FoxTROT Members at KC RANCH

As submitted by our member, Bob Mathis:

FOXTROT members Terry/Robbie/Bob/Cynda were joined by Lynn, Wesley, Curt, and Penny for a great weekend of trail riding at KC Ranch in Alabama. We were blessed with terrific weather (despite a few rain showers on Sunday) which allowed us to really enjoy the scenic trails of Alabama. Terry and Bob horses "Surprise, Velvet and Illusion" showed their best to our Saddle Horse trail mates. While they were focusing on their horse we were focusing on the great scenery. KC Ranch offers trails for the both the experienced and inexperienced riders - there is something there for all. Riding down the creeks was a new and extremely enjoyable experience for me as a first time horse owner. Only my second trail ride I was able to experience another first - riding in the rain.
Seems like there is always something new to be experienced each time I saddle up. Terry demonstrated the use of a shank bit which I was hesitant to experience outside the arena. I couldn't believe the difference it made in stopping on the narrow trails or going down the hills. I had always been trained that there was no need for the big shank but I came away with the understanding that it is not the bit but the hands that make the bit a useful tool. Soft hands and balanced seat and I found the shank bit really enhanced my trail riding experience. And, I found my horses were just as pleasant during and at the end of the ride.


















Below, Terry is being taught by his horse, "Surprise" how not to jump a log. Surprise is a 5 year old MFT that is proving himself to be a real treat to ride on the trail.

As pictured above, I got my first chance to ride "Velvet" on this ride. I traded Surprise for Velvet so that my wife would have a more experience trail horse. Velvet was really dependable and I look forward to Cynda getting to ride her. Unfortunately she was laid up this week with a broken foot. Although she did try to "cowgirl up" and ride on a short ride. While she did get in the saddle and started the ride, the pain was too severe less than a 100 yards into the ride. We look forward to her joining the FoxTROT family at Circle E in Oct.