Man riding across America on horseback treks through Pennsylvania

SHAMOKIN -- A man on horseback riding across America to raise awareness of a wild horse adoption program through the federal government traveled through central Pennsylvania on Monday.

Jake Harvath's 7,000-mile-plus continuous horseback journey, called the "Year of the Mustang," took him from Lavelle to Stonington, in lower Northumberland County, on Monday.

Harvath, a 24-year-old colt trainer and farrier, has already traveled from his home state of Utah to the Atlantic Coast and is now trekking to California with his American mustang horses, Denver and Eddy.

Harvath rode on the sidewalk and northbound shoulder of Route 61 at the Cameron Bridge, just outside Shamokin, before making his way to Center Street in Tharptown. He then rode past Clark's Feed Mill, in Ralpho Township, catching the attention of many motorists.

Harvath's goal is to bring awareness to the plight of the mustang, wild horses that were once a symbol of an untamed country, but now struggle to keep their place in it.

He hopes to inspire people to pursue their dreams and discover their purpose through courage, hard work and perseverance.

People can follow the Harvath's journey as it happens through videos on YouTube and other social media platforms under "Year of the Mustang."

Mustangs, he said in video explaining the journey, is a slang term for wild horses that roam in the western states, adding that there are a great number in government captivity, through the Bureau of Land Management, and available for adoption.

Harvath said Denver and Eddy came from herd management areas, of which there are 177 across 10 western states. Mustangs, he continued, are accustomed to traveling 25-plus miles a day in search of food and water in various environments.

Harvath has been on the road with Denver and Eddy for nine months, covering more than 3,000 miles. He seeks overnight accommodations for himself and the animals, but, otherwise, does not have a support team.

"I've had lots of help along the way," Harvath said Monday.

He said mustangs are trainable and "incredible" partners, making them worthy of adoption.

Harvath said, "What better way to showcase that than a journey like this?"