News and Announcements
In the News
Reprints available of this Aug/Sept issue of Our State Magazine featured a story aptly titled How Tryon Became Horse Country. Primarily a pictorial essay (photographs by Asheville photographer Jack Sorokin), our horse country was covered from its beginnings at Pine Crest Inn to Harmon Field and historic Hunting Country Farms to TIEC and Over Mountain Winery. 22 pages. Written by Susan Kelly. See for yourself. Check it out. Call 828-817-3753 for a reprint.
AN IMPORTANT UPDATE ON THE CORONAVIRUS AND FETA TRAILS
What a difference a few weeks make! Here we are in the midst of a pandemic. Social distancing is the new normal. Your FETA board conducted business via email in March. Now we are monitoring legislation to keep our riding members in compliance while still providing access to the trails.
As you know, the situation with the Coronavirus is evolving daily. The NC governor has just issued a “Stay at Home” executive order for the state effective Monday, March 30. Outdoor activities are allowed, but participants must comply with the social distancing and mass gathering requirements. Individuals must maintain at least six feet between them and no more than 10 people may be in a single space.
In response to this order, we ask that FETA members adhere to the following:
The rules currently specify no more than six riders in a group. While under the executive order, GROUPS WILL BE LIMITED TO FOUR RIDERS.
Riders are currently allowed to host guests on the trails. While under the executive order, NO OUT OF AREA GUESTS ARE ALLOWED ON THE TRAILS. We need to be sensitive to our Landowners and limit trail access to local riders. (Grandfathered out of area members may continue to ride.)
Social distancing is required on the trail. KEEP SIX FEET BETWEEN RIDERS.
Social distancing is required in the parking lots. KEEP SIX FEET BETWEEN PEOPLE while unloading, tacking up and re-loading.
We do not want the parking lots to be mistaken for a “mass gathering” area:
Park well away from other vehicles and trailers. Twelve feet between rigs is suggested.
Do not congregate in the parking areas before or after a ride.
Do not share a ride in a tow vehicle with a non-family member. If you trailer with another person, drive a separate vehicle to the meeting point to maintain social distance.
Ride well within your ability. Now is not the time to take out horses new to the trails, that have behavior issues, etc. We do not want you hurt and putting unnecessary strain on our emergency workers.
Please do not ride if you are feeling ill in any way.
We want to keep the trails open during this period of restricted activity. But we need to demonstrate social responsibility so that we CAN keep riding. Help us by adhering to the social distancing rules and suggestions we have outlined.
