Montana Tradition: Memorial Day Weekend Horse Drive That Honors Veterans

I've been lucky enough to see and do a lot in my life—crossing the Himalayas on a motorcycle, exploring the wilds of Africa, and chasing adventure across the U.S. But what I experienced over Memorial Day weekend, right here in a small Montana town, honestly ranks up there with the most unforgettable things I've ever been part of.

Trying to put it into words feels a little daunting because I want to do it justice—but I'll do my darndest. If you've ever wondered whether the spirit of the West is still alive and well, let me tell you—it absolutely is. And the proof? The Hell's A-Roarin' Horse Drive.

Held on May 24th, this event has been going strong for about a decade, and now I understand why folks talk about it the way they do. It's more than just horses moving through town—it's grit, tradition, and community, all wrapped into one wild, beautiful moment in time.

The whole thing is organized by Susan and Warren Johnson, the husband-and-wife team behind Hell's A-Roarin' Outfitters. They're the kind of folks who don't just talk about preserving Western heritage—they live it, breathe it, and share it with everyone who shows up. Warren was inducted into the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2023, and once you meet him, it's easy to see why.

I didn't get to ride horseback in the drive itself, but I did get to hop in the back of a pickup to help document the whole thing—and let me tell you, it was something else. I had only exchanged a couple of emails with Susan before showing up, so I wasn't totally sure what to expect.

By the time I arrived, I'll admit, I was a little nervous. I didn't know a soul. But that changed fast. Susan greeted me with the warmest smile and immediately started introducing me to everyone.

Within minutes, I felt like part of the crew. And before I knew it, we were rolling through Gardiner behind an estimated 260 head of horses.

Those horses aren't just for show—they're the working horses used year-round at the outfitter. And Warren? He's a legend in his own right. His heart's in the right place, too. At the end of the drive, they hold a live auction where 100% of the net proceeds go toward Action Trackchairs for disabled veterans. These custom-built chairs give veterans the ability to explore the outdoors again—restoring their independence and freedom in a way that's truly life-changing.

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The scene rolling through Gardiner was electric—main street lined with people smiling, cheering, snapping photos. Cowboys and cowgirls whooping and hollering to keep the herd moving.
Once we took a left turn toward Jardine, the pavement disappeared and the road turned to dirt. Dust kicked up from trucks and hooves as we climbed. I figured the crowd would thin out as we moved farther from town, but nope—folks lined the road all the way up the canyon, waving and cheering.

It's about a six-mile trip from start to finish, and as we neared the top, the scene opened up to a big tent and the smell of food on the grill. Volunteers were flipping burgers, laughing, and welcoming everyone in. And riding quietly at the back of the herd, just in case any animal needed attention, was a vet truck from Hardaway Veterinary Hospital In Belgrade, MT—yet another example of the care and coordination that goes into pulling this thing off. To cap it all off, the night ended just right—with live music, great food fresh off the grill, and an auction that brought in funds for an incredible cause.

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Like I said earlier, this whole experience ranks up there with the best I've ever been part of. It's real and it's rooted in the kind of community that makes Montana special. The best part? It's open to the public. So if this sounds like your kind of weekend, I highly recommend you check it out HERE.