North America’s equestrian heritage holds the imagination like no other. The many breed societies drive home this point as they strive to preserve and improve their membership and breed standards. As a result, horse lovers have a bounty of activities and breeds from which to choose. Among them are the NWHA, National Walking Horse Association, and the WHOA, Walking Horse Owner’s Association. An offshoot from these programs is the Top Trail. I mention these great organizations for one reason. They promote trail use and riding by allowing a participant to record their locations and mileage for both themselves and their horses. Jamestown secrets a passionate gaited horse following and a plethora of trails to ride. Two local, vibrant women, Glenda Levin and Tina Perry-Buirch both found a place to thrive in the trail riding divisions of their respective organizations, each earning high achievement awards.
Local Mitchell Real Estate Broker Glenda Levin fell in love with the Tennessee Walker and found herself actively participating in both the NWHA and WHOA. Through the years, she became a show judge and participated in trail programs for fun. As her passion kept her glued to the trails, she won the High Mileage Horse and Rider awards through the NWHA and recognition through the WHOA riding her horse, Kid Crimson. She quotes, “I am so blessed to life on the Upper Cumberland Plateau In Tennessee. We are next to the Big South Fork Recreational Park that has hundreds of miles of gorgeous, scenic, and challenging horse trails. I also camp with my horse at other parks such as Hocking Hills in Ohio, Mammoth Cave in Ky and Iron Mountain in Virginia in 2021. I’m so blessed to live close enough to visit so many areas.” These adventures paid handsomely in trail miles and association recognition. Congratulations Glenda Levin!
Tina Perry-Buirch moved to Jamestown primarily for the trail riding opportunities in retirement. Her enthusiasm is catchy as she exudes such great passion for this sport. Tina sums her experience the best with the following:
“I joined Top Trail Horse in September 2019. I am a trail rider and moved to Jamestown for retirement and riding. After meeting some new friends, Top Trail was introduced to me. I had never heard of Top Trail nor did I avidly keep track of my miles. Once I figured out how fast the miles really add up… the competitive side of me really flourished. I found myself blazing through the Top Trail divisions. Taking 1st place and advancing to the next division pushed me harder to stay in the top 3 for a chance at winning some great prizes, and yes I rode, miles added up and I found myself in the top 3 quite often. This past year some new journeys (100 mile challenges) and groups were staring into my face. I set a goal of 2000 miles on horseback for 2021. I came real close with a total of 1621 miles and finished in 7th place out of 360 riders for 2021. I joined Top Trail Horse seeking riding friends and challenges and I have more than accomplished that.”
Way to go Tina and may we all share in passion in our own endeavors!
