The Ride of Her Life: The True Story of a Woman, Her Horse, and Their Last-Chance Journey Across America

“Tramps,” or people who walk from place to place in search of work and temporary shelter, have long been part of US history. From Civil War soldiers to the homeless laborers of the 1870s and 1930s depressions, many US citizens have set off on foot, horseback, or train to live nomadically. However, Annie differed in two ways: She was a woman, and her journey was in the 1950s when “homelessness” and the “tramp” lifestyle had steeply declined in the US. Some people expressed surprise to see Annie traveling by herself on horseback. One farmer offered her a job and accommodations, but Annie was determined to get further on her trip before accepting employment.

Annie knew that she would depend on the kindness of strangers as her money dwindled. On her second night, a kindly stranger hosted her, letting her sleep inside and serving her a breakfast of eggs and bacon. On her third night, however, a homeowner reluctantly let her sleep in her field but then called the police, who took Annie to the home of a local family, the Bennetts.

Annie marveled at the Bennetts’s generosity. Laurence Bennett was a doctor, and he tried to work despite having a disability and arthritis.