Laura Gorcester
Founder and Instructor Laura Gorcester has always had a passion for horses. When Laura was eight years old she graduated from pony rides to horseback riding lessons. Over the past 20+ years, Laura hasn’t been able to get enough of riding or horses! She has ridden hunter/jumper, dressage, and even western pleasure.
In March of 2015, Laura was offered a teaching position at a local facility that focuses on teaching children to ride who need extra attention. During this time Laura started her certification process to become a certified therapeutic riding instructor through The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH). For six weeks during the summer Laura worked and taught under the guidance of a mentor from Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center. In August of 2015 Laura was granted her certification as a PATH certified therapeutic riding instructor. She saw the need in the community and founded Empowering Strides in November 2015.
Laura's Experience
Laura has had the opportunity to work in various barns and with several trainers around the greater Seattle area, learning a vast array of equine knowledge. Learning by watching, Laura has spent numerous hours at horse shows, at clinics, watching others ride and even watching competitions online. Every day spent in the barn can bring a new piece of knowledge, from riding to horse care, there is always something new to learn.
As well, Laura had the opportunity to volunteer with Hope For Horses, a local non-profit equine rescue. During her time with HFH Laura worked in the office, managing volunteers, planning fundraisers and teaching Equine Cruelty Investigations courses to law enforcement officers throughout the Pacific North West. This was an invaluable experience in horse care and running a business.
The Horses
Over the years Laura has owned a few horses. Her first love was a gorgeous chestnut/flaxen warmblood gelding named Gretzky. Gretzky took Laura from crossbars to solid fences and her first shows in both hunters and dressage. Laura and her mom owned Gretzky for ten years until the day he passed away at twenty-five. Gretzky was a little girls dream horse, they rode through Bridle Trails together, showed with the Lake Washington Saddle Club and had many bareback play days.
Serena Dudas
Serena’s experience started when she was just seven years old. On a summer day, a trailer showed up at her house with a wild horse inside. Her mom had adopted a mustang - without telling anyone! From there, Serena grew up training her own horses and learning how to ride along the way.
In 2018, Serena worked at a ‘Dude Ranch’ in Cour d’ Alene as a wrangler. She taught riding lessons to kids age 4+ and adults of all ages, working with over 80 horses at the ranch. Today, Serena works as a Land Entitlement Manager for MainVue Homes in Kirkland.
Serena began volunteering with Empowering Strides in 2023. Laura and members of the board noticed Serena's calm demeanor around the horses, dedication to the program and natural comfort with our riders. Laura asked Serena to become a certified therapeutic riding instructor to take a substitute roll in the program. Serena completed her CTRI fall of 2023 and became certified early 2024.
Serena teaches lessons for Empowering Strides on Thursdays, and as needed to substitute when Laura is ‘out of office’. Don’t forget to say “hay” to Addie, Serena’s personal horse, who lives at the barn as well!
Above: Laura jumping at Farpoint Farm
Below: Laura and Gretzky
Above: Laura and Fred winning High Point at Donida Farms.
Below: Serena with her mare Addie.
