My name is Natalie Lake, I am a 20 years old student at community college, and work at our local feed store. I am enrolling at the East Coast Farrier School starting in August 2026. I have been working with and riding horses since before I can remember. I was taught early on the importance of proper farrier care and the role farrier work plays in a horse’s soundness, performance, and overall health. My parents are lifelong horse people, part of a long line of generations who have shared the passion for horses. I grew up in Ohio where they managed and trained at a large Arabian horse farm for 18 years. I know the hard work and passion for all things equine. The first horses I recall are Arabians and the Arabian crosses. They can excel in many disciplines. I have ridden and shown Saddleseat, Hunt seat, and eventing. I joined the local United States Pony Club when I was 5 years old. I learned all aspects of eventing and thoroughly enjoyed it. When I was thirteen with guidance from my parents, I started and trained my horse Gracie. She was a four year old Thoroughbred Friesian cross. We went on to compete in show jumping, dressage, and eventing. Recently I have started roping and am currently training and learning with a young quarter horse gelding in hopes to compete in breakaway roping. I have a great passion for riding and competing on horses. My lifelong experience with horses has helped prepare me to take this next step in learning the farrier trade. I have held the work in high esteem for all of my life. I am good with horses with an innate sense. I am strong, hard working, and always eager to learn. I am so excited and have confidence that I can do the work and learn to be a skilled professional. My family is grateful to be able to do what they love, and I hope to build that same future for myself. I am confident I can become a great asset to the trade. Lori Mcbride has been my family’s farrier for over fifteen years. I have had the opportunity to watch her work since I was a little girl. Growing up beside her daughter Glynis, I have watched her grow a passion for the trade. This has further inspired my own interest in farriery. After my family moved from Ohio to North Carolina when I was twelve, Lori agreed to continue to be our farrier flying in to do our horses. Lori has set a great example of a skilled dependable farrier. About two years ago I realized that my area was in need of a dedicated farrier and that could be me. Having seen first hand the impact Lori and her daughter have had on our horses inspired me to pursue this path, with the goal of helping horses and their owners. Lori has started to teach me the fundamentals of farriery, even allowing me to help where I can. Thanks to Lori, I have been learning as much as I can before I start at East Coast Horseshoeing school. Lori has shown me that farriery is a lifelong learning process, one that requires constant growth, dedication and always being committed to learning and improving. I want to thank you for reading my essay and for the consideration of this amazing scholarship in honor of Jay Lankford. I have been saving to attend the school and if I were awarded such a scholarship, I would be incredibly grateful.