Once Bolen was in the saddle, however, Nellie was almost dancing, eager to gallop into the rolling green landscape that stretched out behind her.

Judge Thompson, Bolen and Nelllie visited the site last week to film a commercial for WYMT-TV, inviting horse enthusiasts to a weekend of riding, camping and entertainment on October 6-8, 2006. Bolen, Nellie and friends will spend the next couple of months identifying trails for the event.

The Knott County Fiscal Court will sponsor entertainment, promotion and probably concessions. Participants are welcome to come on Friday night, set up primitive campsites and enjoy fellowship and music from local bluegrass bands. It is likely that campers will hear elk bugling in the early morning hours.

Judge Thompson said the idea of having the event was inspired by the old "Ride the Cyprus" weekend that was so popular here several years ago. "We're hoping this ride will attract hundreds to the site, so they can see what we have available," Thompson said.

The staging area for the trail ride is located on the Sutton property at the head of John S. Combs Branch, on top of Conley Branch Mountain. This will soon be the site of an ATV Training Center, while separate facilities for horses planned nearby, about a quarter-mile around the hill...

With plenty of room and both private owners and coal companies willing to cooperate, the area will be the point of origin for both motorized and non-motorized trails, providing recreational opportunities for many different activities.

"Once their mining is complete, Western Pocahontas will let us use their vast acres of property for horseback trails and elk viewing," Judge Thompson related. "We would also like to develop a small RV park, an equestrian center with stables and possibly a show ring."