I RIDE

A page from an 87 yr old horsewoman's journal:

I Ride

I ride. That seems like such a simple statement. However as many women who ride know it is really a complicated matter. It has to do with power and empowerment. Being able to do things you might have once considered out of reach or ability. I have considered this as I shovel manure, fill water barrels in the cold rain, wait for the vet/farrier/electrician/hay delivery, change a tire on a horse trailer by the side of the freeway, or cool a gelding out before getting down to the business of drinking a cold beer after a long ride.

The time, the money, the effort it takes to ride calls for dedication. At least I call it dedication. Both my ex-husbands call it 'the sickness'. It's a sickness I've had since I was a small girl bouncing my model horses and dreaming of the day I would ride a real horse. Most of the women I ride with understand the meaning of 'the sickness'. It's not a sport. It's not a hobby. It's what we do and, in some ways, who we are as women and human beings.

I ride. I hook up my trailer and load my gelding. I haul to some trail-head
somewhere, unload, saddle, whistle up my dog and I ride. I breathe in the air, watch the sunlight filter through the trees and savor the movement of my horse.
My shoulders relax. A smile rides my sunscreen smeared face. I pull my ball cap down and let the real world fade into the tracks my horse leaves in the dust.

Time slows. Flying insects buzz loudly, looking like fairies. My gelding flicks his ears and moves down the trail. I can smell his sweat and it is perfume to my senses. Time slows. The rhythm of the walk and the movement of the leaves become my focus. My saddle creaks and the leather rein in my hand softens with the warmth.

I consider the simple statement; I ride. I think of all I do because I ride.
Climb granite slabs, wade into a freezing lake, race a friend through the Manzanita all the while laughing and feeling my heart in my chest. Other days just the act of mounting and dismounting can be a real accomplishment. Still I ride, no matter how tired or how much my seat bones or any of the numerous horse related injuries hurt. I ride. And I feel better for doing so.

The beauty I've seen because I ride amazes me. I've ridden out to find lakes that remain for the most part, unseen. Caves, dark and cold beside rivers full and rolling are the scenes I see in my dreams. The Granite Stairway at Echo Summit, bald eagles on the wing and bobcats on the prowl add to the empowerment and joy in my heart.

I think of the people, mostly women, I've met. I consider how competent they all are. Not a weenie amongst the bunch. We haul 40ft rigs, we back into tight spaces without clipping a tree. We set up camp. Tend the horses. We cook and keep safe. We understand and love our companions, the horse. We respect each other and those we encounter on the trail. We know that if you are out there riding, you also shovel, fill, wait and doctor. Your hands are a little rough and you travel with out makeup or hair gel. You do without to afford the 'sickness' and probably, when you were a
small girl, you bounced a model horse while you dreamed of riding a real one.

"My treasures do not chink or glitter; They gleam in the sun and neigh in
the night".

Contributed by member Lea Valentine

Listed below are two MFT's for sale--Please view all under "Related Links" column.

Terry on Surprise in a cave at The Bolo Club

Terry on Twister at Big South Fork

Terry Messex has any of 3 nice MFTs for sale! There's Surprise (spotted gelding), Twister (sorrel gelding), and a new 4.5 year old chestnut gelding he just acquired out of Kentucky. All are papered MFTs. Terry says the new chestnut can be bought "right". Contact Terry for more info at 931-575-8307 or robbiemessex@att.net.

Thanksgiving Ride in The Smokies, East Tennessee

Having enjoyed his Thansgiving holiday with family early, Terry Messex came with some of his TWH and SSH friends to ride out of Orchard Cove over the Thanksgiving weekend. Lea Valentine joined them on Friday for the weekend. Lea brought her new MFT buckskin gelding, Dollar. Deb and I, with our RMH friends, went over for a day ride with them all on Saturday. The weather was perfect, CLEAR and COOL! There was even a trace of snow along the Appalachian Trail at the top. We thank the LORD for His goodnes in allowing us to enjoy Friends, Fox Trotters, and Fall weather in the mountains of East Tennessee!

