Board Member at Large

 Board Treasurer

Tracy Cottrell is an experienced business executive, with expertise in HR, Administration and Finance. She has worked with large corporations, as well as smaller companies and startup businesses. Her focus is helping organizations develop and work through the challenges of growth. Her most recent corporate position was as CAO of Grammer Logistics. 

As the Founder of Cottrell Coaching & Consulting and a Certified Equus Coach, she fully understands the HorseSensing mission and is passionate about supporting the organization in any way she can. She loves all animals, but horses are a particular favorite. Volunteering for events and spending time with the HorseSensing herd, whether in the barn or out in the pastures, have become favorite activities!

Board Secretary

I am a retired Science teacher and when I met Sally in January 2022, I was immediately interested in the work she is doing with our Veterans. I was invited out for a visit and I got to meet all of the horses and residents on the farm. I felt a connection to Sally on that first day. When you meet someone with the same values as you, it can be life changing. I knew I had the time to volunteer but never considered seeking it out. The opportunity literally came to me!

I get way more than I give as a volunteer with HorseSensing. It gives me a sense of purpose and peace to work along side others with the same giving heart. Being with horses can clear the noise in your head that life sometimes brings and I value my time there so much. From grooming horses to planning and working events, I get so many opportunities here. At the end of the day, I am happily tired, sometimes dirty and always grateful for my time spent on the farm. 

HorseSensing Board President

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.