Hey Reader,
If you are in the path of the latest wintry weather, I hope you are staying warm. Here in central NC, we haven't had a ton of snow, but the ice is unforgiving. Please stay safe.
I have been thinking a lot about passion. Horse folks are passionate people. It's why everyone has an opinion on things like blanketing, training, trailering, tack, helmets, shoeing... I could go on. One thing that is very much evident is that we are passionate about the horse. I have never met someone who secretly has a horse they don't talk about. Having a horse becomes our personality and our dedication to to them weaves through many aspects of our lives.
As you continue to grow in your horse journey, I hope you learn from that passion and don't let it leave you jaded. Much of what we do and sustain requires sacrifice, whether it be time, money, or other resources. I see you. I get it.
Below you will find 3 resources I hope will support you on your journey. Much of it is NC based because that's the state I'm in, but some of them you can take advantage of no matter where you are.
I hope it helps! Talk soon,
Abriana J.
NEW EPISODE - Tiombe Vaughan
If you haven't checked out the latest episode with Tiombe Vaughan, you are missing out! Have a listen on your favorite podcast platform, Spotify, Youtube and on our NEW Patreon. Shoutout to our Patreon members for their support!
Grant Writing Workshops
If you run a equine non-profit, you are likely applying for grants to sustain your work. Check out these free webinars!
Dr. Kathleen Liang at North Carolina A&T State University will offer three levels of workshops to assist ag producers, extension agents, and community organizations to enhance the ability of financial management and grant writing. Each workshop will require registration. Please see workshop description and zoom registration links below:
- Level 1 - Basics of Grants (types, programs, purposes) Grant Writing When: Feb 4, 2026 05:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Register in advance for this meeting:https://ncat.zoom.us/meeting/register/ARakHeJVQzK3RW9di0bPWA
- Level 2 – Strategies to put a grant application together Grant Writing When: Feb 11, 2026 05:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Register in advance for this meeting: https://ncat.zoom.us/meeting/register/hOMSjDv1QZy441cknsQQBg
- Level 3 - Details of grant writing following the call for proposals When: Feb 18, 2026 03:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Register in advance for this meeting:https://ncat.zoom.us/meeting/register/TfV9JgJ8Qmmp6d1N9j3Q2A
Annual Coggins Clinic
Annual EIA & Vaccine Clinic - Saturday, February 14th 1:00-3:00 p.m. @ Franklin County Farmers Market Shelter
WHAT: Franklin County Cooperative Extension is partnering with the NC Mobile Veterinary Service team to host the annual Equine Vaccine Clinic.
WHEN: Saturday, February 14th
WHERE: Franklin County Farmer’s Market Shelter,137 Shannon Village Shopping Center, Louisburg, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Maintaining horse vaccines and Coggins is very important to the health and well-being of the horse. By hosting this event in a central location, it allows the horse owner to save money by not having a farm call fee.
REGISTER: To register your horse for an appointment, contact the Franklin County Cooperative Extension office at 919-496-3344.
Agritourism Scholarship for Extension Agents
Are you interested in attending the NC Agritourism Conference & Farm Tour?
Location: Tryon International Equestrian Center, Mill Spring, NC
Dates: February 23–24, 2026
Farm Tour: Monday, February 23Conference: Tuesday, February 24
Scholarships may be available for eligible Extension Agents, with funding provided by the NC SARE Professional Development Program.
If you’re interested, please complete the scholarship interest form using the link below to see if you qualify:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1LILJ5FzZ6fXdTdQQNAZRyuZ1OjU0dhUwa0a-Ym7H1zA/viewform?edit_requested=true
We hope you’ll join us for this valuable learning and networking opportunity!
Supporting Coach Kamerra Brown
Former South Dakota State University coach Kamerra Brown was indicted earlier this month on allegations of using taxpayer resources to pay for veterinary bills and boarding for her horses for about a year. Brown alleges these charges are false and is working tirelessly to garner support and raise funds for solid legal counsel.
Kamerra was instrumental during our Collegiate Equestrian Panel in 2024 and as the first African-American coach at SDSU, I am inclined to believe there is much more to this story than what has been reported so far.
If you are in the position to support Kamerra during this legal battle, please click below to support her via Venmo.
