photo by Hannah Reel

Eric Smith, 4, goes for a ride lead by Ricky Evans at the Adams County Equestrian Center Saturday afternoon. The Top Guns Riding Club hosted a horse show and trail ride Saturday afternoon, which was enjoyed by horse enthusiasts of all ages.

Local riding clubs enjoys hitting the trail

By Jeff Edwards (Contact) | The Natchez Democrat

Published Sunday, May 31, 2009

NATCHEZ — Saturday was a great day to go riding, at least to those in the Top Guns Riding Club of Natchez.

The club, which is a member of the Mississippi and Louisiana Trail Riders Association, hosted a horse show and trail ride at the Adams County Equestrian Center.

The day started with a horse show, followed by a nine-mile trail ride. The event concluded with another horse show featuring Tennessee walkers and racking horses.

“We’ve got over 150 horses here,” Top Guns member Jessie Turner said. “Many gated and quarter horses. We’ll be giving a trophy for the most beautiful horse and best racking horse.”

The association has events like this almost every weekend at different member’s cities and towns.

This week it was Top Guns turn to host an event.

“There are 21 actual clubs in the association, and every weekend there’s an event in a different location,” Turner said. “It’s a great trail ride and tailgating event.”

Turner said the riding club enjoys going to the different events because of the atmosphere.

“It’s a real family environment,” Turner said. “It’s about relaxation and the love of animals. There is a great fellowship among the riders.”

And that fellowship will continue each week as the Top Guns club travels to events in Alabama, Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi.

“It’s real fun for everyone,” Turner said. “We all have a great time.”