On May 16th, 2015 as I neared the end of my Ontario ride I rode westward along a dirt road with long shadows attached to our tails. A newer pickup coming out of the setting sun drove up and stopped. The driver rolled down his window and the woman passenger leaned over to get a better look. I should have written their names down because I do not remember it. One of the many…”curious and interested” who embellish my rides. After we got our who’s and where’s straight away the elderly gentleman asked if I had heard of the book called Saddlebags for Suitcases. I said, of course I had it was a legendary ride by Mary Bosanquet. Well he told me she came down this road and she wintered here in Dayton, YOU ARE IN Dayton he said. There were no buildings remaining and he was not sure who the family was that she stayed with but it didn’t matter to me, my jaw was hanging in disbelief as he drove off. WOW I mean, I had just been told I was on the same route that Mary rode in 1939. The nearby farms held Mennonite and Amish farmers. Minutes earlier I had ridden past a team of work horses pulling a manure spreader driven by a young man who skillfully handled the team. Black buggies pulled by lean, long legged saddle-bred horses sped by, a nod from the bearded driver wearing a large hat like mine. A quietness filled the air. The absence of engine noise replaced by bird songs in spring delight.
A time warp. It happens.
Posted is a short exert from her book, its available thru the Long Riders Guild library or most libraries have it. It’s a good read. One of the earliest “lady long riders.”
Had to share this with you.
March 9, 2015 by leaves and pages website
In 1939 a young Englishwoman in her early 20s had an unusual idea, and, being of a straightforward nature and having a methodical sort of mind, set about to see if she could bring the thought into reality.
Perhaps inspired by the accounts of Aimé Tschiffely, who from 1925 to 1928 made a 10,000 mile horseback journey from Buenos Aires to New York City, Mary Bosanquet, a lifelong horsewoman and an accomplished rider, decided to try for a relatively more modest but still astoundingly ambitious solo horseback ride: right across Canada from Vancouver heading East.
Mary and her horses Timothy and Jonty achieved the goal, covering an estimated 3800 miles of horse trail, back road, and highway in eighteen months. Of this time, the winter of 1939-40 was spent hosted by a farm family in Ontario.She was the recipient of much attention from newspaper reporters as the trek proceeded, was surprised by several offers of marriage from smitten cowboys, attended the Calgary Stampede and was inspired by the displays there to try out bronc riding herself with reasonably successful results, for though she was unseated several times she felt she had figured out the stick-to-the-horse technique quite nicely, learning through doing, as it were. During the later stage of her journey Mary even visited the Dionne quintuplets, and her wry commentary on that experience is a fascinating glimpse at that particular social phenomenon.
An Extraordinary Solo Journey – Saddlebags for Suitcases: Across Canada on Horseback by Mary Bosanquet
March 9, 2015 by leaves and pages
In 1939 a young Englishwoman in her early 20s had an unusual idea, and, being of a straightforward nature and having a methodical sort of mind, set about to see if she could bring the thought into reality.
Perhaps inspired by the accounts of Aimé Tschiffely, who from 1925 to 1928 made a 10,000 mile horseback journey from Buenos Aires to New York City, Mary Bosanquet, a lifelong horsewoman and an accomplished rider, decided to try for a relatively more modest but still astoundingly ambitious solo horseback ride: right across Canada from Vancouver heading East.
Mary and her horses Timothy and Jonty achieved the goal, covering an estimated 3800 miles of horse trail, back road, and highway in eighteen months. Of this time, the winter of 1939-40 was spent hosted by a farm family in Ontario.She was the recipient of much attention from newspaper reporters as the trek proceeded, was surprised by several offers of marriage from smitten cowboys, attended the Calgary Stampede and was inspired by the displays there to try out bronc riding herself with reasonably successful results, for though she was unseated several times she felt she had figured out the stick-to-the-horse technique quite nicely, learning through doing, as it were. During the later stage of her journey Mary even visited the Dionne quintuplets, and her wry commentary on that experience is a fascinating glimpse at that particular social phenomenon.
