Not everyone has the opportunity to work with gentle giants like horses, but senior Lauren Thomson has been around them for almost her entire life.

“When I was five I started taking riding lessons. My mom was into horses too, so it was kind of passed down to me,”  Thomson said.

Thomson’s passion for the animals is something she likes to share with the people she loves. She sometimes takes her boyfriend, Wyatt, to see the creatures.

“It’s cool to be with her while she’s doing something she loves, and I get why she likes it so much. There is something about horses that is weirdly interesting,” senior Wyatt Travis said.

Thomson believes that horses are very different from other animals like cats and dogs. Each one has a distinct personality, and they uniquely react to similar scenarios.

“I like that horses are companions. When you ride or work with a horse in any way, you are both working together. They aren’t just a pet, they’re a pal you learn from and grow to be a better person,” Thomson said.

She does not only care for and ride horses, but also teaches kids and adults how to ride and tack up their horses. The job can be as rewarding as it is challenging.

“I have learned to be resilient through working with horses and people. Sometimes training students or riding myself can be difficult and frustrating. However, in the end it’s worth it. So I’ve learned to bounce back and not let frustration stop me from doing what makes me happy,” Thomson said.