I’ve known this young wonderful woman, Mikayla, for quite some time now. I first met her when we captured her senior portraits a few years back, and knew immediately that she was one-of-a-kind, charismatic and loving person. Mikayla contacted me recently to capture some fall images of her with her horse Misty, at Jack Pine Stables.

History of Jack Pine Stables by Mikayla

Jack Pine Stables was started in 2000 by Kris and Grant Oppegaard with the goal to provide an equestrian, therapeutic riding program for people with disabilities. In 2019, the program was taken over by Teri and Dave Gapinski. Teri has volunteered countless hours of her time at the stables the past 14 years and wanted to continue providing an amazing opportunity for the people within our community.

Mikayla’s story

I started volunteering and working at Jack Pine Stables when I was 12 years old, and, 14 years later, I have the privilege of still helping with this amazing program. I cannot even begin to describe how this has changed, and continues to change, my life. I am the person I am because of the people and horses I have worked with. In July of 2013, a sweet, little mare named Misty joined the Jack Pine family to be a therapy horse for some of our many riders.

Over the years, I developed a strong bond with her and when the program was taken over by Teri, I had the chance to become Misty’s owner on September 1, 2019. Misty is 23 years old and has one of the best personalities I have ever seen. Her calm and sweet demeanor makes her an amazing therapy horse as our riders feel safe on her. She is willing to try many tasks I present her with and puts up with whatever shenanigans I throw her way. I think she enjoys it, though. Her favorite activity is being fed, and her favorite treat is a delicious banana.. or pretty much any food if I am being honest. My dog Bella is a ranch dog at heart and loves to help with chores around the farm. I am so lucky to be Misty’s owner, and I am thankful I get to love and take care of the other Jack Pine therapy horses she lives with!

We had an absolutely STUNNING FALL DAY for her portrait session as shown in some of her favorite images below. Thank you for the amazing opportunity to capture these memorable images of you, Misty and of course Bella.