FENCE Barn Tour

Barn tour organizer Theron Farmer explains, “We plan a fun filled and interesting morning that will start by viewing performance horses and elegant riders.”  Exhibitions include Barrel Racing by Vickie Smith & Skeeter, Open Jumping by Sara Ketcham and her Vodka Bay, , FEI (Olympic) level dressage performance by Whitney Penney Mical and Donnizetti, three mules ridden in western tack with Holly Fisher, dressage with Sandra Hyder & English riding with Amy Gee, driven Friesian pairs with Caroline Whittle-McSwain, and Tot Goodwin and the Green Creek Hounds.  This special and informative fox hunting presentation with Tot will include an opportunity for attendees to pet these friendly hounds and learn about the job they do (fox hounds are usually somewhat aloof, but Tot’s hounds love attention). 

Under cover, there will be plenty of places to sit, with tables, or stand while viewing the exhibitions and food will be available for purchase at FENCE from Foothills BBQ.  “This year’s extra special barn tour is a wonderful opportunity for folks to see up close the amazing diversity of animals and riders that call Polk County home. You will help raise funds for FENCE, have a great time and perhaps learn something new” says FENCE Executive Director Carrie Knox.

There will be a program printed with pictures of all the exhibitions and maps will be available for ticket holders to go on a self guided tour of three nearby and completely different barns and the wineries.  Derbyshire barn is a new, state of the art boarding facility intended for the use of Derbyshire land owners.  Sara Lyter’s HulinnDalur is a charming private barn housing Sara’s Icelandic horses.  Sara will be riding her horses all afternoon for visitors to watch.  The Icelandic’s unique gait the “tolt” is of special interest.  The third barn on the tour is Wendell and MaryAnna Haymon’s breeding farm Marydell.  Here visitors will see foals galore by the national champion Grand Prix dressage stallion Don Principe.

            The short driving route to the barns takes visitors very close to our sponsoring vineyards, Green Creek Winery, Parker-Bins Vineyard and Over Mountain Vineyard. The vineyards will be open and they welcome all ticket holders for tastings and tours.

All inclusive $15 tickets can be purchased at the event on Nov. 24 at FENCE, and ahead of time at both Hayrack locations (6331 NC Hwy 9, Columbus, NC and 325 W. Rutherford, Landrum, SC), Little Mountain Feed Supply (4234 S. NC 9 Hwy, Columbus, NC) and The Farm House (22341 Asheville Hwy. Landrum, SC).  There is no reserved seating.  Directions to FENCE are at www.FENCE.org or by calling 828-859-9021. 

The Foothills Equestrian Nature Center’s mission is to provide facilities and focus for education, recreation and preservation in nature studies and equestrian activities with the aim of enhancing these endeavors to enrich the quality of life for the community.