Once again, life has gotten in the way of keeping this site current. With that being said, it is time to bring you all up to date. February through April brought us ice, snow, thunderstorms, tornadoes and hail, but in between all that has been trail riding, Spring flowers and brand new MFT babies! Let me see if I can get this put together for you.
February: Cold, Icy, Snowy...Need I say more? There were a few nice enough days that the "die hards" (Terry, Ray and Donna, Lea, Sam and Debby, as well as a few others) saddled up and ventured out. Show some of us a sunny day above freezing in February and we're going to hit the trail!
March: March brought some better days and opportunities to get out. Donna Maurer and the Central FoxTROT group began day riding together a good bit. The members who maintain places at Big South Fork began to get out more as well. Of course, Deb and I were out on our Smoky Mountain Trails. The 2011 FoxTROT Spring Gathering at Catoosa Ridge Stables in Crossville went well for those who were able to join us. However, we were disappointed that cold nasty weather kept many away who had intended to come. In spite of the weather, the 9 or so of us were able to get in good rides on Friday and Saturday. The pot luck meal on Saturday evening was great as we enjoyed the food, fellowship and drawing for the door prizes. Last year we had The Winter Gathering the end of February and froze, this year we had The Spring Gathering the end of March and nearly froze. I say we set The 2012 Spring Gathering for the end of April! Maybe we won't freeze and, hopefully, we won't get blown away in a tornado!
We want to acknowledge and give special thanks to those who so generously donated the door prizes for The 2011 FoxTROT Spring Gathering. The MFTHBA Promotions Committee (Amber Wilson) sent a nice box of gifts with a value of more than $50.0o. The Horse Emporium (Kathy Kear) in Knoxville gave a ball cap. Heaven's Gait Farm (Jaime Whiteaker) gave a Foxtrotter Affair T-Shirt. The FoxTROT Board gave a 2012 Membership to FoxTROT. True West Campground and Stables (new owners, Shawn and Donna Martin) gave a $100.00 gift certificate. Catoosa Ridge Stables gave two 2011 season passes to day ride. The following Horse Camps gave 2 nights camping with 2 stalls: Catoosa Ridge Stables (CRS gave two 2 nights w/ 2 stalls!), Orchard Cove Stables, Circle E Guest Ranch, The Bolo Club, Big South Fork Lodge, and East Fork Stables. Be sure to support all of these friends this year with your patronage!
April: Many more day rides as the weather began to improve. The Central FoxTROT group was especially active throughout April. Donna and Terry have done very well at getting folks together to ride in Middle Tennessee. As we all know, the end of April brought the tragic weather to many in the Southeast. To my knowledge, no one in FoxTROT had any major damage to person or property. However, the storms did do much damage at The Seven Springs Lodge in Alabama, causing Central FoxTROT to cancel the planned 3 day ride there for the end of April.
Oh! I dare not forget to mention that with springtime comes new "babies"! Congrats to Lea Valentine and Jaime Whiteaker for the new additions to their Fox Trotter families!
Surely, I've left something important out. If so, please forgive me. Enjoy the rest of Spring 2011. Get out, get together and let's Foxtrotting Trail Ride in Tennessee!!
Happy Trails, Sam Gerhardt, President, FoxTROT
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