American Heroes Compete With Their Horses At Tulsa Fairgrounds

“They always say that the best thing for the inside of a man is the outside of a horse, so there's a lot to that," veteran James Mincey said.

Saturday, August 16th 2014, 7:37 pm

By: News On 6

American Heroes Compete With Their Horses At Tulsa Fairgrounds

Matthew Evans is a cowboy. He's ridden horses all his life. Now he's riding one for therapy as a disabled Army veteran. Marine veteran James Mincey believes horse therapy programs truly help veterans get through tough times in their lives.

“They always say that the best thing for the inside of a man is the outside of a horse, so there's a lot to that," veteran James Mincey said.

Disabled American veterans got a chance to show off their horses at the National Snaffle Bit Association's World Championship show in Tulsa over the weekend.

A part of the horse show is just for the heroes.

Rebecca Volkert says the Heroes On Horses program is growing in popularity and gives an outlet to veterans looking for a challenge.

"It's not about winning. It's about being out there with their military brothers and the whole experience that goes with it," Volkert said.

Veteran James Mincey said: "To come up with this idea to give something for the veterans to put their mind off of, their problems and something worthwhile to do," veteran Mincey said.

Horses healing veterans are now getting a chance to shine.

"We want to honor the horses that are helping the veterans heal as much as honor the veterans," Volkert said.

Evans added that “It's kind of like a milestone, you know? Some of these people have never seen a horse before and they step up to a horse for the first time, and now here they are competing in a world show, you know? That just goes to show how far they've come and how great they are."

There are winners in this competition. Judges gave the same scrutiny to these vets as they would a world-class rider showing a horse.

For Evans, it's just about getting out there and enjoying the friendship with people who understand what he's going through.

“Being able to compete with other veterans again isn't so much a competition, it's more of a camaraderie and a brotherhood. It's kind of like a reunion,” Evans said.