Group Puts On Special Horse Show For Veterans

By Jillian E. Kesner / Journal staff writer

MARTINSBURG – More than 50 people, including 30 outpatients from the Veteran Affairs Medical Center, gathered at Pleasant Ridge Farms in Martinsburg on Tuesday afternoon under sunny blue skies for a special tribute to veterans.

Dan Files wanted to give back to veterans who enjoy horses as much as he does with a special horse show. The group of veterans in attendance participate in therapeutic riding tours at Star Equestrian in Hagerstown.

Use of the arena area was lent to the cause by Larry and Vicky Carper of Pleasant Ridge Farms, and representatives from the Horses with Hearts program also were on site for the event.

Files coordinated the event with his friend, Mike McGowan, of Black River Falls, Wis., in November. They wanted to put on a show for the veterans.

McGowan, a paraplegic, saddles and rides his horse. He said he was already coming out to the area to visit his son, Matt McGowan, who is a jockey at Charles Town Races & Slots.

"I had already thought about doing a clinic, (so) when Dan asked it was a no-brainer," McGowan said.

After a presentation of military flags, McGowan introduced a group of local riders who demonstrated different riding styles.

Dr. Anne Hedges, a psychologist for the VAMC, said this was the first time for them to participate in something like this.

"It’s a wonderful experience," Hedges said. "They’re excited about it, especially knowing that it was put on just for them."

Hedges said that Tuesday’s horse show was a chance for giving back to others.

"Today is all about them being shown appreciation for the sacrifices they made," Hedges said.

Paul Bruner had a tear in his eye as he looked at the large outdoor arena.

Bruner, an Army veteran from Iowa, said it was an honor to have the show put on for him and his fellow veterans.

"It shows camaraderie," Bruner said.

Jo Ann Nicholson, of Harpers Ferry, is an Army veteran of the Persian Gulf, Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"To me, it’s an opportunity for us to see that people do support us," Nicholson said. "It’s nice to have people show they do appreciate us and the sacrifice we made."

Charles Lilly, of Frederick, Md., is a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War.

"I think it’s a wonderful thing," Lilly said. "It’s fantastic that they want to recognize veterans for their (commitment) to their country."

Kerry Bostwick, a counselor at the VA Medical Center, said veterans definitely enjoy spending time with horses. She said that for the past two years, the VA Medical Center has taken the veterans bi-weekly to volunteer at Star Equestrian, mucking stalls and grooming the horses.

"It’s designed for interaction with the horses," Bostwick said.

Joan Files, Dan Files’ wife, said that because her husband is a disabled veteran, he is very passionate about honoring veterans.

Meanwhile, Carper said he opened up his facility because he’s "just a kind person."

"I enjoy doing this for the veterans," Carper said. "I knew this is what I wanted to do."

Carper has hosted other groups at his farm, including the Boys and Girls Club. He said that Tuesday was the first time to host veterans.

"I hope they enjoy themselves," McGowan said. "I want to show them some of the things I’ve done and encourage them because they’ve done a lot for us."

Files said he hopes to make the show an annual event.

"I want to give them the same recognition I’ve received," Files said.

-Staff writer Jillian E. Kesner can be reached at (304) 263-8931, ext. 215, or [email protected]