HITTING THE TRAIL

By

Maryann Miller

It was a perfect day for the Trail Riders' Parade in Winnsboro last Friday. The sun was bright, but not too hot. A gentle breeze cooled the air. And the sky was crystal clear. The horses, mules, and people all seemed to be invigorated by the great gift of a wonderful day to ride.

Some folks came a long way for the Trail Ride weekend of Autumn Trails. Ronald Stringer rode along with Jackie Richardson, both from Naples, Texas, as they traveled over 100 miles picking up other friends to form a little wagon train of about ten wagons. "We went to Oklahoma, then to Arkansas," Jackie said. "And we started out with ten wagons. Seven made it here."

Jackie, (pictured here on the left) said he has been coming to the Autumn Trails Trail Ride for over 40 years. "I think this is my forty-third year. I ought to be holding the record."

Jackie drove a three-horse team that he raised and trained. He has been breeding wagon horses for some time, trying to get more speed. He's mixed Tennessee Walkers with Quarter Horses and Appaloosas. "There's a little Peruvian and Missouri Foxtrotter in there, too," he said. "I wanted to get horses that could move out at a good little clip, and these do."

He wasn't just bragging. He said he covered 68 miles in two days during the week leading up to this weekend. He also said that the horses have been in five states and traveled hundreds of miles and never been in a trailer. "We drive to every trail ride," he said. "And that's part of the fun of trail riding."

For those like Jackie and Ronald who love horses or mules and wagons and riding, there is nothing like this annual opportunity to join others for a weekend of fun. From the number of wagons and riders at the parade, it appeared that more people came to participate in the trail ride this year than in recent years.

Two pretty girls on beautiful horses led the parade. Lisa Lageshaar, Winnsboro Rodeo Queen carried the American Flag, and Shy Anne White, Winnsboro Jr. Rodeo Queen carried the Texas flag.

Other dignitaries in the parade were Tausha Warwick, Jr. Miss Autumn Trails, Autumn Princess Faith Flaherty, and Kaylee Newsom, Little Miss Autumn Trails. They rode in a wagon driven by Raymond Robinson, from R& R Mule Farm in Quitman.

Marty Townsend of Como drove the wagon carrying Autumn Queen Angela Watkins and Karlee Finney, first runner up to Autumn Queen.

L-R: Tausha Warwick, Faith Flaherty, Kaylee Newsom -- Raymond Robinson (right)

L-R: Jr. Townsend,, Marty Townsend -- L-R: Angela Watkins, Karlee Finney