Jonathan Wentz – Road to 2012 Paralympics – TEDxSMU Salon 2012
Postscript: Sadly, on September 30, 2012, Jonathan suddenly passed away at just 21 years old, and just two weeks after speaking at TEDxSMU. Our TEDxSMU community grieves the loss of such an incredible individual.
Jonathan was first put on a horse at the age of two for physical therapy to combat the affects of cerebral palsy. He continued using horses for therapy and began riding for fun and sport at Equest in Wylie, Texas at the age of five. Thirteen-year-old Jonathan set a goal of representing the USA at the Paralympics and began his journey to London. The road was filled with challenges including loss of horses and barns, surgery, and struggles to find sponsors. Jonathan’s drive and determination, and the help of many individuals and horses, all worked together to help him continue his journey, including finding North Texas Equestrian Center. Highlights along the journey include competing at the 2010 World Equestrian Games, winning the 2011 USEF National Championships, helping to qualify a USA Team for London and competing in the 2012 London Paralympic in Para Dressage for Team USA!