The History of Wilderness Pursuit Horseback Adventures
By: Brianna
It all started when my grandmother, Lynette, was a little girl who discovered a deep love for horses. Growing up on a dairy farm, she spent her early childhood riding draft horses that worked the fields for her family. When she finally got her first riding horse, there was no turning back.
Through horses, she met my grandpa Larry. Together, they bred and raised outstanding horses and built a life centered around the saddle. In the 1970’s they started endurance riding competitively all across the Midwest on their homegrown Arabians.
In 1982, they decided sharing their passion for horses was no longer just a dream and opened up Wilderness Pursuit, using retired endurance horses and some of the best trail horses you could find. They would guide clients through the beautiful Clark County Forest located just down the road from our home. Weekend trips to Dam #2 quickly became a big hit - riding 15 miles one way, packing tents and camping supplies. At night the horses were tied to lead lines while guests settled in by the fire. Grandpa Larry often leading the ride with my mom Jessi bringing up the back. Grandma Lynette and aunt Amber made sure everyone was fed and taken care of. It truly took a team.
In the 1990’s, with the help of many friends, they expanded westward, taking clients to a friends ranch in the Black Hills of Wyoming. They would make the trip from WI with clients 4 to 5 times a year, hauling 10+ horses with them. They would help with cattle branding in the spring; summer months consisted of moving cattle to new pastures; and in the fall - roundups. The men of our family would also take clients out on guided elk, whitetail and mule deer hunts. All of this was done while still competing in endurance races across the states and milking cows back home.
The late 90’s was the start of what we now call “camp” here in WI. Cabins, a picnic shelter, and a lodge were added. Marking a new chapter for Wilderness Pursuit. This is when we started hosting more youth focused groups. Kids and organizations come from all over to live, learn, and breath horses under our families guidance.
Growing up, my sister Bianca and I, along with our cousins Cretia and Steven were in the saddle all the time. Helping with whatever chores were needed and back guiding. Over time, I grew more attached to this lifestyle than the others, sharing the same deep passion for horses my grandma Lynette has always had.
In 2021, a tornado tore through our property and nearly ended our family business. Seeing our little piece of paradise in shambles was heartbreaking, and I knew I could never let it disappear. With the help of many friends and family we began rebuilding and are still working on cleanup to this day.
Today, I run Wilderness Pursuit with the help of my husband Josh. With the years of knowledge I have gained watching my grandma lead the way - along with the rest of my families helping hands we own 35 horses. We have started breeding again - bringing back some of the original bloodlines that once walked the trails of Wilderness Pursuit. We not only care for our current trail horses, but many retired trail horses who are living out their days on our farm. Occasionally they return to work for two hour trail rides or lessons - many of them are the same horses I grew up learning how to ride on - which makes it all pretty darn special.
