Tom has had horses since he was 5 years old. He traveled America, taking people on overnight horseback vacations for nineteen years as a professional horseback outfitter. His largest accomplishment, as an outfitter, was organizing and leading “The American Transcontinental Trail Ride” in 1995. Pursuing a longtime dream, and after a year of logistical planning, Tom successfully lead a group of horseback riders and wagons from Savannah, Georgia, on the Atlantic Ocean, to San Diego, California on the Pacific Ocean, every step of the way on horseback, over 3,000 miles. The trip took four and a half months. Tom was hosted by 83 towns with 256 riders participating on parts of the trip, including Mayors, Chiefs of Police and the Texas Rangers. Former President Jimmy Carter taught the group Sunday School, as the trail ride passed through Plains, Georgia.
One of Tom’s past careers included owning three cable television stations during the infancy of the cable industry. He hosted, directed and produced television programs for twelve years, specializing in outdoor sports programs. His experience in television and his love for traveling with horses and trail riding all over the country lead to his current television series Best of America by Horseback.
Tom is a graduate of the University of Richmond. Besides producing the Best of America by Horseback television series, Tom is a full time farmer in Virginia. While his years as an outdoorsman are well known, it is unknown to the public that Tom played a key role in back channel negotiations on the international stage. His genuine "down home" farm boy personality and great sense of humor makes you feel like you’ve known him for years.
Pat SeayProducer/Director
Pat helped manage two horseback vacation businesses with husband, Tom. She traveled the country with him, taking guests on overnight horseback vacations for nineteen years. She helped him organize and coordinate “The American Transcontinental Trail Ride” in 1995, the ride that inspired their current television series, Best of America by Horseback.
Pat is a graduate of Old Dominion University. She developed many of her skills working on several major motion pictures in production coordination and media exposure.
She was the Production Manager for a cable television station in Virginia for 11 years, overseeing every aspect of daily television production. Pat’s passion is producing outdoor sports programs, such as fishing, hunting, skiing, boating, flying and horseback riding. She has produced segments for television all over the United States, Canada, and locations outside of the U.S. including England, Scotland, Mexico and the Caribbean.
Pat’s attention to detail is evident in the production of the Best of America by Horseback series. She makes sure each episode is informative, educational, scenic, and is appealing to a broad audience. If viewers do not have horses, her goal is to still have them enjoy the beautiful scenery, wildlife and interesting information she tries to include in every show.
Mark Laney CEO
Mark is a native Texan residing near Hale Center, Texas, were he grew up. Mark has his own law firm, but he prefers spends his time trail riding on his sure footed mule. Mark graduated with Honors with a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Juris Doctorate Degrees from Texas Tech University.
Mark and his wife, Brenda spend as much of their time as possible away from the office, averaging over 12,000 miles a year, hauling their mules, "Mountain Man" and "LaneyB" with their motor home to ride as many of trails of America as they can. With interests that dovetail with those of Best of America by Horseback, the mutual association came natural after meeting and riding with Tom and crew while filming for the Caprock Canyon, TX show. Since then Mark and Brenda have become dear friends and have joined us for some of our Grand Tour events. In addition to assisting with scouting out future show locations, Mark has just recently been appointed as CEO to Best of America by Horseback.
We are pleased to have Mark and Brenda, along with “Mountain Man” and “LaneyB” on the trail with us!
Del ShieldsWestern Musician/ Song Writer / Poet Assistant Trail Master & Co-Host
Talk to anyone who has ever heard Del sing or speak in rhyme the poetry he writes and they will tell you, “he’s been there.” Upon hearing him yourself, you realize the Cowboy breed is still alive and well. Del has been referred to by some as “the cowboy with the velvet voice.”
This cowboy's singing and poetry career is full speed ahead. Del appears on many Best of America by Horseback episodes performing his original cowboy music. His motto is, “come as you are, prepare to go away a little bit western.” Audiences everywhere will attest to this matter, having left Del's performance feel as if they had heard the bawling of the cattle and seeing amber setting of the sun themselves.
With years of rodeo bareback riding experience Del is able to sing the ballads of the rodeo life with true emotion. He has years of horse training experience under his hat, and is a farrier by trade. Ranching is branded into his heart and soul, and spills out through his music and poetry. Del performs in person on many of our ride events.
Becky is responsible for overseeing all the daily operations of Andora Group, LLC, the production company for the Best of America by Horseback television series. Becky was an integral part in the planning, conception, and coordination of this television series. Her attention to detail has earned her the tremendous responsibility of coordinating every aspect of our production company and farming business. She is also responsible for securing locations, coordinating productions trips and schedules. Becky also manages all horse events held at Andora Farm, our farm in Virginia.
Becky is our daughter-in-law and we are extremely pleased and proud to have our family involved so extensively in our business. She graduated with honors from Radford University with a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education and Biology. She and Brian enjoy raising their two children, Carly and Dylan.
David LondreyVideo Production
David is a graduate of Virginia Tech and was a well known catcher for their baseball team. David has had experience with horses for many years, including when he co-managed our horseback vacation business in Virginia. His management skills running that business earned him a well deserved position of trust and confidence.
David now assists with the filming, production and editing of the television episodes. His warm, friendly and outgoing personality is appreciated by all who have the chance to meet him.
Bethany has been vacationing with her family at Leatherwood Mountains since the early 80's. She has chosen to settle in this area because of her love of the close community and family spirit. Her involvement with horses has been a constant in her life. When the staff of Best of America by Horseback met Bethany there was an instant bond created. We have chosen her to act as our reservationist and liaison for our Headquarters, located at Leatherwood Mountains. Bethany also helps out with the rental program, but her first love is being on the back of a horse and talking with other equine enthusiasts!!
When calling Best of America by Horseback, you’ll most likely hear the kind and gentle voice of Lisa. Lisa has been with us for several years and has the responsibility of managing our reception, mailings and registering the riders for our Grand Tour events. In addition, she assists with the organization, production and shipment for orders placed on our online store. Lisa is an integral part of the coordination and organization of the day to day tasks.
Lisa has a degree in Cosmetology and lives in Boston, VA with her family.
Cathy Brincefield Creative Consultant
Cathy has more than 29 years experience in concepting and producing award winning, effective creative work in every medium possible. Her work spans the majority of industry categories for both national and regional brands. Cathy is extremely intuitive and has translated numerous clients’ brand vision and personality into branded image and communication designs. Cathy’s client experience includes work for: AOL Time Warner, BMW, The Coalition of National Cancer Cooperative Groups, Hardy’s Wines, Mercedes Benz, Universal Studios and Virginia Tourism Corporation.
Best of America by Horseback General Info Virginia Office: 17275 Germanna Hwy., Culpeper, VA 22701 Phone: 540.829.9555 General Info & information on Leatherwood Headquarters: Leatherwood Mountains 512 Meadow Rd. Ferguson, NC 28624 336.973.4142 For Sponsorship Texas Office: 600 Ash St. Plainview, TX 79072 Phone: 806.293.3711 info@bestofamericabyhorseback.com Copyright 2004-2012. Andora Group, LLC. All rights reserved.