Thank you to Greg and Christine and their daughter Lilly, home from University. Greg and Christine Rathjes are both teachers so there was an added bonus of stimulating conversation besides the time to rest, recover, prepare for the next step. Thank you so very much, a much needed stop over for me AND for the horses who had oats and minerals and carrots and treats…and new horseshoes!!
I head north in the morning. Will swing up for a look at Lake Superior.
Duluth- next long stop over.
Happy Trails, stay well. Bernice
Newberry, Michigan – the Rathjes’s residence – May 24th, 2015 and I might add Moose Capital of Michigan
There is, with a ride of this length and breath, a certain amount of forward impetus that must be maintained. Keep moving. Keep moving, prepare for the next step, focus, stay alive. And of-course one must find withing that frame of mind – time to enjoy, appreciated and learn from the journey.
I am often asked the… “Why” question. “Why do this?” My response changes from time to time but from my mouth came, “to learn, to grow, to discover.” I’d never heard myself say that but I thought, “Umm, now that kind of covers it.”
One of the hard parts of what I do is this, riding away from folks you have spent enough time with to become friends. People who have helped in one way or another. They have provided shelter or food or necessities or a hot shower or a haul or the list goes on. And they become imbedded in your journey, in your heart and the next day you rise, saddle up and ride out never to see one another again. They must be left behind as soon as I ride out, my mind must clear for the immediate events that surround me. The traffic, the horses, the weather, the direction I am headed must fill my mind with a clear purpose and destination. I must cast those friendships into the sky and hope they land on the stars where I can recall and reflect upon them in the stillness of a star studded night.
Already I refer to last winter as “the New York Winter” it feels as if it where impossible, simply a dream. How could I have imagined it would be as full as exciting as rich with yes smiles and handshakes but with more importantly with interest. I did 30 slideshow presentations thru out the Glens Falls, Fort Edward, Saratoga area. Each and every day people stopped by Darleen Lundgren’s home to visit the unique travelers with her camp set up in the historical feed store behind Darleen’s house. Most days I exercised the horses who wore heavy winter coats, riding bareback, thru the streets of Fort Edward clip clop past snow covered homes and sidewalks. Or I walked to the Fort Edward Library where librarian Vicki Plude greeted me and I would spend the afternoon on the computer. Everywhere I went people had heard of me. They said hello, stopped to visit and I must say I did feel a bit like a celebrity. (don’t let it go to your head Bernice)
But as soon as I ride out it ALL must be put behind me. It just has to be or I’d get myself killed. I must be present. I must not be thinking of what happened back there. But do not think I forget, do not think I go riding off and LEAVE YOU ALL BEHIND, no it’s not like that. My heart is bursting with gratitude and I know, I truly know that I could not possibly do these rides with out the help of people like you.
There are to many emails to answer them all. There are to many people to email and thank each time I ride out but please, please know that my rides, my saddle, my panniers are packed with memories and gratitude. That each night when I stop for the night you are up there shinning from a star reminding me I am not alone, reminding me that I could not do these rides with-out a lot of help from people like you. I realized long ago that it’s not about me, it’s about all of us and how we share our stories as friends, families and communities.
Each ride is different of course. The first 3 years were brutal and to be perfectly honest I’m not sure how I did it. Last years ride measured out as the best ever. I so enjoyed the East Coast, the New England states, the rich history and its “curious enough to stop and ask what the heck I was all a bout” inhabitants. I like that. When a car stops and there is a young father or mother driving with children in the back seat. And they want to know “hey what are you all about?” I say, “you have just given your children one of the most important lesson of life. If you are interested, stop and find out what caught your attention. Ask questions, discover something you never knew before.
As I travel further west, further and further from your east coast door steps. Please, Please remember you will remain forever a part of my rides, the collective memory, as so many others are. The little gifts and momentum’s have been mailed back to Montana. I must travel light and I do. Light hearted with the delightful memories of my “winter in New York.” Looking forward the upcoming additions.I am here now with Christine and Greg Rathjes, both teachers who have offered a quiet respite for both horses and rider. Next stretch…Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota then back into Canada. The sun warms my back most mornings and now resides on my left shoulder thru out the afternoon before settling down before us like a red flaring ball of light guiding us home. We still have a fair amount of miles to go.
