Board Member at Large

Dr. Laura Howard Strong’s life-long commitment to the wellbeing of all creatures great and small began at an early age with the observation that, most often, an animal’s greatest opportunity for good health begins with a human bond and the animal’s connectedness with people. 
Pursuing her dream to become a veterinarian, Laura earned a degree from Bellarmine University and a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Purdue University. She owned and directed her own veterinary hospital overseeing a team of six veterinarians, 40 staff members, and the wellbeing of thousands of pets and their families for over 25 years. Her AAHA accredited small animal practice became known for its positive work culture, team leadership style, and quality-focused, long-term associates.

Whenever she’s not engaged in the veterinary industry, you may find her after a ride with her award-winning Saddlebreds, on her farm in Fisherville, Ky., with a playful, young Dachshund and Doberman, named Jaco and Argo,  or relishing time spent with those dearest to her heart – husband David and their children.

Rena Elswick

HorseSensing Board Vice President

Rena was born and raised in Greenup, Kentucky. Her first exposure to horses was when she was a small girl. Her grandfather and uncles were horse traders. She used to sneak off to the county fair and tell the old guys in the stables who her grampa was and they would let her rider their horses, unbeknownst to her parent. As an adult Ms. Elswick became involved with Quarter Horses, riding Western Pleasure, Barrel Racing, English, Hunter and Jumper, and Halter. Ms. Elswick was appointed to the Kentucky harness racing commission and eventually became the first female harness racing (USTA) judge in Kentucky and one of the few in the nation. In the last 10 years, Ms. Elswick has expanded her equine horizons with American Saddlebred horses, regularly attending clinics to hone her skills in this area.
Ms. Elswick believes in the mission of HorseSensing. She also has a personal reason for wanting to be involved-Her son is a successful recovering addict.

Ray Leathers

HorseSensing Board President

Ray is the Executive Director at Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and the retired President/CEO of voestalpine Roll Forming Corporation. He is also the co-author of Shut Up, Get Lean! (building a culture of continuous improvement).

He is a leader in the Shelby County community in far too many ways to name here. We are thrilled to have Ray as Chair and have accomplished many things because of his broad experience and energy. 

BILL FIELD

HorseSensing-Treasurer

An American Saddlebred horse trainer, Bill started out working with his Dad, UPHA Hall of Famer Buck Field.  While working with his father, Bill developed and trained Oh My, Oh My. She immediately became a west coast sensation.  In 1974, Bill took a position with Cynthia Wood Stables in Santa Barbara, CA. While there he trained and showed Boogaloo Kalu, WC Dr. J, WC Supreme Attraction, RWC Nearly Famous and RWC Winter Rules.  Bill’s next stop was with Ed and Bev Pendleton’s Shamrock Ranch in Colorado Springs, CO.  There he trained WC Stutz Bearcat, WC Zeberdee, RWC Making Waves, RWC Fashion’s Carina, WC Brittania and RWC Hollywood Hoofer.  In 1985 Bill and his wife Chris started Field Stables in Southern California.  There they trained RWC Oh By George, Snow Job, WC Callaway’s Magic Dawn, WC Callaway’s Storm Warning, WC Cherry Rebel, WC Time Machine. WC Bewitching Jewel, RWC Warwick Warrior, WC Bluegrass Attraction, RWC El Presidente, RWC Out Fox-em and Kiwi.   In 1995 Bill and Chris bought the famed Edward R. Bennett farm in Shelbyville, KY.  There they trained and showed WC Rejoice, WC Go Baby Go, WC  Purrfectly Perfect, WC Jewel for a Lady,  WC Sambara’s Audacity and National Champion Bells Belle. Bill has judged some of the major Horse Shows in the country including Pin Oak, St. Louis and Rock Creek.