'I BROUGHT THE WILD WEST DOWN UNDER'

LORI MACKAY INTRODUCED AUSSIES TO A THRILLING EQUESTRIAN SPORT

-  Megan Rowe

Lori Mackay is one of those down-to-earth country folks who you know y once you've met them, will never forget.

She speaks with a rural twang, wears a sparkling blue sequinned vest and cowboy hat, and her love for horses is beyond compare.

The daughter of renowned professional horse trainer Greg Lougher, Lori grew up on a Western ranch in California. She started riding and caring for horses when she was just a toddler.

As she leads her 22-month-old granddaughter Frankie around her 1620-hectare property at Boggabilla, NSW, on her pony, the mother-of-two cannot speak more passionately about her "fortunate life".

"My life has been enriched through horses," Lori, 67, tells New Idea. "Horses led me to moving to Australia, which is the best thing that has ever happened to me. They have led me to meeting my husband, the love of my life, and it's the common interest I share with my children and grandchildren. All of the best things have happened in my life is because of horses."

Lori was 12-years-old when her family emigrated to Australia with 31 horses in tow, back in 1967.