Felipe Ismael Lugo was born in Dalhart, Texas on March 13^th 1982 to Linda and Pepe Campos.   His interest in horses began as a child watching old western movies with his grandfather.  When he was young, Felipe was in a horse riding club and he was a member of FFA while in junior high school.  It was about this time that Felipe began working for Carl Bailey cleaning pens and working on irrigation sprinklers.  While working with Carl he increased his knowledge of horses and of agriculture. Carl helped him get his first horse at the age of 13.  When he was older, Felipe rode pens for a feedlot and he’s always had an interest in horse shoeing.  Phillip and his best friend Michael Ballejo became riding buddies and in High School they both befriended and assisted a disabled girl; her name was Debbie.  Felipe has always had an interest in helping the disabled and children with special needs.  Felipe became involved with Open Arms Therapy when Carl Bailey and Destiny Lucas, Michael Ballejo’s daughter, began riding at Carl’s home last September.  Felipe is Destiny’s God father.  He has stuck with the program ever since.  Felipe rarely misses a riding session.  He is Carl’s “right hand man”.  He helps to trailer horses, load and unload horses, set out and put up equipment, feed horses, trim horse’s feet, work with and train horses, mow and maintain facilities, and last but not least he is a side-walker or horse handler whenever he is needed.  He knows all the kids by name and they are all very comfortable with him.  He is a very important part of the OAT team.  Felipe is currently employed by Don and Lisa Beecher of Dalhart Diesel, Dalhart TX.   OAT would like to take this opportunity to thank Felipe for his hard work and dedication to our program – Thank you Felipe!