Testimonials

The riding was superb, the scenery stunning and . . .

Just wanted to thank you again for a fabulous adventure--the 2nd time was even better than the first ... although I couldn't have even imagined it could be!  The opportunity to learn was ingrained in everything we did, and I think my capacity to absorb it was higher.  The riding was superb, the scenery stunning and the camp life--food, fun and comraderie was amazing.  You do an excellent job of 'reading' your customers and everything seemed to be 'just right'!  I can imagine that you are enjoying some down time, and I hope that you are taking time for yourselves before your next group.  I will be sending more comments, and of course sharing my pics but I just wanted to say thanks--I was able to challenge myself in a safe way on the most beautiful tundra I know--and it was great.  Thanks for sticking around Fri night Bobbi--that was a wonderful evening of sharing memories and laughter.  I know I'll be back...take care,
Kim P., Ontario, Canada / 2010 Mustang Horse Adventure & 2008 Girls Ride Out!

I . . . pretend I'm back among the sage . . .

The week flew by all too fast, and although it was nice to get home and ride my own horse, I sometimes close my eyes while in the saddle and pretend I'm back among the sage and wide open spaces, with good friends and great horses!  Take care . . .

Joan B.,  Rhode Island / 2009 Mustang Horse Adventure

"It was everything and more than I expected"

On the Three-Dimensional Horsemanship Clinic, September 2008: The information gained from Mike’s clinic talks, demonstrations and practice, as we rode through the beautiful WY hills, has already improved my riding and sharpened my focus on my horse’s behavior in the two weeks since I have returned. I am handling my horse with more attention and intent. Mike & Bobbi, you created a relaxed learning atmosphere combined with specific, clear guidance and riding opportunities that allowed us to: 1) ask questions knowing there were no “dumb” questions 2) immediately practice what we heard and saw, and 3) adjust the learning among both experienced and relatively new riders with ease. We each learned from each other’s experiences as Mike built his body of knowledge day-by-day. The rides were so enjoyable and being at your camp was a relaxing and renewing experience in itself. THANKS SO MUCH. It was everything and more than I expected. - Chris F., Connecticut, 2008 & 2007

". . . why would you want to go anyplace else?"

I went to your web site just to look at photos. So beautiful. Everybody's been sending photos around, and frankly it's overwhelming. And honestly, the photos don't capture the physical beauty, the critters and the overall experience . . . it was again great this summer. Love your entire set up, and also love just getting out there away from all the hustle. Last night, Pam was saying where can we go next, and I was thinking why would you want to go anyplace else?   - Ginny C., New York / 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005

"I can't wait for next year!!"

If each of my trips get better than the last, I am going to have to move to Wyoming. This past week was wonderful - what a great bunch of women, on your fantastic horses, riding over the beautiful high desert. HWL is truly a unique riding and camping experience. I feel very privileged to have seen so many wild mustangs! How many horselovers get to do that? If I had to pick a favorite ride, I would have to say South Pass City, but why pick? All the rides are fabulous. Please thank Mike and Jack for all our delicious meals. You and your family make the experience. I can't wait for next year!! 
- Beebe M., Massachusetts, 2008, 2007 & 2006; coming back for 4th time in 2009 

"We thank you and your horses . . ."

Our week with you all is one that we will never forget. Sandy and I so
enjoyed our time with each of you. We will be digesting (and savoring) our trip for many more months. We are changed forever!

We have returned to find that our riding is also very different - we think it has improved - hard to be objective on that - but we know for sure that we have much more confidence. We thank you and your horses for that! ...and
Mike the advice you gave us on our "dangling arm" in the lope provided us with a gigantic "Aha!!!" It helped tremendously.

  - Cathy & Sandy F. / 2008, 2005, Massachusetts; coming for 3rd trip in 2009

"what a great combination this year's trip was . . ."

Leonard and I had a wonderful time with you guys. We returned safely home with a quarter of a buffalo packed on ice in the truck cab.

On our ride back, we talked about what a great combination this year's trip was. By balancing the "wild horses" and the scenic areas of Wyoming, we really got a great balance of active range riding and the adventure of the search for wild horses. Thanks for both. We really enjoyed catching up with you this year. The campsite is wonderful. Probably your best yet. The economy is causing challenges for all of us. We hope that your summer is good for you. Thanks again for a wonderful week.   - Leonard & Alyce P., CA, coming for 6th trip in 2009

"I feel a different person now . . ."

