KENOSHA — At 43 years old, Hayley Kolar has spent nearly her entire life in the saddle. The Kenosha native is known in the equestrian community for her vibrant purple hair and her unbreakable bond with her horse, Buddy.

But last November, that joy was tested. A breast cancer diagnosis forced Hayley to face one of the toughest rides of her life.

“I’ve been riding for 39 years and Buddy’s only my second horse,” Kolar said. “Here at the barn, you can just be yourself and leave all your troubles away. Not only the horses, but the people here that I’ve been riding with for a long time have been my strongest support system."

Two years earlier, Hayley learned she carried the ATM gene, which increases the risk of developing breast cancer. When doctors confirmed the diagnosis, she made a bold de

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