Ride at Normandy Dam, Central Tennessee

Recently, Terry Messex met with Donna Porter, Ray Mauer, and their friend, Chris, at Normandy Dam for a beautiful ride.
This location is one of Terry's favorite day ride destinations.

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I saw some of this on the news last night, and then Sam sent me this article and the pictures.

I urge everyone of you to send an email to Representative Janis Sontany: rep.janis.sontany@capitol.tn.gov.
to encourage her and tell her that you stand behind her. I have heard that she has previously tried to get a bill passed that will protect horses and other livestock, and she couldn't even get it to the table for discussion.

The mug shots of Mr. Howland and his son show them both with a smile. Rep. Sontany made a comment that it should be the last time somebody can smile about doing this to animals.



Starved horses get attention of lawmaker
Bill would make abuse a felony
By Anne Paine . THE TENNESSEAN . December 2, 2009

State Rep. Janis Sontany of Nashville moved down the stalls one by one at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds on Tuesday, looking over 82 boney, near-starved horses and two mules.

Manes hung matted with cockleburs. Dehydration, misshapen hooves and wounds were evident.
One young mule, too weak to be revived, had died two days ago.
Two Cannon County men, from whose farm the animals were removed from last week, face misdemeanor charges.
Related

* Starving horses get help on Thanksgiving <http://www.tennessean.com/article/20091127/NEWS01/911270355/-1/ARCHIVE01>

Such horrific treatment of horses, or any confined animal, should be a felony, Sontany said, like it is when a dog or cat is abused.
She said she intends to file a bill in the coming legislative session to try to make it so.
"We no longer should give anyone a pass if they hold back food and water," Sontany said.
Farm animals were not included when a bill that addressed dog and cat abuse passed the legislature because of objections from farming community representatives, she said.
In this case, Charles Eugene (Gene) Howland and his son, Charles C. (Clint) Howland are scheduled for a court appearance Tuesday on misdemeanor animal cruelty charges, according to Cannon County Sheriff Billy Nichols. They are free on $1,500 bond each.
The district attorney is expected to file more charges, with evidence that the nonprofit groups taking care of the animals say they have gathered to document the neglect.
The Humane Society of the United States, working with United Animal Nations, estimates the cost of the rescue and work will run about $250,000, for which fundraising is needed.
Nichols thanked the groups and volunteers for taking on the grim rescue and recovery that was too large and pricey for his department alone.
About 40 horses were found last week inside a barn in atrocious condition, said Cannon County Detective Charlie Wilder.
Urine and manure lay so thick that he sank past his boots in it, he said. Ammonia stank so much, his lungs hurt.
"One dead horse was lying among the live ones," he said.
Other horses had been confined outside in an area with not enough grass for grazing, Sontany said.

"What do you think the outcome is going to be if you do that?" she asked.

Horses are improving
About 35 of the healthiest horses will be moved to an equine rescue group as early as next week, said Scotlund Haisley, senior director of emergency services for the Humane Society of the United States.
They'll be disbursed when they're ready and good homes are found.
Most won't be strong enough to be moved for three to four weeks, Haisley said.
Related

* Starving horses get help on Thanksgiving <http://www.tennessean.com/article/20091127/NEWS01/911270355/-1/ARCHIVE01>

"This started as a rescue operation <http://www.tennessean.com/section/videonetwork?bctid=52611918001> , and now it's a life-saving operation," he said. "It's miraculous that we've had as many survivors as we've had this far."
From the moment the horses arrived a week ago at the fairgrounds to clean individual stalls with food and water, they seemed to perk up, he said.
"We were in awe," he said, admitting he shed a few tears. "The resilience of these animals is outstanding."
During the first days of the rescue <http://www.tennessean.com/article/20091127/NEWS01/911270355/-1/ARCHIVE01> , volunteers had to help many horses stand up, though most are now staying on their own.
Donations for the horses and volunteers have continued to pour in, Haisley
said.
That has included getting the use of the fairgrounds, which has been indispensable, and veterinarian services, he said. More help is still being sought.
Tractor Supply Co. in Brentwood has contributed $5,000 and will give a truckload of Purina feed this week and a truckload of shavings for the stalls.
"To see what has happened with these animals is just painful," said John Wendler with Tractor Supply.

