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.

921 Followers, 685 Following, 137 Posts

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.

07/12/2024

Trot stands today on Fat Penny.

07/12/2024

Thank you Catawissa Chiropractic Center for your support! Our community has been incredibly awesome supporting team USA Vaulting with financial assistance for the World Championship in Bern, Switzerland! Raelyn Snyder and Lightning rely heavily on sponsors located in our own community!

Catawissa Chriopractic Center is an amazing local business located in Catawissa, Pennsylvania. Raelyn can attest to how much they have kept her aligned and ready to perform her best at an elite level. Catawissa Chiropractic Center offers both Chiropractic Care and Massage Therapy! Call and make your appointment today!

If you too would like to sponsor- click the Go Fund Me link below or contact Mountain Laurel Equestrian Center!

https://www.gofundme.com/f/2024-senior-vaulting-world-championship-bern-switzerland

07/11/2024

It takes a village! Part of our village of supporting team USA, is Scattered Acres Farms. Thank you for supporting Raelyn Snyder and Lightning on their journey to World FEI Vaulting World Championship in Bern, Switzerland! Scattered Acres Farm is a family run farm, located in E
Catawissa, Pennsylvania. The Richards have been long time neighbors, friends, and excellent stewards of their land!
Thank you!

07/11/2024

Something to enjoy with your monrning coffee

07/08/2024

Coach, trainer, lunger Nick has arrived safely in Switzerland. Raelyn and Lightning have settled nicely and have been able to exercise under saddle.

Big thank you for Nicholas Hansen finding a venue that is incredibly affordable, that the team members are able to all Stay together and take care of Lightning and keep him at his peek performance. While there, they get to meet and make new friendships with team Austria!! How cool, watching and learning from others at this elite level!

A huge shout out to those who have contributed to Lightnings travels and all of the very kind words and well wishes to Raelyn Snyder.

As for traveling adventures- I am sure they will get out to explore, but for now, this is the biggest adventure. Soaking in every moment.

As promised- we will continue to update each day on this amazing, and incredible journey.

Dream BIG, and work hard.

06/26/2024

Welcome to our family! Riley Rose Renno!

06/26/2024

Guess what today is!!!

06/24/2024

Most of you know, we raised Raelyn Snyder to work for everything she has. This is such an incredible honor, but it takes a village to get both her, Allegra Hart, Nicholas Hansen, and Lightning to the World FEI Vaulting World Championship 2024! Please, consider helping this pas de deux get their horse Lightning to Switzerland! He is the MVP of this team, and is the reason they have this incredible opportunity! Any contribution helps!
Thank You

Team Lightning!

We are excited to announce that Allegra Hart and Raelyn Snyde… Raelyn Snyder needs your support for 2024 Senior Vaulting World Championship- Bern, Switzerland

05/25/2024

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf1eAR1GDS8M7tYb_4WnXNOefH47CNNUPsh0WJplq9pi3BQbg/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0&pli=1

Shout out to all the ladies! Any item sold- $10 goes towards Raelyn’s vaulting expenses!

Thank you for supporting our fundraiser for our competition travel expenses! Each item is $30, of which, $10 per item sold will directly support vaulters Raelyn Snyder and Allegra Hart, trainer Nicholas Hansen, and competition horse, Lightning, with their competition travel costs. Park Lane Jewelry....

05/18/2024

If I fell asleep like this I’d be headed to the chiropractor.

04/28/2024

It was an amazing 3 weeks filled with so much learning. These two really pulled together with the help of an amazing Italian team, and their US team! Thank you Nicholas Hansen, MacKenzie Waro, Claudia Petersohn, Davide Zanella and Rebecca Greggio for the amazing coaching, Lunging, and our horses Lightning, and Dorian for keeping them safe! Thank you Kimmy Palmer for the extra support given and cheering the girls on. Finally- thank you Suzanne Hart for getting them to and from practices, Traveling to both Italy & Hungary, and the experiences they all had! Lastly- thank you Michaela Brehm for the awesome contact and helping us find this fantastic team!
It takes a village. Raelyn Snyder Allegra Hart

04/27/2024

Incredibly proud of these two!

04/25/2024

Accepted! Braids by Raelyn Snyder.

04/20/2024

https://www.landwatch.com/northumberland-county-pennsylvania-farms-and-ranches-for-sale/pid/419497188

Perfect for the upcoming equestrian who vaults, jumps, or rides dressage! Timothy, alfalfa, and orchard grass hay fields and over 12 acres of pasture!
Arena has premiere footing that provides comfort/safetey for both horse and rider/vaulter. Established lesson and vaulting program along with a profitable airbnb business.

51 acre Farm with 6 bedroom brick house w/ 2- large porches, located approx. 5 minute drive to Koebel's Amusement Park with approx 46 acres tillable fields w/ approx 2.5 acre currently in pasture, 14'

03/22/2024

So very proud of this entire team! Their performance at the Longline League of Nations, $330,000 CSIO5* Lugano Diamonds Grand Prix; SPECTACULAR!

Lightning was a ⭐️ as usual, flawlessly carrying individual, double and triples.

Thank you Nicholas Hansen for the amazing lunging, coaching, and support you have provided.

03/09/2024

The girls & Kevin (rooster) doing a great job of pest control.

02/28/2024

Now (Horse) Boarding!!

BYOG(grain)
Stall board $450
Pasture board $350
Self care stall board $300

-Stall and pasture boards include daily hay, water, and shelter along with visual animal inspection for health and welfare.
-Stall board also includes daily clean-out, turnout to large paddocks, and monitored daily water intake. We can add any grain (we prefer Tribute) for a fee.
- All boards include access to 125'x225' giant arena with Premier Equestrian footing.
-Arena may be rented for private use at $250/Day.

02/26/2024

A few randoms

02/25/2024

Check out Morgan Kinsey! She is a rocking awesome new farrier in the area! Our Vaulting club was privileged to have her come out and teach us all about hoof care!

02/13/2024

Funny how 24 hours makes a 12” difference. 😂🤣🤪