Illusion Stables
About
The Dream
Illusion Stables has been a lifelong dream. It started out with a little 7 year old just wanting to be able to look out her window and see her horse. As the years went by and her experiences grew, so, too, did her dream. She wanted to create a farm where everyone was welcome and could enjoy horses as much as she does and where riders could learn different disciplines and techniques to better both themselves and their horses. The intervening years have provided her opportunity to ride more horses than she can count, horses of many breeds and temperaments for training, shows and performances. As important, is the knowledge she has gained about taking care of a horse's mental and physical well being in order to have a horse perform at its best. Liberty work, massage, chiropractic, hoof care and dental care are all related to maintaining a healthy horse and building a strong bond between horse and rider. Illusion Stables is an accumulation of equestrian theater, upper level dressage, natural horsemanship, western mountain trail riding and a place for beginners - where it all starts.
The Story Behind the Name:
When I was riding at Isaac Royal Farm there was a horse named Illusion, a young, speckled Lipizzaner mare. She was one of the sweetest mares, but also stubborn and strong. She was the first horse that I had felt a true connection with. We started being barely able to canter, but managed to successfully compete through First Level together. Then, like a lot of lesson horses she was sold to someone else. I never saw her again. There have been many other horses before and after Illusion who have been amazing to work with, but Illusion was my special one. It was hard letting go of a horse that I had a bond with and had come so far in with riding, but the lessons she taught me have stayed with me throughout the years. She was my inspiration for so long because with her I came to realize that even though it was just her and me working together we accomplished much in a short amount of time. I am forever grateful for what she taught me and having my stables carry her name is the best way to remind myself to stay strong and believe in my passion and to share it with others. Love what you do; "A young girl with a dream, becomes a woman with a vision"
The Logo
The logo was created by my good friend Morgan Cameron, long before Illusion Stables was even a reality. It fit the theme of Illusion Stables so well that I asked for it to be the new logo for the Stables. She graciously agreed.
The Owner
Laura has had a life long passion for horses and knew from her early days at West Wind Stables and Issac Royal Farm that horses would always be part of her personal life and career.
Laura is a graduate of Johnson & Wales University's Equine Business Management Program with a Concentration in Riding. While there she was Co-Captain of the Intercollegiate Dressage Team which placed First in National Competition in 2011.
​
She holds Instructor Certification in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and has had coursework and experience in most disciplines. She has competed successfully in USDF/USEF recognized shows.
​
She performed with the Arabian Nights Dinner Theater in Orlando, Florida where she was able to combine her passion for horses with her love of theatrical performance.
​
She has held positions in dressage facilities in South Carolina and Connecticut and most recently was a barn manager for a private ranch in Colorado. There she was responsible for a herd of 30 horses and leading trail rides in the Rockies.
​
Happy to be back in her home State of Maine, she is embarking on the dream she set for herself many years ago - owning and operating an equine center where horses and riders are safe and well-cared for. She is eager to share her passion, knowledge, and experience with riders of all levels and meet them at whatever level they find themselves.
​
The Helpers
Sherlock and Watson were rescued from a shelter in York County, South Carolina and have accompanied Laura through all of her adventures since then. You will find them in the barn, in the round pen, walking the trails, or just tagging along for the morning chores.
Daphne and Velma are adopted Pomeranian's. They have not had the easiest life but are now enjoying some much needed R & R at Illusion Stables. They love coming out to help feed all the horses and greet everyone that stops by.
Bell and Sage were adopted together from Old Dogs New Digs. They have fit in perfectly with the farm crew. Going on walks, to the beach and sniffing around the farm are their favorites things to do.
