Stinkin Jims Horse Camp A place with Southern hospitality, historic land marks and legendary haunted trails By Lauren Pigford In the mist of North Mississippi there is a place where Southern hospitality, old historic land marks and legendary haunted trails offer people and their horses a fun-filled time. In Chickasaw County, near Houston, MS, Stinkin Jims Horse Camp offers everything for the horse lover who loves to ride and enjoy scenic and beautiful trails. Stinkin Jims offers 120 acres of camp grounds with plenty of shade. The horse camp offers primitive camping, but also welcomes campers with water and electric hook-ups and even some bunk houses that can be reserved ahead of time. The facility has about 80 horse stalls with five horse paddocks so your four legged pals can enjoy the camping experience as much as you can. Stinkin Jims has existed for over 15 years. It has been having organized trail rides since it has been open. Since 2005 Donna Schomburg has owned and operated the facility and rides. The camp site is situated in the Tombigbee National Forest where there are over 19 miles of trails bordering the historic Natchez Trace Parkway. One can head out to ride early in the morning and return late in the afternoon or even in the evening because the trails are long, but striking and adventurous. One of the most legendary trails offered to ride is the “haunted” Witch Dance Trail. The legend of the trail has been told through southern folklore since the early 1800s. The trail has even been listed as one of the top haunted places in the state. According to Schomburg, Ghost Hunters, a popular, paranormal investigative show by the SyFy channel is coming to investigate and do an episode on the legendary trail sometime in 2011. Schomburg also said that Stinkin Jims has hosted Best of America by Horseback and had a Big Redneck Wedding. Because Stinkin Jims is found in the heart of the south, its campers and horses enjoy the perks and generosity that the south is known for. Home cooked meals are offered for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is even a rustic pavilion where everyone is welcomed to congregate, eat, socialize and, in simple terms, have fun. During most of the organized trail ride weekends there is a band that plays on Saturday nights. Once people get back from riding all day, get the horses put up, fed and tucked in for the night, the party begins with fun and dancing. Most organized rides take place over the weekends, but Stinkin Jims Horse Camp is open seven days a week for camping and riding in the National Forest. It is an ideal place for horse people who love the outdoors, but also love a little adventure through legendary haunted trails, music, dancing and all kinds of fun. For more information about Stinkin Jims Horse Camp and its organized trail rides visit www.stinkinjims.com