Dear Bobbi & Mike,

I made it home safe and sound in spite of my endless flight. Well, at least I guess I'm still sound. ;) Here are some of the pics I took during our last week together. Hope you like them. I certainly loved spending time with your family and your horses. I feel a different person now. Or better, I feel I can think different now. Straighter, clearer. Even though the so said civilized world offers tons more distractions than the open spaces. :) I told my parents -especially Dad- about everything we did. I fantasize one day I'll be able to bring them along for another WY adventure. Thank you.

- Giulia M., Florida and Italy, 2008

"We must confess we are in withdrawal!"

Thanks for a great week. We had a fabulous time.. The riding was beyond our expectations, and spending the week with you all and Susie seemed like spending a week with family. We hope your move to the new camp goes smoothly. We must confess we are in "withdrawal" for some really great horseback riding. Unfortunately our recent activities have mainly related to work!! Still hope we will see you in the mountains of Colorado in October after your season is over! Also remember the invite for this winter and dog sled racing.  - Sallie & Bob, Colorado 2008 & 2007, coming back for 3rd trip in 2009 

"I have told everyone about the wonderful adventures "

Bobbie, Mike & Emily,

You are welcome and thank you! I don’t recall receiving a letter of thanks quite so nice and personal as this one. I too had a wonderful time and have told everyone about the wonderful adventures we had in Wyoming. Mostly I talk about our hosts’ the Wades who were so patient and caring with their horses, their Horse-Man-Ship philosophy and the Hoke-a-Hay attitude that they taught and practiced throughout the week. I’m sure I’ve spelled Hoke-a-Hay wrong so would you please let me know how to spell it, I would appreciate it. (Hoka Hey)

My adventure of seeking out and watching the wild Mustang herd was a dream come true for me; a dream of mine since childhood. You are very fortunate to re-visit them at will and I hope the Mustang will continue to roam free forever as peacefully and gracefully as the day I saw them.

I really enjoyed seeing the bond you have as a family; the fact that you genuinely enjoy being together, spending time together, sharing the day’s events and helping each other. Emily is a wonderful young lady and I think we became friends even in the short span of a week. I have some wonderful pictures to send to you.

When I was riding in the truck with Mike the day of the Wild Mustang Adventure, I told him about a vacation I had taken . . . to California and how that trip turned into more of a disaster as each day unfolded. More complications arose each day, tempers flared . . . To this day, they still can’t admit that they failed to deliver what they promised. Everything that the CA trip was NOT, your trip WAS. Everything you spoke about was totally honest and accurate. Keep up the good work, let me know what I can do to help, and call me if you’re in the neighborhood. I look forward to riding with each of you one day again-soon. Give Curley and Flash a kiss for me. I hope Flash has seen the dentist and is feeling better.

As I rode through our area I thought a lot about my surroundings, the trees, the woods, the fields, the land, the hills (we don’t have mountains, sorry), but I think you would really enjoy riding in my area as much as I did in yours. I extent this invitation to each of you now: come and ride with me in New Jersey. Anytime. I ride all year round and each season brings different sights to enjoy. Be safe, be happy and keep singing . . .    - Nancy A., New Jersey 2008

". . . you pretty much have the perfect trip!"

Many thanks for your newsletter -- Ginny and I had just been discussing HW&L-ing next summer and your news arrived that day in the mail, so clearly it's meant to be!

I had such a great time in August with you and Mike and the group -- maybe it was the fact that you had put us all in touch prior to meeting, but we seven meshed so well so quickly that it was like a vacation with friends from the first day. Throw in the unbeatable HW&L horses, country and cooking and you pretty much have the perfect trip!

The (competitor ride) is in a beautiful spot and the trails were gorgeous, but I found the rules and regulations regarding the horses and riding pretty irritating. I'm sure I'd been badly spoiled by the freedom of riding with you -- and certainly I understand the liability issue -- but it is STRICTLY nose-to-tail riding there with hell to be paid for Trotting Without Permission, Lagging Behind -- or worse, Getting Ahead! -- and other wild behavior. But, hell, I was on a horse in spectacular country so it's a minor complaint.

