US Marine Veteran Inspires Hope and Breaks Records With Cross-Country Horse Trip

Matt Perella rode his horse, Buck, more than 2,500 miles across the United States to raise awareness on the need for a planned ranch to help disabled veterans.

Matt Perella takes a swim with his dog, Raffe, and horse, Buck, in the Colorado River in Parker, Ariz., on April 29, 2023. Courtesy of Matt Perella

Matt Perella was staring at a tattered wall in a roach-infested motel, trying to salvage his life. The former Marine grew a sprawling business in New York City, throwing lavish parties for celebrities like Jimmy Buffett, Calvin Klein, and Martha Stewart. But the COVID pandemic took everything from him, leaving Mr. Perella with nothing. His beloved city was barren. He was homeless, penniless, and in a mountain of debt.

For the second time since losing it all in 2020, Mr. Perella looked across the room and saw his gun. He was stuck in a “rabbit hole” with no way out, he said. But when he tried to get up to grab his firearm, his rescue dog Raffe jumped on him, pinning Mr. Perella to the floor. Raffe did this the first time when Mr. Perella wanted to kill himself, and now Raffe was doing it again.