LaFleur Stables · Verona, Wisconsin
The riding journey of Evelyn Olson
At eight years old, Evelyn Olson climbed onto a horse at LaFleur Stables on Meadow Road and found something she'd never let go of. Eight horses, hundreds of lessons, and one very special bond with a chestnut named Joey later — she's still showing up twice a week, rain or shine, getting a little braver with every ride.
The Journey
Summer 2017 · Where It Started
Five years old, and her grandparents signed her up for a horse experience at LaFleur. She was tiny. The horse was enormous. The grin was instant. Something clicked that day on Meadow Road that would change everything.
2021 · Real Lessons Begin
At eight, Evelyn started real lessons at LaFleur. Her first horses were Knight and April — patient, steady, and kind. She learned to groom, to lead, to listen. Before you ride, you have to earn the trust. Both are gone now, but they gave her the foundation.
2022 · Falling in Love
Somewhere along the way, it stopped being just about the riding. It became about the quiet moments — leaning in, smiling, being close. She rode Tiffany and James, but they were too easy. She was ready for more.
2023 · Finding Her Rhythm
The posting trot became natural. Then came the canter — that three-beat rhythm that changes everything. She stopped looking down at the horse and started looking where she wanted to go. Her first show that November brought home ribbons and the biggest smile we'd ever seen.
2025 · Her Horse
In January 2025, Evelyn leased Joey — a chestnut with a big personality and a bigger heart. For ten months, he was hers. She groomed him, she rode him, she loved him. When he was sold in October, it broke her heart. But Joey taught her what it means to truly have a horse of your own.
2025–2026 · Riding On
After Joey, she didn't stop. She got back on — Johnny, Stella, Roxy, Tiffany. Twice a week, every week. Walk, trot, canter, solid at all three gaits. The little girl who once needed helpers to climb up now rides with real skill and quiet confidence.
Today
From a five-year-old at summer camp to a twelve-year-old who has ridden eight different horses, competed in her first show, leased her own horse, said goodbye, and kept going. This isn't just about riding. It's about showing up, sticking with it, and getting a little braver every single time.
The Horses
The Gallery
Highlight Reel
Eight horses. Hundreds of lessons. One heartbreak when Joey was sold. And she got back on the next week. That's not just riding. That's who she is.A Proud Dad