| From The President |
 It has been a long time since the "President's Message" has been penned by anyone other than Dot Moyer. I would like to once again express thanks to Dot for the time, energy, and enthusiasm she has invested during her three terms as our president. Under her guidance, FETA has flourished. We are all so much richer as a result of her service. As incoming president, I could not ask for more -- a wonderful, healthy organization with an incredible board of directors. I will do my very best to fill some very big shoes. Bravo, Dot!
While I am sure everyone will join me in giving thanks that our drought is over, I also know that we share the pain of trail closures. The sting was particularly severe in December when our trail system was closed for the entire month. The decision to close and/or open the trails occurs after collecting data from many different sections of the system. This decision is made with the safety of our members and the preservation of the trails in mind. Rest assured, the decision is not made lightly. Thanks so much to everyone for continuing to respect trail closures even when the closures are extended or personally inconvenient.
As our weather improves, and more of you are able to get out and enjoy our incredible system, you'll begin to notice more trail name signs. Our trail rangers and crew are in the process of assuring that all trails in the system have a sign on each end identifying the trail by name. Knowing the name of the trail you are using may be very important should you ever require assistance. So please, continue to not only ride friendly and ride safe, but also ride aware. And above all, enjoy!
Happy Trails,
Dan Hecht
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| From the Trailmaster |
Recent trail closures have been trying for all of us. I don't recall a period when trails were closed for this duration. Our trails cover diverse topography with a variety of exposures. As a result, the decision to open or close trails is difficult at times. Nonethless, I choose to err on the side of preserving the integrity of the trails. I prefer to protect a trail rather than getting that one last ride in. I know the majority of you agree. Here are a few things I'd like to address for the protection our trails:
- When FETA trails are closed, FENCE trails are closed.
- Report all trail obstructions. Going around an obstruction is a violation.
- Check the phone and/or web before EVERY ride. In case of discrepancy, assume trails are closed.
- Re-read your membership rules. Rules will be enforced to protect the trails.
- You are required to show your FETA tag to anyone who asks to see it, mounted or on foot.
- Guest riders must have a card filled out BEFORE riding. Guests MUST be accompanied by their host.
David Smith |
| Little Mountain Trails Update |
 The work has begun on thinning out the trees on the undeveloped part of Little Mountain but has since been suspended due to the rainy weather and snow. The trucks were tearing up the roads.
The planned work is taking longer than expected due to weather delays. Thanks for your understanding and for observing trail closures. Staying off the closed trails will ensure our ability to continue riding these trails when they are reopened. |
| Riding in the Southeast |
 Several weeks ago I had the pleasure of escaping the cold to return to our home trails in central Florida. We kept our horses at Lynn'D Farms in Ocala which is a half mile from the Florida Horse Park and access to the Florida Greenway. The Cross-Florida Barge Canal trails and the landbridge that crosses over I-75 are included in this network.
It was great to go home again and ride familiar trails with long-time friends. We rode moss-draped trails in the Citrus tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest where the Tillis Hill Recreation area is located. The camping sites are situated atop one of the few hills in Florida with a clean, safe barn for stabling while camping with your horses. The forest land in central Florida consists of upland oak hammocks and pine flats. Even though it rained through the night on Friday, we kept our scheduled ride the following day. The sand footing is easily negotiable unlike the slippery clay of the foothills.
Faith Jorgenson |
| Trail Status |
Equestrian Events at FENCE
FRC Cross Country Schooling February 6
FENCE Hunter Pace February 7
North Peniel Trails are closed for Tryon Hounds meets
February 17
March 10
828-894-0496 Be sure to check the trail status before riding EVERY TIME YOU RIDE.
Please do not ride when trails are closed. If you know of anyone who is riding when they should not, let us know. Riding when trails are closed jeopardizes everyone's use of our treasured trail system. |
| Trail Safety Alert |
| We have had a number of riders whose horses have run off after a fall. Each horse was found safely by a neighbor or motorist. It has come to our attention however that returning the horse to its owner (or even looking for a downed rider) could be expedited if our horses were found with immediately discernable identification such as a dog tag with owner's name and contact information. Such tags are easily made at pet stores and of course, Wal-Mart. For additional safety, we recommend our members add ID tags to their mount's bridles in addition to the required FETA tag. |
This is the first newsletter under our new president, Dan Hecht. As a board member, I am looking forward to working with Dan in this capacity. Dan's professionalism, warmth, and optimism will serve our association well as FETA strives to protect our trails and landowners as well as manage the changes that are inevitable in a growing community such as this. On behalf of all our members, welcome Dan!
