Our Team

General Manager

Edward David was raised in Texas in an environment centered on animal care, responsibility, and hands-on involvement. From an early age, he developed a strong sense of accountability and compassion for animals, shaped by formative experiences that required direct participation in treatment, recovery, and long-term care. These early lessons established a foundation that would later influence his approach to equine management and rehabilitation.

Edward’s introduction to horses came through a family friend who owned a rescued horse known for being difficult and unwilling to accept riders other than the owner. Despite repeated warnings, Edward asked for the opportunity to ride the horse. After an initial setback, he calmly regrouped, spent time establishing trust on the ground, and successfully rode the horse. Recognizing Edward’s patience, composure, and natural horsemanship, the owner asked him to return weekly to exercise the horse—a role Edward maintained for nearly a year, gaining foundational riding skills and a deep respect for the horse–human partnership.

Edward later pursued a career in the United States Army, where he advanced through leadership roles and developed a disciplined, systems-based approach to assessment, training, and recovery. He was selected for the advance party during Operation Desert Storm and later contributed to the development of operational procedures that were adopted at a large military installation. These experiences reinforced the importance of consistency, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making—principles that would later translate directly into equine rehabilitation work.

Following his military service, Edward transitioned into law enforcement and international training roles, where he continued to build expertise in instruction, program development, and operational oversight. His work required precise evaluation, monitoring, and structured recovery planning—skills that parallel the demands of managing equine injury and rehabilitation programs.

Edward’s return to hands-on equine care began while working on a private farm, where he assisted with the daily management of horses. When horses became ill or injured, Edward became directly involved in their treatment and recovery. Drawing on his extensive background in assessment and rehabilitation, he recognized that the foundational principles of recovery—careful observation, consistency, documentation, and follow-through—remain constant across disciplines. He has since assisted in the rehabilitation of horses ranging from minor abscesses to post-operative recovery following major surgical procedures, including cases requiring extended rehabilitation timelines.

In recognition of his dedication and growing expertise, Edward was invited to assist in the development of Helios Equine. He spent several years researching equine rehabilitation methods, technologies, and best practices, working closely with the owners to help establish a disciplined, individualized approach to care. His contributions helped shape Helios Equine’s emphasis on accountability, evidence-based protocols, and horse-specific rehabilitation programs.

Edward’s background reflects a unique integration of horsemanship, structured leadership, and rehabilitation-focused care. His experience supports a methodical, outcome-driven approach grounded in respect for the horse and a commitment to long-term soundness and recovery.

Edward and his wife own three horses—Patches, Cyrus, and Chance. While his wife previously competed, she now rides recreationally, continuing their shared passion for horses and horsemanship.

Equine Technician

Michelle LeCroy brings more than 42 years of hands-on equine experience, beginning her career at the age of 10. After four years of formal riding instruction, she developed a deep commitment to both English and Western disciplines. By age 17, Michelle was actively competing in jumper divisions under the mentorship of a range of trainers, including an Olympic-level coach.

Her competitive career includes significant success in hunter-jumper events, followed by an expansion into purchasing, training, and selling horses. During this period, she also competed in barrel racing alongside her daughter through the National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA). As the demands of raising four children increased, Michelle made the decision to step back from competition while remaining fully engaged in horse care and management.

Throughout this phase, she was responsible for the daily care, conditioning, and rehabilitation of six competitive horses, gaining extensive practical experience in injury recovery and long-term soundness. Her professional path advanced further when she worked for a Warmblood breeding operation, where she collaborated closely with ownership—including a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine—gaining valuable insight into injury management, rehabilitation protocols, and breeding strategies.

In 2021, Michelle joined the Helios team, where she applies her decades of experience to contemporary equine care and rehabilitation practices. Her background, spanning competition, training, rehabilitation, and breeding, provides a well-rounded and deeply informed approach to equine management.

Equine Technician

Taylor was raised in a family deeply rooted in equestrian activities, fostering a lifelong passion for horses from an early age. Her riding journey began in infancy, when she was first placed in a saddle by family members—an early start that allowed her to develop a broad and well-rounded skill set across multiple disciplines.

She initially focused on English riding, competing in eventing, which integrates dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. These disciplines demand precision, adaptability, and athleticism, enabling Taylor to develop strong fundamentals in balance, control, and course navigation under varying conditions.

Taylor later transitioned into Western riding, specializing in sorting and cutting, where she gained hands-on experience working cattle and honing the strategic thinking, timing, and teamwork required for effective livestock management. She also competed in speed events, including barrel racing and pole bending, disciplines that require rapid decision-making, agility, and a high level of horse-and-rider synchronization.

In addition to her riding career, Taylor is actively involved in starting and training young horses, with a strong emphasis on developing correct foundations, confidence, and long-term soundness. Throughout her career, she has worked alongside and learned from a wide range of equine professionals across multiple disciplines, allowing her to integrate diverse training philosophies and techniques into her own approach.

Taylor has consistently provided a high standard of care for her horses, with extensive experience in first aid, injury management, and rehabilitation. She is now incorporating advanced equine technologies into her care practices, applying her deep understanding of equine biometrics—including vital signs, movement patterns, and overall physiology—to guide informed, horse-specific treatment decisions.

Her extensive background in English and Western disciplines, ranch work, young horse development, and rehabilitation has given Taylor a comprehensive understanding of horsemanship and a profound respect for the partnership between horse and rider.

Equine Technician

Kylie Johnson’s lifelong passion for horses began in early childhood. At the age of eight, she and her mother trained her first colt, marking the start of a hands-on equestrian journey that included extensive trail riding both independently and alongside her mother. Raised on a working farm surrounded by goats, chickens, and rabbits, Kylie developed a strong foundation in animal care and responsibility from a young age. In addition, she devoted time to rehabilitating injured wildlife, further broadening her experience with animal health and recovery.

Kylie was gathering goats and calves on horseback, gaining practical ranch experience that strengthened her riding skills and livestock-handling abilities. At 14, she began her first formal job caring for barn animals, including pigs and cows, developing a disciplined work ethic and a deep understanding of daily animal management.

Kylie advanced into a leadership role managing a petting barn, where she was responsible for animal care, facility operations, and public interaction. This position provided valuable experience in both husbandry and customer engagement.

Kylie married and welcomed her first child. She assumed the role of Assistant Manager at a private barn, overseeing the daily care of ten privately owned horses. Her responsibilities included managing nutrition programs, monitoring overall health, and maintaining consistent standards of care. That same year, she acquired her first barrel horse and began competing on the National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA) circuit, further expanding her practical equine experience.

Kylie’s background reflects a strong blend of horsemanship, ranch work, animal management, and competitive riding, all grounded in a lifelong commitment to responsible and compassionate animal care.