Dedication

My life as a young girl growing up on a small German Catholic- Minnesota dairy farm could have been, “a hard life” had it not been for my mother. My father’s thick gnarled hands were a reflection of what the life and the work it required to manage a dairy and provide for a large family. And it was from him that I learned the art of “can-do-ness”.   We were poor but never do I recall us being without. My Mother added color to our life as dairy farmers and the unending routine of chores.  Her love of life was infectious as she decorated for holidays, baked birthday cakes, encouraged not just me but everyone to play a musical instrument and to read. She was a graduate of the University of Minnesota and loved reading. She took us to see plays and concerts. She encouraged her tribe to try different foods and to explore.

She gave me a sense of the horizon and the curiosity to look. She was the kind of Mother who upon laying  eyes on her 8yrold daughter (me) who was standing up on our old horse Chee Chee and galloping in on the gravel driveway  did not scream but silently smiled and went about her business. It had been passed down to her by her Mother and to her by her four Aunts. They were capable adventurous women who sought to change the world  through education, the arts, science and my Mother passed this down to me.

Why do I ride? How can I not?

Long riding is interesting, challenges me in every way, it is educational, it has an effect on people.

I love my life as a Lady Long Rider.

“Our rich and diverse country is embellished by generous, neighborly people. To each and every one of you whose path I cross, a hearty thank you for the help, the interest and the encouragement. I could not have done it without you.

Happy trails, Bernice Ende