~ Custer’s Ride to Glory ~

The Custer Ride will always be one of the great adventures of my life. The stories, friends, and thrill of ‘being there’ are among my favorite memories and have become a lifetime memory keepsake.  Steve Shaw has successfully and expertly recreated an exciting time in history.

Rich Tomich

Lt Col, USAF, Retired

Captain, Southwest Airlines

Vice President, Winter Range

 

I recall the night we outran the thunderstorm … probably the most exciting ride at the Little Big Horn. Galloping through the sagebrush, the horses dodging it; standing on the Crow's Nest, looking down at the valley, wondering what it looked like when Custer was standing in that very spot.  On the Crow's Nest ride, riding through those beautiful hills … hard to beat. The scenery is unbelievable: trees, rocks, hills, plains, and cows. The morning ride along the Little Bighorn River, riding up and down those hills all made for a fun experience.  When we rode into the Little Bighorn National park for the annual Memorial Service, riding by all those graves and saluting the fallen soldiers was probably the most touching thing.  The actual battle where the Indians fought hand-to-hand combat with us, all the time trying to throw each other down, was too much fun.  When asked why I like to go to the Little Big Horn, my response is, "Where else can you ride through the plains, the river, the hills, not to mention the history of the place? These all make for an exciting experience."

Al Kaufman

Defiance, Ohio

 

I have been on several "City Slicker" type cattle drives and other horse back riding trips over the years, but Custer’s Ride to Glory proved to be the best experience for me to date. Steve Shaw's "Great American Adventures" is the BEST!  The group assembled is all fine sportsmen who truly cherish the Old West's history. Steve really does his homework to provide both great historical knowledge and first hand interaction with places as well as people. Throughout the entire event Steve constantly listens to the group to ensure their utmost enjoyment as well as to quickly resolve issues as they arise and yet maintains a casual atmosphere knowing we are all on vacation. I highly recommend his trips to anyone who loves history as well as adventure and fantastic friendship and lasting memories. Best words to describe the ride - PRICELESS!

        Bob Dulzer

        Hudson, Ohio

I had the fortune back in 2006 to meet and join Steve Shaw and his "Irregulars." I read an article about "Custer’s Ride to Glory" for the 130th anniversary of the Battle of the Little Big Horn. The call for men to join a ride into history was too much for me to ignore. So I signed up, and am very glad I did. First of all, the adventure was very well organized. All details were carefully attended to. The wrangler was very professional and quite a character in his own right. The horses that were provided were strong, willing and well-trained. All the necessary tack and gear were available to those who needed. I didn't since I had brought my own McClellan saddle. The historical teachings about the people, places and events were presented in a fun and easy to understand format. The instructors were readily available for any question asked. Also, there were different points of view presented. Not only did we hear the government’s side but also the Indians side as presented by an Indian chief. Then there is the food. We ate from a chuck wagon right on the bank of the Little Big Horn. The chow was prepared in the fashion of the day and there was always plenty of it. After dinner some sort of entertainment was provided whether it was the wrangler playing the guitar and singing or an evening ride to watch the sunset or chase coyotes. The battle re-enactment was top notch. There were plenty of Indians to fight with and lots of gun smoke and dust and horses running everywhere to excite any cowboy of any age. No one got hurt. Sure there were a few sprains and strains but everyone watched out for everyone else. I met and have remained friends with a great bunch of guys. I plan to do this event again and hope to meet up with my partners that rode into history with me and the "Irregulars."

Donn Crothers

Southwest, FL

 

I have spent nearly a lifetime studying George Armstrong Custer. The countless books I have read, and the trips to the Little Bighorn Battlefield are important to me. When I heard of the opportunity to ride where General Custer rode that last day was a beckoning call! As a Civil War re-enactor in a cavalry unit, I decided, with the full approval of my wife and partner, to enlist in the "Irregulars" and ride into history. What a magnificent decision that turned out to be! We rode where not many have been since that fateful day and we felt what those troopers must have felt with the rises on both sides of the trail a potential hiding place for the foe they were there to conquer. Having a direct descendant of the Indian tribe guide us and provide Oral Tradition comments on what happened and where was without a doubt an eye opening experience I will never forget. The adventure culminated in a battle reenactment on the site that it originally occurred. How cool can that be!!!! There is no question that this experience, and the detail, time and effort that Steve Shaw put into building this trip into history will be one of the most well remembered, and worthwhile vacations we have had to date.

Jeff Krueger

Director, Sales and Marketing

Fond du Lac, Wi

 

I have never enjoyed a vacation/adventure as much as my experiences with GREAT AMERICAN ADVENTURES. I participated in the June, 2006, activities concerning the 130th anniversary of the Battle of the Little Big Horn and the June, 2008, adventure which included events at Ft. Abraham Lincoln in North Dakota and at the Little Big Horn Battlefield site. I have participated in two exciting events with GREAT AMERICAN ADVENTURES and consider them to be the best value of any "adventure" trips that I have taken. The events were professionally planned and executed and each participant received more than could have been expected. A horseback event with GREAT AMERICAN ADVENTURES is not a ride from one point to the next over several days; rather, it is a living history lesson at the actual sites of significant events in American history. You ride where the Seventh Cavalry rode, where the American Indians had gathered for the largest encampment ever, where a tragic and controversial battle took place and where "legends rode to glory." As part of my two GREAT AMERICAN ADVENTURES, I slept in the granary at Ft. Lincoln on bunks of 2 by 8 boards, saddled my horse in the Seventh Cavalry stable, rode through the ravine where the Seventh headed West on the way to the Little Big Horn, rode to the Crow's Nest where Custer first saw the Indian camp, rode the route from there to Medicine Tail Coulee and crossed the Little Big Horn River. I participated in reenactments of the battle and memorial ceremonies at the Seventh Cavalry and Native American monuments. These events are true American Adventures. 

Ken Taylor

Deputy Chief of Police

Tampa, Florida

 

I must say that the Custer trip was one of the finest adventures I have ever done.  We did so much stuff, met a bunch of great guys, learned so much history, saw the places that I have only read about, rode in places I wouldn't have dared to ride before, and more! 

Robert Arntzen, CFO/Treasurer
    Arntzen Corporation
    Rockford, IL 61101

 

True West Magazine Honored Great American Adventures by naming the company

Best of the West Tour Company for 2009

 

 

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