Happy Trails, your lady long rider Bernice Ende.
Sault Saint Marie, Ontario Canada – May18th, 2015
I can see the horses standing in the shade, fly masks on, standing head to tail with wind enough to keep them free of bugs. Resting comfortably.
New York, the New England states, winter, snow and cold all seems like a dream, it all seems impossible that I truly rode all the way to the Atlantic Ocean last year from my home in Northwest Montana with these two remarkable horses!
Recount of ride through Ontario April 25th to May 19th, 2015
Judy Boyer and her sister Joan Carlisle trailered me and my girls across the St.Lawrence River and dropped us off in Domesville, Ontario.
First night out we camped in Nico and Maki Hiferink’s pasture in “Land O’ Nod Farm.” Both retired dancers still working with the National Ballet of Canada. Nico shared stories, many stories as he encountered the great dancers of the world, Baryshnikov, Fontaine, Nureyev. Such stories, when would I ever meet someone – who to me,had enthralling recounts of a world I had only read about.
There are to many night s to recall each and every one.What follows is a list with a heartfelt thank you to ALL of you who so kindly hosted a night or two.
Kathy Porter
Dianne and Mark Czerwinski
David Trumbel
Karen and Darren Gillingham
Glen Burkholder
Steve and Barb Barker
Shirley and Bruce Davidson
Jack and Peggy Hurely
Marjory and Glen Goodwin
Kimberley Cousin and Jeff Hastings
Dan and Danika Gravelle
Debbie and Curtis Kirby
Jason Kolvisto and Kit Purnis
last but not least the least the Lemieux’s, Kathy and Phil (of Mantracker) who hauled me across the Sault Saint Marie Bridge..
and then there was…
Pat Wolf from the Canadian Fjord Association who drove out from Ottawa to haul the horses and I around Sudbury because it was in my opinion and others….un-rideable.
And the folks that delivered food on the road or maple syrup fresh from their trees or the town of Bancroft that set the streets with smiles and waves as the short parade of 2 horses rode thru town. And although I did feel rushed trying to beat the black fly season. Still there was plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful Province of Ontario. Thank you so much ….to each and everyone whose path I crossed thank you for the support, encouragement and interest I could not have done it without you. You just can’t go wrong, the world loves the Canadians. I came back into the states once again thinking..”I am so glad these Canadians are our northern neighbors.”
Sincerely, Bernice Ende your lady long rider
Commanda, Ontario May 11th, 2015
One never knows, its just that simple, one never knows what is ahead, the people, the smells the sounds that make up a community. You can look at a picture of course but now until you’re actually there – actually clip clopping down the hard pavement in-front of homes and business building, the yards, tidy and groomed, shaking hands, receiving smiles, explaining yourself, do you actually get to know what you have ridden into.
You can go anywhere in the world and people will love the Canadians. They have a casual, easy way about them, generous, hospitable, welcoming. Commanda is yet another village on the list of my Ontario stop overs. The community has been kind enough to let me camp in their fenced in area next to their community owned, Commanda Community Center. I attended a wonderful Yoga class this morning. I must admit it reminds me of home!!!! Wood stoves, home cooked meals, a community of earthy, warm, loving people sharing lives together. It’s nice to be here, nice to feel welcomed and at home. thank you
Hard rains have us stopped for a couple of days. Pat Wolf, member of the Canadian Fjord Association is coming on Wednesday to haul me up the expressway to Sudbury AND to do an interview for the Fjord Magazine.
Ontario has been tricky in some areas as the roads are limited, but for the most part I have made my way zig zagging a path thru Ontario’s back country roads, its been lovely.
I know it must seem I am forever riding off into the sunset well now I truly am doing just that.
When I reach Michigan and have access to my computer I will fill in my Ontario stretch, there’s simply to much to post while I am stopped at a private home. I feel it a bit inconsiderate to be on the computer when I should be visiting.
