was well, she came out to Colby’s Army where her life completely changed. At the farm, Mallard began riding, volunteering, and spreading the word about the organization that saved her life. By 2021, she was named both Colby’s Army Rider of the Year and Volunteer of the Year. And despite undergoing a second major surgery, PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) International named her the 2022 Adult Equestrian, a global honor. Since its inception in 2009, Colby’s Army has certainly seen many happy endings like Mallard’s. They have also made some outstanding accomplishments since they began calling Cheatham County “home” a few years back. They have been recognized by PATH International multiple times, gained plenty of honorable mentions for their work, been featured in magazines, won “Best Non profit” awards, and have even placed in the Ashland City Christmas Parade a handful of times. Colby’s Army’s biggest fundraiser is their annual yard/barn sale. The popular and well attended Ashland City event went from making Colby’s Army $3,500 to well over $10k. Like all of their services, appearances, and events, the yard sale requires tremendous amounts of time, effort, and volunteer hours. It is evident the staff and volunteers at Colby’s Army are clearly committed to helping others. Whether it is joining the street outreach team, clearing trails, grooming therapy horses, helping with therapeutic equestrian lessons, sorting donations, or helping with special events like the yard sale, the team is making a difference on so many levels. “We consistently go the extra mile to provide the most help possible to the most people,” Wysocky adds. “Plus, our volunteer base is diverse, and everyone has fun while making a difference.” Over the next few years, Wysocky hopes to add more than one paid staff member to her team; she also hopes there is an increase in the number of volunteers so they are able to add more programming to meet the needs of the Cheatham County community and beyond. From the life of one special young man, a grand mission was created. From one tragedy, so many people have been touched. And from one dream, countless lives have been changed for the better. Colby Keegan would be proud beyond measure; of this, we are most certain.
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