AQHA Youth, Grant Mastin, Gives Back With His Own Charity- Tackles For Tots
By: Brittany Bevis
Like most kids, Grant Mastin got his start in the horse industry by showing in small-fry events. Grant feels blessed to have had the opportunity to grow up showing horses. He started when he was just five years old. However, living in rural Southern Ohio, he quickly became aware that other children weren’t as fortunate as he. That realization, and the impact it made on the young equestrian and football player spurred the creation of his very own charitable organization- Tackles For Tots. This is his story.
“I’ve been blessed to grow up in the industry,” Grant says. “I got my start all those years ago with Tommy Sheets and Ryan Cottingim, and I’m fortunate to still be under their guidance today. You will most likely find me in the Trail pen or doing lead changes, so it’s no surprise that Trail and Western Riding are my favorite events.”
Fun fact: Grant won the very first Small Fry Trail at the All American Quarter Horse Congress! Currently, Grant is a director with the Ohio Quarter Horse Youth Association- an experience he describes as being “an invaluable opportunity.”
“I truly love this industry- the people, the horses, and the experiences. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Grant’s partner in the show pen is Hand Made Machine, aka “Carl.” Together, they have earned multiple Champion and Reserve Champion titles at the Congress, Youth World, and NSBA World. “In 2019, I achieved a lifelong goal of winning the AQHA High Point title in Youth Trail and most recently won Youth Western Riding at the NSBA World in our first year showing this event. I’ve been privileged to show a lot of great horses, but Carl is my once-in-a-lifetime horse. We have been a team for four years, which is the longest I’ve ever been allowed to keep a horse, so my mom must think he is pretty special too!”
When Grant isn’t in the show pen, you can find him on the football field playing Varsity as a Junior for Jackson High School. For the second year in a row, he has earned All-Conference, 1st Team All-District, and All-State (Ohio Div III) honors. In 2019, he decided to found Tackles For Tots as a way to give back to the community.
“At the beginning of the 2019 football season, I heard a statement that had a lasting impact on me,” Grant says. “It was ‘Always give more than you get.’ That statement resonated with me, and I knew it was my turn to step up in a big way.”
“Living in a small, rural town in southern Ohio, community pride is a way of life. If there’s a need, it’s met. There is a wonderful community organization, Jackson Area Festivals and Events (JAFE), that provides Christmas for area families, including toys, clothing, etc. In talking with one of my mentors, I learned the budget that year only allowed for the purchase of shoes or coats, but not both. Immediately, I knew this is where I was meant to serve!”
“In short order, Tackles For Tots was formed, and I pledged to match every tackle I made that season with a pair of shoes for kids in need. With the support of my family, friends, and community, I was able to raise enough funds to purchase over 112 pairs of shoes the first year.”
That first year, Grant was overwhelmed, and he became more determined to make 2020 even better. “We did that by purchasing over 160 pairs of shoes, which was enough to meet JAFE’s need, as well as distribute extra shoes to the clothing closets at our area schools.”
Tackles For Tots is Grant’s first solo volunteer initiative, but he has always had a volunteer’s heart. “I’m an active member of Leos (a division of Lions Club International), Interact (a division of Rotary), 4H, FFA, and my local church. My volunteer work spans from putting up Christmas decorations at the nursing home and helping at the food pantry to placing flags at the cemetery for veterans on Memorial Day and assisting our local Farm Bureau. Much like the horse community, my hometown is always there to lend a helping hand. I love the sense of community pride from coming together to achieve a common goal.”
Grant is not only a dedicated volunteer, he’s committed to being a community leader as well, and he has some words of advice for his fellow youth about making a difference in the lives of others.
“When it comes to volunteering, there’s no question that all youth should participate. Your light will never go dim by helping others shine a little brighter,” he says. “It’s important to recognize there are volunteer opportunities appropriate for all ages, and it’s never too early or late to start. No act of kindness is too small, and often the most valuable thing we can offer is our time. To get involved, check with your school guidance counselor, local churches, service organizations, animal shelters, and veterans organizations about opportunities in your area. We are all blessed to do what we do, and we should always strive to give more than we get.”
So now that Grant has Tackles For Tots up and running, who thinks an equine related charity is in short order? What about Blues (ribbons) For Boots?! Regardless of what the enterprising young man decides to do in the future, we are certain he will be a smashing success.
If you have a special story to share, email B.Bevis@EquineChronicle.com.
