Laurie McCullough-Leibfried was extremely giving and supportive. This quilt, sewn on Laurie’s Bernina, was a collaborative effort by her mother Anne, sister Lydia and husband Richard to capture proud accomplishments and associations that embodied her. Girl scout from Brownie to Cadette. United States Pony Club Graduate A. Villanova Mechanical Engineer graduate and WCU MBA. English Cocker Spaniel owner, handler and breeder of Aberayy kennel. President of Liberty English Cocker Spaniel Fanciers. Sir Lancelot and M’Skarla Brae pictured. Laurie completed Skarla’s American Champion title in 2001 (also a Canadian Champion) and continued to show Skarla through her veteran years (until she was 14!). Laurie’s passion for horses was profound. Her first horse, Gladiator, joined the family Christmas Eve 1975. Gladiator gets credit for Laurie’s success in her horsemanship, sportsmanship and competition foundation. They went all the levels of the United States Pony Club and actively competed in the world of eventing (dressage, cross country jumping and stadium jumping) through the preliminary level. Pictured are Penotti, her 17-hand black Dutch Warmblood, with a bright white star, a 3 year old purchased on a 2000 Germany trip. Laurie’s first FEI dressage horse, they completed through Intermediate 1. Penotti contributed to Laurie’s USDF Bronze and Silver medals. After retirement, he performed therapeutic riding for Laurie’s niece. Penotti passed away December 26, 2019. A 2010 Netherlands trip found Decorus, a Hanoverian, who contributed to Laurie’s USDF Silver and Bronze medals and Silver and Bronze Freestyle Bars. This team completed dressage through Intermediate 1 level. Deco also supported the therapeutic efforts including competitions. The last trip to Germany in 2016 found Furst Madiran, a Hanoverian. He contributed to Laurie’s Silver and Bronze Freestyle Bars. This team competed through Prix St. Georges level. They were entered to compete at Intermediate 1 at Dressage at Devon when Laurie passed.
