Horses of Heroes
The Horses Beneath the EWD, Para Reining and Heroes on Horses Exhibitors
by Barbara Aitken Jenkins
In recent years, the All American Quarter Horse Congress has expanded its realm by adding specialty classes such as Equestrians With Disabilities, Heroes On Horses, and Para Reining. Riders from across the country have traveled to Columbus, Ohio to participate, consequently growing the number of people and horses able to compete in equestrian events.
Heroes on Horses debuted at the Congress during last year’s 50th Anniversary event. In 2017, EWD classes have exceeded 100 entries and continue to be a valued part of the Congress.
Seeing these exhibitors at an event like the Congress is inspiring to say the least. However, the impact the horses have on the men and women who ride them goes beyond the show arena.
In a suburb of Columbus lies a humble barn that’s purpose is anything but small. Stockhands Horses for Healing was established in 2013 by husband and wife team, Tim Funk and Linda Nash. Linda, an avid horsewoman, and Tim, a United States Marine Veteran, got involved with therapy horses by chance, of great design.
Tim remembers the moment he realized the influence a horse had on a man.
“I was shoeing horses at the time, and a veteran friend of mine wanted to come ride along with me and learn how to shoe too. I could smell the booze on him the minute he stepped in the truck. We rode around all morning, talked about our country, our time in service, and other life happenings.”
Tim continued, “He wanted to go on a trail ride after we were done shoeing for the day. I agreed and saddled up a couple of horses. Once we got going, my friend wanted to trot, to lope, and run. Of course, I discouraged him about going faster until we reached a meadow. I told him he could go faster in the open field. After my friend stopped the horse, he started opening up—about deployment, things he had done that he’d rather forget, and how he questioned God. I realized then that we had spent the morning together talking around these issues, but while on the back of a horse, he felt free enough to talk about the issues he had never felt comfortable enough to express before. I was not able to give him solid answers to any of his questions.”
Tim expressed the pride he had that he was able to give his friend the opportunity to open up, and all Tim had to do was saddle a horse. “That’s why I decided to start Stockhands Horses for Healing.”
Horses generate a sense of calm and belonging. “Veterans feel like they are part of a team again. Horses won’t judge you on anything past, present or future.”
Hollie Byers of Reins of Life Therapeutic Riding Center in South Bend, Indiana, has two students showing in the EWD Independent HUS and Hunt Seat Equitation, as well as the Western Supported rider classes. Reins of Life, like many therapeutic centers, does not have many AQHA horses. “We primarily use Halflingers, draft crosses and crossbreeds” explained Byers. For Congress, Byers has borrowed a horse from Barbara Johnson. Her daughter, Jessica Johnson, of Sweet Shop Performance Horses, has been one of Byers’ good friends for a long time. They showed against each other when as youth kids…….…Read the full article in the October 2017 issue of Show Horse Today]