Lady Long Rider: Alone Across America on Horseback

Loved the book! If you are looking for some polished and crisp summer drama, this isn’t for you. I can hear her talk when I read her words, and no it isn’t as edited as some people may want. But if you look at the true story written like she is telling you by an open fire, this is for you. You will laugh, cry, and smile at the Journey this woman walked/rode. Some complain she wasn’t prepared, but no one is ever prepared, and her open truth to her mistakes makes this book even more real and raw. If you want a book that is filled with inspiration, compassion, true human/animal connection, and a journey unlike any other, pick this book up today! It will be on my shelf with pride and I look forward to picking it up again when I need some true words of inspiration and determination. Just wonderful!

One of the best memoirs I have read in a long time. Great reading highly recommend it for anyone especially ladies born during the 1950s

I am endlessly fascinated by people, especially women, who have mastered difficult physical and mental challenges. Bernice Ende is one such person. Between 2005 and 2016, Bernice logged over 25,000 miles riding solo across the United States and Canada. Although she was a highly experienced horsewoman and equestrian trainer, Bernice had never made an overnight trip on horseback, let alone the 2,000-mile, four-month journey from her home in Montana to her sister’s home in New Mexico that was her first foray into long riding. With every mile traveled, every mistake made, every new friend found, her confidence grew along with her love for the minimal way of life. After that first long ride, Bernice knew that this was what she was meant to be doing. She continued long riding, completing increasingly more challenging rides and longer rides that only reinforced her decision to pursue an unconventional path. I admire her self-reliance, self-confidence, and self-discipline. Everyone, not just long riders, can learn from her approach to planning and carrying out a complex project, finding the humility to ask for help, admit mistakes, and reverse course once in a while. This book was necessarily a bit disjointed, since it was written over the course of several years, often long after the fact, from journals that Bernice kept during each of her rides. The tales from the trail were entertaining and enlightening, though some were written more skillfully than others. I would love to meet Bernice someday. She seems like the kind of person who would be both interest-ed and interest-ing.

Love this book ! Great stories and wonderful how people help one another. Brave woman !

I never heard the term "Long Rider" before and knew nothing about them so I found this book fascinating. I marveled at the spirit, tenacity & gumption of Bernice and her relationship with her horses. I still can't imagine riding 1000s of miles, alone on a horse, not really knowing where you are going to be able to sleep and if you're going to have food for yourself and your horses and dog. My hat is off to Bernice for showing people the world of possibilities, the world of going after your dream. My only complaint is I wanted to know more. I wanted the story of what life was like between the trips, but I guess that's a different book. Read it and then go after your dreams.

This was a fascinating story . The adventures , traveling & description of each state beautifully said. The woman, the horses & the dog touch your heart .

I wanted to live this book. The premise is something I enjoy. The author has had awesome experiences that should send themselves to wonderful stories. The first long ride is beautiful told. But after that, the plot wonders a lot. The timeline gets wonky, the stories aren't as clear and sometimes feel rushed or truncated. There are beautiful moments of clarity that shine through, but this book could use a good editor to help the author organize her stories.

Amazing wonderful book. Best I. Have read in a long time. If you love horses & dogs, traveling this country, this is the nook for you!

Loved this book. As a horse rider myself who enjoys a good long ride with my special boy ...albit for just a few hours at a time....and sometimes one of my dogs alongside I could really relate to the special relationship you form with your animals and which is heightened when it's just you and them. These rides though were fernominal in distance and the fortitude this lady has I am in awe of. Her descriptions of the travels and places she made her simple temporary homes along route were vived and easy to envisage. A lot of personal emotional pain was obviously bound up in these rides from the bit we learn of her marriage break up but she uses that as an initial catalyst to kick start these epic journeys. A really interesting touching and well written read.

Great read

I admire anyone who do a solo trip like this- good story. Keeps your interest.

What a facinating read. Bernice Ende describes her long rides, but is never boring. She is an excellent writer and as a result I am learning about more than just Long Riding, having been introduced to some influential American suffragettes during her last long ride. She describes not just the events, but her relationships with the animals (her family) letting the reader see her vulnerability, which brings alive her lived experiences. I have made some short rides of just a few days, nothing that I can compare to Bernice's adventures, but I well recognise some of the situations that can arise at the end of a long tiring day! It is a pity that the book seems only to be available in English, I hope that it will be translated so that it can be appreciated by a wider audience. If you like adventure and love animals then I recommend this book by a brave and independent woman.

Interesting book - basically good narrative.