Mountain Laurel Equestrian Center

08/12/2024

07/20/2024

The story behind Lightning-
Raelyn bought Lightning as her own personal horse. She was able to work for her grandparents at farmers markets- twice a week, and then as farm labor.

Lightning was barely green broke when she bought him. She spent weeks earning his trust to be haltered.. An X plow horse, right from the fields.

Literally, the week she finished paying his bill, he decided to let himself and two other horses out of the pasture, and go for a stroll down a main highway (literally stood on berm while tractor trailers zoomed by at 60mph). ….. ate gravel, and several days later, decided to colic.

Lightning ended up at New Bolton Hospital and underwent colic surgery for gravel impaction and displaced colon.
When he was discharged- he went to hotel Nicholas Hansen so we could keep a close eye on his recovery.

During his rehabilitation, Lightning decided to get a massive infection in his neck. He could not bend, turn…. He couldn’t walk well…. Lots of vets were called, the Canadian vet was consulted as none had ever seen this…. Antibiotics were not working. They thought possible deadly spider bite…

Back to New Bolton we went….. they explored and found a massive infection the size of a softball in his neck. He ended with a second operation and back to hotel Hansen. 🤣

Lightning spent three months recovering and nursed back to health. Our dear friend- Heather Jackson Merrell took Lightning and Raelyn Snyder under her wing for the winter. Together- the little team started to grow.
The following 3 years- Lightning and Raelyn teamed up with Nick and Hanna Bundy. They helped guide Raelyn with her riding, and began coaching her. Again- both Lightning and Raelyn were so blessed to have such amazing resources!

Why did we choose to take Lightning across the world knowing he would not score as high as other horses? Because he is part of this special team. He has taught so many life lessons. He is the one who carried this pas de deux all the way to Switzerland. He earned is ticket and we are forever grateful!

Now- cross fingers for a safe journey home.

07/20/2024

07/20/2024

I am so thankful that this team has been able to experience this! First debut for everyone involved! They were beautiful.

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07/19/2024

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9niYBNMhjE/?igsh=MW9ibml5MDJsa2gxdg==

Some highlights!!!

07/19/2024

USA!!🇺🇸

07/19/2024

Good luck and have fun Raelyn Snyder, Allegra Hart, Nicholas Hansen and Lightning! We are all so proud of your accomplishments. Now is the time to have fun and enjoy your time! I will not be live- but will post video later. It’s my turn to be a mom and enjoy what these two young women have accomplished. If you are watching live- 9:20am- today!

07/18/2024

A final coach thank you to Leti Solorzano Inirio! The one who made Vaukting fun again! Leti has taught Raelyn to be creative, perform, and love what you are doing! Leti is such an awesome woman who has so much love for every child and young lady! We love you Leti!

07/17/2024

Big shout out to Nicholas Hansen! We are so incredibly lucky to have you as part of our team! The guidance, confidence, lessons, and leadership that you have taught Raelyn Snyder, and Lightning is amazing. Getting Lightning over to the World Championship is a dream come true… and I am So thankful that you arranged everything- perfectly! Here’s to another few days of enjoying the ride!

07/17/2024

https://www.instagram.com/stories/fei_global/3414328237623965099?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igsh=MTc5cDRoenZqMG1veg==

07/15/2024

Wohooooo!!!! So proud of our amazing team.

07/14/2024

Lightning doing his thing
With new friends!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9Y95NCKaqX/?igsh=c2EwZTdyOXk5aXUx