I think I was there this weekend: Heaven, you know, where the horses are.
I went to Tennessee this past Memorial day weekend, to look at some land. But really out of curiosity. I'd never to Tennessee before. And hey, if Tennessee Recreational properties wanted to put me up and let me go horse riding, then why not check out a new nook in the world. The Cumberland plateau was where we were, 2800 feet above sea level, 2 hours drive from Nashville. No mosquitoes but unfortunately the locust were everywhere. Apparently, they emerge once every 17 years- just my luck. They were harmless but really scary ugly looking creatures. Freaky!
We went riding with southeast pack trips the first 2 mornings. I rode Tennessee walkers both days but they were really lame. Slow plodding along. First day we did Spruce Creek trail which was not very scenic. 2nd day we did the Cumberland trail which did go into Big South Fork state park. It was quite pretty at some points , along the creek and past the bluffs and giant rocks.
During our tour of the gated communities with Blaine, we also visited the East Fork stables campground. The scene was truly inspirational. I was so delighted to see that there are still so many horse lovers in this world. There were so many people and horses there. All sorts of horses! And huge motor home/horse trailer- in-ones! What a life. I can only imagine it. I couldn't live it- there are to many other things in this life I am bound to. Owning horses is a full time hobby. I would love it, but I would hate what I'd have to give up.
On day 2, Mike & I drove up to Kentucky and took the scenic railway to an old coal mining town. We also did a short hike to Yahoo falls in the northern most part of Big South Fork.
On the 3rd morning, Blaine took us out on 2 privately owned horses own by their builder Scott and his wife. We rode for 2.5 hours on the trails around the Highlands. I rode Jake and Mike rode Reagan. Jake was the most amazing horse I'd ever ridden. So incredibly responsive - always listening to the signals. It's like he could read my mind. In dance, we would compliment a great follower for being able to follow any lead. The dance was perfect. And when the Tennessee walker really gets down to do their walk, it is the smoothest gait I've ever experienced. I'm hooked- I must one day have a Tennessee walker! When Jake was in his gait, it seemed like he was tireless and as for me, I could have braved any tight turn & still would have felt secure. But I am told that it's just the tip of the 'gaited horse' iceberg. Apparently ,there are also Paso Finos and other amazing gaited horses to experience. And these horses are so loving. They are affectionate and they really do want to please you. I've never known horses to be like this. In my experience with horses, I have always known it to be a power struggle: my will is greater than yours, so you will listen to me. I suppose horses can be loving when they are loved by their owners. Just like cats.
I don't know if I will buy land there- but I hope that they will be successful in building their equine community. I plan to go back there this Thanksgiving- to experience another taste of Heaven: where the Tennessee horses are.
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