I’m Arturo Curiel, a teacher, coach, professional dancer, and small business owner who’s been operating out of Golden for the past several years. My business, SoZo Horsemanship, is dedicated to improving the lives of horses and riders by supporting individuals to become mindful in their conversations with their equine partners for reciprocal healing. I also run Embodied Wellness and Fitness, a coaching service with a mission to support the fitness and wellness goals of individuals through a holistic lens. Golden has a long equestrian history that has been a staple of our unique culture.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career/accomplishments. What do you love most about what you do?
In the spring of 2015, I entered the Extreme Mustang Makeover. It is a 90-day program designed to pair trainers and horsemen with untouched wild Mustangs in hopes of unveiling adoptable equine partners. The horses learn to be handled for veterinary and farrier work, to ride, and to trust humans. The program concludes with a showcase that is made up of three events: handling and conditioning, trail, and a complex maneuvers pattern. I drew a 5-year-old, dappled bay mare from the Muskrat Basin in Wyoming. Day 1, she arrived fearful and insecure. The days following, she learned to speak my language, and I learned hers. She grew to have great confidence and taught me to find my own. She was the best teacher, reminding me to live mindfully. After the 90 days, she was able to show beautifully and meet a fantastic adopter. She was the horse that really allowed me to believe that one could make a career out of their passion.
In the future, I hope to empower the community at large through holistic wellness care as well as develop a strong equestrian community of empowered horses and people in Golden.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants or breweries in our community?
My favorite restaurant is Thai Gold. I found it one day while walking around the town. I was surprised when I found it because it has such a unique and intimate feel to it. I recommend the Pad Thai; spice level 6 is perfect. It’s a little spicy, but it’s perfect and so good. I highly recommend it! It speaks to Golden’s role in providing inclusive spaces to serve and welcome diversity.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
My journey in Golden started at the age of 12 at the World Famous Westernaires, a nonprofit organization serving the youth equestrian community of Golden. My weekends were filled with horses and friends–tired after long and disciplined practices. We would load up our horses at the end of the day, welcomed by beautiful sunsets. My horse journey continued as I found a wonderful horse training internship on Table Mountain. That internship exposed me to other opportunities that led me to starting SoZo Horsemanship. While it’s been 17 years, it’s gone by so quickly and I feel honored to be part of the Golden identity!
Q: What is one of your favorite hiking or biking trails?
Clear Creek has a very close place in my heart. Weekends are filled with life as people gather to take in the songs of the creek. My first date was at Clear Creek. I remember laying on a blanket staring up at the stars listening to the creek. Since then, my family visits often, either for a nice, easy walk or tubing in the summer. If you see a pink flamingo tube, we are still looking for ours. LOL!
Q: What advice would you give to yourself 10 years ago?
I would tell my 19-year-old self to look past the fears and notice all the wonderful people in your corner. I’m not the person I am today simply because of hard work; I am who I am because of the people I’ve connected with and the people that have nurtured me. Thank you, God, for the wonderful people that have nourished my path and for the paths that I am able to pour into.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
One of my favorite things about Golden is how active the community is. The Golden community represents some of the things that give Colorado its essence. It brings people from all walks of life together to appreciate the outdoors and the joy of living in a close knit community.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I went to high school at the Denver Center for International Studies. We had a specialized program focused on international engagement and cultural immersion. In my sophomore year, I had the privilege to travel to Kenya as part of a food sustainability project where I was hosted by a family in Mount Kenya as our group explored solutions to pressing food insecurity issues and to Thailand to work in providing veterinary care to elephants that have suffered explosive landmine injuries. In my junior year, I partnered with Denver Sister Cities on a program to create relations between Ulanbattar, Mongolia, and Denver. I was welcomed by a host family, and my host brother and I still speak today. I am so grateful for the experiences that have shaped my wonder for the world and for the people that have been part of my journey.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
I am inspired by one of my great friends that I met at Westernaires in my youth. Brittany Johnston is an athlete, coach, world traveler, and philanthropist. Brittany is a light in her community and engages in purposeful exploration for greater good.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Community. Wellness. Horses.
