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Lady Long Rider: Alone Across America on Horseback
Winner! 2019 IBPA Benjamin Franklin Silver Award, Best New Nonfiction ! In her incredible memoir, Lady Long Alone Across America on Horseback we are introduced to Bernice Ende, a solitary figure with the daunting goal of traveling from Trego, Montana to New Mexico in a single ride. At the age of 50, Bernice turned south into the unknown and began her first trip on her way to becoming a world-class long rider. Since that fateful decision she hasn't looked back. Accompanied by her horses and an exceptional dog named Claire, Ende has logged more than 29,000 miles in the saddle, crisscrossing North America and beyond.
She traversed the Great Plains, the Southwest deserts, the Cascade Range, and the Rocky Mountains and was the first person to ride coast-to-coast and back again in a single trek , winning acclaim from the international Long Riders Guild.
Through her rides, Bernice shares the heartfelt and inspiring story of inner struggles and triumphs. She tests the limits of physical and mental stamina, learns to cope with inescapable solitude, and ultimately finds the reward of a life well-lived. Readers will be moved as Bernice discovers a renewed sense of self, profound and lasting friendships, and an understanding that home is a concept that extends beyond any border or map.
A captivating, engaging and well-written adventure, Lady Long Rider is not to be missed!
She traversed the Great Plains, the Southwest deserts, the Cascade Range, and the Rocky Mountains and was the first person to ride coast-to-coast and back again in a single trek , winning acclaim from the international Long Riders Guild.
Through her rides, Bernice shares the heartfelt and inspiring story of inner struggles and triumphs. She tests the limits of physical and mental stamina, learns to cope with inescapable solitude, and ultimately finds the reward of a life well-lived. Readers will be moved as Bernice discovers a renewed sense of self, profound and lasting friendships, and an understanding that home is a concept that extends beyond any border or map.
A captivating, engaging and well-written adventure, Lady Long Rider is not to be missed!
272 pages, Paperback
Published June 19, 2018
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453 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
November 11, 2020
My thanks to Farcountry Press for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I've never read a memoir quite like this. Bernice tells the story of her travels across America by horse, with just her dog to keep her company. It's a lonely, difficult life, but along the way, she meets communities who welcome her with open arms despite the strangeness of it all.
I do think this could have benefited from an extra editing job, however. I found quite a few errors related to commas, and the whole journey had a sort of aimless feel to it. The main problem with this book is the repetitiveness of it, as it's a recount of the many impressive long rides Bernice goes on. I think if it were interspersed with stories from Bernice's past, it would help the comparison between before the long rides and after, which would not only provide more of a message to the memoir but also give it more structure.
Some of the dialogue and narration felt forced, as well, and the metaphors/similes were a little strange. For example, "I clung to the reins like an umbilical cord," which doesn't make a whole lot of sense.
However, this was definitely an inspiring book, and it awes me to think of the hardships Bernice must have suffered. Imagine riding on horseback from the West Coast to the East Coast, with nothing but the clothes on your back and whatever food is in your packs, relying on only the kindness of others to get by. It's a decision that requires bravery and resilience, two qualities that Bernice obviously has. Lady Long Rider is the story of strength in the face of the seemingly impossible mission ahead.
3 stars
I've never read a memoir quite like this. Bernice tells the story of her travels across America by horse, with just her dog to keep her company. It's a lonely, difficult life, but along the way, she meets communities who welcome her with open arms despite the strangeness of it all.
I do think this could have benefited from an extra editing job, however. I found quite a few errors related to commas, and the whole journey had a sort of aimless feel to it. The main problem with this book is the repetitiveness of it, as it's a recount of the many impressive long rides Bernice goes on. I think if it were interspersed with stories from Bernice's past, it would help the comparison between before the long rides and after, which would not only provide more of a message to the memoir but also give it more structure.
Some of the dialogue and narration felt forced, as well, and the metaphors/similes were a little strange. For example, "I clung to the reins like an umbilical cord," which doesn't make a whole lot of sense.
However, this was definitely an inspiring book, and it awes me to think of the hardships Bernice must have suffered. Imagine riding on horseback from the West Coast to the East Coast, with nothing but the clothes on your back and whatever food is in your packs, relying on only the kindness of others to get by. It's a decision that requires bravery and resilience, two qualities that Bernice obviously has. Lady Long Rider is the story of strength in the face of the seemingly impossible mission ahead.
