Through grit and determination, Malinda Kregoski has turned her passion for riding into a full-time career.

Many children in Folsom and El Dorado Hills are familiar with Kregoski and her horseback riding center, Equine Unlimited, in Rescue. She hosts summer camps, training kids how to properly care for and ride horses.

It’s something she’s always wanted to do, but had been told repeatedly that she could never earn a living working with horses.

She said initially she did what was expected of her and took a job in an office.

“Years ago, when my parents told me I couldn’t make money at this, I was working for an orthodontist,” she said. “I remember looking out the window and thinking this job just wasn’t for me.”

So, she embarked on a new career, one that took her outside and put her back into the saddle.

“I’m just not one to punch a time card,” she said.

She did a stint working at EuroDisney in Paris riding in a Wild West show as Annie Oakley.

When Kregoski returned to Rescue, she purchased a 28-acre ranch on Green Valley Road and opened the Equine Unlimited center.

“It never seems like enough (space). I bought it seven years ago,” she said. “It hadn’t been used in 15 years. Here there was a barn that looked like a chicken coop. I tore that down.”

Now where the barn once stood is a gazebo and posts to tie up horses. She’s made significant improvements over the years and said safety is her first priority.

Hundreds of kids come through the summer camps and more come for after school programs throughout the year. She said adults also take riding lessons or board horses at the facility.

“I want people to know that it is possible to make it in this industry,” Kregoski said. “There are so many aspects in this industry to pursue.”

Proving she could make it on her own, doing what she loves, brought some much-needed fatherly approval.

“Before my dad passed, he said, ‘You’re doing good,’” Kregoski said.

She said her job is rewarding, especially working with children.

“My passion is really to see kids come in,” she said. “Some kids have never been on a horse before. To see the smile and the whole appreciation thing is wonderful. It teaches (the children) responsibility.”

Kregoski said many of the kids have good grades in school and end up getting very involved in horses outside of the camp and some never really leave.

“Kim Lewis has been riding with me for four years,” Kregoski said. “Now she’s working for me. I take these (kids) under my wing. A lot of them don’t have the money for stuff like this (at home).”

Folsom resident Gianna Romano, 9, had her first experience with horses at the summer camp.

“This is my first time on a horse,” Romano said. “They’re pretty big. (The camp) is fun so far. I’m a little nervous.”

El Dorado Hills resident Spencer Beck, 12, has been a regular at the camp.

“It’s awesome,” he said. “I love it. I did five of them last summer.”

Beck said the camps are important for kids.

“They teach you how to treat your horse, give shots, tack up, work on your posture, riding and you play different games,” he said.