John Slatton served nearly eight years in the US Army as an infantryman. He served in combat in Iraq 2006-2007 where he was wounded twice. Due to injuries sustained he was rendered non-deployable and had to seek a new home within the Army. He found that home with the Fort Carson Mounted Color Guard, where he served from 2008-2013 when he was medically retired. During his tenure on the FCMCG, he served as a “lead rider,” section sergeant, training sergeant, horse trainer, mule skinner, packer, and saddler. Johnny worked with units across the Army to include teaching packing and riding to 10th SFG and running opfor for 2bde/101st Abn. He competed in the National Cavalry Competition with the FCMCG in 2009, 2010, and 2011, winning the General Bolte Cup in 2011. Upon discharge from the Army, John joined the US Cavalry School. He has since taught Cavalry Tactics to hundreds of students at the squad, platoon, and company level. He competed twice more at the NCC with the USCS. John has held national level riding instructor certifications as well as holding NRA instructor certs. He is also a certified Mounted Police Instructor. John founded Horse Soldier Training and Consulting in 2025 to teach combined horse and infantry tactics to the prepared citizen.