by Beth Mohon

  The scenic farm of Lynwood Barrett was the setting for the First Annual Spring Fling Trail Ride sponsored by the Sport Horse Division of the Spotted  Saddle Breeders, and Exhibitors Association on Saturday, April 28 at 10:00 am. The beautiful farm presented numerous adventures on the trails for the  experienced riders as well as the newcomers to trail riding. Creeks were brimming with rippling water, deer grazed in the shadows of the trees, and overlook views thrilled the seventy-five riders. The temperature topped out in the low eighties and puffy white clouds added to the picturesque beauty of the Barrett hollow in Cannon County.

  Teddy Perry and his lovely wife Melissa of Decherd, TN spent the day in the great hills letting their young son Hunter learn the pleasures of trail riding. Hunter took turns riding with his parents and was thrilled when his mom's versatile show mare crossed the first rippling creek. Not to be out done by Hunter, cousin Tyler rode with his father Greg. Each of these young riders experienced the trails for the first time. At the young age of two, these parents are setting a tradition in the family for years to come. In Melissa's words, "We will be back! We had a fantastic time."

  The versatility of the famed Spotted Saddle Horse was proven once more as the lovely Freda Bullard of Eagleville, TN rode the 1994 Open Shod World Grand Champion Hy-Tone Beau on the trail ride. The gorgeous black and white stallion has left the performance show ring behind. Freda enjoys trail riding him and competing in Sport Horse events. Hy-Tone Beau and Freda just placed first at the Sport Horse Winter Games in the jumping class.

  Famed walking horse trainer Ronal Young and his beautiful wife Judy of Lewisburg, TN rode their spotted saddle horses with the crowd and ended the day being high bidder on several items at the silent auction. Ronal and Judy enjoy trail riding and can be seen on numerous trails around the state of Tennessee.

  Reserve Trail Pleasure World Champion Speck of Trouble owned by John Mohon of  Covington and William Thomas of Memphis carried Youth Council Sponsor Cindy Gannon of Murfreesboro, TN on her first trail ride. Cindy is dedicated to the youth of the SSHBEA industry and is always on hand for events that involve the young people.

  One event of the day that drew lots of excitement was the Poker Ride. Riders picked up five cards at five different stops on the trail ride. When all riders were back in camp, the sealed envelopes were opened to reveal the hands the riders had drawn. The winner of the jackpot was Sabrina Dunivan of  Petesburg, TN. Sabrina was thrilled with her win and shared it with host Lynwood Barrett. Lynnwood, face lit up like a neon sign when Sabrina stuffed his overalls with the bills!

  Young riders were in abundance. Several of these riders are seasoned trail riders while others enjoyed the trail experience for the first time. Samantha Mohon traveled all the way from Covington, Taylor Gannon from Murfreesboro, Haley Sorrels from Shelbyville, Casey Barrett and Kelly Willis haled from Readyville, Amanda Eaton, Daniel Preston, Trevor Bauman, Justin and Amber Alexander, and Jared Eaton rolled in from Woodbury. Clay Dunivan made the trip from Petersburg, and Kayla Motes arrived from Eagleville all enjoying the fellowship and encouragement the young riders provide for one another. Montgomery Basham, along with Jacob and Robin Bost, came from McMinnville to take part in the day of activities.

  As the riders arrived back in camp after the three-hour ride, the smell of hot-dogs grilling greeted the hungry adventurers. Staying in camp to prepare the food were Beth Mohon of Covington, Krista Smith, and Janice Higgins of  Bradyville. The riders enjoyed Hot-dogs, cold drinks, and chips along with  homemade desserts.

  Everything from a doll bed, brass bookends, and a wool saddle pad was offered at the silent auction. Bidding was fast on the homemade strawberry cake. Janice Higgins is the famed cook of such delectable and her items are always in demand. Several nice halters and blankets were purchased from the auction.

  Many riders took this as an opportunity to brush up on the obstacle course skills as all the obstacles from the teeter totter to the narrow bridge were at the Barrett Farm and set up. Also several games of musical buckets were played to the delight of the crowd. This is always a favorite event with all participants.

  The SSHBEA Sport Horse chairman John Mohon of Covington said the event was well attended and enjoyed by everyone. The Sport Horse Committee is dedicated to giving horse enthusiast the opportunity to experience new and exciting adventures with their horses. The Sport Horse Committee is planning another ride for the fall. More details about this ride in the future.

  The Sport Horse Division of SSHBEA has events planned for almost every month.