Ветеран Джон Модер запускает программу лидерства на лошадях для бывших военных и спортсменов

Helping others thrive: John Moder’s next chapter of service Leaving the military did not mean leaving service behind for John Moder. At Seven Stars Ranch in Duluth, the veteran and Director of Education has found a new way to continue serving others. “I think a lot of great things are built out of people’s personal problems, and that’s what this came from,” Moder said. “Going through and experiencing a little bit of what these men and women have had to go through in my military experience has driven me to find relief, in part, by providing that for others. I’ve said it before, just because you take off your uniform doesn’t mean your service is over. It’s a way to stay healthy, giving back, getting out of your own head, and contributing to a healthy community.” That community begins with horses, but quickly becomes about people. “When you talk about veteran reintegration or transition, or first responders having to take that uniform off every single day, just being around other people who served is not always the solution,” Moder said. “The more I interacted with the kids and humbled myself through the riding experience and them teaching me, it became an opportunity to practice reintegration. Horses help people individually, but I think they also make everyone around them more human.” One of those riders is Ella McDonald. After years of riding, she now helps teach many of the adults who come through the program. “It’s really fun getting to teach new people how to ride,” McDonald said. “Getting to coach people who are not as lucky to live somewhere with horses and helping them learn new things is pretty fun.” For veteran Dustin Oosten, those connections are what make the program special. “Life is hard. We all have issues. We all have traumas of some sort,” Oosten said. “The best way to deal with trauma is to divide the pain by sharing it. When you share, you also multiply joy at the same time. It’s not about building armor and becoming this impenetrable force. It’s about connecting with other people.” Moder says those connections can help people rediscover parts of themselves they thought were gone. “A guy came in, and you could tell from the first interaction how he was feeling,” Moder recalled. “He said, ‘I could make something up, but to be honest, I haven’t felt like a leader since I left the military.’ Fast forward to the final day, everything came together, and he said, ‘That’s what I’ve been looking for.’ To have a space that pulls that out of him was powerful. I’m glad to be here for them and provide a place where they can shovel some manure, brush a horse, get outside, and enjoy the beautiful green space we have in Duluth.” Now, those lessons are reaching even further. Later this month, Seven Stars Ranch will partner with the University of Wisconsin-Superior women’s soccer team for a horse-based leadership clinic. “The lessons we’re teaching leaders within the first responder and veteran communities absolutely apply to sports environments,” Moder said. “It’s another way for us to integrate into the community.” From retired veterans to young riders and college athletes, Moder’s next chapter of service is focused on helping others find purpose, confidence, and a renewed sense of belonging.