I want to share a story about someone who has become like a little brother to me—Mitchel. His life has not been easy. He grew up on the streets, surrounded by chaos, and for years he struggled to find a way forward. On September 1st, 2024, he made the life-changing decision to get sober, and since then he has been fighting every single day to build a new life.

In December 2024, Mitchel came to apprentice under me as a farrier. I’ve watched firsthand as he’s poured his heart into this craft. Horses have become more than just animals to him—they are his therapy. They give him peace, grounding, and a purpose that helps him stay sober. Every day I see how the work steadies him, challenges him, and gives him a future he never thought possible.

Now, Mitchel has an opportunity to take the next step: attending Oklahoma State Horseshoeing School. This is where he can get the education, training, and certification to turn his passion into a lifelong career. The grant will cover tuition, tools, and living expenses while he’s there. But more than that—it will give him hope. It will give him a way to stand on his own two feet, support himself, and continue building the life he’s worked so hard for.

Mitchel’s story is one of resilience, redemption, and the power of second chances. Helping him get to school isn’t just about funding an education—it’s about investing in a young man who has fought through the darkest parts of life and is choosing a brighter future. Horseshoeing isn’t just a trade for him; it’s his therapy, his lifeline, and his path forward.

I believe in Mitchel with everything I have, and I know that with this opportunity, he will become not only a skilled farrier but also a living example of what happens when you don’t give up.