LAURA HOWARD STRONG, DVM

HorseSensing Board Member

Dr. 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.
Laura began shadowing her mentor and uncle in his veterinary practice when she was only a teen. 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.Laura is currently the Director of University Relations for Community Veterinary Partners, Philadelphia, PA, she is a member of the Clinical Relations Team at Lincoln Memorial University CVM and she is Vice President of the Board of Directors for MightyVet, a veterinary industry specific nonprofit organization focused on “CPR for the veterinary soul”.  Most recently Laura has completed the requirements to become a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional (CCFP).

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

Michelle Ganci, M.S.C.

HorseSensing Board Member

Michelle Ganci, M.S.C is a Professor of Animal Science at California State University, Fresno and the Owner/Consultant for California Poultry Consultants. She worked as the National Director for the American Humane Association’s Farm Animal Welfare Program in Washington D.C. Michelle is a leader in her industry, and recipient of many awards and honors including the California Poultry Federation’s 2014, Golden Rooster Award for outstanding service to California’s poultry industry– the, Federation’s highest honor; a resolution from the California State Legislature commending her leadership and service to the agricultural industries in California. Michelle is Poultry Health Inspector for the State of California and is a certified PAACO Animal Welfare Auditor across the United States and Europe.
Michelle enjoys showing American Saddlebred horses throughout the United States and has received several local and national awards including the California State Champion – Pleasure Horse Award, and a top 10 finish at the World’s Championship Horse Show, in Louisville, Kentucky. She is the Past-Chair, and a current Member of the National Affairs Committee for Animal Health and Welfare for the California Farm Bureau Federation where she has served for over 20 years. For the past 27 years, she has been a member of the Fresno County Farm Bureau and participated in policy development for agricultural enterprises and education. She is also a member of the Ohio Farm Bureau and also serves on The Franklin Park Conservatory Women’s Board in Columbus, Ohio. Michelle Co-authored “The Importance of Animals in Our Society”, a textbook on animal health and welfare, and also develops online curriculum for agricultural education.Michelle is the mother of two amazing children (22 and 24), an avid snow and water skier, and certified advanced open water scuba diver. A fun fact about her; she moved 21 times before the age of 22, having lived in many states in the US and along the Pacific Rim, including Guam, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Hawaii.

BILL FIELD

HorseSensing Board Member

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.  While in California, Bill hired a Sally Sullivan, later to become Sally Broder.  In no time at all Sally demonstrated her leadership and became Bill’s barn manager. 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.