January 25th

Lady Longrider Prepares for New Journey

Bernice Ende is currently at home in Northwestern Montana, working to prepare herself and her animals for the 3,000-mile ride of 2008. She is enjoying the hospitality of Mark and Theodora Rice, who have graciously provided a training location for Bernice to work with her horses.

This year, a new addition to Bernice's entourage is Essie Pearl, a six-year-old Norwegian Fjord. Essie Pearl is currently learning to work efficiently with Honor, Bernice's nine-year-old thouroughbred mare, and Claire, Bernice's faithful dog.  Bernice is pleased with Essie Pearl's previous training, willingness to learn, and compatibility with the other horse and dog. It is vital that all the animals work together and with Bernice as a team. To accomplish this, meticulous training is essential.
Essie Pearl will be Bernice's pack horse, and also double as a mount for Claire, saving some mileage on Claire's paws. In the midst of jokes about her "dog and pony show," Bernice teaches Claire to balance among the packs that will be arranged on Essie Pearl's broad back. She says that Claire "just loves" to ride, and the little Fjord is remarkably agreeable to anything asked of her--even carrying a dog.
Outfitter's supply is donating the packs for Essie Pearl, which will give Bernice the ability to carry more food, perhaps even a book! Thanks to Sportsman Haus, of Kalispell, Montana, Bernice will benefit from the luxury of a tent this year.
She is still using last year's saddle, which she says is broken in to perfection, although Tucker Saddle's made a generous offer of a new saddle. Instead, Tucker's has generously substitued a monetary contribution, much needed for the outset of the ride.

Bernice plans to depart from Kalispell, Montana, near mid-February if possible. She and the animals will be driven by a hauler as far as Death Valley, where the new team will get some practical experience working together on the trail before coming to any towns.

The main focus of this year's ride will be Bernice's informative and inspirational "pass-the-hat" talks, an essential part of her ride's focus and funding. The more talks made available for her, the better for this year's riding endeavor.

Updates on Bernice's progress will appear on this site at regular intervals, as well as a map of Bernice's route.

To schedule talks or receive more information, please contact Bernice's agents at: endehomebase@yahoo.com

February 21st

A message from Bernice:
Triple Farms, Mohave Valley, Arizona .---------------- I am sure the horses, Essie Pearl and Honor, must be wondering just what is going on. Last week they were in sub zero temperatures and last night they stood out with warm winds from the west that brought rain and thunder.They are tasting fresh grass, hot afternoons and they're winter coats must seem much to warm for them. We are in our final days of preparations for our 2008 ride.The High Plains Saddle from Tuckers and the new Saddle pack and gear from Outfitters Supply are clean and oiled. The packs weight out, organized as best I can at this stage of the ride. It is one thing to talk about doing a long ride it is quite another to actually do it. Even as I prepare for my third ride, with over 7000 miles under my saddle I still feel a sense of " well I wonder if I will make it".
We, Honor, Claire, Essie Pearl and I, are guests of Suzanne Evans and Jake Baker owners of Triple Farms where Suzanne gives riding lessons, trains, and boards horses.  I rode through here last year, and had no intention of staying longer then an over night. Well nearly a week later I was still here and felt like part of the family. I made all of my preparations to cross Death Valley from here. Suzanne made sure I had every thing I needed before leaving while Rosalie and John, her parents fed me.  Now here I am again, with Suzanne making sure I have  everything I need. Essie Pearl and Honor are just out side in a small green pasture. Claire trots about as if she were at home and I am finishing up lose ends as they say.
  I had originally planned on leaving from Death Valley on this years journey but the haul down did not work out. Richard Costoff and Beverly Dudie were kind enough to trailer us down on their way to Mexico, dropping us off here in in Mohave Valley, AZ across from Needles, CA. So here we are again enjoying the generosity and hospitality of the Evans family. Suzanne has been giving riding lessons and training horses for 30 years. Young students, parents and people boarding horses are coming and going all day. It is more like an after school youth program, she is obviously loved by a whole lot of people around here. For a Northern girl like me to be sitting in the back yard enjoying a warm evening and barbecue on a February night seems pretty far off, but we did on our first night here at Triple Farms. The Desert News from Needles came over to interview us and many guests arrived for the evening.
I have tasted delicious fresh tomatoes from Rosalie's garden and am now in a T-shirt in stead of heavy wool sweaters. The warm winds blow dust, the birds are a delight to hear as I make my final preparations to begin this years ride. Many, Many thanks to all of the folks here in Mohave Valley that have helped in one way or another, with contributions to the ride, words of encouragement or blessings.  And of course to Suzanne, Jake and Jake's brother Josh and to Suzanne's parents Rosalie and John. a big heart felt THANK YOU.....Let the ride begin, Happy Trails.......Bernice Ende
February 29th

Due to unexpected weather conditions, Bernice will not be continuing to Yuma, as planned. Instead, she will head North and East.
Bernice contacted us to let us know that temperatures are too high to continue riding South. The horses still have their winter coats, and keeping the animals and herself hydrated will be too difficult at this point. She will probably be re-directing her route toward Prescott & Phoenix. She will continue to update us as she knows more.
April 7th

A message from Bernice:
Greetings to all of you who follow the ride...We arrived in Prescott, AZ. late Sunday evening (April 7th,08) after a long 30 mile ride from Palace Station high in the Bradshaw Mountains.  I came up from Maricopa  where I had a wonderful visit with my Aunt Carolyn and her husband Joe. We rode north along power line roads and county dirt roads to
Rainbow Valley where I met and was "put up" by many generous family's along that 7 day ride. The weather has been good if not a bit hot for these northerly girls. We camped at many interesting places, backyards, along canal ditches, an empty  lot in Maricopa, and several campsites in the wide open spaces of the Sonora Desert. Have had more than one rattler shake a warning at me. Lost two horse shoes and one easy boot. Saw some of the most spectacular desert flowers one could see. Shook hands with, talked with, shared stories with many friendly, interested and curious people. Walked many miles, rode even more. Stopped In Crown King, AZ. for a week long visit with friends I had met on last years ride. Washed up in clean, ice cold clear running creeks, and fell asleep under brilliant stars dazzling my weary eyes. It has been a good ride. Now into about 7 weeks and 450 miles of this years 3000 mile ride. Claire likes her new accommodations on the back of Essie Pearl and Essie Pearl seems content to have the responsibility as Claire's riding horse. It is nothing to have Claire clambor up Essie's haunches to her seat on Essie's back. Honor and Essie Pearl are inseparable, even though there is a constant bickering that goes on between them like sisters. I must remember that we have only been together as a team for 3 months, even though it has been 24 hrs a day 7 days a week it will take many, many more months before we are a well oiled team that moves with unity.. I am proud of Essie Pearl and her Fjord nature is well suited for all that a horse must endure with traffic noise, packs of dogs, bicycles, 4-wheelers, trains, plastic bags clinging to fences you name it she will have to brave it and she does and does it well. She is strong, easy to keep weight on and provides a broad base for Claire to ride comfortably on. Honors load is greatly reduced which allows me to ride a bit more then I did on last years 5000 mile ride. She and I have developed a deep easy relationship. She humbles me with her show of affection towards me, her soft nuzzle that gently lets me know she needs something, or the quick response I get when I ask something of her. I think back on our beginning and how difficult it was for both of us, she was a gamble no doubt about it , and now look at her with enormous pride.
  We will be here in Prescott until next week, the guest of Gary and Sharon DeLanoy who were kind enough to host our stay last year. This is not a "rest stop" however , there is much to do. Repairs to be made, errands to run and hopefully give many talks in the community. I am pleased to report that all of us are well. No one has any sores of any kind. I will re-shoe the horses, clean and oil tack, look at the next 100 miles of the route north to Flagstaff and get caught up with emails. I can't thank all of those who have been kind enough to stop and offer food or a place to camp or a hot shower or a cold drink of water or who have been the curious and interested and have stopped to share a story or to hear a story. I will say again, you have been the embellishment of the rides and I could not do these rides with out the help of many people.  until next time 
Happy Trails
Lady Long Rider Bernice Ende

April 24th

A message from Bernice:
Greetings to all of you following this years 3000 mile ride. Well we are now finishing up with talks in Flagstaff AZ. and will be heading out  on Sunday the 27Th of April  for Albuquerque N.M.  So lets see......  we have come about 500 miles in the past 7 weeks., from 90 degree weather to 16 degree's above 0 in the Coconino National Forest  south of Flagstaff. While I hear about  the snow storm's up there in Montana  it is a constant series of sunny days that I ride in, I can now see why there are so many snowbirds.  After we left Maricopa where I had visited my Aunt, we headed North and rode along the E side of Phoenix  Thru Suprise, riding power line rods 4-wheeler Rd's, canal Rd's, ditch Rd's until we made  our way  into the Bradshaw Mt's. and up into Crown King, AZ. a town I rode Thru last year and was caught in a snow storm and stayed for 4 days and met a town that I would not forget and had to return  to. They held us hostage for a week and treated us like celebrities( and took Essie Pearl into the Saloon) until Good Morning Arizona arrived to do a feature story about  their historical town. We had a great visit , like riding home,many wonderful folks . We then  rode into Prescott for a week of talks at schools, retirement centers and a couple of private homes. I so enjoy the speaking engagements, It is an opportunity to share the story , hear other stories and possibly inspire other people to reach past their own fears to  dreams and hopes  not yet realized. Sharon and Gary DeLanoy were again my host and hostess as they were on last years ride Thur the town of Prescott. Many thanks to both of them for putting up with me again, ask them and they will tell you it gets pretty hectic on these stop overs. After Prescott we headed up  to Chino Valley and east along back Rd's , rough, rugged country . The moon was coming full and the nights were perfect, warm no bugs. Lots of  wear  and tear on Honors and Essie Pearls new horseshoes. Came into Jerome from the North  made our way Thur to Clarkdale via power line Rd's, were put up by the Perkins Ranch. Made our way across more rugged terrain into Sedona, but there was water and there is grass  unlike last year when we crossed this area. Sedona was breathtaking and I thought I would cause an accident with so many people stopping to take photos of Essie Pearl and Claire on board as we rode along busy hwy 89 walking along the side walk... I must admit it is quite the sight and I have had more photos then I could possibly count taken of those  two. It took us 4 hours to go from Dry Creek road to Sneebly Hill Road  ( 4 miles)where we were put up at the Rancho Sedona RV Park for two nights the owner Margret Fry was a horse woman and just happened to have a empty corral. I was able to wash up and wash clothes and  Margret even treated me to a Pink Jeep ride to see some of Sedona I would not have otherwise have seen.  It is some of the most beautiful country I have ever ridden  thru. We got a good rest  and then it  was another 3 days before we reached Flagstaff. People say why does it take you so long its only 40 miles or so, well the answer is It is not 40 miles for us it was  60 miles up and over narrow , twisting, Mountainous Rd's. slow going.  and I went and got lost ! Well not really, really lost but I could not find the road I needed and had to finally just  trust my instincts and head out thru the woods, using the sun as a guide. After several hours of hard walking over volcanic rock and thick woods we came out near Odell lake and there just happened to see an elderly woman and her granddaughter who  were at their family cabin "opening up the cabin", I called over to them  "excuse me , could you help me, I believe I am lost could you tell me where I am"  Well they were very kind  heated  water on the propane stove and I took a spit bath and made camp in their meadow.  So many people to thank that come to my rescue and help. Essie Pearl is doing so well I am very proud of her, the Fjords are remarkable to say the least, her willingness and sensible disposition is a complement to Honor who is so high spirited and nervous at times, I could not be happier with my new pack gear. The canvas Panniers are holding up very well  are easy to take on and off and the Sawbuck that Russ Barnett and Kevin from Outfitters Supply personally fitted on Essie has not caused any sores or rubbing problems. I fashioned a saddle for Claire to ride on out of a heavy felt pad and a sheep hide that fits nicely between the sawbuck bars.Claire is on everyday looks like a little princess with a  big smile and wagging tail as she travels thur towns, past homes, watching the scenery go by. I must admit I am so glad to have  her riding and not having to walk so many miles. Honor , well Honor Girl is like my right hand gal. she just does it all so well now after all these miles together. I still am using the same packs as last year, not that OFS did not offer new ones it was just that I felt the ones from last years 5000 mile ride came back in such good condition there was no need to replace them. I am brutal with those bags and that they hold up as they do  only says one thing, Tough, and Durable,(and they look good, a girls got to look good). The animals and my self are all in good, healthy condition, our wheels are oiled now and I am getting my routine down ,so different then last years  with one horse, takes me longer to pack and unpack but oh my is it nice to have the extra comforts IE. a small pillow!! and soft pad to lie on and a tent!!! I also have my own horseshoeing equipment and OFS sends down the specially made horseshoes as I need them.  Well that is all for now the wind will be behind  us and we should make good time crossing over to N.M. Till later Happy Trails,  Bernice

May 8th

From Bernice:
Our eyes meet the morning sun each and every morning as we head east, now nearly out of Arizona. The wind, strong enough to blow a horse down, is at our backs. We make good time as we look at Albuquerque 3 weeks away.Our past month on the ride took us through Prescott, Sedona, and Flagstaff  where I did many talks mostly at schools and retirement centers,  but a few parking lot talks, as I call them, as oftentimes I have tied up to the side of a supermarket to buy supplies and come out only to find my horses and dog surrounded by curious onlookers that asked many questions. I have said many times in my talks that I feel like a ghost of the past, riding some where between yesterday and today.  At four miles an hour life rushes past us as we slowly make our way through a life that once was. We stayed in Sedona at the Rancho Sedona RV park where Margret Fry, a horse woman herself, had an empty corral and hay and was gracious enough to let me stay for a couple of days surrounded by enormous red rock structures and a breathtaking stand of sycamore trees. We headed up the steep winding road called Sneebly Hill making our way to the top in a couple of hours while the famous Pink Jeeps sped by oftentimes stopping to talk and take photos of the uncommon entourage on the road. It took them about 15 min to reach the top of Sneebly Hill. I say to people at my talks, "You know in one hour you travel 70 miles--for me that is a three-day ride!" My roads are never straight and rarely flat. To drive to Flagstaff from Sedona is a mere 30 mile drive but for me and my faithful, trusty horses it was a 60 mile ride as we made our way up through the Coconino National Forest, still sleepy from winter, the roads not open. We had the forest to our selves, still much snow and water bottles were frozen every morning, a four-day ride.Flagstaff is a beautiful city, horse and bicycle and pedestrian friendly. We were greeted  into town by several Horsewomen: Francis Payne, Ruthanne Perm and Mary Williams. They helped set up talks at schools and the library. Mary and her husband Chris McIntosh hosted my stay and had Honor, Essie Pearl, Claire and I escorted through town by two bicyclist from the Absolute Bike Shop.  Down through the historical downtown we went. Hundreds of photos and many smiles later we arrived at Mary and Chris's home. The animals are so good about it all, I am aways so proud of them when they exhibit such calm amidst the chaos. We had a wonderful visit and stay while in Flagstaff. Mary helped escort us out of town and headed me down the Arizona Trail where I picked up the railroad tracks that I followed all the way to Winslow. We put up at the Corner Feed and Tack of Winslow, and I slept in their big red building while the winds blew with madness outside. I was most grateful to be inside.Thanks to all those folks in Winslow for taking us in. We are now in St.Johns, AZ for a two day rest at the fairgrounds and as happens I have met many people who have helped in every way to make my stay comfortable, a big thank you to Kay McDevitt  who manages the fairgrounds facility. We head out in the morning.  I expect to be in Albuquerque by the end of the month. All is well, and as always I end with many, many thanks as I could not ride these ride without the help of all of those who lend your kindness and generosity our way, Happy Trails ---Lady Long Rider Bernice Ende

