ZENITH STABLES RIDE

There was an abundance of fun this past weekend at Zenith Stables and riding in BSF.
Some members arrived on Thursday, and then Friday and Saturday. Lots of good riding, scenic adventures, smiling and laughing along the way. For a couple of the days, we shared the campgrounds with a bunch of "Mule People". Now, not to say anything against a good mule, except they are very vociferous, which is a good thing if you want to know if anything and anybody is coming into the campground.
I urge all of you to come and join us at any of the rides, being scheduled or not. We are there to help you in any way---from setting up your campsite to riding the trails--no matter your experience level. You will enjoy your ride, and you will not go away hungry---ohhhh, especially if the "Munn Family" is around. Man, they are set up to cook for a crowd, and do so very expertly.
This trip, we not only had the Munn's cooking, but Deb's Mom, Betty, was there to do her share of the "Meal Presentation" while Deb's 75 yr. young Dad rode out on the trails.
Have a favorite place to ride?? Let us know and we'll send it out to all the members. You never know who might show up!
M

Trail Riding Season, 2010!

Greetings FoxTROT,

Now that the temperatures are warming and the days are longer, most of us will be getting in the saddle and on the trails more. It's time to clean up around the farm/ranch/barn, make sure that all equine vaccines and coggins are current, bathe and brush (and brush and brush and brush) the winter off the horses, and inspect the trailer (how are your tires?). Are you ready for trail riding season?

I'm excited about the 2010 season! Our FoxTROT Seasonal Rides have been coordinated with great events and we expect record participation at each. (Don't forget to make your reservations early at each camp this year.) There are several clinics available and the ACTHA has 4 Competitive Trail Competitions on the calendar in Tennessee. In addition, we will continue to keep you informed of "impromptu rides" that develop through out the year. (By the way, several of us are meeting at Zenith Stables to ride the Big South Fork, Thursday, 8 April through Sunday, 11 April.) If you would like to have other FoxTROT members join you on your week end or day rides, be sure to let us know when and where you plan to ride and we'll help get out the word. I'm really looking forward to riding with you this season!

Be sure to visit my personal blogspot at http://www.ridinghappytrails.blogspot.com/ for current trail riding photos and comments.

As always, please let us know how FoxTROT can be of help to you.

Happy Trails,

Sam Gerhardt

President, FoxTROT

RELAXED AND READY TO RIDE

After James gave Doc Chery's MFT mare, "Miss Niki", his Total Equine Massage Therapy Treatment---she's ready to hop into the van and go for a ride(who needs a horse trailer!!!) Ahhh, such a good life!

FoxTROT WINTER GATHERING, 2010

With approximately 35 people in attendance, the FoxTROT Winter Gathering at Catoosa Ridge Stables was a huge success! Some of us arrived on Friday and camped over. On Friday and Saturday, members who rode were bundled up so much it was hard to tell one person from the other but all said they really enjoyed their ride. I think I had the best deal staying in the kitchen and preparing the food. Let me say that Robbie Messex was a huge help to me in that department! And as good fortune has it, the manager of Catoosa, Gretta York, not only made us feel welcome in the kitchen, but helped us cook. What a deal! We had plenty of food, companionship and just good horse-talk amongst everyone. Sam did a great job with securing door prizes that consisted of tack and free nights at various horse campgrounds. Some members brought their slightly used tack to sell to anybody who was interested. Then to finish the afternoon, Jamie Whittaker's trainer, John, gave some pointers on "Foxtrotting". On Sunday, Cowboy Church was held, the stalls were cleaned and everyone was home bound with more good FoxTROT-related memories.

Moira

FoxTROTing at Franklin Forrest State Park/Mount Eagle Mountain

Our Middle Tennessee Rep of FoxTROT, Terry Messex, with FoxTROT members Donna, Ray, and Bob---plus some fellow riders having a great time once the snow melted and the temps got to where one could enjoy riding--Looks like they were having too much fun!!

MFT PHOTOS WANTED!

Sam sent me this request from Stefanie Schermerhorn, Editor, to post out to all of you guys. I then questioned Stefanie as to the type of photos she is interested in, so some of the following is her answer to that.

Hello, my name is Stefanie Schermerhorn, I am the editor for a new online gaited magazine (Gaited Canada) and am looking for high quality, high resolution photos of MFT (all gaited horses) to use for editorials, and content.
The magazines focus is the versatility of gaited horses.

By all means people and horses, trail riding and any other "versatile" type of riding like 3 phase gaited eventing, ranch work, endurance or competitive trail rides, extreme cowboy.. horses in gait is a big plus as I can use them in all "general gaited" articles as well as the MFT issue that will be coming up.

We are looking for any photos that tell why gaited horses can and will do it all and why MFT (for you guys) are great family horses etc..
KIDS and horses is always a great way to promote the breed.

I can also use some show photos showing gait

I look forward to hearing from you and your members

Send photos to: editor@gaited.ca

Stefanie A. Schermerhorn

American Competitive Trail Horse Association (ACTHA) YAHOO Group

New ACTHA list on Yahoo Groups! It's a great way to meet other riders, chat about ACTHA rides, post ride photos, ride information and just plain chat horses!

It's a free and easy to use list!
http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/ACTHA/

ACTHA's Mission

To provide an enjoyable venue showcasing the wonderful attributes of the great American trail horse, granting them the recognition they so richly deserve

To maintain a registry open to all breeds and a point designation system which will stay with each horse for its lifetime, thereby adding to their value and distinction.

To enable the humane treatment of horses in need

The MFTHBA is now an affiliate with ACTHA.