*An incorrect version of the story was previously posted on 7/29/26. The editor would like to apologize for the mistake and present the original version in full:
Allison O’Connor’s love of horses began when she was just five years old. After her autism diagnosis, her parents looked for a therapeutic riding program that could help strengthen her gross motor skills and give her confidence.
Allison continued riding throughout high school and soon knew she wanted to work in the equine industry. At an IEP (Individualized Education Program) meeting during her senior year, a team member told her there was no way she would be able to get a job working with horses. Her mother told her they were going to prove them wrong—and that is exactly what Allison did. Allison credits Jennifer Lomastro, Director of Fellowship Equestrian Services for also believing in her. Ms. Lomastro had offered Allison an internship in 2015.
That same determination was strengthened by Allison’s involvement with LVCIL. She was part of S2L (School-2-Life) for a few years and said the program helped her build the employment skills she would need. She also formed lasting friendships through S2L, including with girls in a book club, and those relationships have continued to this day.
After graduation, Allison attended an equestrian studies school, Meredith Manor in Waverly, West Virginia. The program was far from home and located in a rural area, which made the year challenging at times.
Today, Allison works at Fellowship Equestrian Services, where she helps care for 14 horses. Her responsibilities include mucking stalls, making sure horses have fresh water, checking that they are properly blanketed, and training.
Allison currently works most closely with her own horse, Czarina, a Morgan horse she describes as “an absolute sweetheart.” She also helps care for a pregnant Gypsy Vanner horse, Eowyn, owned by her whole family, whose foal is expected in late March.
Allison travels about 45 minutes to the barn three days a week. “No matter how hot it is, no matter how cold it is, I’m out there,” she said.
Allison eventually began competing and has continued to develop her skills in events such as showmanship, where judges evaluate the horse’s movement, and response to the handler or rider. Recently, she earned an opportunity to compete at the Gypsy Vanner National Championships in Belton, Texas at the end of October.
If Allison could speak today to the person who once doubted her, she knows what she would say, “I worked my butt off. I can pretty much put my mind to anything.”.
Her story is a reminder that people should not be limited by assumptions or stereotypes.
