A New kind of Country Girl
- Thomas Smugala
- Oct 16
- 3 min read
Country girls are, for the most part, more accepting of people and their place in this world. Country women are easy-going and, generally speaking, are not afraid to get their hands dirty. They are fine not having Uber to drive them to the coffee shop. They are happy to survive without the latest iPhone, and, truth be told, living in a tiny 2000-dollar-a-month crackerbox apartment with a roommate —a country girl is okay with missing out on that one. Meet Reagan Evans, country girl, cowboy, welder, and at age 16, confident, funny, hard-working, with a plan. So we did what 573 does: we gathered up some clothes from our friends at Dress 2 Impress Resale Boutique, and had a photo shoot with Reagan and her horses at The Stables, an equine-assisted therapeutic ranch.

Reagan Evans—a dyed in the wool modern country girl.
My name is Reagan Evans, and I live in farmington onsite at The Stables, a professional equine-assisted therapeutic stable. My dad and I work there, where he is one of the main trainers. I work at The Stables as a volunteer, and since I live on-site, I get to do a-lot of the barn and horse routines daily. I love working with horses and people in need.

Reagan wearing a resale prom dress from Dress 2 Impress Resale Boutique which was priced at $15.



Reagan is NOT afraid to get HER hands dirty.

I get up early every morning and let the horses in to feed them, and let the dog and cats out. They all need to eat every day, no matter the weather, rain or shine. After I get everyone taken care of I get on the bus and off to school I go to the Unitec at North County.


Reagan wearing a beautiful wool sweater from Dress 2 Impress Boutique priced at 12$.

UniTec is a trade school for people who want the opportunity to develop skills in the trades, such as auto mechanics, welding, cooking, graphic design, and more. It’s all super hands-on learning, and I get to focus on my interest—welding.



I love welding, and having the opportunity to practice every day and to have free-range access to the best equipment is something I wouldn’t want to miss. Welding is a continuously needed trade and has many opportunities for me to set myself up for success with both my loves, welding and horses.
Not many 16-year-olds are sincerely comfortable in their own boots—Reagan is.


The horses at The Stables are perfectly suited for their job—gentle and well kept.

Reagan wearing a lovely fall sweater and form fitting slacks both for under $10.
Clothing provided by Dress 2 Impress Boutique
Dress 2 Impress is a donation-based shop, every item sold supports a greater mission. All proceeds directly benefit Hope 4 Autism, an organization that funds several vital programs for individuals on the autism spectrum.
The STABLES is a nonprofit organization serving individuals with special needs across the 573. Therapeutic horse riding, or equine-assisted training, offers profound physical, emotional, and psychological benefits for individuals with all levels of needs. Physically, it enhances core strength, balance, and coordination as riders adapt to the horse’s rhythmic movements, which mimic human walking patterns. This is particularly valuable for those with disabilities like cerebral palsy or multiple sclerosis, as it promotes muscle development and improves posture without high-impact strain. The gentle motion also aids in sensory integration, helping individuals with autism or sensory processing disorders regulate responses.
Emotionally, the bond between rider and horse fosters trust, empathy, and confidence. Horses are intuitive, non-judgmental partners, creating a place for emotional expression, which is transformative for individuals with anxiety, PTSD, or depression. The responsibility of caring for a horse further instills a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
Learn more about The Stables at: The Stables.

Get Out There! Create something. Learn something new. Take a hike. Start a business. Do something. Do anything. What one person can do, another can do. That sunken sofa will be fine without you.

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