Horses and wagons traveled leisurely on the Long Leaf Trace equine trail for a Memorial Day weekend ride enjoying the exercise and nice weather before the rains arrived. Some camped at the Carson equine park overnight and told stories around the campfire. After the ride they enjoyed a meal of catfish, fries and hushpuppies cooked by club president Jack Underwood.

“The fellowship with other people who enjoy horses is the best thing about this club,” stated member Johnny Kerley of Bassfield. We can tell horse stories to others who understand,” he says and continues with a grin, “but sometimes the tales get pretty tall around the campfire.”

The club was formed in the 1980s and has continued sponsoring rides since then including fun rides and at least a half dozen benefit rides a year raising funds for cancer victims, homes fire victims and other needs.

Okatoma Riding Club is affiliated with the Dixie National Wagon Train. Many of these members participate in the Mt. Olive ride to the Fair Grounds in Jackson during the Dixie National. The group has over 60 members and has been sponsoring trail rides on the Long Leaf Trace since the equine trail opened as well as rides in Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, Alabama and Tennessee.

Next on the agenda, states Underwood, is a benefit ride on June 6th for Zachary Holder, Ramp School of Ministry student in Hamilton, AL.

For more information concerning this ride or membership in the Okatoma Riding Club contact Pres. Jack Underwood at 601-849-4937 or 601-604-5725.