Sisterhood Spotlight

You’ve forged a powerful identity as a modern-day saltwater cowgirl. How did your love for the water and commitment to service come together in your current role?

Growing up on the coast, the water and ponies weren’t just scenery—they were part of who I was. From a young age, I felt a deep connection to both, and that connection turned into purpose as I developed my skills on horseback and embraced the responsibility of tradition. I was incredibly fortunate to be introduced to horses early in life, and my passion for them has only grown stronger over the years.

Chincoteague is known for its wild ponies, who roam our neighboring barrier island, Assateague. Three times a year, they’re rounded up by the Saltwater Cowboys—and now Cowgirls—for vet checks, vaccines, and herd management. My grandfather and father rode before me, and it’s been a privilege to follow in their bootsteps and carry on that legacy.

Being a Saltwater Cowgirl is more than just riding. It’s about safeguarding the herd, honoring a tradition that supports our entire community, and giving back in ways most people don’t even realize. The annual pony auction doesn’t just draw crowds—it funds veterinary care, fire company equipment, and allows Chincoteague residents to live without a fire tax. It even provides assistance to locals in times of need. That blend of service, tradition, and community pride is what fuels me—even on the hot, buggy, exhausting days of a roundup. This life is in my blood, and I hope to keep carrying the torch for years to come.

Being a female leader isn’t always easy. What barriers have you had to overcome, and how have they shaped your grit and voice?

I’m often asked what it’s like to be a woman in male-dominated spaces—whether it’s the aerospace industry, or as a Saltwater Cowgirl. What I’ve learned is that grit isn’t just about being tough—it’s about showing up, learning fast, and staying true to yourself. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside mentors and leaders who lift women up, and I’ve also crossed paths with a few who tried to push me down. Both experiences taught me the value of discernment, resilience, and knowing when to tune out the noise.

Becoming a mother has been my greatest joy and also one of my biggest adjustments. The invisible pressure to “do it all” is real. Balancing life as a mom, wife, employee, and community volunteer is no small feat.  It’s in that balancing act that I’ve found the deepest form of grit. It’s not always graceful, but it’s always worth it and it’s shaped a voice in me that’s steady, honest, and grounded in purpose.

Your work calls for courage and composure in unpredictable conditions. What’s one moment on the horse that tested your strength and left a lasting impact?

Horses will humble you, especially the ones you trust most. Even the best-trained horse can have a moment that throws you off balance, or right off the saddle. The cliche is real: you get back up, every time.

Riding on Assateague during a pony roundup is one of the most challenging and unique riding experiences out there. You encounter every terrain imaginable in one ride—the beach, the flats, thick brush, marsh, even water crossings you have to swim through on horseback. It takes a skilled rider to navigate those elements and teach a horse to handle them confidently.

The marshes are particularly tricky. One second the ground feels solid, the next you’ve sunk unexpectedly—a lesson I’ve learned firsthand. In those moments, it’s all about staying calm, keeping your horse calm, and relying on your training. That kind of composure isn’t just physical—it’s mental, emotional, and built through years of experience. Those unpredictable rides have shaped me not just as a rider, but as a leader.

What resources would you recommend for young women who dream of taking on bold, hands-on careers like yours?

For any young woman who feels called to work in those tough fields, my advice is start where you are, and don’t wait to feel ready. There are so many ways to get involved by looking into internships and clubs. Building confidence through real experience will help combat any intimidation you may feel. You’d be surprised what you can accomplish when you live authentically to yourself.

When it comes to working with horses, get involved with local barns, farms, or conservation groups. Even reading books or watching your favorite trainers online helps! Watching and listening to the people who live the lifestyle will be some of the most interesting times of your life. Learning to care for the animal is just as important as learning to ride, too.

Maybe most importantly is to find your village. Surround yourself with people who support you and believe in what you’re doing. I’ve been lucky to have my husband, mentors, teammates, and family members who stood by me and I hope I can pay that forward for others. That sense of community, of knowing someone has your back, makes all the difference especially on the hard days.

About Rachel Harley

Rachel Harley is a proud Chincoteague Island, Virginia native and Liberty University graduate. By day, Rachel serves as the Site Operations Manager at Rocket Lab’s Wallops facility and sits on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Space Flight Academy helping to inspire the next generation of space explorers. By heart, Rachel is a wife, a mother of two beautiful girls and a horsewoman. She enjoys being outdoors, spending time with family, reading, and helping with the Chincoteague Ponies as a Saltwater Cowgirl. Whether in aerospace or in the saddle, preserving heritage and building a future grounded in service and community drives Rachel to be rooted in what matters most.