3 stars
August 29, 2018
This was definitely one of the most unique memoirs I've ever read, and I read it in one sitting. I had no idea anyone still road across the country on horses, especially women. (It's hard not to think it's a past life thing, too, if you believe in reincarnation.) It's not easy traveling that way with one to three horses and a dog. Bernice Ende seemed to think the good outweighed the bad, though, but I'm afraid I wasn't convinced. Too much uncertainty, bad weather, and concerns about food and water. Fortunately, she appeared not to encounter any bad people. Learning about horses was educational, and the stories about Claire the dog were wonderful. The solitude was also wonderful sounding, but I don't see how Ms. Ende truly enjoyed it with the constant uncertainties. I guess some people always need to stay on the move to feel comfortable in life.
(Note: I received a free copy of this book from Amazon Vine.)
(Note: I received a free copy of this book from Amazon Vine.)
January 30, 2019
One thing is very clear - Bernice Ende is a fascinating and tough woman who has accomplished incredible things and definitely has stories to share. I really enjoyed parts of this book just because she herself is so interesting.
That said, the writing in the book is really fragmented. I think it would have benefited from a strong editor's voice. The first few chapters reeled me in as she explained long-riding and pulled the reader into her set up. Then it started to become a little more list like and redundant (like those books in the bible where the author spends an entire chapter stating who begat who). Then she shared chapters that had been featured in other publications, which were more like standalone pieces. This left the time frame jumping back and forth a lot and the themes all over the place. I wasn't sure if this was about her personal journey, honoring women's rights activists, the people you meet, or the animals. It was just a little too confused. I'd love to see an editor grab this and turn it into the incredible book that's waiting.
That said, the writing in the book is really fragmented. I think it would have benefited from a strong editor's voice. The first few chapters reeled me in as she explained long-riding and pulled the reader into her set up. Then it started to become a little more list like and redundant (like those books in the bible where the author spends an entire chapter stating who begat who). Then she shared chapters that had been featured in other publications, which were more like standalone pieces. This left the time frame jumping back and forth a lot and the themes all over the place. I wasn't sure if this was about her personal journey, honoring women's rights activists, the people you meet, or the animals. It was just a little too confused. I'd love to see an editor grab this and turn it into the incredible book that's waiting.
September 24, 2024
Such a weird coincidence. Found this book in a random free library in Austin, and it mentions the Wimberley VFW where I've played bingo. Had it on the shelf for months and finally brought it to Canada to read and by pure happenstance we then drove through her home town and a bunch of the small Montana towns she talks about in this book.
Anyways, a pretty entertaining book. Long riding sounds awful and I think the only way she survives is by making friends and asking for help and I'm bad at both of those things.
Also I just can't understand the stubbornness and competitiveness of some people. She wanted to spend a winter in a tent in Montana just to see if she could?? I'm sure I couldn't do that and I also have no desire to prove myself wrong about that?
Anyways, a pretty entertaining book. Long riding sounds awful and I think the only way she survives is by making friends and asking for help and I'm bad at both of those things.
Also I just can't understand the stubbornness and competitiveness of some people. She wanted to spend a winter in a tent in Montana just to see if she could?? I'm sure I couldn't do that and I also have no desire to prove myself wrong about that?
January 9, 2020
As a lover of horses and outdoor challenges, I really enjoyed Bernice's story of riding alone, for more than 28,000 miles on 8 "long rides." She spent most of her time with her beloved dog and horse(s) on various trips throughout the United States and Canada. Her narrative is just the right mix of logistical information and personal reflection.
May 25, 2021
Reading this autobiographical journey is listening to the writer, sitting down for a long cup of tea as she recounts her travels. Truly amazing as well as insightful. I am thankful for some of her wisdom found while waiting out the long winter in a tent shelter with her animal companions. I now am checking in on her blog, where yes wise words continue.
November 28, 2018
One of my pet peeves as both reader and writer is use of the word “unique” when what is meant is “unusual.” I’m exceedingly stingy with that word. But I heard Bernice Ende speak at a book festival and I thought, darn if this isn’t as close to unique in my reading experience as I may ever come. I’d never even heard of long riding.