Hope all is well there! Thank you again for a wonderful week -- it was a privilege to be a part of the HW&L family!

  - Ellen B., Connecticut / 2007, 2006 

" I so enjoyed my time in Wyoming . . ."

Dear Bobbi, Mike and Emily,

I wanted to take a minute to write and wish all of you a happy holiday. I also wanted to thank you for one of the most wonderful weeks I ever spent on the back of a horse! The riding was spectacular and I thoroughly enjoyed your company as well as those 3 veterinarians! And--Jack's cooking was terrific! I so enjoyed my time in Wyoming, especially the day we went searching for mustangs, that it started me on another life journey.

I began searching for a mustang of my own--one that was gentled and trained and I found him in Rock Springs this past November. His name is Chip of Gold (Chip), 6 years old today and a complete sweetheart. My daughter and I went to see and ride him and that was it! He is now a Texan! I've had him about 4 weeks and have loved every minute . He's also been quite the talk around the Horseshoe Club (where I board my quarter horse). It seems that very few people have ever seen a "real" mustang up close and they are very curious and impressed with his quiet and willing attitude. It seems that he has become an ambassador of sorts for the mustang around here. I've also joined the Mustang Heritage Foundation here and will be helping with their next spectactular makeover in September! So you see that if it wasn't for that week with you, this chapter in my life would never have happened! Thank you again. I hope all is well with you and I think of Emily and her dogs often. Take care and I wish all of you the very best 2008. If you talk to Jack, please say hello to him from me. P.S. I'll e-mail photos of Chip. Take care.  - Margy R., Texas, 2007

"I surely appreciated the safety aspect."

Thank you guys so much for a great week. It was so much fun and I surely appreciated the safety aspect. I appreciated how much you guys cared about the time we had and you cared about your horses. I think the horsemanship part is so cool and always feel we can never master that enough. The learning never stops. I would love to come out again sometime. If you guys ever travel to the East Coast look us up and you can stay with us or visit. I never met Amanda but Emily has a good head on her shoulders. You must be doing something right. Keep in touch. - Stephanie O., New Jersey, 2008

"Everything I experienced and saw has inspired me"

Wanted to thank you and Mike and the girls for such a wonderful experience. Its feels quite surreal now I am back in NYC in the thick of things.

Everything I experienced and saw has inspired me (I am now a subscriber to Western Horseman!). And a very special thanks to Mike for my authentic Cowboy boots. I love them.   - Sibella C., 2006 / New York

"That's the fastest I've ever ridden"

I had a wonderful time and am still "in Wyoming."  I went for a lesson yesterday at the stables and my trainer said, "You're leaning a forward a little more than you usually do...why are you doing that?"  I said, "So I can stay centered when my horse jogs over the sagebrush."  We had a good laugh.  I'll never forget loping out in the wide open. That's the fastest I've ever ridden.  What a thrill!  I came home with lots of information for the setting for the novel and I'm mad at work.   - Pam R., 2006 / California

"It was a pleasure to enjoy the horses and scenery "

It was a great adventure visiting with you all in the great outdoors. The weather couldn't have been nicer for our trip. It took a week or more to re-adjust to life here at home.

You guys were great! It was a pleasure to enjoy the horses and scenery all week and not have to do any of the work. The food and lodging was 4 star- I especially enjoyed the quiet evening campfire and old time western music at the end of the day. Mike's horsemanship clinics were so informative and enjoyable. Reminding us to stay aware of our horse's "thought bubble" helped make the daily rides through the wild, open spaces safer and more enjoyable to us all. It helped keep us connected with our horses.

I felt the spirit of travelers that had passed this way hundreds of years ago as we rode the dusty Oregon Trail to the old Pony Express station. I remember wandering through the old barns and living quarter of old, barely-standing buildings that were filled with traces of life a century ago. The site seeing trip to old towns and cemeteries with spirits from he old west still linger in my thoughts. Thank you for the opportunity to experience a part of this years-ago lifestyle.

I felt really honored to be given Winchester to ride for the week. What a nice trail horse. His intelligence and attention to his rider made for a very pleasurable ride. I have the picture attachment on the desktop of my computer.

