Hi, Dr. Laura,

I am one of the 15 million women who packs heat. I live in a very rural part of the country, and when local friends learned I ride my horse alone, they told me I needed to ride armed.

So I bought a .22, and I wear it very conspicuously on my hip when I ride. And yes, I know how to use it. There have been two separate instances when I believe its presence kept trouble at bay. When I'm armed, I carry myself with an air of confidence that is much easier to back up than when I'm not armed, too.

All in all, I believe every woman would benefit from knowing how to handle, and carry a firearm.

Thanks for all that you do.

A Chick packin' heat,

Michelle