Previous Page
Contact Anne Paine at 615-259-8071 or apaine@tennessean.com <mailto:apaine@tennessean.com> .

Comments >> <http://www.tennessean.com/comments/article/20091202/NEWS0201/912020400/Starved-horses-get-attention-of-lawmaker>
Read and share your thoughts on this story.

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Purchase this Photo

Rep. Janis Sontany checks on one of the horses whose plight spurs her to seek stiff state penalties for abuse and neglect of farm animals. (LARRY MCCORMACK / THE TENNESSEAN)

Some of you may not have heard of the 84 horses rescued from Cannon County (Woodbury area).
Right now, they are needing everything from help mucking stalls to dollar contributions. I know many of us live too far away to show up and muck a stall, but every $1 adds up.
I'd like to know if anybody has suggestions, or the "know-how", on the avenues to take that will eliminate this type of treatment from so-called humans.
What is to prevent them, or people like them, to just start doing this over again? My heart is heavy with this type of cruelty.
Moira

Read On:

The US Humane Society has seized 84 horses from a Cannon County farm in TN and has taken them to TN State Fair Grounds in Nashville for immediate care.

They need supplies and volunteers to help care for these horses. The main need at this point is feed and hay (no round bales until the horses are moved away from fairground).

People interested in donating supplies or volunteering can contact the manager of the Tennessee State Fairgrounds at 615-862-8980 or email HSUS at tnhorserescue@hsus.org
From Humane Society:
In the coming weeks these horses will be moving further along the road to recovery at our emergency shelter. When our vets have decided they are stable enough for transport, we will start moving them out to rescue groups from whom the horses can then be adopted. As of now, we will not be doing direct adoptions from the emergency shelter. The rescues who take in these amazing animals will be publicized in the local media and on the HSUS Web site www.humanesociety.org and those groups will be handling adoptions.

Please ask anyone who is interested in fostering or adopting to e-mail at this address and their information will be forwarded to the HSUS employees in charge of placement and they will contact those interested directly with more information.

Email Address: tnhorserescue@hsus.org
Subject Line: Adoption or Foster

Regional Rides, Saturday, 14 Nov 2009

Today Lea, Deb and I made a loop in the Smokies to Mount Cammerer. It was a perfect day for this ride! To see pictures go to http://www.ridinghappytrails.blogspot.com/.

Terry Messex met Donna Porter, Ray Mauer, and others at the Why Not Ranch in middle Tennessee for a nice ride. We may have some pictures from them to post in a few days.

Karen Gagliano is continuing to recover after her surgery which she had this past Tuesday. She'll be back in the saddle again soon for sure!

Let us know of your local rides and send pics if you can.

Happy Trails,

Sam Gerhardt
President, FoxTROT

Catoosa Ridge Saturday Ride, 11-07-09

What a terrific time we all had who attended the day ride at Catoosa Ridge Stables this past Saturday. Karen Gagliano, our East Tn. Representative and President Sam, put together a fun day. Of course, the weather was just fall-perfect and NO RAIN, which helped a lot. I was trying to count in my head the number of riders we had, so let's just say there was a bunch of us. We all enjoyed seeing Heather from Orchard Cove and her mom, Freda, and her usual smiling face (actually, I think they were scoping out the place-ha). We were fortunate to have one of our members, Roger Wyatt, and two soon-to-be members, Johnny Burgess and Freddy Whittenburg, lead the way, as they live close to Catoosa and have ridden there many a time.
Upon arrival and saddling up, we all rode out with the great expectations . I was on my "Bear", who has ridden in groups many times before. Well, he was acting like a green horse and just seemed to "short circuit" about five minutes into the ride. Sam commented that his mare was acting a bit hyper and full of herself, and then Sarah McCoin said how her horse didn't want to load that morning, which was unusual behavior. Let me throw in here that the very next day James was talking to the president of the Warren County Saddle Club and she said they had about three horses at the show acting unusually weird. Perhaps it was something being carried in the horse wind signals?
James and I split off from the group to give Bear time to calm down, then met up with them again down by the creek. All had a bite to eat--Roger shared his chicken wings, which I thought was an excellent choice of something to pack besides a sandwich, especially since mine got soggy and for those like Debbie and Karen who didn't pack a lunch---guess they looked pitiful and Roger took heart. Terry was doing his usual stuff on the ride, including horse trading. Go figure~
Almost back, we rode/splashed through one nice-sized mud hole with standing water. I was wearing a white shirt--that shirt is now in the rag bin. Enough said on that one!
We all finished out the ride together and agreed it had been a great day with more fun time in the saddle.

