Kay O'Conner, a PPL volunteer since 1997, is the State Director for Louisiana and Texas, Regional Director {Region 7}, National Assistant Director of Transport, and National Director of Breeding and Placement. She has bred/trained/shown/competed American Quarter and American Paint Horses most of her life. Kay and her family live on a small farm in Louisiana called Amazing Grace, where she breeds and trains UK Shetlands for the program. She participates in various activities on community/state/national levels, and is happy to assist volunteers/program in any way possible.

     Many of the ponies, which originated from Amazing Grace, have been transported to other states by Kay and her husband. During these travels they have had many opportunities to meet other PPL members; such as Marianne and Wade Alexander at their Greystone Farm in New York where they also met Marianne's sister Louise, and again at SeaWinds in St. Augustine, FL. Kay has traveled to Winchester, VA. a few times to visit and assist fellow PPL volunteer/friend Charlee Messick, in the filming of a couple of PPL training videos, as well as to Orlando to participate in filming a PPL video with volunteer Lisa Hardy. They had a rootin' tootin' good time, to say the least! Kay and her husband travel UK Shetland stallions to Devon, PA., for presentation in the Mountain and Moorland Pony In Hand Bridle Class at the Dressage at Devon Horse Show. Kay, and PA. State Director Pat Hyde, walked Cassochie Westray in the Parade of Breeds in 2004!

     As a PPL volunteer, a parent, foster/adoptive parent, and now a grandparent, Kay has had many many opportunities to witness the magic of these special ponies with wings, whom she lovingly refers to as 'holy ponies.' The birth of every new foal feels like the celebration of Christmas to those who live on Amazing Grace Farm. Kay often concludes her Personal Ponies presentations and interviews with the following:

     "Placing special ponies with special children, and witnessing the miracles that follow, has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Everytime a pony is placed, and I see a child's joyful smile for a dream fulfilled, my spirit is renewed and I am reminded of why I believe."