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Our Story
My lifelong passion for horses began in the barrel pen, but over the years, it’s led me through nearly every corner of the equine industry. From training and competing to managing breeding stock, I’ve always believed in giving horses the best care and opportunities possible.
Several years ago, while living in central Oklahoma surrounded by some of the largest breeding facilities in the country, I saw firsthand how much easier it was for people to reach their breeding goals with local access to well-managed recipient programs. Everything was right there: skilled veterinarians, recipient herds, and seamless coordination.
After moving back to Pennsylvania, I realized just how limited those options were here in the Northeast. I have a great group of mares, some still running and some unable to carry their own foals, and when I started talking with my reproduction vet about flushing them, the challenges became clear. My choices were to ship my mares halfway across the country for months at a time, or to flush them locally and send embryos to a recipient herd hundreds of miles away. Neither option felt right. I didn’t want to lose valuable competition time with my mares, and I certainly didn’t want to trust a shipping company with something that important! Especially after dealing with lost semen shipments just last breeding season.
That’s when the idea for Laurel Valley Equine was born, to bring the same level of accessibility, reliability, and professionalism I saw in Oklahoma to the breeders of the Northeast. Our goal is to make high-quality recipient mares available locally, so breeders don’t have to choose between keeping their mares in competition and growing their programs.
Our Vision for the Future
What started as a simple need for reliable recipient mares in the Northeast has grown into a much bigger vision. As Laurel Valley Equine continues to grow, so does our commitment to building a facility that supports every part of the breeding process, from start to finish.
Beginning with the 2027 breeding season, we will be expanding our program to include a limited number of donor mares for management, as well as a very select group of stallions to stand. This next step allows us to provide a complete and convenient breeding solution, offering the same level of professionalism, care, and reliability that has defined our recipient mare program.
Our long-term goal is to create a program that not only fills a gap in the Northeast but raises the standard for equine reproduction in the region. A place where mare owners can continue showing, training, and competing while knowing their breeding goals are in expert hands. A place where stallions can stand and thrive under exceptional care and management. And most importantly, a place built on transparency, reliability, and a deep respect for the horses and people that make it all possible.
Every foal, every mare, and every client represents more than just a service. They represent the future of this industry we love. At Laurel Valley Equine, we’re dedicated to building that future right here in the Laurel Mountains, one breeding season at a time.
Our Team
Meet Our Dedicated Staff
Margaret Rusmisel
Managing Owner
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