Brandon Lay Challenge Trail officially opens to the public in Granger

GRANGER, Iowa — A new equine obstacle course in Granger is now officially open to the public.

"The bond between humans and horses has the power to heal, uplift and transform lives," said Donna Carter, clerk of the Jester Park Equestrian Center.

Carter spoke to a crowd of a few dozen people who had gathered in chilly temperatures near an outside riding arena to witness the ceremony Tuesday afternoon.

A new display of twin metal towers adorned with bright red Poppy flowers glistened behind her, just outside the entrance to the new trail. They were erected in memory of Army Veteran John Thomas, who went through the center's Veteran equine therapy program.

After the ceremony, a riderless horse with boots facing backward in the stirrups, led the group on a walking tour of the course. It was a symbolic gesture. The 'Brandon Lay Challenge Trail' is named in memory of a former volunteer and combat Vet who died by suicide in 2020.

Timothy "Brandon" Lay, dedicated his life to helping other Veterans suffering from PTSD. His father, Keith Lay, said he was involved in at least seven organizations around the Des Moines Metro.

"He very much exemplified what a volunteer was because of all the organizations, the nonprofit organizations that he associated with, gave of his time and effort trying to help Vets in need as they came back home battling the demons of post-traumatic syndrome," he told WHO 13's Katie Kaplan . "I'm so thankful that I had a son that left a legacy that is honoring and so appreciative of all of all that he was doing for the veterans of our country."

Keith flew in from Tennessee to attend the ceremony and used the opportunity to press for more resources for Veterans.

"I do want to encourage, whether it's nonprofits, whether it's government or the military, find the resources that our Vets need dealing with those demons that they brought back from the battlefield," he said. "Whether it's the Vietnam, whether it's the Iraqi, the Afghanistan, whatever, wherever they served in combat, the demons they bring back because of what they witnessed, what they saw."

The course, which is open to the public, will also allow Veterans in the facility's "Horses Helping Heroes" program to work with horses to navigate tasks like a covered wagon, barrel push and teeter-totter.

If you are a Veteran in crisis help is available. The confidential suicide crisis lifeline is open 24/7. Just dial 988 and press one. A qualified responder is ready to listen and help. You can also find more information at VeteransCrisisLine.net.