My 100-Mile Ride

A small rider goes on a big journey.

-  TOOTIE MCCAULEY

My name is Tootie McCauley and I'm 9 years old. I live in eastern North Carolina on a horse farm owned by my mom. Having horses around, I began riding when I was very young. Mom says I first got on a horse when I was about 1 year old. Of course, I was helping her ride our horse. So began my riding journey.

When I was 2, my mom ponied me around the farm. I was riding our trusty old Quarter Horse, Sonny, by myself in the arena with my big sister, Savannah, when I was 3 and 4 years old. When I turned 5, I was a Cloverbud in 4-H so I could ride in the 4-H horse shows. These shows helped build my confidence and riding ability.

BECOMING A TRAIL RIDER

The first time I got to ride out without being ponied was when I was 6 years old. That began my love for trail riding. I enjoy being in the woods, listening to the woodland sounds, and being with my horsey friends. My mom loves trail riding as well and has gone on many adventures in the mountains.

I was excited when she took me and Savannah out for my first long ride at Leatherwood Mountains. I was 8 years old. Savannah said this was my test to see how I would do riding all day in the woods.

That first ride in the mountains took eight hours on a trail called Homestead. It had some climbs up and down and a beautiful waterfall.