I told my husband that I wanted him for Christmas: Would you consider selling him? Life here at my farm would make a great retirement spot for him. Must run!   - Nancy W, 2006 / Georgia

"west of the tension line . . ."

I wanted to say such a big thank you to you both, and to Amanda and Emily (and the dogs and the horses!) for such a wonderful vacation. It has taken me until today to get back to normal because of yesterday's big competition day. Everything went on hold until that was all over. I looked at both Brooke's photos which she sent to me on disc and my own the other night and it just took me right back to the smell of sagebrush and the blue sky and the big wide open spaces. I so envy you your lifestyle and the obvious pleasure you have in what you do.

My day job seems even more tedious than normal and the UK more crowded and grey and rainy and the prospect of another winter ploughing about in the mud and the dark just so unappealing. I would love to come back again and bring some of my friends with me to experience the riding and the whole Wyoming experience. I found the riding mentally really challenging compared with my riding here, but physically easier than I expected - thank goodness! It was all I could have asked for and then some - in no small part because of the kind of people you all are. I felt like part of a family not just a guest going through the motions of experiencing Wyoming. Thank you so much for this great experience. I can definitely recommend being "west of the tension line"!

Hope all goes well for you and will be in touch next year to try and come visit you all again with some of our mates. I now have to do a talk for our Pony Club children this winter to describe my trip and the riding experience, and will be making good use of your website and links to fill all of them with enthusiasm for your wide open spaces and wonderful hospitality. I will also send you my photos on disc if you can let me have an address - if its not on your website. And thank you again for just the best time with you all.  - Mo C. / 2005, Wales

"Something touched my heart . . ."

As I write this, I know you are both out on a ride, most likely to South Pass City, with your most current guests. Oh, what I would give to be back there! I cannot describe the feeling at night to look up at the black sky and see a million stars brightly shining, let alone the Milky Way! Nor can I express what it felt like to climb up towards Pacific Butte, eat lunch, and have Bobbi pick a good place to "fall off"! Boy, that was a day! Still, the grin on Bob's face as we took up a "slow" lope on the last day towards the Lander cut-off, comes to mind with me laughing over the sheer fun we were having.

I give you both so much credit for creating an atomosphere that is both safe and fun. I felt like a cowboy out there. If only Wyoming didn't have seven months of winter! As corny as it sounded, nothing capped off the week better than Bobbi singing "Home on the Range". When you listen to all the verses, you realize just how privileged you were over the past several days to be part of something bigger than you.

Toni and I decided to come back in two years, but I may find myself there sooner. Something touched my heart, and I don't want to lose that. All my best.   - Brooke L. / 2005, Virginia

"You treated all of us so special."

Beth and I talk about our trip all the time. It was the best. We get together once a week, at least, and ride. I miss your girls and feel like they became part of my family of grandkids. They are something really special and you are giving them the education of a life-time working along-side of their parents and meeting so many different and unique people from all over. They are awesome young ladies. Tell Amanda my hat band is 23" for the beaded one she is making me. There is no hurry - I am sure she is busy with new people coming in for the trips. Tell Emily I hope she is wearing her bandana and a string on her cowboy hat. She sure kept me smiling and I really miss that great cookin' Amanda did.

Bobbi, Mike and you are just the best. You treated all of us so special. By the end of the week, I felt like I had known all of you for years. It went by just too darn fast though. I was just getting to enjoy the dips in that COLD Sweetwater River! When I ride now I can still smell the sage brush. Actually, I brought some home and its in my kitchen. I also really miss my little mustang "Brick". I love the pictures with my brand on him LVT (thanks to Emily). Brick was the ride of my life and I will treasure those "Go Go Girl Rides" forever. I hope Brick and ol' Whistle are doing good. Anyway, take care and thank you again from the bottom of my heart. I have memories I'll cherish forever.   - Linda V./ 2005, Michigan

"Your horses far exceeded my expectations"

Just a short note to thank you all for a wonderful holiday. It was a real pleasure to completely cut off from the hurley burley of "normal" life and share a few days with you. Your horses far exceeded my expectations, the scenery around the Sweetwater was dramatic and so different in each direction and you all made us feel relaxed and "at home" from the moment we arrived.

