JAMES L. BARTON

Born with Cerebral Palsy, Jim Barton was unable to feed himself or even sign his name, but that didn't stop him from graduating from Detroit's Osborn High School and eventually earning his bachelor's degree in mathematics from the University of Michigan in 1971. A job with IBM took Barton to Texas in 1981, and that is where he discovered his natural ability as a horseman. He joined a therapeutic horseback-riding program, and it wasn't long before Barton began riding competitively. Experiencing great success through what is now the United States Cerebral Palsy Athletic Association, Barton's equestrian talents brought him to Sweden and the 1987 International World Championship for the Disabled where he captured a gold medal. Wanting others to enjoy the satisfaction and freedom he received from riding, Barton was instrumental in establishing a non-profit organization called Riding Unlimited, a therapeutic riding program designed to benefit youngsters with disabilities.