At a Glance
- 200 equestrians from North Texas therapeutic riding centers are competing in the Chisholm Challenge ahead of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.
- The three-day event showcases veterans and riders with disabilities who train year-round for the competition.
- Marine veteran John Halpin credits 12 years of riding and equine therapy at Stable Strides with saving his life after struggling with civilian transition.
- Why it matters: The event highlights how therapeutic riding programs provide purpose and community for veterans coping with post-service challenges.
The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo doesn’t officially kick off until Friday, but the arena is already alive with competition as 200 equestrians from therapeutic riding centers across North Texas gather for the Chisholm Challenge.
The event, which ends Wednesday, Jan. 13, puts veterans and riders with disabilities center stage. For many, preparation spans the entire year leading up to these three days.
A Life-Changing Arena
Debbie Head, a member of the Chisholm Challenge Board of Directors, calls the event her favorite part of the Stock Show.
“Every event is incredible because it has changed these people’s outlooks on life,” Head said. “They have something to look forward to.”
Among the riders is John Halpin, a Marine veteran and participant with Stable Strides, one of the centers represented in the competition. Halpin served more than 20 years in the Marines and faced a difficult transition after leaving the service.
“I felt like I had an empty void,” Halpin said.
Trading combat boots for cowboy boots, Halpin found equine therapy through Stable Strides. Over 12 years of riding in the Chisholm Challenge, he says the bond with his horse and the therapeutic riding community transformed his life.
“Yes, I’ve been very successful in life, but without that connection and the bond with these horses, who knows? I might not be here,” Halpin said. “The unfortunate part is so many of my friends are not here anymore because they lost that connection, they lost that sense of purpose when they get up in the morning.”
Beyond the Ribbons
While medals and ribbons are awarded, Halpin insists the true value lies elsewhere.
“It’s not the competition,” Halpin said. “It’s the people around you, and the smiles on the veterans’ faces, and the kids, and the adults, and the parents.”
The Chisholm Challenge serves as both a competitive platform and a celebration of resilience. Riders like Halpin train rigorously, but the event emphasizes camaraderie over victory.
“I look forward to it,” Halpin said. “Being able to ride, and ride with veterans [is] so important.”
Key Takeaways
- The Chisholm Challenge runs through January 13, featuring 200 riders from North Texas therapeutic centers.
- Veterans and individuals with disabilities compete in events designed to highlight their skills and foster community.
- Participants like John Halpin credit the program with providing critical emotional support and a renewed sense of purpose post-service.
- The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo opens Friday, following the conclusion of the Chisholm Challenge.
