Foxtrotting Trail Riders Of Tennessee

Hello All!

Well, we certainly enjoyed our first official ride/gathering. With all of the rain going on in Tennessee, we lucked out with very little of the wet stuff. Our Fox Trotters gave us safe and sure-footed rides. FoxTROT riders were: Sam & Debbie Gerhardt; Bo, Amanda, and son, Hunter Gerhardt; Michael & Sharon Lesner; Terry Messex; Karen S. Gagliano; Lea Valentine; Don Trollinger; Dennis & Beth Corn; Samm Riggin, James & Moira Funk; Heather Webb, Renee Nasrollahi, our new member-Irene Shivers, and guests, Ron & Laura Munn.

Sam led our group rides, and even one with the expertise help of his young grandson, Hunter. Before riding out on Saturday, we spent time in the covered arena for some Fox Trotter tips. Sharon and Michael gave valuable input on saddle fittings, and then demonstrated ground work with your FT; Karen demonstrated her progress with ground work; James demonstrated his equine massage therapy and chiropractic adjustment techniques, and then there was the discussion on Natural Barefoot Trimming. James and I ride our horses with this trim, and they sailed right along those rocky trails.

The hospitality of Freda, Ed, and Heather--owners of Orchard Cove Stables, coupled with the beauty of the Smokies and our great camaraderie just lead to a fantastic time. For those of you who could not make this trip, try for our next ride---you won't be disappointed! President Sam and wife Debbie had their campsite set up like the camping pros they are. It was a perfect gathering spot with the addition of extra awning, cooking stove, etc., etc.

Then we had extra "tips & things" on the trip:

• Sharon and Michael taught us the importance of "Going Green" with shower conservation.
• Sam impressed us with his calm manner while hauling a stock trailer with eight horses over a bridge with an inch (?) to spare on each side and err, limited brakes.
  
• Terry, it was rumored by Dennis, was to have a P.J. party planned--not sure about that one.
• Debbie forgot to pack the peanut butter sandwiches---maybe Sam was in the dog house?
  
• Samm R. lost her new rain gear, but luck was with her when eagle-eye James spotted the coat.
• Dennis and Beth shared their newly-wed rat story---don't ask.

So you can see we have a little bit of good fun for everyone. Come on out and join us for the next ride. If you need help with anything, you've got a bunch of friends that are willing to assist you; or at the least, offer you some valuable (?) advice. Believe me; you will leave with a smile.

Hope to see everyone at our July ride!

Moira