"My name is Angelica Colbert, and I was born November 25th, 1995 in Lithia Springs, Georgia. Although I am a Georgia native, I have been in Mississippi for quite some time. I attended high school in West Point, Ms where I graduated in 2014. During my career in school, I played Soccer, Golf, and was a part of Headquarters in JROTC.

Just before the conclusion of my time in high school, I enlisted in the Mississippi Army National Guard as a Horizontal Construction Engineer. Serving in the National Guard has been one of my biggest accomplishments thus far in life and is also considered one of my favorite past times. They say you will never a day in your life when you do what you love and being a soldier is the epitome of that. As of now I am a platoon Sergeant in the 289th Engineering Company in Bruce, Ms and have been involved with various missions such as battalion response to Covid-19 and Hurricane Ida to name a few.

In addition to my tenure as a service member in the Guard, I’ve been a sworn officer at the Starkville Police Department since 2017. Since being an officer, I have worked as a Detective in Investigations and a Corporal in the Community Oriented Policing Division. Currently I am a Corporal on patrol where I take much pride in the shift that I serve with. In 2022 I was introduced to the horse therapy program where I was paired with a beautiful Mustang named Eddie whose personality was as big as he is. Spending time and training with Eddie became a calming escape for me from the stressful encounters I face at work."

- Angelica C.

“My name is Brian Hoffman. Born in Leland, MS, I joined the Army in May of 1994. I have done four major Combat Deployments to Iraq, along with a few other missions. I was wounded in action in an ambush on Thanksgiving Day 2009. I have done Equine Assisted Therapy with Mrs. Lori Irvin at the MSU Horse Park for a little while now and it has helped me tremendously. Equine therapy has really helped me find my new love and a healthy addiction in working with horses. It’s definitely challenging, like the Army was, but the horses reward you. To be able to work with a massive animal and be confident has really helped me thrive. Thank you for the opportunity to continue my passion and healing through horses by enrolling in the Endurance Equine program in 2025.”

- Brian H.

"My name is Jonathan Headley, I was born in November of 1980 in Heber Springs Arkansas. In 1992 my father moved our family to Starkville Mississippi to pastor a small church. Following in the footsteps of my long departed relatives from WWII, I enlisted in the Mississippi Air National Guard where I became a member of the 186 SFS Squadron in Meridian MS. From there I participated in several operations after 9/11 to include Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, Southern Watch and Iraqi Freedom as well as assisting local law enforcement after the devastation of hurricane Katrina. My life after the military was confusing for a period of time until I decided to re-dedicate my life to service and joined the Starkville Police Department in 2010, following in the footsteps of my grandfather who was killed in the line of duty. As a member of the Starkville Police Department I have served in undercover operations, as a detective and now as a patrol sergeant.

A few years ago I was introduced to Lori Irvin and the Veterans Horsemanship Program. On day one I was paired with a horse named Turbo, to this day I still tell everyone that Turbo picked me instead of me picking him. I suppose he could see a troubled soul and decided “I can work with that.” Since that first day with Turbo, my eyes have been opened to the amazing bond and healing power of a horse. When asked by my Chief of Police why I would be in such a good mood after a stressful day in the streets, I would simply reply with “I’m getting to see Turbo tomorrow.” Some co-workers would seem confused about how a horse could create such a difference in my life. I would explain it to them “It’s easy, saddle up over there and leave all your stress on the ground, as long as you don’t dismount in the same spot and step back into all that stress then you’re good to go, just leave it lay in the dirt.” I am beyond excited about this new opportunity with Endurance Equine and the ability to further experience all the amazing things that these beautiful animals have to offer. Thank you for your support!"

- Jonathan H.

"My name is Amy Nguyen, I was born in Jackson, MS and lived in Madison, MS for most of my life. I’m 21 and currently attending MSU as a Computer Science major with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence and Human and Visual Computing. I’ve been volunteering with Endurance Equine since the beginning of November, 2024, and I couldn’t be more thankful to be part of such a wonderful program! I’ve been passionate about horses ever since I was a little girl, and working with them has always held a special place in my heart.

I did basic Western-style riding on and off as a child. Somewhere along the way, life happened, and I took a long break from riding. That was until I moved to Starkville, where my love for equine sports was suddenly rekindled. I knew I needed to find a way to get back in the saddle. Coincidentally, at the same time, EE was in need of volunteers. The rest is history.

Volunteering with Endurance Equine has been a blessing for me. I’m surrounded by the most supportive people I’ve ever met within the equestrian community. Being in the program has taught me many valuable lessons when it comes to horses—the most important one being that I should believe in myself and my ability as a rider. I constantly strive to improve my horsemanship skills, and being here allows me to do just that. I’m so proud to be on the team, and I cannot wait to see the program’s growth in the coming years!"

- Amy N.

"My name is Amber Hollis, and I grew up in the small town of Edinburg, Mississippi. I come from a military family—both of my parents served in the Navy as enlisted members, and after his time in the Navy, my father continued his service in the Air National Guard. Following in those footsteps, I attended the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School and then the Air Force Academy itself before being medically discharged.

From a young age, I was surrounded by horses and quickly developed a deep love and appreciation for them. That passion remained with me throughout my life. While pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering at Mississippi State University, I had the opportunity to meet Mrs. Lori, who leads the Veterans Horsemanship Program. I became actively involved with the program and remained part of it for about three years, gaining valuable experience and reconnecting with my love of working with horses.

After starting my professional career, I was fortunate to find a way to continue pursuing my passion through Endurance Equine. It allows me to stay connected to the world of horses and challenge myself in new ways. I’m truly excited for this next chapter and the opportunities it will bring."

- Amber H.

"My name is Sierra Nicholson, and I am a Staff Sergeant in the Airforce National Guard. As an Electrical and Environmental Technician, I work on military aircraft and have had the opportunity to travel to incredible places such as Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Alaska. Participating in the MSU Veterans Horsemanship program has been incredible during my college years. It provided a much-needed change in pace and something to look forward to during the challenges of academic life. Now, I am eagerly anticipating the Endurance program, excited for the unforgettable experiences it promises to bring."

- Sierra N.