An Amazing Opportunity for Veteran and Horse
As you know Charlie Five was established to provide horses for human healing and we were presented with an opportunity to do just that, and your support made it possible.
On June 17, 2018 we delivered Cooper the Mustang to Melissa near San Antonio, Texas. We raised over $1700 that offset the costs to travel and allowed us to purchase Priefert Economy Panels for her to keep Cooper in.
The journey has been incredible so far and we are looking forward to the progress this Veteran and mustang make together. Follow their journey by clicking here.
Follow their Journey on Instagram
Follow along as Melissa continues to make progress with Cooper by checking out their Instagram feed @cooperthemustang
Updates on Melissa and Cooper
Since we delivered Cooper to Melissa in June 2018 the pair have been unstoppable! We could not prouder of all they have accomplished together. Melissa engages in activities ranging from showing goats to breeding bearded dragons.
Working with her horse, Cooper, Melissa has also gone on to establish and operate South Texas Mounted Search and Rescue. South Texas Mounted SAR is a non-profit that consists of Veterans with certified mounted search and rescue horses and cadaver dogs. Their mission is to look for people lost or missing in South Texas with law enforcement, forensics and Search and Rescue organizations.
SSgt Melissa Schmalhorst
SSgt Melissa Schmalhorst joined the United States Air Force in 2008 and served as a Explosive Military Dog Handler, Law Enforcement Patrolman and trained Military Working dogs for the DoD until she retired for medical reasons in 2018. During her career she deployed to countries including Kuwait, Qatar, and Turkey in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn with her Military Working Dogs, Glen and Bety.
Melissa began riding horses at the age of 9 and went on to compete on the Equestrian and Ranch Horse Team at Missouri State University. She spent as much time as she could around horses during her time in the military riding trails, working sale barns and even helping guide hunts on horseback while stationed in Montana.
Melissa was medically retired from the USAF in February 2018, and like many Veterans, is struggling reintegrate into civilian life. To help her move forward she works with a reining horse trainer and said "there's nothing else quite like being with a horse".
Cooper
Cooper is mustang gelding, born in a facility. He stands approximately 14.2 (56.8 inches) hands high at the shoulder. He has solid mustang feet with two white socks on his hinds. Cooper was already titled, meaning he was adopted and kept by the same adopter for over a year. Jeff Cook of Dream Horse AZ has started this grulla colored horse, giving him a solid training foundation that will provide Melissa with enough challenge to keep her focused.
Special Thanks to:
