Claire
Claire's mismatched, wild eyes and one-ear-up and one-ear-down appearance make her a true "Montana Original," and, as Bernice says, "a rare breed of unknown origin."
While out for a horseback ride one March morning, Bernice came across two puppies in the ditch. They had evidently been abandoned: one was dead, the other, shivering, growled at Bernice when she approached. In spite of the puppy's protests, Bernice picked her up and carried her home on the horse.
The puppy's graceless self-introduction, upon reaching Bernice's cabin, earned her a quick and harsh reprimand by Bernice's old dog, Sadie. The ensuing snap may be partly responsible for Claire's lopsided ear.
Bernice took the puppy to her Trego ballet class, hoping to find someone willing to adopt the boisterous dog. The girls played with the puppy, whom they began calling Clara, after the role in the Nutcracker ballet. Unfortunately, their parents were much less enthusiastic.
Bernice kept Clara by default, and her name quickly changed to Claire. The puppy was a terror, devouring shoes, boots, and other personal articles. Her wild, mismatched appearance combined with her blue heeler coloring seemed to enhance her unruly personality.
Thankfully, Claire mellowed as she grew older, and her bond with Bernice deepened. Claire has matured to a well-trained, obedient dog and has become Bernice's constant companion and the group's "fearless leader" on the trail.
Honor
What better name for the horse who has been given a last chance to prove herself, and who has proved herself worthy of that chance?
Everyone else had given up on this thoroughbred mare. No one wanted her, and she had been passed from one owner to another. At eight years old, Honor (then Dancer Tail) was deemed good for nothing but dog food. Bernice saw something in her that no one else had seen. She bought the horse and gave her another chance at life, rehabilitating the mare physically and teaching her to trust people again.
Honor has redeemed herself. She will do anything for Bernice, demonstrating a protective attitude both to Bernice and Claire Dog, and as Bernice says of Honor, "she always gives a hundred percent."
With Bernice's care, Honor has regained her health, beauty, and thoroughbred spirit.
Bred out of Native Dancer stock, Honor has reclaimed her legacy. Bernice proudly refers to her lovely white mare as, "what legends are made of."
Essie Pearl
A seven-year-old Norwegian Fjord, Essie Pearl was raised from a colt by Mark and Theodora Rice of Eureka, Montana, and purchased by Bernice for her 2008 ride. Essie is the first horse Bernice has worked with who has not been mistreated in the past. As a result, Essie lacks the inhibitions that many of Bernice's other horses have had to overcome.
Trusting and sweet, Essie Pearl makes up in personality what she lacks in grace. A vital new part of Bernice's team, Essie as pack horse makes it possible to carry more food and supplies, even a tent and sleeping bag! In addition, Clare has learned to ride amid the packs, thus saving mileage on her paws.
The presence of a pack horse alters many dynamics of Bernice's riding experience.While there is more for Bernice to do in brushing, shoeing, and keeping her horses coordinated, they are also able to travel further between stops, and to provide Bernice with a little more comfort on the trail. In past years, Bernice has slept on the ground with a tarp and wool blanket, using her saddle as a weather break.
There is also more involved with another animal in the group. All members of Bernice's team must work together smoothly and efficiently, for their safety and hers. This is accomplished through meticulous training done before leaving home. Bernice refers to her past as a ballet teacher in saying, "it's like teaching two horses to dance together."
Bernice Ende
Bernice was raised on a dairy farm in Minnesota, and riding has always been an integral part of her life. After pursuing a career in classical Ballet and teaching dance, Bernice moved to the northwest corner of Montana, to live in a cabin on the mountainside. She continued teaching ballet and gave riding lessons when dance classes were not in session.
Her retirement in 2003 brought not a lack of activity, but rather a change of focus. Drawn back to riding, Bernice felt the pull of the open road and adventure inherent in serous riding.
In 2005 she made her first long-distance ride on a Tennessee Walking Horse, a young gelding named Pride. Pride was borrowed from Bernice's friends Mack and Evelyn McCurry.
After her first year of riding, Bernice realized that Long Riding was an occupation she loved and longed to pursue. After her first 2,000-mile ride, she was invited to join the Long Riders Guild, an international organization dedicated to preserving the independent, adventurous spirit of the horse and rider.
Bernice's second ride of 5,000 miles followed, broadening her experience and bringing the opportunity of reaching out to others in public speaking, inspiring them to pursue their dreams as she has pursued hers.
In 2008, Bernice begins her fourth year of riding. This third ride will bring the total miles she has ridden up to 10,000; a remarkable achievement for any rider.
Bernice has ridden all these miles alone, with horse and dog, the kindness and generosity of strangers, and a quality of courage and faith inspiring to all who meet her.
Hart
"Hart" is a big paint gelding, registered as "I'm a Lucky Kid". He was born May 20th, 1996 on the Stephen Kemp farm in Talpa, Texas and is registered with the American Paint Horse Association. He has been a show horse, a roping horse and a barrel racing horse with good training, but he's been a pasture potato for the last few years.
For a horse that has not been handled a great deal over the years he has proven to be willing and easy to work with. Already I can see in his eyes the same look that I saw in Honor and Pride, my other two riding horses, that Hart likes the road, the travel, the newness, all ears and eyes peaked with interest.
He's big and strong and can help with the load more than Honor was able to. He has been great with the traffic and I know its not easy for any horse when they first start out but I feel like I am starting this year's ride with a great horse.
Francis
Francis came to me the same way Claire did, both were found in the ditch, little puppies half dead lying by the side of the road. It was about 10 miles north of Big Lake,TX when I stumbled, literally, upon her lying under bags and debris in the ditch.
She began riding from day one and is now a highly skilled riding dog!! I named her Francis after my grandmother who, like Francis the pup, was a wisp of a woman and loved adventure - I know she'd be delighted to be part of the ride. It has been nearly 2 months that this little "West Texas stock dog" joined up with me. She has grown faster than a weed, has had her vaccinations and has become a worthy long rider dog and a faithful companion and friend to Claire. Essie seems to tolerate her well.
She has this look of surprise forever on her face, like,"who me?, I get to ride? Oh look at that!" She is quick and loyal and I really should have my head examined for taking two dogs on the road like I am but what am I to do, its too late to give her to anyone else. She's a willing addition to the team.
In Memory of my dear Honor...
Thanks for many happy trails.
Laid to rest February 22, 2010
In Memory of Little Francis....
She was with me such a brief time,
oh but what deep, little paw prints
she has left on my heart.
Laid to rest on April 23, 2010
in Wheeler, TX.
