Pacific Crest Trail Ride for Parkinson’s

Bart Switzer & Emmett Trek for Parkinson’s
Along California’s Pacific Crest Trail

About Bart & Emmett’s Journey

In April 2013, Bart Switzer and his horse Emmett, along with their pack mule, Ty, will embark upon a nearly six month, 2,650-mile trek up California’s majestic Pacific Crest Trail to raise awareness about Parkinson’s, and funds to support promising research, programs and services of the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego.

Proceeds from Bart and Emmett’s trek will also support Parkinson’s organization throughout California, Oregon and Washington that wish to join in.

“I’m riding to honor and remember Larry Price, a friend from my school days in Iowa who had Parkinson’s, and who died last September, as well as for all U.S. Veterans who have been diagnosed with PD. Please join me in supporting this great cause and help those with this challenging disease.”

~ Bart Switzer

Before the ride begins in April of 2013, Bart’s days will be spent training with Emmett, a 9-year old Paint Horse who has blue eyes. Emmett has worked ranch and cattle horse jobs his whole life before joining the San Diego Equine Unit. Emmett’s calm temperment earned him the nickname… Bomb Proof

Ride or Hike with Bart & Emmett on the Pacific Crest Trail

Be part of this exciting adventure and help people with Parkinson’s! Horse Clubs and individuals from California, Oregon and Washington are welcome to join Bart and Emmett for any leg of their journey.

Bart and Emmett will start their journey in Campo, CA, near the Mexican border, and end their trek in Washington at the Canadian border in August 2013. En route, they will cross the Mojave and Anza Borrego deserts, the Laguna Mountains, the San Bernardino-San Gabriel Mountains, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Cascade Range and the Siskiyou Mountains where elevations range from 180 to 13,200 feet above sea level.

About Bart

Bart grew up in the small farming town of Independence, IA near the home of his high school classmate, Larry Price. Bart and his wife. Vonnie recently visited Iowa to attend Bart’s 50th high school reunion. Parkinson’s had become an ever-present reality in Larry’s life, who was diagnosed with PD more than a decade ago.

Larry fought a valiant battle against PD but passed away in 2011, followed by the passing of his devoted wife and care partner, Judy in 2012. On the flight back to San Diego, Bart and Vonnie began to visioning Bart’s dream of riding the Pacific Coast Trail in honor of Larry, and to raise funds to improve the quality of life for patients and families coping with Parkinson’s. Read more …

About Vonnie

Vonnie will be coordinating the logistics during their journey, resupplying Bart and Emmett over the course of their 2,650 mile ride, and will also be working with Parkinson’s Associations in California, Oregon and Washington. Read more …

About Emmet

Emmett, standing 15.3 hands high, is a 9-year old registered Paint Horse with Tabiano Cremello coloring and blue eyes. He was born in Nebraska and was a ranch horse in Nebraska and South Dakota working cattle and other ranch jobs for his first 5 years. Read more …

About Ty

Accompanying Bart and Emmett will be their pack mule, Ty who will be carrying needed equipment, food and water. He was named after the famous bull rider Ty Murray, a world champion rodeo cowboy, and co-founder of the Professional Bull Riders Association.

For more information on how you can support Bart and Emmett’s cause, and help Parkinson’s patients and their families, please contact the Parkinson’s Association of San Diego at 858-273-6763 or Toll-Free at 877-737-7576, or e-mail contactus@parkionsonsassociation.org.