East Fork Stables is a terrific place to hold this ride. All the necessities are provided or available - stalls, shavings, bath houses, camp sites, cabins, etc. There is a large arena, an equine obstacle course, and a covered pavilion. The Rim Riders store has a nice selection of t-shirts, caps, clothing, boots, some tack items and horse/cowboy "flavored" what-nots, nic-nacs. and furniture. The trails are numerous, mostly wide, well maintained and well marked. Trail maps are detailed and Trail Guides are available upon request. We chose to follow the map without a guide, "ride the edge" and did not venture "over the edge" down into the river gorge. Everyone enjoyed the rides! We took our time, stopping along the way, and making sure that we didn't ride any thing too rough or leave anyone behind. The views through the woods, and along the rim are beautiful. We were able to ride different loops each day with out having to ride the same trails. East Fork Stables provides a place where all - young and old, brave and timid, green and dead broke - can ride in safety and have a tremendous time!
During the course of the week we had some pleasant diversions from the trail. The good folk from Crest Ridge Saddlery (http://www.crestridgesaddlery.com) joined us again all week to assist with saddle fit. Debra is always helpful and has a good saddle for our Fox Trotters. Thursday evening a group of 18 went out to Bacarra's, a local German restaurant, which is a special treat. Most fended for themselves through the week for meals at camp and other local restaurants. Ron Munn and Debby Gerhardt did a lot of cooking for many during the week. A big country breakfast around the camp fire is sure good on a chilly Tennessee Fall morning! Friday evening we gathered around the fire to conduct a little FoxTROT business, discussing events for the remainder of 2011 and next year's schedule. We also held our "Ballot Party", which was simply a discussion of the candidates running for positions in the MFTHBA. Sam Gerhardt and Terry Messex were able to provide their insights and suggestions for each position, leaving the final choice to each member. The importance of MFTHBA membership and the influence of the vote was emphasized. On Saturday evening, we pulled all together for a pot luck supper! There was homemade beef vegetable soup with "hoe cakes", Venison Sloppy Joe's, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and German Brats. Of course, there was a bounty of sweets! Apple Cobbler, German Chocolate Cake, Vanilla Wafer Cake....you get the picture! Don Britton, a cowboy poet and western artist, joined us around the fire Saturday evening after our meal. "Bronco", as Don prefers to be called, entertained us with humorous and emotion stirring verse. In addition, Bronco donated several prints of his art which we gave away by a guess of the right numbers between 1 - 50. (Check out Bronco's poetry and art at http://www.donbrittonoriginals.com) Before we were finished, Jaime Whiteaker presented her Foxtrotter Affair Awards which consisted of local pottery, some nice leather and biothane tack, a couple of Fox Trotter bits, and some fun training videos. East Fork Stables arranged for a live band to perform at the pavilion on Saturday night. After our activities several ventured that way to get in on the goings on. Early Sunday morning we gathered for Cowboy Church. Sam Gerhardt led about 20 of us in song and presented a thought provoking challenge from the Scriptures. It is a real blessing that we have an organization that is open to having Cowboy Church. As always, there was something for everyone during this ride!
We're already making plans for the 2012 Southeastern MFTHBA National Trail Ride and Foxtrotter Affair! Our tentative dates and location are 4 - 6 October 2012, East Fork Stables. Mark your calendars now and begin making plans to join us next year!
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