
Army Special Forces veteran Ray Knell travels through Yellowstone National Park with Ben Masters, an acquaintance who recently rode a similar, yet longer, ride up the Continental Divide Trail on horseback in 2013. Knell invited Masters on a portion of his solo, 1000 mile ride from Lake George, Colorado to Bozeman, Montana for the veterans group Heroes and Horses.

Army Special Forces veteran Ray Knell, right, hugs his father, Philip Knell, as Ray sets off on a three-month, 1000 mile journey to Montana along the Continental Divide Trail. Knell is donating money he raised, trail gear and his three mules and one mare to veterans program Heroes and Horses when he arrives at their ranch in Montana.

Army Special Forces veteran Ray Knell attempts to calm down his mare, Mustang Sally, in a small pen at M Lazy C Ranch before taking his pack string out for their first overnight trip near Lake George, Colorado in preparation for a three-month, 1000 mile journey to Montana along the Continental Divide Trail.

Army Special Forces veteran Ray Knell travels through Yellowstone National Park with Ben Masters, an acquaintance who recently rode a similar, yet longer, ride up the Continental Divide Trail on horseback in 2013. Knell invited Masters on a portion of his solo, 1000 mile ride from Lake George, Colorado to Bozeman, Montana for the veterans group Heroes and Horses.

Army Special Forces veteran Ray Knell slaps a sign marking the southern border of Yellowstone National Park as he nears the end of his solo, 1000 mile ride from Lake George, Colorado to Manhattan, Montana. "I knew if I made it to Yellowstone I had no excuse not to finish," Knell said as he crossed into the park.

Army Special Forces veteran Ray Knell travels through Yellowstone National Park with Ben Masters, an acquaintance who recently rode a similar, yet longer, ride up the Continental Divide Trail on horseback in 2013. Knell invited Masters on a portion of his solo, 1000 mile ride from Lake George, Colorado to Bozeman, Montana for the veterans group Heroes and Horses.