Video: Catherine and Friends Cross the Path Of A Big Rattle Snake

I had always heard about the rattle snakes at Kings Mountain State park but in the 12 years I have ridden there on my horse , I have never crossed paths with one...until this past weekend.

One of the reasons why I love trail riding (instead of arena sports only) is that I really enjoy nature and the wildlife you encounter while spending time on your horse in the woods. You can gain all kinds of horsemanship in an uncontrolled environment .  And call me crazy but I do get a kick out of seeing even snakes from a nice distance.  Normally we only see the "good guys"; the black snakes, king snakes, rat snakes etc.   And I know this sounds nuts but I was hoping to one day catch a glimpse of a timber rattle snake  from a safe and  long distance.

Saturday as we were about to wrap up a ten mile trek through the woods at Kings Mtn state park, we encounter one of those bad boys , a little too close for comfort.  I was riding with my friends and neighbors, Roseanne Whitesides and Jeff Rockholt , and Jeff and I were up front.  We both heard something that sounded like air being let out of a tire , kind of a "sssssssss".  We didn't think anything of it, it didn't sound like the traditional rattling sound I was told to listen out for.  My neighbor and experienced trail rider Rosie,  recognized it and soon found the snake about two feet away from the trail.

The good news is, this snake wanted no part of us .  He happily went about his business and we did too.  It is illegal to kill snakes in the state park.    Here is the video!  Enjoy!