Episode 12: Healing on Horseback with Cesar Cantu

Westward Podcast Episode 12:Healing on Horseback with Cesar CantuDonate, support, and learn more about Boots on the Ground and Warrior Counseling Works: ⁠⁠https://warriorcounselingworks.org/⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/BootsontheGroundCorpVisit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ devinoutwest.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to pick up your copy of Words of the West!This podcast is co-produced with⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LiveEQ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Click the link to shop horses, tack, stables, and jobs.In this episode of the Westward Podcast, I sit down with Cesar Cantu from Boots on the Ground, a nonprofit equine therapy program. We discuss his journey from growing up as a Mexican immigrant and his transformative experience with horses at a young age, to his later life involvement with equine therapy for at-risk youth and veterans. Cesar shares poignant stories of his time in prison, his miraculous pardon, and the challenges and triumphs of working with horses to heal trauma. We also delve into the practicalities and emotional impacts of the therapy, including real-time breakthroughs with veterans. Cesar emphasizes the powerful bond between humans and horses and the importance of balance in both riding and life.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:52 Caesar's Early Life and First Encounter with Horses03:06 Rediscovering Horses and Starting the Program03:57 The Healing Power of Horses06:22 Personal Stories and Lessons from Horses11:12 Family Background and Upbringing15:18 Struggles and Redemption17:59 Faith and Learning to Read in Prison19:18 Teaching and Helping Others in Prison24:05 Balancing Life and Equine Therapy29:30 Challenges Veterans Face and Personal Experiences32:21 Legal Battles and Divine Guidance34:27 A Tough Decision and Faith35:22 A Message from the Lord36:05 A Miraculous Clemency38:21 Fulfilling the Vision40:41 Challenges and Perseverance49:21 Equine Therapy for Veterans54:15 The Healing Power of Horses01:04:00 Conclusion and Call to Action