Beige logo on black background featuring "KENTUCKY SPORTS ASSOCIATION" text and a stylized horse head, conveying an elegant and sporty tone.

This place is more than a dream — it’s a community built on trust, healing, and hope.

About us

The Pillars of Kentucky Equestrian

James Johnson Jr in a white shirt with horse logos smiles against a black background. Beside him, an old photo of him on a rearing black horse in a suburban street.
James Johnson Jr in a white shirt with horse logos smiles against a black background.

Horses have been part of my life since I was a boy. Sharing that joy and healing with children is one of the greatest rewards of my journey.

co-founder & president

James Johnson Jr.

With over 38 years in the automotive industry, James Johnson Jr. built his reputation as a top salesman, earning multiple awards for excellence in customer service and relationship building. A graduate of Kentucky Wesleyan College, with a degree in Mass Communications and a minor in Coaching, James is a leader known for his trustworthiness, warmth, and dedication.

Beyond his career, James has always been passionate about horses. From riding as a child to leading trail rides as an adult, he has found lifelong joy in introducing others to the equestrian world. At KESA, James combines his professional expertise, community spirit, and equestrian love to guide children toward healing and growth.

professional network marketer

Linda Baity

Based in Henderson, Kentucky, Linda Baity is a woman of strong faith who puts God first in all that she does. After years of dedication and hard work, she retired from Federal Express, closing one chapter of her life and courageously stepping into another. As a widow, Linda has drawn strength from her faith and life experiences to reinvent herself—embracing a new calling as a Professional Network Marketer in the travel industry.

In this new venture, Linda combines her professional experience with her heart for service. Her mission is to help families create a better quality of life—one built on financial freedom, meaningful purpose, and the joy of seeing the world. She believes that travel not only opens doors to new experiences but also broadens perspectives, connects people, and inspires gratitude.

Linda’s journey is a testament to resilience and renewal. Through her faith and determination, she has transformed life’s challenges into opportunities to empower others. Whether guiding families toward greater stability or encouraging others to live with purpose, Linda’s story embodies hope, perseverance, and the power of faith-led living.

professional network marketer

Linda Baity

A woman with curly brown hair smiles warmly, wearing a white collared shirt against a neutral background. The image conveys a friendly, cheerful tone.

Horses have been part of my life since I was young. Sharing that joy and healing with children is one of the greatest rewards of my journey.

A smiling cowboy in a wide-brimmed hat and white shirt leans on a wooden fence. Behind him, a tree and blue sky. Also depicted, he rides a brown horse.
A man in a cowboy hat and light blue shirt confidently rides a brown horse, set against a solid black background, evoking a sense of adventure.

I know what it feels like to dream of riding and never get the chance. Now my purpose is to make sure kids don’t miss out on the opportunities horses can give.

co-founder

Dom Cosby

Born and raised in Henderson County, Kentucky, Dom’s love for cowboy life began at a young age, inspired by his cousin James who always wore a cowboy hat and rode horses. Though he grew up without the means to pursue horsemanship, Dom turned that challenge into his mission: to give children the opportunities he never had.

Today, through KESA, he is dedicated to helping kids build confidence, resilience, and purpose through the lessons that horses and horsemanship provide. Dom also co-founded the River City Rodeo in Southern Indiana, now one of the largest rodeo events in the state. Professionally, he spent more than 10 years as Operations Manager for Tech Direct and has also owned and operated Magnolia Bridal House and Trinity Tech Solutions.

When he’s not working with horses, Dom finds the same sense of purpose on the tennis court, empowering others to grow, gain confidence, and discover their potential.

 

finance & community service professional

Kay Lenfers

With over a decade of experience in finance, community service, and customer relations, Kay Lenfers has built her career around empowering others. Based in Indiana, her passion for working with youth has guided her volunteer efforts with organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, the Dream Center, and through fostering children with DCS. She is dedicated to ensuring young people have the resources and guidance they need to thrive.

Her professional journey includes roles in marketing and customer service, as well as serving as a spokesperson for the Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network, where she spoke at judges’ conferences across nine counties. With a strong background in financial education, Kay has taught credit repair and homebuyer classes and held a financial license for more than 10 years.

Beyond her work with youth, Kay has volunteered with Homeless Connect, supported seniors through Aging in Place initiatives, and provided tax preparation services with Legal Aid and the United Way. Through every role she takes on, her goal remains the same: to create lasting, positive change in the communities she serves.

finance & community service professional

Kay Lenfers

A woman with long auburn hair smiles warmly in a close-up shot. She wears neutral makeup and a black top, conveying a friendly and inviting expression.

Horses have been part of my life since I was young. Sharing that joy and healing with children is one of the greatest rewards of my journey.

A man helps a smiling child adjust her riding helmet next to a white horse under a large covered outdoor structure at the Kentucky Equestrian Sports Association. The child is holding the horse’s reins.

why it matters

Join Us in Building Futures

Your support goes beyond bricks and fences. Every gift brings us closer to creating a sanctuary where children can discover courage, trust, and healing. With the guidance of cowboys and the strength of horses, we’re raising more than a barn — we’re raising futures.