Until later, thank you so much Ontario, “I could not have done it with-out your help.” Sincerely, Bernice – Thank you
Brancroft, Ontario Canada May 2nd, 2015
We have been in Canada one week, crossing at Ogdensburg, New York and thru customs with papers all in order all went easy.
The weather has been perfect and as usual the Canadians are so very friendly. The last time I rode in Canada in 2012 I went home and said, ” I am so glad that these Canadians are our northern neighbors.”
This is a short posting as I am at the private home of the Glen Burkholder family. Glen stopped in his car when he saw me and the horses resting by an empty building in Hartwood Lake. He invited me but he and his family lived 30 miles down the road.
Well as I pressed on two ladies from the town council of Bancroft stopped as Mark Williamson has called them to let them know I was riding into town.They took my heavy saddle packs which let us pick up the speed, we rode into the Burkholder home just past 7pm, Mark came out from his home as I rode by earlier in the day. He brought out fresh maple syrup, carrots, and apples.
THEN stopped again to make sure I was doing ok and brought water more carrots and apples. Oh my… this is Canadian hospitably!!!
I am having a wonderful ride. The horses are in good health, moving well and this is just a shout out…Hello and thank you so much all of you that are helping me to make my way across Ontario, Canada.
Happy Trails Bernice
April 23rd, 2015 The Boyer Residence – Lisbon, New York
It has been a very busy stop in Ogdensburg but to leave with out visiting the Frederick Remington Museum would have been a shame.
Both Judy Boyer and her Sister Joan Carlisle (Mr.&Mrs. Preston Carlisle are benefactors)joined me on a tour given by Laura Foster director and curator of the museum….a very informative tour of the historic home. Frederick Remington was one of the most famous artists of his time. The museum which to me felt like a sanctuary for his spectacular bronze figures, alive with action. It also shares Remingtons look at Northern New York with oils and sketches depicting his beloved northern wilderness which I had never seen. An almost impressionist quality to them.
Judy Boyer, me, Laura Foster and Judy’s sister Joan Carlisle
Last night I gave a talk at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Service. We had a great turn out for such short notice which Judy had quickly organized. Judy Boyer is an active 4-H leader and the entire week I have spent at her home,children have been coming in to practice their public presentation, Part of the 4-h curriculum. The competition ends at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y.next month!
4-H played an important role in my childhood. It was really ALL we did once school was out for the summer months. As farm children each of us took an animal to the fair but we also learned to sew, cook and do public presentations that would be exhibited at the county fair. I learned for the first time the application of knowledge, the importance of presentation and how to prepare for an event. I’ve done many slide-show presentations for 4-H groups and have been an advocate for the organization for years. It’s good to see after 100 years that 4-H is still alive and well!
Town and Country Veterinary Clinic
904 country route 4, Ogdensburg, NY. 315-393-7338
Raindrop Roundup 4-H members hard at work….
Well I guess this is where I must say…”GOODBYE NEW YORK”. On Saturday, Judy will haul (in a horse trailer) Essie, Spirit and I across the St. Lawrence River into Ontario, Canada. With all of our necessary paper work in order, tack clean, horses rested we shall continue on with the adventure, the journey home.
I could say thank you a 1000 times and it would not be enough. My ride thur the Northeast has been heartwarming, educational, surprising and diverse. As compared to other rides it has been an easy go of it. Plenty of grass and water, plenty of places to camp. Roads were a bit tricky at times, had to haul a couple of time because of the risk some roads offered, simply not worth riding, to dangerous. BUT TO have made it ALL THE WAY TO THE ATLANTIC OCEAN! goodness it brings me to tears when I think about it. TO turn around and look behind at the 1000 of miles my two girls and I walked, traveled, endured together.
I’ll be packed light when we leave Saturday and will travel quickly across Ontario to avoid the bugs which are bound to appear anytime soon, presenting miserable riding conditions. The horses are fit, still plenty of steel on their shoes. My new heel cleats that Dick Manel made for me look like tiny horse shoes on my heels…for walking. Its good to be back out. Its good to leave feeling hundreds of smiles, handshakes and encouragement shining on my back.
Happy Trails Bernice
