Who is Bernice Ende?

We met Bernice Ende on April 13th, 2006, when she walked into Outfitters Supply™ in Columbia Falls, Montana wanting to trade the western saddle she had used on her last long ride for one that was about 10 pounds lighter. She spent several hours with us, talking about her experiences on the trail and describing the problems she had with her gear. We were so impressed with Bernice's experience and skills that we wanted to work with her to make this trip easier.

Bernice is a retired ballet teacher. She has been an avid horsewoman all her life and knew that one day she would be a Long Rider. In 2005, she set out for Edgewood, New Mexico from her home in Trego, Montana and arrived three months later. This ride was 2,000 miles long. Needless to say, she had plenty of adventures along the way. .

Honor was a new horse for Bernice for her 2006/2007 long ride, but one she thought would be the perfect companion. Honor has the qualities Bernice was looking for: deep, full chest, short back and strong legs. But she also wanted a horse with a willing heart and a sound head. Honor has both. In preparation for their ride, they worked together daily alternating long trails for endurance training with dressage workouts for fitness training. They also worked on building that level of trust in each other that is necessary when you are miles into the backcountry.

Bernice's dog, Claire, is a long riding veteran, having accompanied her on her 2,000-mile journey in 2005. Of unknown origin, Claire Dog is devoted, protective, and loves the ride. At the end of their 2006-2007 long ride, Bernice decided that Claire was too old to walk beside her on the next trip. Rather than leave her constant companion behind, Bernice began researching taking a pack animal that would be able to carry Claire most of the way.

So, in 2008, Bernice "adopted" Essie Pearl, a Norwegian Fjord mare. From the beginning, Bernice was pleased with Essie Pearl's previous training, her willingness to learn, and ability to get along with the Honor and Claire. So far, the little Fjord has been remarkably agreeable to anything asked of her--even carrying a dog.