Non-profit provides ‘horsepower’ to Fort D.A. Russell Published July 22, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Jason Wiese 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- Horses for Heroes, a non-profit that introduces horseback riding to service members, veterans, first responders and their families, visited here July 18 during Fort D.A. Russell Days, and, with the help of volunteering Airmen, provided horse rides to those who signed up. "We're here to share our love of horses with people in our community who need a little horsepower in their life," said Sydney Knott, Horses for Heroes president, chief financial officer and founder. Horses for Heroes provides their horses for recreational, instructional and health and wellness equestrian programs for all ages, all riding levels and in all disciplines. The horses are animals of great size and can be naturally intimidating to people. For people who need it, riding horses can build one's self-confidence and improve their sense of self-worth, Knott said. Anita Lafond, Cheyenne Therapeutic Equestrian Center office manager, brought nine horses to Fort D.A. Russell Days for registrants to ride. During Cheyenne Frontier Days and Fort D.A. Russell Days, many Airmen get down time and use it to volunteer to make both events successful, said Airman 1st Class Julia Bullock, 90th Communications Squadron and one of the Horses for Heroes volunteers. Airmen sidewalked and horsehandled to help allow people unfamiliar with horses to get a chance to ride, Lafond said. "The Airmen out here are really involved in our community," she said. Bullock said she volunteered because she is fond of horses and has a chance to share that experience with others. "It's a great opportunity for the military veterans, first responders and families to enjoy their time off," Bullock said. "They really do enjoy this."