Ende came to long riding after several decades of teaching ballet, something I do know a bit about from experience, so the baseline parallel made sense to me. Both are about rigid and relentless discipline of the body and pushing beyond what might be considered “natural.” But the parallel diverges where the walls of the dance studio end. Although Ende writes of the physical demands of long riding with consistent humility, there’s no doubt that she’s a special class of long-distance endurance athlete. Layered on top of the physical demands are the need for moment-by-moment mental awareness, the constant search for water, shelter, and food, and the necessity of having a good degree of animal husbandry knowledge. Ende draws a believable picture of a lifestyle both wondrous and brutal, composed of both expansive freedom and never-ending demands.
Ende’s writing is a charming combination of accessible and eloquent. Her insights about herself, what she chooses to expose herself to, her coming to understand why, her relationships with her horses and dog, and what she both brings to and takes from the people along the way make an engaging narrative. By book’s end, though, what I longed for was a much surer hand with the editing. Chapters meander back and forth between narrative, journal entries, and previously published articles, giving the book a stitched-together feeling rather than a cohesive whole. The detail was sometimes frustratingly unbalanced, most strikingly so in the chapters about her 8,000-mile loop around the entire country, wherein the trip east unfolded across 30+ pages, but the westward return journey merited barely a single “we made it” paragraph.
Threads of the author’s appreciation of the history she saw around her as well as her own personal history are woven into the story, giving it a depth that left me wanting even more. Ende suggests she might write another book expanding on the historical theme in the context of the fight for women’s rights. Yes, please!
Ende came to long riding after several decades of teaching ballet, something I do know a bit about from experience, so the baseline parallel made sense to me. Both are about rigid and relentless discipline of the body and pushing beyond what might be considered “natural.” But the parallel diverges where the walls of the dance studio end. Although Ende writes of the physical demands of long riding with consistent humility, there’s no doubt that she’s a special class of long-distance endurance athlete. Layered on top of the physical demands are the need for moment-by-moment mental awareness, the constant search for water, shelter, and food, and the necessity of having a good degree of animal husbandry knowledge. Ende draws a believable picture of a lifestyle both wondrous and brutal, composed of both expansive freedom and never-ending demands.
Ende’s writing is a charming combination of accessible and eloquent. Her insights about herself, what she chooses to expose herself to, her coming to understand why, her relationships with her horses and dog, and what she both brings to and takes from the people along the way make an engaging narrative. By book’s end, though, what I longed for was a much surer hand with the editing. Chapters meander back and forth between narrative, journal entries, and previously published articles, giving the book a stitched-together feeling rather than a cohesive whole. The detail was sometimes frustratingly unbalanced, most strikingly so in the chapters about her 8,000-mile loop around the entire country, wherein the trip east unfolded across 30+ pages, but the westward return journey merited barely a single “we made it” paragraph.
Threads of the author’s appreciation of the history she saw around her as well as her own personal history are woven into the story, giving it a depth that left me wanting even more. Ende suggests she might write another book expanding on the historical theme in the context of the fight for women’s rights. Yes, please!
January 16, 2019
This was interesting from the standpoint that it was a completely different way of living, it bears no relationship to anything I have ever experienced and so I am completely at the author's mercy for sharing the information. And perhaps that was the problem: I really did not relate to her lifestyle. And it is that: a lifestyle. I felt disconnected from her as if I were reading a travel itinerary, not a story about how she felt and what she did. I know something about horses and so that was fine but I know nothing about spending the winter in a tent caring for horses and eating next to nothing and I got no sense of --well-- anything . Fact: she spent most of the winter in a tent freezing with little to eat. Ho Hum. She did not give me anything. She tells me what she did not how she felt about it or what happened during it. I got little sense of the author. I read the book but I do not know the woman who told the tale. It could have been so much more. I am disappointed.
December 13, 2019
When I first encountered this book at a book sale, I wasn't sure how interesting it would be. Being a horse owner and rider, I was naturally interested in the idea of long riding but I wasn't sure a horse rider would also be a good author of their journey. I was pleasantly surprised to find that Bernice Ende is also an good author of her travels and all the ups and downs that being a long rider entails.
