Greetings To All our Trail Riders The spring flowers and trees are getting "dressed up" for you and the annual April Bucksnort Trailride. Holland Tucker and I, on unmarked trails in hills and hollows in Sylvia, TN where he lives, saw a beautiful wild cherry tree in full bloom. The red buds are now in full bloom as well. I suspect we were the first humans to ever be in some places we rode. Tony Baker is in camp this week supervising chores. As you know, Tony sustained an injury, and subsequent surgery with complications, last fall but is now doing well and becoming quite mobile with the aid of a walking cane. I tease him about using the cane to keep the work crew in line. He also has a "little hitch", as he calls it, when he walks. I think he should take up dancing since the "hitch step" he has clearly mastered, even without getting on the dance floor. Linda Baker has two important announcements: First: Due to the drought last fall, hay will not be available at the campground for the April ride, so you need to bring your own or make arrangements to obtain hay once you are in the area. The Dickson Farmers Coop has two types of Bermuda and two types of grass hay at the present time. I assume that the Coop in Waverly has a similar supply. If you will need assistance in securing hay, let us know. Second: Rita Bruner, the Picture Lady, will only be in the Bucksnort Campground for a few days during the ride since she will also be at the Buffalo Ride that week. We don't know her schedule at this time. However, check in the office for more information. Weeklong rides at Bucksnort in 2008 are: April 21-27 June 9-15, October 6-12 Weekend rides are scheduled for Memorial Day and Labor Day as well. Please mark your calendar and make your reservations early. Everyone travel safe, and we look forward to seeing you soon. Feel free to forward this bulletin to others that you think might have interest. If you know of individuals who might want to be on the mailing list, have them send an email to edbutler@bellsouth.net (This will be changed to edbutler@att.net on or about October 22.) If you want to join the Bucksnort Discussion Group, go to http://groups.google.com/group/bucksnort-trailriders. However, you can read discussions and look at the pictures without joining. If you are not a member and wish to send a message or pictures to the group, send the material in a reply to this email. Items for sale and/or trade may be posted along with upcoming equine events and related activities. If you need more information about Bucksnort Trailride or wish to make reservations, contact Linda Baker at 615 662-7512 or send an email to linda.baker@willis.com Happy trails, Linda, Tony & the entire Bucksnort Staff HORSE FUNNIES (All horse lovers will understand the following) 1.People who don't take care of their own horses will be the first ones to tell you how to care for yours. 2.You should never buy a cheap girth! 3.A handsome horse who's badly behaved will become a lot less attractive in about 15 minutes. 4.People who think they have nothing more to learn about riding hit the ground the hardest. 5.Children and ponies are natural allies and often have identical dispositions. 6.The richest horse people often look the poorest. 7.The closeness of a horse is one of the sweetest smells in the world. 8.A solitary ride through the bush is more beneficial than six months with the best psychiatrist. 9.The worse a person rides the more likely they are going to blame it on the horse. 10.The best thing about going to the barn first thing in the morning is that horses don't care how you look. 11.If a dealer insists a horse is worth twice what he's asking, he is probably worth half that much. 12.The best way to appreciate how another person rides is to get on their horse. 13.I can recognise another horse person no matter what town, city, state, county or country I visit. 14.You can never have too many hoof picks. 15.It is not wise to argue with something that outweighs you by 1,000 pounds 16.I'd rather have a horse with a perfect mind than a perfect head. 17.Some folks believe that eight hours is too long to be in the saddle! 18.If you think you have left the water on in the barn you have; if you think you closed the pasture gate, you didn't. 19.When someone asks you if you like their horse, always say yes! 20.The happiest people I know own horses, dogs, cats and at least one deranged goat. 21.If you're looking for the perfect horse you will never own one. 22.Owning a horse can either make a marriage or break it. 23.I'd rather lose my lipstick than my curb chain. 24.You shouldn't talk about your first place ribbon to someone that came in second. 25.If someone says that a horse has a little buck, believe me, it has a BIG BUCK. 26.If we need rain, schedule a horse show. 27.I've never warmed up to someone that didn't care to visit my stables and meet the horses. 28.A clean barn and a sparkling horse are among life's great pleasures. 29.Giving away horses can be expensive, specially give-away horses. 30.No matter how badly behaved you are, your horse always gives you a second chance. 31.A more expensive horse doesn't make a better one. 32.An empty stable is not a "good thing". 33.Losing a horse can break your heart, but it will have been worth it. "If you can't imagine life without a horse... DON'T!" TRAIL MANNERS Brenda Cross (Florida) • Be aware of the effect your actions have on others, their horses and their property. • Do not upset your co-rider's horses. • Ride at a quiet, controlled pace. • NEVER PASS OTHERS AT A GALLOP. • Keep a safe distance...don't crowd others. If your horse has a history of kicking, tie something RED on the horse tail.........so others will be cautious. Note to Bucksnort: ESPECIALLY going UP and DOWN hills...keep a good safe distance in case the horse in front of you decides to change directions! • STAY WITH A DISMOUNTED RIDER. If you are going to lag very far behind tell others , so they may be aware of where you are. Staying together, riding in groups, helps us all ride safely and, if help is needed, others are there • Respect the property of others. (ie: lawns, farm fields, crops, groves, livestock, etc.) • Leave gates as you found them: Open gates should remain open. Closed gates should remain closed. REMEMBER! If you mind your manners others won't mind when you and your horse return to ride. BUCKSNORT TRAILRIDER'S SHOP 'N SWAP You can review it at http://groups.google.com/group/bucksnort-trailriders. You may also want to join this group or post a message. If you should visit this web site, be sure to look at some of the pictures made at Bucksnort and other locations in recent months. More pictures will be posted soon. You are invited to post pictures and articles about your trailriding experiences, regardless of where they might be. You may also post inquiries regarding trailriding locations and events; questions regarding horse health, tack, training, breeding; etc. REGISTER EARLY!      Stalls and campsites are limited, so register no later than 14 days prior to the first day of the ride. Reservations are accepted on a first come basis, so mail your reservation form, $10 per person, $10 per campsite and stall reservation fee of $20 per stall, as early as possible. Deposits are applied to the total amount due. If you phone in for reservations, a deposit must be received within one week of your call or your campsite and/or stalls will be rented to someone else. ENTERTAINMENT We will offer live country/western music, dancing, a fun action (bring your items to sell), horse games for all ages, bon fires and prizes. We have creek swimming for those hot summer days. Opening night will be a time for getting acquainted with your host and fellow trail riders. Each day we offer three (3) rides; a 1/2 slow, a 1/2 day fast and an all day ride. PRIZES!! Along the trail, maybe in the campgrounds, your never know where they will show up! There will be 3 colored horseshoes good for free prizes when found. ON ALL 3 RIDES, when the ORANGE horseshoe is found, it is good for one free week, one stall and one campsite with electricity for the following year. A free belt buckle will be given to each trail rider who attends one full week for 5, 10, 15 or 20 years. Every Friday night, there will a drawing for $250. The names come from the list when you register (full week, paying riders). So be sure you are registered! You must be present to win! SPECIAL RIDES Special rides for groups (club rates available) by the week or weekend. Call (615) 662-7512 or write for more information.