FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
SIDELINES APRIL 2013 127
Cindy leading Poppy while Juan is a side walker for fellow
serviceman Harry.
A therapy horse named Summer after an art therapy session.
This side of Summer illustrates what the heroes wanted to get
rid of from their backpacks.
doesn’t have to be anything going on.”
Juan’s passion for horses has grown so strong that he actually
moved closer to the barn to be able to spend more time there. He
now works for Leslie and plans on being involved with horses for
the rest of his life.
Juan is even considering different riding styles. “The times
I have ridden are Western - because of my back problems and
issues it is more comfortable,” Juan said. “When I started there I
was heavier; but I haven’t tried English again. I might try it later
and see how it feels.”
Although Juan still has some restrictions from being in the
military, he defnitely looks forward to doing more with the horses.
“If my mentor, Miss Olsen, thinks that I have what it takes for it,
then I’ll go for it.”
Juan would like to give a special thanks to his mentors Leslie
Olsen and Windy Thomas for all their help and encouragement