Topic: Abijah's on the Backside - Mental Health Support with Retired Thoroughbred Horse
Sally has an MA in professional counseling. She served as Chief Development Officer and Equine Trainer at Acres for Life (One of the largest Mental Health Equine – Experiential Programs in the world) for 5 years and has spent a decade raising awareness of the healing power of horses.
Mark is a connector! In 2019, Mark met Sally Mixon (Founder) and has played a significant role in building traction and awareness to this inspiring and transforming vision.
The vision of Abijah’s on the Backside is inspired by Sally’s faith, her late friend, Jeff Lukas, and David Burrage who took care of Jeff for 20 years following his famous accident in 1993 with Tobasco Cat.
Sally facilitates sessions, and advocates through speaking and fundraising engagements. Sally founded Abijah’s on the Backside in 2020, combining her passions for horse racing (she’s an exercise rider at thoroughbred tracks) and supporting military and first responders. Sally believes it’s more than just racing. It’s about running for a cause; to bring hope, healing, and transformation to all.
Mark believes in the power of the horse and how it can affect the human spirit. He began working with horses at a very young age and raced as a professional jockey in both Europe and the U.S. Throughout his 20-year career, he had over 200 wins in Europe, over 800 in the U.S., and was the leading turf rider at Canterbury Park for many years. Mark is a connector! In 2019, Mark met Sally Mixon (Founder) and has played a significant role in building traction and awareness to this inspiring and transforming vision. Since 2018, Mark has been the Racing Ambassador for Canterbury Park consisting of hosting corporate events and speaking about his experiences as a professional jockey.