After Hours

Horse Sense Kyle Christianson witnessed a miracle. After his grandfather had suffered a stroke in 1990, and the doctors said he’d never walk again, he and his family saw him heal by getting right back on the horse.

"He was a cowboy on the side, if you will," says Christianson, vice president of M&I Bank, Florida Region. "The doctors said he wasn’t going to be able to ride, but as soon as he got home he saddled up."

After beholding his grandfather’s recovery, it’s no surprise Christianson agreed to lend his time to Naples Equestrian Challenge (NEC) when he was approached by Brigid Soldavini, a past-president of the organization’s board of directors. Christianson began volunteering and became a board member in 2008. He is now the board president.

"My biggest concern was being able to fill Brigid’s role," Christianson says. "I take it as a huge responsibility to ensure that the program will continue to move forward in a positive way."