Eight young riders piloted their colorful Paint Horses through a complicated drill team pattern. Carrying American flags, the youth kept pace to “It’s a Grand Old Flag” and “God Bless the USA” as they paid tribute to veterans in the finale of the Wounded Warriors –A Tribute To Our American Soldiers event at Sulphur Springs Stables in Inwood, West Virginia, October 15.
The event was inspired by retired master sergeant Dan Files, a veteran disabled after serving in the Gulf War. Six years ago, he discovered the healing power of horses with the help of Black River, Wisconsin, trainer Mike McGowan. Though Files is unable to speak due to throat cancer and has lingering injuries sustained while serving his country, the veteran found emotional comfort and enhanced physical abilities by working with equine companions. Now a devoted owner to his Paint Horse Docs Compadre, nicknamed “Dollar,” Files is passionate about introducing other veterans to therapeutic riding through a local group called Horses for Heroes.
For several years, Files and McGowan have teamed up to share horses with veterans through Horses for Heroes presentations. This year, the event was held at Sulphur Springs Stables, a barn owned by Randy Orsini. Barn manager Kate Jenkins, the Orsini family and AQHA trainer Cathy Jennings volunteered to help during the event, which attracted nearly 100 audience members.
The Wounded Warrior ceremony began with riders from Sulphur Springs Stables carrying the American flag and the West Virginia state flag standing at attention for the National Anthem. Next, four riders carried four flags representing each branch of the military while the respective military anthem played.
A truck carrying combat veteran Colonel Randall Dell of the United States Air Force—injured while defending the Pentagon on 9/11 and in Iraq with Files; horse trainer, therapeutic riding advocate and paraplegic Mike McGowan; and AQHA professional trainer Cathy Jennings drove out into the arena.
“Mike and I talked about the benefits of therapeutic riding, while Dan Files gave a demonstration, including a brideless demo, on his horse, Dollar,” Jennings said. “Colonel Dell then got out of the truck, and addressed the audience.”
As a surprise for Files, his wife Joan pointed out their son-in-law, Major John Poland, in the audience. Poland had recently returned from Afghanistan less than 48 hours before the ceremony.
“[The ceremony] was one of the best days of my life,” Files said. “When we saw my son-in-law, Colonel Dell and I ran over to the stands and all three of us hugged and had a tear or two. The crowd went crazy clapping and cheering. My wife knew he was coming, but no one else did.”
Dell also welcomed Resa Orsini, the daughter of Randy Orsini, into the Air Force National Guard.
Next in the order of events was a tribute to prisoners of war. A lone rider entered the arena carrying the flag of the POW’s. A riderless horse was then led in, symbolizing the men and women who gave their lives in service to their country. The rider and the horse’s handler saluted each other, then the audience, while the riderless horse stood motionless in the ring. With all heads bowed, “Taps” was played in their honor. Following the song, the rider and handler saluted each other one last time before exiting the ring.
“I have been told that there was not a dry eye during the POW ceremony,” Jennings said. “It was very emotional.”
Files agreed.
“The two ladies that did the POW Ceremony were perfect,” Files said. “I had cheers in my heart and tears in my eyes.”
The event concluded with a performance from the Sulphur Springs Stable Drill Team dedicated to Brandy Orsini, the daughter of Randy Orsini. Brandy passed away only a month before the performance and the barn’s close-knit community was deeply affected.
“This event was very cathartic to everyone involved with Sulphur Springs Stables,” Jennings said. “Brandy was 21 years old, and, by all accounts, had the world by the tail. She was idolized by all the young girls at the barn, and loved by everyone who knew her. Everyone has been reeling from her death. Coming together for this wonderful cause brought joy and purpose back to the children and adults at the stables.”
Files and McGowan are planning at least three more therapeutic riding events for veterans in 2012 as part of the national Wounded Warriors Project organization. For more information about the Wounded Warrior Project, or to contribute, log on to www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
About the author:
Abigail Boatwright is a freelance writer, photographer and social media consultant. The Fort Worth, Texas, resident and lifelong horse lover has written and photographed for equine magazines such as the American Quarter Horse Journal, The Paint Horse Journal, The Reiner and Western Horseman.
Photo © Elizabeth Woolaston
