A Horsedrawn Journey Across America with Michael Muir and the Stonewall Sporthorses of Stonewall Stud



We want you to know about a remarkable group of people in the middle of an incredible horsedrawn journey that began in January 2001. They are traveling three thousand miles in ten months, from Mission San Diego all the way to the White House, making several stops in Arizona.

These intrepid horsemen, with a devoted crew of supporters, are determined to bring their message of hope and inspiration to everyone who is challenged by disability. Indeed, their heartwarming message serves to encourage all of us. The Journey Across America Team will strive to meet the governors of each state to gather political support for programs that benefit people with disabilities. They hope to finish their epic journey meeting the President at the White House.

THE HORSEMEN

Michael Muir, Woodland, California, is a life long horseman and breeder of the beautiful Stonewall Sporthorses. Michael, who has lived with Multiple Sclerosis since 1967, was a TEAM USA Bronze medalist at the World Championship for Drivers with Disabilities, held in Wolfsburg, Germany in 1998. Michael is the great-grandson of the naturalist John Muir. The Journey Across America will retrace the path of Michael's ancestors, from Virginia in 1732 to the gold fields of California in 1849.

The Stonewall Sporthorses are trained by José Hernandez de Legoretta from Jocotitlån, Mexico. He competed across the United States in 2000 and was named to the Mexican Equestrian Team to contend for the World championship. This twenty year old is a born and bred horseman of extraordinary talent and sensitivity. José is legally blind since birth.

Bernhard Kähny, paraplegic since an accident in 1987, has traveled the world to promote horse sports for people with disabilities. He conquered despair over his condition to share his remarkable spirit and horsemanship. Bernhard's goal is to demonstrate how good life can be to those newly diagnosed or injured, visiting therapeutic and rehabilitation centers from coast to coast.

SUPPORT TEAM

Gerry, a native Californian, is also a life long horseman. With a degree in Agriculture Sciences and having horse experience including, polo, 3-day eventing, dressage and even some western pleasure. He has left home and job for this project and is dedicating this effort to his sister, Cheryl Rockwood, sister-in-law Janice Randall and friend Holly Hauptli-Michaelson, all of whom have Multiple Sclerosis.

Ann, an English teacher at Fairfield High School has taken a one semester leave of absence to join the team. She is a graduate of Cal Poly, Pomona where she was an exhibition rider for the Kellogg Arabians, and a charter member of the Beta Kappa chapter of Chi Omega. Her experiences with horses have included endurance riding, summer camp instructor, breeding farm work, show ring driving, and Combined Driving Events. Currently, Ann raises and trains Tennessee Walking Horses at home in Rio Linda, CA.