By MARIANNE SMITH
There is so much craziness in the world right now. Life moves too fast, is too violent, too cold, and even our children are affected by it all. Sometimes you just want to give up. And then you see a small miracle, and the world doesn’t seem quite as hostile as it did before!
While it may not seem important in the big scheme of things, a gaited mule filly named Stormy was born “on a dark and stormy night” two months ago at Hemphill Mountain Campground and Hemphill Stables. As any of the long-term campers there can tell you, there is something about watching a wide-eyed foal nurse her mother, and then turn on a dime and run as fast as she can go in circles in her paddock until her sides heave and her breath gets ragged. Watching the foal play, discover, and just run freely is great therapy.
In fact, Hemphill Campground and Stables offers amazing therapeutic rides through the Great Smoky Mountains. You will understand the concept of God’s Country much better after you ride these trails. You can ride all day with owner Hugh Messer, if you wish. The memories of the scenery will last a lifetime. Hugh has been leading rides in this area since 1985, and he can take you right into the Purchase! Hugh is a legend in these parts, and his colorful stories will definitely enhance your ride. And if you are lucky enough to ride this terrain on a gaited mule, you may not even be sore!
Gaited mules are produced by breeding a gaited horse stallion to a donkey jennet (mare), or by breeding a gaited donkey jack (stallion) to a horse mare. The resulting animal is sure-footed, fine-boned, and has better stamina and a more bombproof disposition than the average horse. Because their feet are smaller than horses, they make excellent mountain horses. And because a mule inherits the donkey’s “freeze and figure it out” disposition, he is unlikely to bolt when startled. He will usually stand his ground until he thinks it is safe to move on. This tendency makes for a much safer ride on mountain trails.
Stormy will be added to Hugh’s trail horse herd once she is old enough. Meanwhile, if you’re in the area, stop and take a look at Stormy and her beautiful horse mother, Queen. If you breathe deeply and get to take a ride into the Purchase, life will make just a little more sense. Being able to appreciate the uniqueness of a gaited mule filly, and being able to appreciate the beautiful scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains is guaranteed to make you feel just plain good!