibilities extended far beyond intensive studying. We were also tasked with the critical responsibility of ensuring the health and well-being of our assigned horses. Checking on their physical health and mental state was a weekly requirement, and we had to observe their behavior in order to determine the best way to meet their needs.
The program was a great learning experience for all of us, as we were constantly challenged to stay on top of the latest research and trends in the field. We were also encouraged to collaborate with our peers when it came to problem-solving or creating new strategies for caring for our horses. Overall, the equine studies program was both a challenging and rewarding experience that prepared us for success in the field.