May 20-21st

From Bernice:
We rest in Magdalena, NM., named after our beloved Mary Magdalena. Legend has it her face was seen in the mountain to the SW. And so one can, with imagination, see the face of a woman on the mountain.
This past 50 miles I have been traveling a historical cattle trail, named the "Stock Driveway" because they fenced the trail 5 to 10 miles wide, 120 miles long. I have had water from many remaining stock tanks set up to water the livestock, sheep and cattle. Windmills, still pumping, still churning delicious cold deep well water. What beautiful camp sites! If the cattle are not plentiful, these magical spots are. The sound of the Aermotor, or the Aerodyne, I am not sure of the name. I believe they were made in Chicago, and I only mention this because these beautiful structures are so much a part of my life. I could not travel across this land the way I am without those stock tanks, I literally ride stock tank to stock tank. Last week I came up one crossing over from St. Johns. It was in the middle of the afternoon in a large open horizon sweeping meadows, with the tank, which is like a big swimming pool. They are 4 feet high,  usually made out of corrugated steel, this one was perhaps 15 feet in diameter. A nice spot, grass for the horses. We stop, make an afternoon camp: take the gear off, loosen the saddles but do not take them off-- for two reasons: it will cause soreness on the back of the horse to have the cold wind on her hot sweaty back, and the back is kept cool and protected from the sun. Loosening the saddle airs out the back. Next I make tea on my little propane stove, in my little 2cup blackened dinged and dented yet still remarkably round stainless steel cook pot. Earl Grey with honey, a must most days, A tortilla wrap, I had cream cheese diced carrots, cucumbers and sea salt as the filler, I had a granola-type bar and I think that was it. I then strip down to my skin as the horses, Essie Pearl on a 25 ft picked line, and Honor wild and free. Claire had a small can of cat food. I dipped out a cold bucket of water hung it on the side and began washing.

The ride goes well, it truly just grows and expands with each week. I learn more, I experience more, and I grow day by day from my travels as a lady long rider.
June 19th

Bernice Called this evening  to let us know that she has crossed the Pecos National Wilderness. She is now staying a few miles west of Rociada, NM as a guest of the Saize and Lujan families.

While in the Pecos wilderness, Honor was injured by a kick from Essie Pearl, and Bernice remained where she was to give Honor time to heal before heading down the mountain. She ran out of food before she was able to ride out on Essie Pearl while leading Honor. It was a very rugged crossing, taking them all day to cover seven miles.

When Bernice reached the valley, she was fortunate enough to come across Henry Saize working with a team of draft horses. Bernice asked if he might be able to help her out, and soon the whole family took her in, saw to getting food for her and finding her a beautiful place to camp. The ranch is owned by Arcenio Adan Lujan, grandfather to the families hosting Bernice.

She says her stay has been lovely–the valley is as lush and green as a picture from a postcard, peaceful and covered in meadows. Many thanks to the Lujan and Saize families for their generosity and hospitality!

She said she will stay and rest until the weekend, when she plans to head north to Cimmaron and then Northwest to Raton.

July 1st

Some history on Nicodemus, Kansas, and Nicodemus National Historic Site:

The park was designated in November of 1996 to commemorate the 1877 establishment of Nicodemus, an all African American town. Nicodemus is the only remaining African American western town established after the Reconstruction period, and represents the participation of African Americans in the western expansion and settlement of the Great Plains.

The site consists of five historic structures, but only one is accessible to the public. This is the Township Hall, which is also the temporary Visitor Center. It is located on the southeast side of the Roadside Park. Park Rangers are available to discuss the site and present an audio-visual program. The park also has a Passport stamp and a Junior Ranger Program.

Click here for more information.

June 25th 2008

A Beautifully written article by Marlane Quade Cook from the April 2008 issue of Montana Woman.
July 8th

Bernice is in Springfield , Colorado,  nearly to Kansas. She writes:
This is a mail pickup and 4 day lay over. we rode steady from Cimarron, NM and in great heat and long flat open stretches that made the days go slow and laborious. Yet we have arrived and have been greeted warmly by the community, I will give a talk at the senior center tomorrow, are camped at the fairgrounds and are taken here and there by a elderly couple that are enjoying the oddity and excitement as they must tell everyone we meet about this "lady long rider"

Bernice is past the halfway point of this year's ride. With only four months left to go, she gets closer to home in Northwest Montana every day.
Although speaking engagements haven't been as plentiful as hoped, she still feels a connection with those she meets, stays with, stops and talks with. She says she still feels the strong desire to continue long riding, and tells us, "there is nothing else I would rather do."


First Half of 2008 Ride
End of
2008 Ride
September 2008
October 2008
November 2009: HOME, Trego, MT