Modern-day “Hen Party” horsewomen in an East Lostine River meadow in Oregon’s Eagle Cap Wilderness, August 11, 2023. (Left to right) Jeanie Mascia, McKenzie Funk, Leah Over, Casey Jane Reece-Kaigler, Melissa Over, Sharon Masica and Sally Deitchler.
Brandon Swanson, Brandon Swanson / OPB
For some 30 years in the early 20th century, Oregonian Jean Birnie led a trailblazing group of horsewomen called the Hen Party on annual horse packing trips in northeastern Oregon’s Wallowa Mountains. Inspired by their legacy, a group of Hen Party descendants retraced the steps of their foremothers on an adventure into the Wallowas of their own, almost a century later.
OPB “Oregon Field Guide” producer Jule Gilfillan went along to document their journey. She joins us to share the family story of the Hen Party, and how, in the Oregon wilderness, its members found friendship, empowerment, solace and more.
Listen to all episodes of The Evergreen podcast here.