A special thank you goes to Amanda for all your hard work preparing those delicious meals.   - Chris E. / 2005, England

"It was truly a grand adventure . . ."

I hope you've recovered from the Green River Gang! I had a spectacular time and want to say thank you once again for the terrific hospitality. The folks at work can't seem to understand that riding a horse while towing another in 40mph snow showers for 8 hours is an absolute joy - I would have smiled more but my face would have frozen. It was truly a grand adventure.

Take care, have a great summer, give Ranger and Chinook a hug for me and keep in touch!   

- Joan B. / 2005, Rhode Island; returning for 3rd ride in 2009

I can still close my eyes at night and imagine being all snug in my tipi, waiting for that beautiful view at sunrise. It was a magical vacation to say the least.
I brough home a small bag of sagebursh and have it in my tack trunk at the barn, and every time I open the door I get a small reminder of Wyoming! Thank you for everything.   - Joan B. / 2004

"The wide open spaces, the wind in our faces"

I'm sorry for the delay in writing back to say a huge thank you, but I've been assembling the photos I took whilst with you and more than 200 in the week following. In the wallet which I have put together for you are just some of the very happy and funny moments we had together!

Thank you too, Mike, for the rides across your wonderful country -
The wide open spaces, the wind in our faces
The smell of the sage - took me to another age
When the land was free - for the likes of you and me!

England is winding roads, small fields boxed in by fences and hedges, and towns and large cities not 30 miles apart with pollution that clouds the stars from shining through! In my minds eye, I can still see your star-filled heavens and the expanse of the Milky Way - how lucky you are! Please say Hello to Amanda and thanks for the exotic and interesting meals she made, and Bobbi, for the CD of Chris LeDoux - it sums up in the last song, 'The Song of Wyoming' all that you have there across the "Pond." I wish you all the best for the future - may your way of life always be happy.
 - Andrew M., England / 2004

"I received much more than I paid for . . ."

Hello from Alabama. Hope" ya'll " are doing very well. Please forgive my tardiness in writing to you but the worst thing about our HWL trip was returning to the " noncowboy " way of life and as a result I have not taken the time to express my ( our ) appreciation for the wonderful week we spent with you in Wyoming. Words will never say all that my heart would like to express but they will have to do. Our time with you and the Wyoming country side will never be forgotten. Never have I taken a trip in which I received much more than I paid for and experienced much more than I expected. Being away from the " world " was tremendous but getting to know the Wade family ( Mike , Bobbi , Amanda and Emily , Bud and Katey ) was even better. (Camp cook) Amanda's cooking was awesome and the horses were great but the peaceful evenings around the fire in the crisp cool Wyoming air were beyond imagination. The wildlife ( bald eagles , mule deer, antelope, trumpet swans , sandhill cranes , jack rabbits, trout , beavers ,coyotes) , frosty mornings , cows and calves walking in single file as far as the eye could see , the clang of a hobbled horse in the distant pasture as it grazed in the night , fog above the Green River and new friends made will forever fill my memory of HWL. Thank you for making our experience with you one that Jarrod and I will cherish for a lifetime. I pray for God's continued blessings on all of you. Hope winter is not too cold in the " icebox of the USA ". 
  - Rodney and Jarrod H. / 2004

"Everything . . . was a lifelong dream realized"

I had such a wonderful time out in the Wyoming desert with all who were there. I think the thing that stands out in my mind the most was the riding. I felt that I was able to sharpen my skills which is what I wanted to do. The exploring at a new place everyday was also great, we really were the "Bushwackers". Second to the riding was the FOOD!!! As you could tell our group of girls never went to bed with empty tummies. And also being with such a great family as you guys was truly a pleasure to see. More people today need to really spend quality time together and working is a part of life that you can never learn at too young of an age. Everything about the trip was a life long dream realized . . . Thanks for all your hard work.  

