HORSIN' AROUND: AREA FAMILIES ENJOY RELAXATION AND ADVENTURE OF TRAIL RIDING

Jay Southard patted his horses after they were given cookies, one of their favorite treats.

Like many outdoor pursuits, horseback riding is popular not only because its good exercise and a chance to experience nature but as an opportunity to escape the pressures and entanglements of daily life.

"When I'm out there, I'm at one with the horse," said Jeri Southard. "No one can call me on the phone; it is my time.

"No matter how stressed you are, when you put your foot in the stirrup you forget about everything else."

Southard and her husband, Jay, are members of the Jackson Trail Riders, a group of area horse enthusiasts with a long history in Cape Girardeau County.

Currently there are about 50 active families in the group, which meets monthly at the Riverside Regional Library in Jackson to plan activities.

This time of year is usually busy for the group, with weekly rides ranging in distance from 12 to 20 miles. During good weather the club sometimes rides on both Saturday and Sunday.

"The club is very active and always has been at this time of year," Southard said. "Spring and fall is when we do the most riding. In the summer it gets too hot, but you do have your diehards."

The group hits a variety of trails throughout the area and also travels to other areas for weekend rides and camping.

A subgroup of the Jackson Trial Riders, composed largely of senior citizens, also rides once a week during weekdays year-round.

Bud Stroder, a member of that later group, grew up on a farm and has been around horses his entire life. He currently owns three Tennessee Walkers, which he says are "good riding stock."

"I like everything about it," Stroder said. "I like the exercise. I just like horses.

You don't have to have a horse to join the Jackson Trial Riders and attend social functions. However, if you want to ride it's bring your own animal.

There are businesses, though, which rent horses for people who want to hit the trail.

One such place is Trail of Tears Sports Resort in Jonesboro, Ill., which rents horses for $15 an hour.

Deb Charles, co-owner of the resort, said the terrain there is covered with ridges and ravines, which help make for an interesting excursion. Charles' property also offers direct access to the popular horse trails of the Shawnee National Forest.

Charles said people ride in the forest for lengths of up to 12 hours.

"That's hard core horseback riding," Charles said. "You have to be a horse person to begin with."

That long of an excursion would wipe out a novice rider, she said.

Charles also teaches horseback riding, a skill which she said takes patience and experience to master. Learning how to control the animal is the biggest trick.

"A horse is trained just like a dog," said Charles. "Once you know the commands you can communicate with the horse."

The resort is open year-round, but shuts down its riding operations during deer and shotgun seasons due to safety concerns.