Windchester, a 10-year veteran of the TROT (Therapeutic Riding of Tryon), has officially retired from the program. 

His retirement was announced at the TROT horse show on Nov. 17, 2018.  

Windchester is a chestnut quarter horse who began his career in the equine program at Murray State University.  He then worked in rodeo for a few years. 

About 14 years ago, he partnered up with Michael Veatch and has been involved in lots of different kinds of activities since then. He has enjoyed trail riding, Civil War reenacting and training for the sheriff’s mounted patrol. 

However, his favorite thing has been volunteering as a TROT horse.

Windchester is known for developing strong relationships with the TROT students, like the high school boy who said he loved him like a brother or the woman who gives him a kiss on the nose after every ride. 

And then there is the nonverbal girl, who shrieks with joy and laughter as soon as she gets a glimpse of him. That girl no longer needs a wheelchair to get up the mounting ramp at TROT. 

In fact, one the program’s challenges is holding her back so that she will not jump onto Windchester’s back before instructors are ready, representatives said.

Michael and Sheila Veatch have been generous with their time, trailering Windchester to Foothills Equestrian Nature Center for lessons — sometimes multiple days a week. And Windchester has never disappointed a TROT student, representatives said. 

Program officials were pleased to honor his 10 years of service with a special award, presented in front of a crowd of his admirers at the TROT horse show.

– Submitted by Tracie Hanson