In Focus | Lindsay Legroulx

Meet Lindsay. She is from the East Kootenays but has lived in Kelowna for 13 years!

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I was born in Langley and lived around the Lower Mainland for my primary school days. I then moved to a small town in the East Kootenays until I finished high school. After graduation, I moved to Kelowna and absolutely love it here!

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My husband Jesse. He is the most encouraging supportive person I could ever wish for. He always believes in my crazy ideas and has no fear of them not working out. He makes life fun and keeps me light-hearted. He is truly my best friend.

What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Diamond H Tack! This store is a truly local business with an amazing group of women who run it. They have amazing customer service and make you feel important. I just love that store!

Describe yourself in one word.
Passionate.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
We are currently planning a trip to Europe to see about importing horses. So at this current moment, that's the place I want to go!

What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Hanging out at the Kelowna Riding Club! This beautiful facility means so much to the local riding community and has been a part of our city for generations. It's beautiful and it just so happens to be right next-door to us!

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Oh geez... So many things!

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
When I was 22, I had a good job, but I wasn't truly passionate about it. My lifelong dream was to be a horse trainer and spend my life with kids and horses. I did not have the means to pursue this life, but it was all I wanted to do. One day my husband Jesse said, 'let's just do it. I don't know how it's going to work out, but we're sure going to try.' He convinced me to quit my job and we put every waking moment and every dollar we had into our new business. It was a struggle, and it was harder in ways than I ever could have imagined but we just never gave up. We have built our dream business together. When I look back on what we built and overcame, I truly believe we can accomplish anything we put our hearts in to. Whenever I worry about something not working out, I think about this time in my life. I realize that you can make just about anything happen if you fully commit yourself. It's not always going to be easy, but if you're willing to stick it out and push hard for what you want, the universe has no choice but to make room for you.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
When I was about 10 years old I decided I wanted a tree fort. I didn't know the first thing about building tree forts and growing up in a house with my mom and my sister, there wasn't a lot of interest in helping me figure it out. So I got a hammer and some old boards, and I started nailing stuff to this poor old tree. Before I knew it, I had a tree fort! I spent a lot of time up in that tree, and the pride I took in figuring out how to create it on my own has stuck with me. There is no greater feeling than creating something wonderful out of nothing.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I am so proud of the Kelowna Mamas for Mamas group. I love being a part of this community and feel the connection between moms is such a powerful gift. I have met so many wonderful people and love being able to give directly to someone who may need a hand. We have given away lessons and spaces in our camps through this group, and love to help make dreams happen for kids who might otherwise not have the opportunity. If you are not familiar with the Mamas for Mamas group, check it out! It's an amazing thing that started right here in Kelowna!

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would show every individual the power they have to change the world. From how we spend our money, how we treat each other, what we tolerate, and how we care for our planet. We are all powerful as individuals, and together we can change the world!

Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
There is this special place up the dirt roads close to Kettle valley that has the most spectacular view. It is just a little rock that overlooks the city. I love sitting there and just taking in the silence. It's so peaceful.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would love to see Kelowna offer an Agri-Plex/Centre as many other towns and cities offer. An indoor and year-round facility to host agri-based events, educational opportunities, and more. There is a large riding community here that could really benefit from this sort of facility.

What do you think makes Kelowna great?
I think Kelowna is the perfect size city. There is everything you need here without the freeways, and intensity of a big city. Not to mention it's one of the most beautiful places on earth!

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. Ride in the International Ring at Spruce Meadows
2. Go on wild adventures with my boys
3. Adopt a child or become a foster parent

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I am extremely allergic to horses!

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Instagram and Facebook.

What is the name of your business/organization?
Equi-Life Sport Horses.

Why did you get into/start this business?
It has been my dream since I was eight years old. It's all I've ever wanted to do.

What is the goal of your business?
To offer a positive and encouraging environment for horse lovers of all ages to develop their skills and passion for horses.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
I am extremely allergic to horses which causes a lot of asthma complications. It has sidelined me a lot more than I would have hoped but I'll never give up. I was born to be on a horse.

If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
Of course, hindsight is 20/20 and I have made many mistakes along the way. But I have always been true to my heart, had good intentions, and this is where it's led me. So I'd have to say I'd do it all the same.

What do you always find yourself saying?
'This is guns be great!'

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Measure your success on how something makes you feel, as opposed to how much money you make. You will find happiness.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
George Morris! He is the grumpiest, sassiest, toughest coaches out there but he is brilliant. I have learned so much by studying his techniques and systems with horses and riders. I would absolutely love to spend the day with him!

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Having my baby boy Jairo! He is amazing, and nothing could top the pride I take in being his mama.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Emma Bosma. She is the hardest working person I know. She started as a novice rider in our lesson program and has studied and worked so hard to develop her skills. She is an extremely talented rider and is now a trainer and partner in our business.

My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Diamond H Tack.

Some general comments I would like to share are:
Working in the horse industry has been a dream come true. I am so lucky to have amazing business partners, hard-working staff, motivated students, and exceptional horses. I feel like the luckiest girl on the planet to get to spend my life living and breathing my passion every day.

We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.

In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organization that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!