Catoosa Ridge will be our meeting place in February 2010, and some of us plan to stay overnight, ride, etc. I'm sure Sam will be sending out info on that as time draws closer.

Here are a few additional photos of our Fall Ride at The Bolo Club. James and I arrived on Thursday at noon, as did Karen and Lea. As we arrived at noon, a light rain was falling, and shortly after, Sam and Group that were already there came riding back to camp in rain slickers--not a great sign. However, the rain left and we had sunshine for an afternoon ride. The next day we headed out for a day ride with full sunshine. It was quite pleasant crossing creeks, riding up into the fall leaves, and awing at the huge rock formations.

Okay---here is a new rule: When mounting on the trail: One horse and rider per log:
We all found out the hard way.
After a brief rest stop at the "Pig Pen" (have to get trail boss of The Bolo Club, George, to tell you that story) some of us proceeded to remount our horses. I (unknown to me to be a very smart move), was first in choosing the nearest log and remounted. I believe it was Bob who went second. Karen went third. As Karen rode over to me she stated, "I think there is a bee bothering Sonny (her horse). Now, my hubby, James was attempting to remount our horse, Thunder. Well now---Thunder lived up to his name and then some. Lea shouted, "bees", and James had one foot in the stirrup---he jumped back (thank goodness 'cause I don't think the best rider would have held on), Thunder came bucking away from that log, and proceeded to put on a show that I've not seen rodeo horses hold a nickel to! Poor Thunder got popped six times, and James got it once. Being the great Fox Trotter horse he is, Thunder calmed right down, James chose to remount from the ground, and off we went.
Now, for those of you who don't think horses can remember. About two hours later we were coming back on another trail that hooked into the Pig Pen. I was behind James and Thunder as they rode past that log. Thunder turned to look at that one log, and proceeded to walk very cautiously past it.
It was good to see our campsite again. As usual, just a lot of good talking & clean-cut carrying on.

Fall Trail Ride 2009, The Bolo Club

The Fox TROT Fall Trail Ride was a great success! Over the course of three days we had a total of 18 riders, most of whom were on Fox Trotters. The shortest ride lasted about an hour and the longest ride was about 5.5 hours. One of the trails was a combination of rocky steep up and muddy steep down, which provided a challenge to some horses and riders (and probably not the favorite ride of most). The shortest and most casual ride was through the pastures with a few water crossings. The longest and most scenic ride was rocky up and down, with open woods and beautiful views from along the cliff tops. Fox TROT is still learning how to find the right balance for all of our trail riders! I think the overall consensus was that all had a good time.

Don Trollinger went on his first trail ride after his fall back in July. Cynda Mathis went on her first Fox TROT ride as well. It is good to see both of these in the saddle. (I did not have my camera when we went out with Cynda. If someone has a picture of her on Velvet please post it or send to me for posting. Sorry, Cynda.) (There are no pictures of me either; I was always behind the camera!)

The fellowship after the rides was fun as well. We always find something or someone to tease or be teased. Of course, Terry is usually the instigator!

After a trail ride, the evening meal is always welcomed. The Mexican restaurant in Stevenson, Alabama was good for 2 nights, the prepared meals at camp were delicious one night, but the highlight was the "pot luck" on Friday night! Everything was soooo good! I think the pot luck should become a Fox TROT tradition!

Finally, I should comment about our host camp ground. The Bolo Club in Sherwood, (south central) Tennessee is a great place to camp and trail ride. This is a developing horse camp with much potential. Charles, the owner, was a gracious host who was very eager to meet our needs and was interested in our input as to the future development of the facility. George, the "Trail Boss", was a great trail guide leading us through the woods and along the ridges and cliffs. They have plans to make additions to the facilities and expand the network of trails. The "Pavilion" is second to none with comfortable couches and recliners, large tables and chairs, a big screen TV, and a warm log fireplace. The bath house is clean and very comfortable as well. Follow the progress of The Bolo Club at http://www.theboloclub.com/ and make plans to ride there with your other trail riding companions!