Bernice had properly prepared herself, her horse and her dog for the 1st 2,000 mile long ride but as she was starting off the little voice in her head said that she should turn back. Luckily she was able to disregard the little voice and went on to complete 7 long rides in 11 years.
She is now my "hero". "If only I were younger".
I'm sure horsemen and horsewomen plus those not involved with horses will find this book very uplifting as Bernice meets people from all over the country who cheer her on and help her reach her goals.
Bernice had properly prepared herself, her horse and her dog for the 1st 2,000 mile long ride but as she was starting off the little voice in her head said that she should turn back. Luckily she was able to disregard the little voice and went on to complete 7 long rides in 11 years.
She is now my "hero". "If only I were younger".
I'm sure horsemen and horsewomen plus those not involved with horses will find this book very uplifting as Bernice meets people from all over the country who cheer her on and help her reach her goals.
August 17, 2025
So much not told and lots left out!
I admire Bernice for her Journey of riding 10s of thousands of miles, if she really did it. She only touches on just a few stories of her actual rides throughout the book. She skims through most of her rides. A lot of time was spent on talking about the places she stayed for weeks and months, some of the people she met etc.
On her second long ride, she rode through Death Valley, the Sierra, the Cascades all the way to Montana and didn’t say one word about it. Just that she did it…. Nothing else. These areas are rugged and harrowing, with no resupply available for days and takes months to accomplish. Not one word about it!! Weird! I went to her website thinking she kept a daily blog there since there would be lots to tell. Nope. Makes me wonder….. there are better books on long riding adventures where you really feel like you are riding along every step with all the trials and tribulations.
I admire Bernice for her Journey of riding 10s of thousands of miles, if she really did it. She only touches on just a few stories of her actual rides throughout the book. She skims through most of her rides. A lot of time was spent on talking about the places she stayed for weeks and months, some of the people she met etc.
On her second long ride, she rode through Death Valley, the Sierra, the Cascades all the way to Montana and didn’t say one word about it. Just that she did it…. Nothing else. These areas are rugged and harrowing, with no resupply available for days and takes months to accomplish. Not one word about it!! Weird! I went to her website thinking she kept a daily blog there since there would be lots to tell. Nope. Makes me wonder….. there are better books on long riding adventures where you really feel like you are riding along every step with all the trials and tribulations.
July 14, 2023
What a truly inspiring memoir about Bernice Ende - Lady Long Rider! This book wasn't just about equestrian long riding, it's about setting out to do something you've been dreaming of doing despite the fears and trials that attempt to hold you back. No matter what age you are - she dropped everything at the age of 50 to do this and has logged more than 29,000 miles in the saddle over the years.
The way this book was written read more like a novel, or a campfire tale as Bernice recounted her journey. It made it much more enjoyable to read, in my opinion, despite a few flaws. I will say it does get a bit repetitive, and a bit aimless at points, but I overlooked those flaws and kept it at 5 stars. Equal parts cozy, heartwarming, motivating, nerve-racking, and heartbreaking.
So glad that this book was recommended to me, and now I recommend it to others!
The way this book was written read more like a novel, or a campfire tale as Bernice recounted her journey. It made it much more enjoyable to read, in my opinion, despite a few flaws. I will say it does get a bit repetitive, and a bit aimless at points, but I overlooked those flaws and kept it at 5 stars. Equal parts cozy, heartwarming, motivating, nerve-racking, and heartbreaking.
So glad that this book was recommended to me, and now I recommend it to others!
March 8, 2021
Though I enjoyed this book, I had a hard time relating to Bernice herself. There were names of so many people who she met along the way, but very little about how she felt, or how she dealt... no real details of the hardships or the experience. I would've enjoyed learning more about her through her feelings---which she really didn't reveal until the last few pages.
To me, each small chapter about each of her rides should have been books unto themselves. Too much "journal entry", not enough story.
To me, each small chapter about each of her rides should have been books unto themselves. Too much "journal entry", not enough story.
June 12, 2019
This is a wonderful story that is inspiring and interesting. I knew nothing about long riding when I attending Bernice Ende's presentation at the Dansville Public Library and I was intrigued so I bought her book. I am so impressed with Bernice's determination and her courage to follow her passion. Long riding can be daunting, but it is obvious that she adores it and it is part of her! This is a great book!
