by Angie J. Mayfield

We had a blast at the 3rd annual Seven Springs Mule Ride the first weekend in October in Tuscumbia, Ala., and enjoyed perfect weather. Reconnecting with old friends, meeting new ones, seeing a hundred gorgeous trail mules, and riding the scenic trails at Seven Springs is always fun. Competing in the events is probably what Tucker and I love most.

Thursday evening began with a pitch-in dinner and social and some banjo picking and singing from my son Tucker, age 13. Friday we enjoyed guided trail rides to the waterfalls and caves, then judged the Bad Ass Mule Man and Mule Girl contests, which included a bareback track race, trailer backing, barrel racing, roping, and riding wild donkeys and mules. We laughed, screamed, and held our breath at some of the challenges, near falls, and ornery donkeys. Maggie Jill Poland and Will Wisdom were the top scorers who more than earned their ribbons and prizes and were probably sore the next day.

Friday evening was also the Fun Show where everyone had a chance to loosen up and show off their talented mules. We tried to offer something for everyone, including a gaited class won by Susan Gibson, a western pleasure class won by David Watson, then the boot race, barrels, a potato race, pantyhose race, and rescue/pick-up race - all on mules. Tucker won adult barrels on my 13.3-hand mule Sonny, while Jodi Beckelman won senior barrels on her 17 hand mule. Tina Russell-Tucker and I won the rescue race on Sonny for the third year in a row. But the highlight of the evening for us was seeing my husband Doug Mayfield, who is usually serious and reserved, cut loose for the Ugliest Woman contest with a leopard bra filled with pink balloons, tight leggings, and a pink wig. He was the clear winner and gave us all a good laugh.

After the fun show, the donkey penning and sorting competition allowed horses and mules to compete, while the rest of us went to Shirl’s Place food vendor or down to the famous Rattlesnake Saloon to eat and listen to music. Under a rock shelter hidden in the hillside, the saloon is a scene reminiscent of the gun-toting West. It’s about as cool as it gets and located right there at camp. You can even ride your mule down to the saloon, tie up to the hitching post, order food and drinks, and sit at a table under the geological wonder. People come from all over the world to see the Rattlesnake Saloon. Patrons can sit inside at the bar, under the rock ledge, or on the overhang itself and enjoy good food, drinks, and music in the illuminated prehistoric space. There’s also a large dance floor and a small waterfall. They have karaoke on Thursday evenings, a country or southern rock band on Fridays, and a DJ on Saturdays. There’s even a pick-up truck shuttle to escort campers back up the hill to their camp. Watching mule girls drink and do karaoke to Tina Turner’s “Rolling on the River” was one of the most entertaining events of the weekend. They could really shake their booties!

Saturday, we went on some longer trail rides to explore Wave Rock and some new trails with scenic canyons and rock formations. Then the mule race was at 6 p.m. Tucker was racing his 3 year old mule, Bubba Gump (named for her underbite and protruding lower lip). However, his saddle was too loose, falling sideways and causing him to fall off before the race. Though a bit shaken, he still went on to compete and finish third. I was so proud of them both. I followed them to the finish line at fourth place on Sonny, who at 25 years old and competing and riding for two long days, was exhausted. The winner, Kaylee Rice, was riding Peaches, a sorrel mule that has won for three years in a row now, only with a new rider this year.

After the mule race, the auction was held in front of the stage and our auctioneer, Ed Abernathy, helped campers sell several mules, horses, and saddles. I also gave out awards, including Prettiest Mules to Beth Davis of Tennessee and her gorgeous appy mule, Sterling and Cindy Roberson and her mule, John, from Mississippi. I have to brag on Mississippi mule people. They are some of the friendliest I’ve met.

Located in northwest Alabama at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Seven Springs Lodge offers 20,000 acres of picturesque natural woodlands to explore. Danny and Faye own 3,000 acres there and started the camp years ago when they realized they could no longer make a living farming there. The campground has 100 sites with electric and water and 12 with sewer as well. There are also 50 primitive sites, plus two cabin rentals and two grain silos converted into adorable cottage rentals. Danny said there is plenty of pasture area for more primitive sites if needed for next year’s ride. Three clean, modern shower houses are available on opposite ends of the campground as well, and there are 153 covered stalls. There is also a large arena, a track, a stage, and a trading post. The trading post sells shirts, souvenirs, ice, and supplies, including shirts for the mule ride.

A good mule ride requires the work of several big-hearted people, and I’m thankful for my guides and helpers for the Seven Springs Mule Ride, including Danny and his staff, Diana Cook, Tim Stultz, Jerry Brewer, Chris Sanderson, Barbie Decker, Ed Abernathy, Rob and Tina Tucker at Tucker Tack, Loree Brown who made our t-shirts and hats, Rebecca McVaigh who created our ride design, Betty Lampert’s food truck, Kelly Bryson of Crossroads Photography for taking ride photos for us, and of course, Doug and Tucker Mayfield for helping me with everything. I couldn’t have organized this ride the last three years without them.

If you’ve never been to Seven Springs, put it on your bucket list and mark your calendars for the first weekend in October. Join the Seven Springs Mule Ride Facebook page and call TeeTee to reserve your spot at (256) 370-7218. You’ll love the spacious camp, scenic trails, fun events, and all of the amenities, including the Rattlesnake Saloon. And don’t forget to visit the coon dog cemetery ten miles down the road. It’s the only one like it in the world. I’m busy with my new farm and guided trail rides at Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois, so I won’t be at the ride next year, but I guarantee you’ll have fun. Happy Trails! I’ll see you out there.

Angie J. Mayfield is a teacher, author, co-owner of Mayfield Farms, and lifelong mule rider who has trail ridden in all 50 states and 6 countries. She can be contacted at profmayfield@yahoo.com or on her Mayfield Farms Facebook page.

3rd Annual Seven Springs Mule Ride