up later this year at his new location. Again, he says, it is support from businesses that will allow this as the construction company has committed to putting up the arena at a substantial discount. “Our mission is to not charge a person a dime to
receive this kind of therapy. We never want to turn anybody down because of money,” Richard says emphatically. In the future, he hopes to build family-style bunk- houses and a dining hall to make it easier for clients and their families to visit and get the help they need. His vision, he says, is for an “equine-assisted wellness center” and he hopes his work can be a model for other organi- zations around the country.
FUNDING “OUTSIDE THE BOX” PDC Energy’s Susan Fakharzadeh picks up the story describing the company’s support for Richard and Colo- rado Therapy Horses. Employees can nominate local nonprofits and, if selected, employees can choose to
Left, top: A buffalo soldier of the American west, (www.
buffalosoldiers-amwest.org/history.htm) teaches two boys about horses. Bottom: PDC Energy employees working with an autistic boy. Opposite page, left: Rich- ard, Marine Mike Ackelson and Marine Frank Garcia talking to seated PDC Energy Employees before they meet the herd. Right: An autistic boy leads a steel-toed PDC Energy employee around the paddock.
Marine Mike’s Story
MIKE ACKELSON KNOWS first- hand just how much equine-assisted therapy can help a struggling veteran. He left the Marine Corps in 2007,
Marine Mike and Isaac.
after serving two tours in Iraq. “In the transition back to civilian life, at first I really wasn’t sure if anything was wrong or not,” he says. “I just felt disconnected from everyone around me.” Seeking help, “Marine Mike,” as Rich-
ard has fondly nicknamed him, went to the closest Veterans Administration
hospital in Denver. There he was prescribed medication to help him feel better, but he was convinced that wasn’t the answer, at least for him. But he continued to struggle. In the months after his return,
four friends—men he had served with—committed suicide. “That hit me really hard, especially the last one,” he says. He started looking for answers, going back to college
to study psychology. “I needed to understand what was wrong with me,” he says simply. An internship as part of his
24 March/April 2017
studies brought him to Richard McMahon and Colorado Therapy Horses. The experience was, he says, life changing. “It broke down a barrier so I could reach some of the
feelings inside me,” he explains. “I didn’t have to hide or be fake with the horses. They have nothing but love for you.” “In the military, you’re so used to being with your unit, with people you can absolutely trust. And then you’re out, and you can’t do that anymore. It’s tough,” he says. “The connection with the horses is that missing link to the expe- rience you had with your brothers in the military. At first, I didn’t believe the horses could help. But they did.” “It’s easy to get depressed after you leave the military,”
Mike continues. “We’ve conquered so much, and then we come back to struggle with entry-level jobs. We can’t support our families. With depression sometimes comes alcohol and drug abuse. It’s hard on us and our families.” “The horses break down a barrier so you can be truth-
ful with yourself. They also offer a community—a chance to spend time with other veterans and their families—where people can share their struggles and solutions,” Mike says, explaining the chance to hear how others have coped is also a big part of the appeal of Colorado Therapy Horses
Joe Cox
Frank Garcia
Joe Cox
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