Young railbirds at East Fork Stables. T.H.I.S. CARES is a vehicle of support for families of children suffering from a life-threatening disease.

My wife, Linda, and I began our journey to Jamestown, Tennessee, on June 15, 2006, at 6:00 p.m., for the This Horse Is Silent CARES Second Annual Super Trail Ride with “The Stars,” held June 15 to 18. We traveled the 180 miles by I-840 and I-65 at leisure and arrived at East Fork Stables (800/97-TRAIL; www.eastforkstables.com) at about 11:00 p.m.

There were several individuals on the grounds, but it was obvious that not everyone had arrived for this weekend event. We unloaded the horses, parked the camper, and settled in for a cool night’s rest.

Morning brought a generous 6:30 a.m. breakfast served by the East Fork gang at the community pavilion. No need to start a day of riding hungry. During breakfast, I learned more about the event’s benefactor. T.H.I.S. CARES gave us an opportunity to trail ride, eat, and enjoy entertainment and fellowship in exchange for fundraising to support its cause. As we learned more, we felt we really got a good deal.

As the morning progressed, more and more trailers rolled into the stables. Riders and horses prepared for the day’s ride.

Saddlebag Connections

The Friday ride began at 9:00 a.m., and was to take us through the gorge and back up to the ridge at Deer Gap for lunch. The ride was adventurous and gave us an opportunity to visit with fellow riders. It’s amazing that you can go so far away from home, yet find connections in the saddle next to you. As we look at what T.H.I.S. CARES is doing to help the families of children with life-threatening illnesses, we can find connections to our own lives, and each and every one of us. 

At Deer Gap Loop, there was a spread of food that just didn’t end. The pit was hot, cooking chicken fillets and all the fixings for a great outdoors’ midday feast.

The ride back was comfortable and at a leisurely pace. We finished off the afternoon with a power nap before the planned dinner and entertainment.

The dinner bell rang at 5:30 p.m. and away we went to discover what meal was planned for us — and a meal it was. Great food, good friends, and a worthy cause is the best way to describe that Friday evening. After dinner, the dance floor opened up, and the Redd Hot Mamas and other entertainers played till the dancers dropped.

By evening’s end, we all knew we were there for a greater cause, the children — children who may never be able to dance and play next year, or ever. These children’s families need support, love, and help from someone who “CARES.” We celebrate life and should help others to endure.

Why We Care

Saturday started off cool, and we were looking forward to another great ride. After some round-pen schooling, we headed for Jane’s Overlook for lunch. This ride was the most beautiful one of all. As we rode the ridge and overlooked the river valley, we could see patches of fog hanging below us. It was as though we were riding God’s carriage through the mountain. 

As we approached our lunch site, we continued to climb in elevation. Upon arriving, we looked down at the world. Lunch was again a midday feast of thick charbroiled (onsite) burgers, with all the fixings and dessert. 

After lunch, the ride back to the stables was at will. We couldn’t get lost, since the trails were so well-marked, and almost every trail led back to the stables. We took our time to really enjoy the scenery, wildlife, and fellowship.

We learned that T.H.I.S. CARES is a vehicle of support for families of children suffering from a life-threatening disease. These families were riding next to us on the trail. They never complain. Likewise, T.H.I.S. CARES just goes silently into their lives to help strengthen the family unit and help pay for necessities. It’s very difficult to be a breadwinner when someone you love is ill and hospitalized. One hundred percent of all donations to the organization goes to support families.

Saturday night was all about the children, and a great night it was. The evening started with a fabulous meal of good old country cooking prepared by the staff of East Fork Stables. Roast beef, pinto beans, corn bread, potatoes, and all the fixings including dessert.

After the meal, it was time to have fun and auction off all the wonderful items donated by the sponsors. The evening was completed with music, dancing, and, finally, a drawing for a new Billy Cook saddle. 

On Sunday morning, we realized we must all head home. Our hearts were touched forever by the efforts of Larry stewart, his wife, Joanna, and all the members of T.H.I.S. CARES. Linda and I are looking forward to next year's ride and would like to attend any smaller events held to benefit the organization.