PTSD Awareness - Trail Rides Across America
My name is Michelle Berling and I am the owner of BB Barn. I was a first responder as a fire fighter/paramedic, police officer and SWAT negotiator for over 27 years. PTSD has been a part of my life for years and is a debilitating disorder. I recently got out of law enforcement to focus on my recovery. It was during my therapy and talking to others with PTSD that I came up with the idea of Trail Rides Across America.
Trail Rides Across America Mission
Trail Rides Across America is a mission close to my heart. It started by working with Equine Therapeutic Riding Facilities across the country, traveling to their locations where we had a fundraising event for their facility to raise awareness about PTSD, a condition that affects so many lives. Through this journey, I was able to connect with individuals and organizations, share stories, and spread understanding about this often-misunderstood issue. On our maiden journey, I traveled with my service dog, Ryker, my horse, Mad Jack, and my donkey, Nelson. All funds raised went back into the equine therapy facilities who have their boots on the ground servicing those in need everyday.
Our current goal is to become a non-profit so we can continue to help first responders, veterans and those who suffer from PTSD by continuing to spread the word around the country and also to provide a safe location at BB Barn for people to come get away and partner with the animals in their journey to live with PTSD. Together, we can make an impact and support those who need it most. Thank you for your kindness and support! 🙏💙
Meet Mad Jack
Mad Jack is an 18-year-old Mustang cross, who was rescued by Copper Horse Crusade from a kill pen. BB Barn adopted him and welcomed him into the family on January 3, 2025. Jack has ears that had the tips frostbitten off. He also had some unknown trauma to his head leaving visible white scarring all over his face. Oh the stories this boy could probably tell.
Jack was named after WWII Veteran Jack Churchill. Jack Churchill was a British soldier who was known by his troops as a great leader, and bold fighter who had unique skills that contributed to his own survival and that of his troops. Jack Churchill fought armed with a longbow, arrows, a Scottish broadsword and bagpipes which led him to getting the nickname "Mad Jack".
Jack is the sweetest boy ever and is now spoiled rotten and working hard to get conditioned for this amazing journey!
Meet Ryker
Ryker is a Doberman in training to be my PTSD service dog. This boy has been a lifesaver and is excited to be coming along on the Trail Rides Across America trip!
Fun facts about Ryker:
Ryker is a foodie. He will pretty much do anything for a good treat, as long as it's not his dogfood.
Favorite toy: stuffed reindeer.
Favorite restaurant: Village Perks Coffee Shop - they always give him a pup cup!
Bad habit: taking all the leaves off of mom's indoor plants
He is a gym rat! Loves hanging out at the gym.
Favorite time of the day: End of the day when he can cuddle on the couch
Loves hanging out with our housebroken bunnies, Stompie and Bean!
Meet Nelson
We adopted Nelson from Little Patch of Heaven rescue in Morrow, Ohio. Nelson is a 4-year-old Jack. He is the sweetest boy and he knows it. He lures in all the visitors to the barn with his gorgeous curly hair and long ears knowing he will get plenty of treats. He is definitely the talk of the barn and will be joining us on the trails for this amazing adventure!
Nelson LOVES treats and will heehaw you with a greeting trying to lure you over to give him some! He has a kind gentle soul and loves getting out with Mad Jack and Ryker on the trails; so much that, if we leave him behind he runs the fence calling to let us know we forgot him!
The Original Route 2025
Below is the route we will be taking and the dates we will be riding! If you are interested in riding at any of the legs of the route, reach out to BB Barn to get the details. We would love to have you! I will be adding rides as they are confirmed.
Sept. 2, 2025 - Courage Rock Stable (Monticello, IN)
Sept. 4, 2025 - Excelsior Ranch (Princrton, IOWA)
Sept. 6, 2025 - Operation Horse's Heal (Westboro, WISCONSIN)
Sept. 8, 2025 - Sica Hollow State Park (Sioux Falls, SOUTH DAKOTA)
Sept. 10-11, 2025 - Bridle Ridge Horse Camp (Custer, SOUTH DAKOTA) - Plan to ride a trail past Mt. Rushmore
Sept. 13, 2025 - BLM Public Lands (Near FortWashakie, WYOMING)
Sept. 15, 2025 - Uhlhorn Trail head - BLM Public lands (Lewistown, MONTANA)
Sept. 17, 2025 - Chelan Saddle Club (Chelan, WASHINGTON)
Sept. 18, 2025 - Bullard Beach State Park (Bandon, OREGON)
Sept. 20, 2025 - Equisoul Mind and Body (Wilton, CALIFORNIA)
Sept. 21, 2025 - Therapeutic Riding Center of Huntington Beach (Huntington Beach, CALIFORNIA)
Sept. 22, 2025 -Stables of Living Free Animal Sanctuary War Horse Creek (Mountain Center, CALIFORNIA)
Sept. 25, 2025 - Horses-4Heroes’ The Ranch (Las Vegas, NEVADA)
Sept. 27, 2025 - Valley of the Gods BLM Public Lands, (Mexican Hat, UTAH)
Sept. 29, 2025 - Prague Lake Campground (Prague, OKLAHOMA)
Oct. 1, 2025 - Devil's Den State Park (West Fork, ARKANSAS)
Oct. 3, 2025 - Village Creek State Park (Wynne, ARKANSAS)
Oct. 5, 2025 - True West Canpground (Jamestown, TENNESSEE)
Sponsors
This is a great opportunity for those who want to help us create the biggest impact for PTSD Awareness!
Contact us. We would love to work with you!
513-907-1867