Utah Horseman Tackles 6,000 Miles Across 25 States to Raise Awareness of Wild Horse Crisis

After an incredible journey spanning 14 months and 6,000 miles, 25-year-old Jake Harvath concluded his epic ride with a heartfelt return to his hometown of Charleston, Utah. Accompanied by his trusted white mare, Bella, and two mustangs, Denver and Eddy, Harvath rode down Highway 189, unfazed by the modern vehicles whizzing past.

This adventure was far from ordinary. It involved navigating busy highways, remote trails, and even braving blizzards. Reflecting on his journey across 25 states, which took him from Utah to New Jersey and back, Jake described the experience as a testament to the resilience of wild horses, a cause he passionately advocated throughout the ride.

Known as the “Year of the Mustang,” Jake’s expedition aimed to raise awareness for the challenges facing wild horses. He highlighted the increasing pressures from grazing, population growth, and development that have made life difficult for these iconic animals. Jake noted, “Traffic was among the biggest challenges I confronted, emblematic of how wild horses feel constricted in a human-dominated world.”

Despite the numerous obstacles, including a harrowing swim across the Delaware River, Jake remained focused on his mission. He hoped to inspire others to consider adopting Bureau of Land Management (BLM) mustangs as part of the solution to the wild horse crisis, which has seen the population exceed sustainable limits.

With the BLM spending nearly $159 million last year to manage wild horse populations, Jake’s journey serves as a call to action. By showcasing the potential of mustangs as reliable companions and workhorses, he sought to challenge the perception that they are dangerous or uncontrollable.

Upon his return to Sage Creek Equestrian Center, Jake was met with cheers from about 30 friends and family members who had gathered to celebrate his safe homecoming. As he dismounted Bella, she affectionately nuzzled against him, signaling the profound bond they had developed over the journey.

Reflecting on the support he received, Jake expressed gratitude for the numerous individuals who had helped throughout his ride, from farmers to fellow horse enthusiasts. He relied heavily on social media and a GoFundMe campaign that raised over $38,000 to fund his travels. “It became a national effort; I was able to talk to countless people about the wild horse crisis and advocate for their adoption,” he stated.

In addition to raising awareness, Jake aimed to set a record for the longest continuous horse pack trip in the U.S. While he initially planned to cover 7,000 miles, he altered his route to ensure he could complete the journey before winter. Based on his research, he believes he has indeed achieved a new record.

The journey not only transformed Jake and his horses but also connected him with a diverse array of people. Despite the sociopolitical tensions of an election year, he noted a shared camaraderie among those he met. “I genuinely believe there’s good people everywhere,” he remarked, emphasizing how positive interactions transcended political divides.

As for future plans, Jake intends to further advocate for wild horses while documenting and sharing stories from ranchers and horse trainers across the country. Though he is back in Utah for now, he is eager to continue spreading awareness about wild horses, stating confidently, “We’re going to take this to the whole world.”