 - Stephanie T. / 2004, California

"You gave two Aussies a time they’ll always remembe"

High Wild and Lonesome
We traveled 10,000 miles to live out our dream
In the High, Wild and Lonesome of Wyoming State
We longed for the adventure of the cowboy life
A week long cattle drive was now our fate
We arrived in Le Barge suitcases in hand
Full of excitement and readiness to go
We had admired the beauty of the country side
But what was in store we didn’t really know
The first night was the meet and greet
Of our hosts and other “guests” on the ride
Over hamburgers and fries at the local bar
We knew we had new “friends” at our side
Mike Wade – the true cowboy gentleman
Took us through the “Cowboy Way”
He introduced us to our trusted mounts
Then we went and rode in the hills for the day
There were only 10 rules we had to follow
That became 14 by weeks end
I think the celebrations when we broke them
Probably drove Mike around the bend
I had the fine horse Rustler (the Hustler)
Who played on my inexperience but became my friend
I’m not sure if it’s because I got better or he liked my food
But we had a great time in the end
My sister’s ride was Rooster
And I watched her work him like a pro
Rounding up cattle hiding in the fields
She really made him go!
We worked in fields “as big as states”
We all coped with the early morning start
We discovered that our horses really loved the work
We found that we had a new place in our heart
We ate like Kings and Queens all week
Thanks to Amanda – the fantastic camp cook
While Emily and Amanda taught us all to rope
And their dogs always came to look
Our time was fast drawing to a close
So Bobbi serenaded us with guitar and with song
Why is it that when you have such a great time
It never seems to last all that long?
So this here is our message from back home in Australia
We think of you all and time there each day
You gave two Aussies a time they’ll always remember
Thank you for sharing with us your “Cowboy Way”

- Corinna & Sonia, 2004, Australia

"I wish I was back there right now . . ."

What to say? You have given me another week of heaven. I only iwsh I could have this kind of thing all the time. WIth your family and what you do for people, you are truly a gift! Just know that I will carry these experiences with me always. Thank you so much.

  - Jen P. / 2005, Massachusetts

I wanted to write and thank you for the most thrilling experience of my life. Each day I wake up and remember the landscape, horses and company that I so thoroughly enjoyed. I wish I was back there right now in the great state of Wyoming, herding the cattle and living the lifestyle I find so admirable! Your family has shown me a way of life and togetherness that I wish I could live every day of my life . . . I plan on coming back for a second round on your Horse Heaven ride, so tell Redwing to be prepared!

  - Jen P. / 2004

". . . with tears of gratitude, I want to thank you"

I just want you to realize the huge impact that what you do has on the lives of those that cross your path each passing season. I have made many long overdue changes in my life. Much of the thanks is owed to you guys and the beautiful state of Wyoming! So, with tears of gratitude, I want to thank your family for my week in Wyoming's Red Desert. Everybody has been so gracious with their photos, which I enjoy and reminisce over frequently. I made a beautiful album and have framed many of the pictures for my home and office.   - Linda H., North Carolina, 2002

"Horses, open space, friendship, dust, campfire "

Thanks for your "Cowboy" friendship. Hanklyk olank voor jullie gerdnshap en niendelykheiol. (okay, I'm not sure I copied the Flemish correctly here, but it's a compliment nonetheless! BW)   - Frank V. / 2005 & 2002, Belgium

. . . that's now changed into cars, office, competition, airco, numbers, declarations..... if I could choose.....
Cheyenne and the Frontier Days-event was outstanding. After seeing the wild–horse race, I realized how lucky we were that we just had to look for wild horses instead of riding them! That was just crazy but most amusing. I just want to thank you both again for the magnificent time I spent in your company. The organisation, the riding (although very slow!), the atmosphere, the friendship, the food... it was all pico bello!  What attracted me the most in your website was the authenticity on which you are aiming at, and I must say you succeeded in that way with bravura. It's the cowboyway as close as it can be (for cityslickers). Also the way you handle the wild horses (with respect) and the entire environment was most appreciated by me.

  - Frank V., Belgium / 2002

" . . . you have made my dream come true."

"I really don’t know where to begin to thank all of you for the greatest week ever. I have always wanted to be a Cowboy and now you have made my dream come true. Thanks for all the good food (3x a day, Wow!). Thanks for the times around the campfire . . . the time riding every day and Mike, thanks for all the wonderful info you shared with me. I know all the pictures in the world could never show how really beautiful this Country is . . . keep up the good job of making people happy.”   - Arthur L., South Carolina / 2001