Sam Gerhardt
President, Fox TROT

US RIDER EQUESTRIAN MOTOR PLAN

Just a food-for-thought note:

For those of you who are not familiar with "US Rider Equestrian Motor Plan" program, I encourage you to go to their website and read about them---and no, I don't "sell" the insurance or receive anything from them but excellent service.

Not only are you covered in your vehicle, but your horse trailer is also covered for roadside emergencies, etc. Other motor insurance plans ,which I have researched, will not cover a trailer you are pulling for flat tires, emergency overnight stabling for horses, etc. The coverage is for any vehicle, you as a member, is driving.

James and I have used US Rider twice in the past couple of years---just this past week made the second time. Thank goodness we weren't pulling horses, but it did involve our car and us. I just love it when you phone the emergency number, and the first thing out of the customer service's mouth is, "Are you and your horses okay?".

US Rider website is:
www.usrider.org

Everybody have a great week! Enjoy the sunshine!

Moira

AFFILIATES X-CHANGE

When you receive your copy of "The Journal" this month, make sure you read Page 29.
There is an article on the Affiliates' meeting held in AVA last month. The remark by "Susan Lesner", which should have been "Sharon Lesner", (our FoxTROT secretary), is right on the point in addressing the fact "Trail riders want to feel included".

As an individual, NOW is your chance to be heard. AVA is asking for your input, stories, etc. At the very end of the article is what and where to submit.
However, as a FoxTROT member, please submit your ideas or suggestions to Sam or any of the BOD members. Submitting suggestions as a group sends a strong message to AVA about what we as an affiliate and trail riders would like to see.

Looking a bit further on Page 29, in case you don't recognize those two smiling MFT riders from the picture itself---our President Sam and trail-boss wife Debbie are featured on a brand new column, "Trails Across American and Beyond". The "Journal" is asking for contributions of pictures, stories, tips, etc.

Your voice and Our voices in these matters will count!

See you at The Bolo Club at the end-of-the month!!

Moira

Well, James and I made an impromptu dash to Dale Hollow Lake yesterday and had one of the most gorgeous days of riding we have had in a long time. The water level was up the highest we have ever seen, and so we were able to walk our horses (when down at the level of the lake, of course) right out to the water with no problems. I was riding our new horse, Thunder. WOW! What a great horse. I had the most fun on him than I have had in a long time. We rode about 4 hours--with a couple of stops. Again, going on a Thursday, we had it all to ourselves. Unfortunately, the remains of the weekend riders were plentiful with cans, bottles, etc., strewn on some parts of the trails. Such a wonderful place to ride, and a few have to misuse it. But, on a brighter note---James and I will do our fall ride to see the leaves change---probably in November. I'll try to plan ahead of time to let everybody know, but I'm sure we will go during the week to miss the heavier traffic. Like I said before, it is a bit tricky finding this spot, so please do not hesitate to call James (you don't want my directions) for help in navigating back to the trail head.

BOD MEETING A SUCCESS

Your FoxTROT BOD (Board of Directors) held their meeting on September 26th, 2009. Our President, Sam, tried to find a central "spot", which turned out to be in Lebanon at the infamous "Shoneys". Actually, we had a very private room, great service, and more so---a very successful meeting. As you see in the picture, we had our fearless leader President, Sam; fast note taker Secretary, Sharon; our important money-man, Treasurer Bill, and then two of our Reps--Karen of the East TN(once she found out we were not at the Ponderosa--hmmm) and of course, Terry(true to form) of the Middle TN.
Yours truly and James were invited because I attempt to take care of the BLOG. And, as spouses are always welcome, Debbie with Sam, Michael with Sharon, and Jimmie with Bill.
All FoxTROT members should be proud of all the time and effort their BOD members contribute. It is, after all, for US. Support them and our organization!
Plans are in the making---stayed tuned for a great FoxTROT year of 2010!!!!
See you at Circle E in October!

