"YEP, I DO RELATE"!

You need to read through into the "Rest of the Story" to get your "Yep, I Do Relate"!

WHAT OWNING A HORSE MEANS:

When you are tense, let me teach you to relax.
When you are short sighted, let me teach you to see.
When you are short tempered, let me teach you to be patient.
When you are quick to react, let me teach you to be thoughtful.
When you are angry, let me teach you to be serene.
When you feel superior, let me teach you to be respectful.
When you are self-absorbed, let me teach you to think of greater things.
When you are arrogant, let me teach you humility.
When you are lonely, let me be your companion.
When you are tired, let me carry the load.
When you need to learn, let me teach you.
After all, I am your horse.

And now... The REST of the STORY!

When you are tense, let me teach you that there are dragons in the forest and we need to leave NOW!
When you are short-sighted, let me teach you to figure out where exactly in the 40 acres I am hiding.
When you are short-tempered, let me teach you how to slog around the pasture for an hour before you can catch me.
When you are quick to react, let me teach you that herbivores kick MUCH faster than omnivores.
When you are angry, let me teach you how well I can stand on my hind feet, because I don't FEEL like cantering on my right lead today, that's why.
When you are worried, let me entertain you with my mystery lameness, GI complaint and skin disease.
When you feel superior, let me teach you that, mostly, you are the maid service.
When you are self-absorbed, let me teach you to PAY ATTENTION. I told you about those dragons in the forest.
When you are arrogant, let me teach you what 1200 lbs of yipee-yahoo-gotta-go horse can do when suitably inspired.
When you are lonely, let me be your companion. Let's do lunch. Breakfast and dinner sound good, too.
When you are tired, don't forget about the 600 lbs of grain that needs to be unloaded.
When you are feeling financially secure, let me teach you the meaning of "veterinary services".
When you need to learn, hang around the barn, Bud, I'll learn ya.

ZENITH STABLES RIDE

There was an abundance of fun this past weekend at Zenith Stables and riding in BSF.
Some members arrived on Thursday, and then Friday and Saturday. Lots of good riding, scenic adventures, smiling and laughing along the way. For a couple of the days, we shared the campgrounds with a bunch of "Mule People". Now, not to say anything against a good mule, except they are very vociferous, which is a good thing if you want to know if anything and anybody is coming into the campground.
I urge all of you to come and join us at any of the rides, being scheduled or not. We are there to help you in any way---from setting up your campsite to riding the trails--no matter your experience level. You will enjoy your ride, and you will not go away hungry---ohhhh, especially if the "Munn Family" is around. Man, they are set up to cook for a crowd, and do so very expertly.
This trip, we not only had the Munn's cooking, but Deb's Mom, Betty, was there to do her share of the "Meal Presentation" while Deb's 75 yr. young Dad rode out on the trails.
Have a favorite place to ride?? Let us know and we'll send it out to all the members. You never know who might show up!
M

Trail Riding Season, 2010!

Greetings FoxTROT,

Now that the temperatures are warming and the days are longer, most of us will be getting in the saddle and on the trails more. It's time to clean up around the farm/ranch/barn, make sure that all equine vaccines and coggins are current, bathe and brush (and brush and brush and brush) the winter off the horses, and inspect the trailer (how are your tires?). Are you ready for trail riding season?

I'm excited about the 2010 season! Our FoxTROT Seasonal Rides have been coordinated with great events and we expect record participation at each. (Don't forget to make your reservations early at each camp this year.) There are several clinics available and the ACTHA has 4 Competitive Trail Competitions on the calendar in Tennessee. In addition, we will continue to keep you informed of "impromptu rides" that develop through out the year. (By the way, several of us are meeting at Zenith Stables to ride the Big South Fork, Thursday, 8 April through Sunday, 11 April.) If you would like to have other FoxTROT members join you on your week end or day rides, be sure to let us know when and where you plan to ride and we'll help get out the word. I'm really looking forward to riding with you this season!

Be sure to visit my personal blogspot at http://www.ridinghappytrails.blogspot.com/ for current trail riding photos and comments.

As always, please let us know how FoxTROT can be of help to you.

Happy Trails,

Sam Gerhardt

President, FoxTROT

RELAXED AND READY TO RIDE

After James gave Doc Chery's MFT mare, "Miss Niki", his Total Equine Massage Therapy Treatment---she's ready to hop into the van and go for a ride(who needs a horse trailer!!!) Ahhh, such a good life!

FoxTROT WINTER GATHERING, 2010

With approximately 35 people in attendance, the FoxTROT Winter Gathering at Catoosa Ridge Stables was a huge success! Some of us arrived on Friday and camped over. On Friday and Saturday, members who rode were bundled up so much it was hard to tell one person from the other but all said they really enjoyed their ride. I think I had the best deal staying in the kitchen and preparing the food. Let me say that Robbie Messex was a huge help to me in that department! And as good fortune has it, the manager of Catoosa, Gretta York, not only made us feel welcome in the kitchen, but helped us cook. What a deal! We had plenty of food, companionship and just good horse-talk amongst everyone. Sam did a great job with securing door prizes that consisted of tack and free nights at various horse campgrounds. Some members brought their slightly used tack to sell to anybody who was interested. Then to finish the afternoon, Jamie Whittaker's trainer, John, gave some pointers on "Foxtrotting". On Sunday, Cowboy Church was held, the stalls were cleaned and everyone was home bound with more good FoxTROT-related memories.

Moira

FoxTROTing at Franklin Forrest State Park/Mount Eagle Mountain

Our Middle Tennessee Rep of FoxTROT, Terry Messex, with FoxTROT members Donna, Ray, and Bob---plus some fellow riders having a great time once the snow melted and the temps got to where one could enjoy riding--Looks like they were having too much fun!!

MFT PHOTOS WANTED!

Sam sent me this request from Stefanie Schermerhorn, Editor, to post out to all of you guys. I then questioned Stefanie as to the type of photos she is interested in, so some of the following is her answer to that.

Hello, my name is Stefanie Schermerhorn, I am the editor for a new online gaited magazine (Gaited Canada) and am looking for high quality, high resolution photos of MFT (all gaited horses) to use for editorials, and content.
The magazines focus is the versatility of gaited horses.

By all means people and horses, trail riding and any other "versatile" type of riding like 3 phase gaited eventing, ranch work, endurance or competitive trail rides, extreme cowboy.. horses in gait is a big plus as I can use them in all "general gaited" articles as well as the MFT issue that will be coming up.

We are looking for any photos that tell why gaited horses can and will do it all and why MFT (for you guys) are great family horses etc..
KIDS and horses is always a great way to promote the breed.

I can also use some show photos showing gait

I look forward to hearing from you and your members

Send photos to: editor@gaited.ca

Stefanie A. Schermerhorn