Smoky Mountain trail ride

We left Lexington and headed toward the Tennessee border. We stopped off for an incredible trail ride through the Smoky Mountains near the Appalachian Trail. There was a bad storm scheduled to move through so we were nervous we wouldn’t make it in time to ride, but we beat the storm by 2 hours so Blizzard, Red, and Biscuit took us out for a trail ride across some of the most beautiful countryside in Tennessee. At one point we were high enough to see the Tennessee/North Carolina border with the most amazing view of the mountains. Grace and Biscuit were ready to go so they were in the front of the pack. Red took care of Mark and Norah, but wasn’t too happy in the back, so they headed for the front as well. Emma and I brought up the back of the pack on Blizzard, a 16 year old mustang who loves being a lead horse, but took us on a slow, steady ride, making sure to keep everyone in front of us. At first Emma thought we got the slowest horse in the pack, and didn’t really like bringing up the rear, but she quickly learned we were on the smartest horse. He allowed us the longest ride, and when we fell behind on the trails, he let us pull him to a trot which Emma thought was pretty great. He was sure-footed and though he liked to hug the trees, he was the perfect fit for the two of us. Emma’s laughter and the rush we got as we trotted to catch up were priceless.

Learning how to handle Biscuit.

Norah didn't need instructions...she was sure she and Red were already best friends.

This was the closest I ever got to Grace...she rode the trail like she had done it a million times before.

The trail doubled back so we got to see Mark, Norah and Red a bit.

Top of the mountain overlooking the Tennessee/North Carolina border.

Emma and I brought up the rear...we finally met up with the others as they were dismounting.

We then headed to North Carolina for the night. The drive through the Smoky Mountains was incredible with some amazing views. The girls loved driving through the tunnels and laughed at the fact that we literally drove THROUGH the Smoky Mountains. I was a bit white knuckled as there were a ton of tight curves and steep mountains, but the views were worth it. We pulled in to Asheville and took a quick dip in the pool before showers and bed.

Nothing like a night swim to wear them out...obviously Emma was still full of energy!