From Pony Lessons to High School Internship -- Allison's Story

Allison is like part of the family here at Laughing Buck Farm and we wanted to capture some of her essence to honor who she is to us!  Our farm blogger Dawn wrote this beautiful post and at the end you'll find a video interview by Jasper.    Allison, I am so proud of the strong, knowledgeable and passionate cowgirl you are and cherish the connections you have made with the horses and the community.  Congratulations girl, and I wish you all the best as you graduate next week.  Can't wait to see where life takes you!   ~FarmHer Rosemary

I am writing today about a blossom that has been growing in our families’ gardens. Her name is Allison. This young lady first made her appearance as a sprite sprout that bounced around with her bright smile and has cast her light like sunshine everywhere she went.

Today, she is still doing so, though this time her light is more like a flickering fire that warms you as she shares her heart’s desires about life.

Allison’s passions revolve around horses and helping others. Ever since Allison was little, she’s loved animals. I’ve never seen her without a critter in her arms, her face against the fur of a four-legged friend or a squeal of joy coming out of this girl’s mouth from the cuteness of what she’s witnessing from a fluffy creature. Allison’s sweetness permeates from her cells and animals trust her.

Focusing on what she loves, which is mainly horses, Allison has created a daily life that keeps her surrounded by equines! In the beginning, she started her journey by taking riding lessons and leasing a pony  / best friend named Ginger.   As she grew and as her  horse skills grew, she has continued her learning by getting involved with 4H, which she has now proudly earned the title role of President. She also joined FFA, Future Farmers of America which helped her to attain the knowledge and respect that it takes to be successful in the farming industry which ranges from the monetary demands, as well as the labor involved and how technology has played a role. That path naturally took her straight into the loving arms of Laughing Buck Farm where she asked to be trained as an intern. She worked at LBF every week, rain or shine, learning horse care, helping with injured horses, teaching the horses tricks and helping with desensitizing and training.  I asked Allison what her favorite chore at LBF was and she whole-heartedly without pause announced, “MUCKING! I love having manure on my boots! It means that the horses are happy, healthy and I’ve got a job.” Her words: “Horses are my spirit animal. I understand them. I look into their eyes and we connect. They trust me and know that they have me. They have me as a friend and an ally. I can hear what they are thinking and they can hear what I am thinking. I know that sounds weird. I don’t care. The horses need me and I need them. That’s all that counts when we are together.”

Connection. Allison has an innate ability to connect, not only to animals but also to humans! She’s like a magnet. Curious kiddos are drawn to her, intrigued teachers are lured to her and parents of those curious kiddos gravitate towards her because of her authentic personality. She has a positive attitude and energy that doesn't cease. Allison is dedicated to learning, to guiding and to finding answers. I asked her what has been her greatest aspirations in life. Here they are:


"Meeting Temple Grand, in person. She’s amazing and I want to be like her."


"My grandmother. She always believed in me and always calmed me. When I am with the animals, I can hear her talking to me. I feel her. The horses know and sense that calm in me because of my grandmother."


"My mother, Rose Lew-Poff. That woman is why I am here today. She has been there during my roughest times and we have made it together, through my dramas, my insecurities. She never stops loving me. She never stops pushing me to be my best. My mother is my hero. It doesn't matter what she is enduring, this woman has a kind of strength that I want to have. She made it through cancer and the death of her own mother while continuing to be strong enough to take care of our family. She's my hero and the strongest person that I know."

Allison graduates this year. She’s leaving us. She is on somewhat of a rite of passage. These roads of experience take her to the next phase of learning, wherever and whatever that may be…to something grand and enriching. Her emotions about her future are sprinkled with anxiety, trepidation and excitement of what's to come. She’s choosing to make a difference in her life by seeking to continue her education that will always involve some form of nurturing others, both animals and humans. This world is a better place by having her in it, showering her environments with delight!

Allison's smile and joie de vivre is contagious, it’s something that you want to take with you and hold it in your hands. We will. She’ll always be imprinted in our hearts and we’ll embrace our sweet girl each time we get to wrap our arms around her when she visits. Thank you, Allison…we love you. xoxo        ~Dawn

Want to hear about Allison's internship experience?  Check out the video below.