Moira

PHOTO SHOOT CALL for FOX TROTTERS!!

Get your camera in action!
In this October 2009 edition of Horse and Rider, page 26, there is an article
"Calling Walkers, Trotters, & POA's!"

Take a photo of your Fox Trotter and submit to the magazine Horse and Rider for a chance to have your horse's conformation critiqued by their Conformation Clinic department. If chosen, your horse's photograph will appear in an upcoming edition of Horse and Rider. But with that given--you can have an insight view of what potential judges would see in your FT and then you, Best Of ALL, you can post your horse's picture as being in the spotlight and brag a bit on our Blog!


From what I've read and seen with past conformation articles---no horse is picked apart. Just good and bad attributes are given.
I could not find any time line on this, so I would just say, "the sooner the better".

For further info, tips on taking good pictures, etc.:

http://equisearch.com/horses_care/health/anatomy/conformation_clinic_photo_120808/

MFTHBA REPORT/NEW MEMBERS/FoxTROT BOD PLAN 2010

Hello FoxTROT,

We are now at 57 members. Please welcome Lynn Thacker and Colby Ruf.

Michael and I attended the MFTHBA affiliate meeting in Ava which was held during the Celebration. I have attached that report also. I know not everyone is a member of the MFTHBA but since you all ride Foxtrotters, I thought you might have an interest in what other affiliates are doing.

I am excited about the upcoming ride at Circle E. The Board of FoxTROT is having a board meeting in Lebanon TN on September 26th. This year we just put it all together, now we are going to figure out how to keep each and everyone of you with us again in 2010. We will be updating you on our meeting and letting you know what we have planned in the future. We have some good ideas and now it is time to implement them.

Hope you all are well and if this rain stops, you get some good ride time in.

Warmly,

Sharon Lesner

Sec/ FoxTROT

--
Michael and Sharon Lesner
Serenity Farm Foxtrotters
www.serenityfarm.com

FYI

You can click on any picture and it will increase to full size!

Enjoy!

CATOOSA RIDGE STABLES

Well, James and I hit the trail again today. We met our Lea at Catoosa Ridge Stables where she was also meeting another horse friend. Turns out there was a good-size ride by the group "Women On The Edge". So, we joined right in, and yes, there were some men besides James riding along.

The Catoosa Stables turned out to be a really nice place. I'd recommend it to anybody from what we could tell with just a day ride. The place is immaculate, barns all looked very nice, restrooms with showers were nice and clean, huge meeting hall, pavilions, etc. The trails are all very well marked with a nicely color-coded map to check out where you are. We rode along the main trail, which goes down and follows the "creek", which is just beautiful and goes along forever. The trail has some up and down to it, but is very wide and not scary. The area had had a down pour the night before, so some of the trail was muddy, with only a few spots that were "mucky"--and that was just a few steps worth. So, if you go to ride there, and there has been rain and you don't want to deal with mud of any sort---just stick to the inner trails which meander through pine forests, etc.

Our MFTs, Bear and Rowdy, took the trails like champs, as usual. Lea was on one of her youngsters, a TWH mare, but we still rode next to her on some of the trail---truthfully, all of Lea's horses, TWH and MFT are terrific trail horses.
We did notice a few horses being not-so-sure-footed. Ahhh, just sit back and let your MFT do the walking!

Oh, at least along the creek trail, there are three or four places with picket lines, picnic table, etc. There are 50 miles of their own private trails, and then the Catoosa Wildlife Management Area is adjacent and offers some 90,000 acres of riding, but the trails are not marked very well (or at all), and the CWMA won't allow Catoosa Stables to mark them. So--if you want to ride in there---better have a good GPS (or a horse that can find its way back to the trailer), by the sound of it.

When driving there, make sure you use "Potato Farm Road" entrance. We've heard the other entrance is one that will destroy your brakes going down the hills, and tear-up your transmission going back up again.

It's only an hour drive from our home in Sparta, and I'm sure Lea could tell anybody how long it took her to get there from Knoxville area.

Another fun day in the saddle---I'm ready to go back and explore some more of the trails!

Moira