March 5, 2020
I’m amazed with the tenacity of this woman long rider. I really enjoyed this book with all the adventures and challenges Bernice faced. I can’t imagine doing this and it takes a special person to do it once let alone multiple times. Kudos to Bernice and many thanks for sharing your long ride stories!
November 8, 2021
Courage and Endurance
A lone woman with her horses and a dog being pitted against the forces of nature and the love of the land. A powerful book of endurance and the loses of loved animals and the long days of loneliness. But she lived her way. Just recently she went on to the long rider trails in the sky and is back with Claire Dog and Essie Pearl. Happy Trails.
A lone woman with her horses and a dog being pitted against the forces of nature and the love of the land. A powerful book of endurance and the loses of loved animals and the long days of loneliness. But she lived her way. Just recently she went on to the long rider trails in the sky and is back with Claire Dog and Essie Pearl. Happy Trails.
March 7, 2022
Inspired as a child by Aime Tschiffely's ride it was great to follow another Long Rider later and especially loved the relationship with Claire-Dog and the horses. Combined with the Little House on the Prairie books it is the best way to see the history and geography of America! Really enjoyed it!
January 18, 2019
For wandering souls
Enjoyed this book . Would have liked more discription of certain places. The Death Valley ride or how the author managed the deserts. But it would have taken a few books for all those experiences.
Enjoyed this book . Would have liked more discription of certain places. The Death Valley ride or how the author managed the deserts. But it would have taken a few books for all those experiences.
April 23, 2019
I enjoyed this book mostly because of the horse stuff in it but a lot of the rest of it was interesting as well. This woman spent years riding around the country and has ridden over 25,000 miles. That is a lot of time on a horse!
July 16, 2019
For all who enjoy an adventure autobiography about a strong determined self aware woman---- and if you love horses and/or you live or have visited Montana, all the better. Well written easy read which I found myself flying through in one sitting.
August 21, 2019
WOW!
This book/journey held me riveted! I got no sleep as I rode the trail with Bernice and her fellow travelers. I have never heard of this lady before riding through her life. And I feel so lacking in the absence of courage. Thanks,LLR.
This book/journey held me riveted! I got no sleep as I rode the trail with Bernice and her fellow travelers. I have never heard of this lady before riding through her life. And I feel so lacking in the absence of courage. Thanks,LLR.
December 26, 2019
I wanted to like this book so bad. The topic is interesting, her stories are compelling, but the thread of the stories often gets lost. The timeline jumps all over the place. And toward the end the stories aren't as rich. This book could have benefitted greatly from a better editor.
April 16, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. Perfect read for the adventurous, women, and horse lovers. It was a good balance of horses, adventure and intersting people that Bernice met on her horseback rides across the United States and Canada. She was one tough lady and I would have loved to have met her.
May 4, 2022
I appreciated the rider's/writer's courage and honesty. She struggled, but what comes through is her deep love of her animals and nature, her self awareness, and her joy in sharing her voyages with others. I thought her writing was lively and the book well-edited.
January 16, 2019
My favorite of the long ride / horse trek books I've read so far!
March 22, 2019
Many of us dream to do what she has done. Amazing story of a gutsy woman's adventures on horseback.
April 30, 2019
Great story. And if you can see her speak, Go!
July 9, 2019
Very Interesting!
As a former rider I can relate to parts of this courageous woman's journeys. But most is beyond any of our wildest dreams or realities! Incredible really!
As a former rider I can relate to parts of this courageous woman's journeys. But most is beyond any of our wildest dreams or realities! Incredible really!
December 19, 2019
Loved it! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Never mind the stars, this book earns 5/5 hearts!
Hard to put down. Thank you for the journey. Loved reading about her trip in 🇨🇦 too.
Never mind the stars, this book earns 5/5 hearts!
Hard to put down. Thank you for the journey. Loved reading about her trip in 🇨🇦 too.
March 6, 2020
A very wonder read, I felt like I was riding your adventure with you, the history of many country you traveled through. Thanks for the trip.
April 7, 2020
Great Read
I chose the five star rating because of the value the story carries to all women, also because I couldn't put the book down once I started reading.
I chose the five star rating because of the value the story carries to all women, also because I couldn't put the book down once I started reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews