This week, we are treated to Part 2 of my conversation with the incredible Stefanie Putnam of Oldham County. Stefanie has had a life-long passion for horses, and has never been forced to abandon this passion, despite a 2009 spinal cord injury! This week, we learn about Stefanie's experience with service dogs, and the fascinating means by which these dogs have assisted her within and outside the realm of horse competition. We also dive into her competitive carriage driving pursuits, including the honorable opportunity to represent our country at the 2016 Para-Driving World Championship in the Netherlands. Finally, she discusses her proud affiliation with the Kentucky chapter of Canine Companions, and offers a carriage driving sales pitch for those seeking their niche in para-sport competition. If you missed the first part of my conversation with Stefanie last week, and would prefer to listen to this before proceeding to the current episode, simply click here and open your ears!: https://blabbin-in-the-bluegrassblabbi.pinecast.co/episode/bd70e9f5/a-horse-habit-unhindered. Additional info on Canine Companions is as convenient as the web page linked here: https://canine.org/. To find out more about United States Driving for the Disabled, simply hit the following link to visit the website: https://usdfd.org/. And finally, don't hesitate to email Stefanie with questions or comments you may have regarding our conversation at sdputnam@gmail.com.

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Our special guest this time around has such an impressive story to tell, we are splitting it up into two episodes!! Meet Stefanie Putnam of Oldham County, who has a rich history in equestrian competition, and has continued to build on this history despite a 2009 spinal cord injury! Shortly after her incident, Stefanie discovered carriage driving as a means of staying actively engaged with horses. Come along as she describes the nature of her injury, the steps she took to bounce back from it, and the manner in which she was drawn to carriage driving. She also describes the accommodations that enable her to be a competitive force in carriage driving, and the research pursuits that led her to Kentucky from California in 2017. Stefanie's incredible story will continue next week, when we'll learn how her amazing service dogs have assisted her in the realm of competition, along with other aspects of her day-to-day life. Meanwhile, however, you can educate yourself on "Canine Companions", the organization through which Stefanie found her service dogs, by visiting the web page linked here: https://canine.org/. You can also email Stefanie with any questions you may have regarding our conversation at sdputnam@gmail.com.

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Despite being in his 80s, this week's very special guest has shown no signs of slowing down . . .and as proof, he became a published author just last year!! Introducing Bill Burton, a Henderson native who graced us in 2025 with a novel entitled "Turn A Blind Eye". This book opens our eyes and minds to Mr. Burton's childhood, when Henderson was commonly referred to as "Little Chicago". Join Bill as he sheds light on the (technically) illegal activity that often went unpunished in Henderson during the 40s and 50s, which ultimately served as the inspiration behind his recent written work. He'll also discuss other aspects of his Henderson upbringing, his career background, and the spark behind his desire to write a book as a retiree. Finally, he offers a brief preview of the characters and plot awaiting us in the novel. So enjoy soaking up the story of the brilliant Bill Burton . . .and after listening intently to the man himself, be sure to purchase your copy of "Turn A Blind Eye" by simply visiting the web page linked here: https://www.turnablindeyenovel.com/.

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