The traditional Foothills Equestrian Nature Center (FENCE) Holiday Barn Tour will take place this year on Saturday, Nov. 24 at the FENCE Horse Show facility at 3374 Hunting Country Road in Tryon.

As in years past, exhibitions of equestrian disciplines and equine breeds available in our foothills will be featured.

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; jumping and dressage pas de Deux by equestrian professionals, Tracey (Doubek) and Eric Dierks; FEI (Olympic) level dressage performance by Whitney Penney Mical and Donnizetti; three mules ridden in western tack with Holly Fisher; dressage with Sandra Hyder and jumping with Amy Gee; driven Hafflinger pairs with Caroline Whittle; 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 the friendly hounds and learn about the job they do (fox hounds are usually somewhat aloof, but Tot’s hounds love attention).

There will be plenty of places to sit, with tables, or stand while viewing the exhibitions and food will be available for purchase on site 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,” said FENCE Executive Director Carrie Knox.

Following the exhibitions, maps will be available for ticket holders to go on a self-guided tour of three nearby and completely different barns.

Derbyshire barn is a new, state of the art boarding facility intended for the use of Derbyshire landowners. Sara Lyter’s Hulinndalur is a charming private barn housing Lyter’s Icelandic horses. Lyter 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 tickets are can be purchased at the event for $15. 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.

– article submitted by Theron Farmer