HUMBOLDT — Two local families were hosts to Richard and Jeannette McGrath last week when the couple came through on their way to Maryland. The McGraths have been riding horseback for about 11 months, covering approximately 2,400 miles of their 4,000-mile journey.
While fulfilling a dream Jeannette has had since childhood to ride across the United States, the McGraths are also endeavoring to raise funds for developing facilities at the Hearts Up Ranch in Jackson, Wyo.
The ranch will be used to “provide a safe and encouraging environment using animals, ranch activities, adventure and the love of Christ to promote emotional healing,” their website says.
The couple started north of San Francisco and has been riding approximately 15 miles a day. Four horses and a mule are rotated for riding or packing.
Local Del Shields, also an avid horseman, put the McGraths up when they came this way.
“They stayed with us four days and got warmed up and rested,” Shields said. “I really appreciate their American spirit and the tenacity in what they are doing.”
On Friday they headed to the home of David and Carrie Gant, a little more than 10 miles east of Humboldt. The snow-packed roads, which make it difficult on the animals’ footing, have slowed the travelers’ progress. The McGraths said they have taken advantage of the delays to repair equipment and give the animals needed recovery time.
Even in the midst of Kansas’ current weather, the couple considers this half of the ride as the easy part after having crossed two mountain ranges and the desert.
“We were anxious to see the country and spend time on our horses, but the people we’ve met along the way have been awesome,” Jeannette said. “We have enjoyed them more than anything.”
“The ranch is the motivation (for the cross country trek),” Richard said. “Hearts Up Ranch is a young, non-profit organization and we wanted to do something to catch attention. We want to show people our dedication to the project by what we’re doing.”
Opening his home to the McGraths has been a great experience for David Gant, who has been around horses all his life.
“I love it (having them) and meeting new people that are adventurous,” Gant said. “They come with only their horses, no trailers or beds. That’s the way I’d want to do it. They’re true pioneers.”
Information about the McGraths and a record of the excursion can be viewed on the website, www.heartsupranch.com.
Couple treks U.S. by horse
