When she's not ensuring fire safety and protecting the environment in her day job, Laura Bell, a Roseville Fire and Environmental Safety Inspector, leads an exciting life filled with an unusual mix of hobbies. From competing in horse shows to tackling mountain bike trails and training for her first marathon, Laura has crafted a life where discipline meets adventure.
Laura’s passion for horses started early, at just six or seven years old, and it quickly became a major part of her life. "I started competing in high school, got serious in college," she recalls. As an all-around competitor in the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), Laura excelled in a variety of disciplines, including horsemanship, trail, hunter under saddle and ranch riding.
Laura’s journey in the horse world began with her first horse, Hampton. “I worked for a horse trainer to offset the costs of showing. It was a job that allowed me to compete throughout college.” With Hampton, she won a few local events. Her next horse, Calvin, brought her reserve championships, but is now enjoying a well-earned retirement.
These days, Laura rides Junior, a leased horse that she competes with in five to seven events a year, with four shows scheduled this season. While the competitive fire still burns, her perspective has shifted: "When I was younger, I wanted to see how far I could go. Now, it’s more for fun—but I still want to make it to Worlds!" For Laura, it’s all about teamwork. "It’s not a team sport, but it is. You and your horse are a team, and every time we improve, it’s exciting."
When Laura isn't riding, she's likely found on a
mountain bike, zipping through trails a couple of times a month. A love for the sport developed after Hampton passed, and it gave her a new thrill. "It’s fun to go out with friends, have an adventure and just enjoy the ride. Plus, it’s something I can control." Her loyal dog, Tahoe, a Chiweenie, even joins the fun on easier rides, complete with his own set of goggles.
Laura has also thrown herself into marathon training—something she’s relatively new to but tackles with the same dedication she applies to her other pursuits. "I’ve always been an athlete," she says. "The horses are so unpredictable, so I can’t put all my eggs in one basket. I got into amateur bike races, then running and now I’m preparing for a marathon. It just felt like a natural progression."
With every hour of her week carefully scheduled between work, training and her hobbies, Laura credits her disciplined lifestyle for helping her stay on top of her career. "The same discipline it takes to compete and train transfers over to my job."
As Laura looks forward to her next horse show in October, a marathon in December and more mountain biking adventures, she’s a reminder that life outside of work can be just as exhilarating as the time spent on the clock.