18. Shawnie Peck/Autistic Cowgirl Proves to be Limitless

Country Tough with Brandy Von Holten

Welcome to this week’s interview with Shawnie Peck. I met Shawnie as a client at my trail riding facility called Von Holten Ranch around 2015. It didn’t take long for Shawnie and her family and friends to become more than friends. They became an extended family to my husband and me. Shawnie has worked as a Wrangler at a Dude Ranch, trained with Chris Cox and his wife Barbara Cox, won two buckles at our ranch with one of those buckles being from the first National Championship hosted by an association called Country Tough Trail Versatility, and she is a keynote speaker. Shawnie is not only a high functioning woman, but she is also autistic. Her mother was told by doctors that Shawnie would have limited communication and social skills. Guess Shawnie had other plans because not only is she functioning, but she is excelling. Shawnie is now in the process of attaining her bachelors in elementary education and has already completed an associate degree in graphic design. The world is a better place with Shawnie and it is my pleasure to introduce a cowgirl that can ride better than most….Shawnie Peck.