Justin was owner of EquiPro, where he honed his vast talents as a trainer, rider, and sports farrier. Through his business and interests, he traveled the world and experienced the thrills of adventure and fierce competition.

Justin grew up in the Houston area, excelling in athletics from an early age. He was a T-Ball all star and played the quarterback position on the Elsik High School football team. As an adult, Justin enjoyed fishing and hunting, became a certified SCUBA instructor, and earned a second-degree black belt in karate. Notably, his greatest public achievements came in extreme sports. Justin was an accomplished obstacle racer and highly acclaimed equestrian endurance rider. He competed in Vermont's Spartan Ultra-Beast competition, and shocked the racing world in 2010 by winning the Mongol Derby… recognized with a Guinness World Record as the world's longest multi-horse race. Riders spent up to fourteen hours a day in the saddle, and the race lasted ten days!

A dedicated defender of American liberties, Justin served in the U.S. Navy. His commitment to country was echoed in his commitment to community. In April 2016, Justin made national headlines as "the guy in the red lifevest" and the "Horse Hero" when he risked his life to help save 25 horses during severe Texas flooding.

Justin was a champion of equality. He learned sign language to communicate with close friends who happened to be deaf, and guided physically challenged divers on SCUBA adventures. His creative juices flowed in his love of music. He played the piano and the double base. He even managed to partner on a few tunes with Kenny G.

Undoubtedly, however, Justin's greatest love was reserved for his children, Trinity (14) and Coner (13). Justin was fond of saying: "Love my kids. Love my horses. Love my job. It's a good life."

Justin is survived by his children, parents, sister-Kelli Nelzen, grandparents, neice, stepfather, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Survivors included: Mother- Tamara Nelzen-Horton and husband John, Father-Ross Nelzen, sister-Kelli Anna Nelzen, daughter-Trinity Nelzen, son-Coner Nelzen, aunts-Cristi Diedrich, Jodi Margereiter, Shelly Shou, Kathy Quintero, uncles-Nate Nelzen, Tony Nelzen, cousin-Wade Margereiter, Kristin Diedrich, Alison Diedrich, Steven Nelzen, Nathaniel Nelzen, Doug Nelzen, John Nelzen, niece-Amelie Angelo Neuman, grandparents-Larry and Paula Margereiter, grandmother-Katy Anderson.

Memorial contributions to assist with funeral expenses, continued care for "Lily,"  Justin's favorite horse, and the children's college fund can be made online at https://www.freefunder.com/campaign/Horse-Hero-Funeral-Expenses

Funeral Services will be held 1:00PM, Friday, January 20, 2017 at Magnolia Cowboy Church.