You may be wondering, what exactly is a long rider? By definition, a long rider is someone who has ridden 1,000 cumulative miles on horseback. I’ve read a few books by authors who have ridden across the country, and it’s no small feat. One of the most inspiring examples is Bernice Ende, who not only completed a cross-country ride but went on to make long riding her way of life. After that first journey, you could say it got into her bones. In the end, she logged over 30,000 miles in the saddle.
In the midst of space-age, high-speed technologies, a band of humans has slowed down the earth and sky sweeping past them by seeing the world from the back of a horse They are called long riders. – Quoted from The Long Riders Guild
About the Author
Bernice Ende November 16 1954 – October 2 2021
What a rare and beautiful person Bernice was. As I read her book Lady Long Rider, I was struck not only by her grit and tenacity but also by her gentleness and curiosity. Though she often admitted she wasn’t a writer, she had a way with words. Her storytelling carried an unexpected eloquence and lyrical quality that stayed with me.
My only regret is that I didn’t learn more about her while she was still alive. I first discovered Bernice through a video online, and later I often noticed her and her horses featured in advertisements for Tucker Saddles.
Lady Long Rider had been on my reading list for a long time, but for one reason or another, I never got around to it. When I learned that Bernice had passed away in October, I knew it was finally time to open her book. And I can honestly say—I was not disappointed.
Trips Bernice ende made
1st Long Ride – 2005
Montana to New Mexico, 2,000 miles, May-September 2005
Quote from book: I remember thinking “how will I ever return to a normal life?”–Well I guess I never did. – Bernice Ende
2nd Long Ride – 2006-2007
Roaming the West, 5,000 miles, April 2006-September 2007
Quote from book: “The map tells me what places are ahead, but it does not tell me what lies ahead.” Bernice Ende
3rd Long Ride – 2008
3,000 miles, February-October 2008
Quote from book: “What most of the world accepts as truth I question.” – Bernice Ende
4th Long Ride – 2009-2011
Down Texas Way and Around the West, 6,000 miles, March 2009-June 2011
Quote from book: “Be devoted to your journey Bernice, no matter what journey that may be, be devoted to it.” – Bernice Ende
Vacation Ride – 2011
600 mile vacation ride around Montana
Quote from book: “Where and how did I come to embrace the solitary nights so alone and unprotected? With my horse, of course. It’s no mystery, it was my horse. – Bernice Ende
5th Long Ride – 2012
April 2012 to October 2012 Canadian Ride, First International Ride
Quote from book: “Slow down, be in the present of every minute, and be grateful at the end of each day.” – Bernice Ende
6th Long Ride – 2013
Started in April 2013 – 1,500 mile trip through Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming
Quote from book: “Most importantly, I no longer take for granted this country I live in and the freedoms we enjoy.” – Bernice Ende
7th Long Ride – 2014-2016
8,000 miles ride from Montana to Main and back to Montana, April 2014-June 2016
Quote from book: “Dust your heart off and hitch your wagon to something greater than you. I do hope with all my heart that my rides will impart encouragement to those longing to reach beyond their fears for more.” – Bernice Ende
Some Take Aways from the Book
The Long Riders Guild
Bernice was also a member of the prestigious Long Riders Guild, an international association dedicated to equestrian exploration. Membership requires at least 1,000 miles on horseback—a milestone she far surpassed.
The Ride is romanticized
The idea of riding a horse across the country and leaving behind the bustle of the modern world sounds appealing to many people. In fact, countless folks Bernice met along the way admitted they envied her. But what most didn’t realize was just how hard it really was. Bernice made it clear that every day required grit and effort—through every kind of weather and even life-threatening situations. I was especially surprised to learn how much work it took just to set up and break down camp each day—nearly two hours! Bernice was one tough cookie.
you Don’t just do it for yourself
When asked why she rode, the first reason Bernice gave was to encourage female leadership. In fact, she dedicated her 2014–2016 ride to women’s suffrage. Along the way, she visited historic sites to pay respect to pioneers like Susan B. Anthony and others who worked tirelessly for the rights women enjoy today. I find Bernice’s story deeply inspiring because she took a cause close to her heart and wove it into her life so profoundly that she became a heroine in her own right.
You rely on good people
Bernice often emphasized that she couldn’t have done it without the kindness and generosity of strangers she met along the way. Whether it was food, shelter, kind words, or directions, “trail angels,” as she called them, were everywhere. Many even became lifelong friends she would return to visit on future rides.
Ways to Learn More about Bernice Ende
- Her website: https://www.endeofthetrail.com/
Unfortunately, the website will be closing down in the near future. Therefore, you had better go check it out for yourself before it does.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ladylongrider
Lady Long Rider Book: available on Amazon
Flikr Account – to view pictures from past rides.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/75190479@N05/albums
Film on Bernice by Wren Winfield: https://youtu.be/LeUyLKKop6k?si=BVzDUPMNoHX6EDxm
YouTube Videos – search for Bernice Ende
Thank you for being here and thank you to the brave men and women equine travelers. May we always remember the skill, knowledge, and grit that it takes to be a long rider.
There are many reasons why I ride, here are four. To encourage female leadership. To discover, learn and grow. – Bernice Ende
Thank you to endeofthetrail.com for the information and to the longridersguild.com
If you’d like to stick around and learn more about the Narrow Trail. Head on over to the Blog page to read more.
I have a niece that loves horses and is learning how to train. She is a Christian and would find value in your blog. Thank you for sharing your love of horses and Christ!-Jamie Riley
Thank you Jamie!
What a brave lady! The distance of those rides is crazy!