Preserving the legacy trails of the Carolina foothills hunting country
Winter 2011
White Christmas 2010

FETA Newsletter 

Winter 2011

Greetings!

It's been a little over a year and I am pleased to announce the grand re-opening of the Little Mountain trails.  The logging work is complete, the equipment is gone, and the trails are once more officially open for our riding pleasure!

With 15+ miles of trails spread over almost 600 acres, Little Mountain is a special part of the FETA system.  Most of us who ride east of Red Fox Road already know this but there are many FETA members who have never ridden this section and to them I say, "load up the horses and go, now!"   Until you have ridden to the peak of Little Mountain via the Ridge Trail, you have not seen the most breathtaking views in our entire trail system.

I hope that everyone will join me in once again expressing our heartfelt gratitude to Mike Stone and Bill Ennis and their families, for not only allowing us to ride their land, but also for taking steps to continue to develop their property in a manner consistent with the best rural and equestrian characteristics of our area. We really missed riding "The Mountain" and we're really, really glad to have it back!

Little Mountain will always be special to me.  It was the site of my first FETA trail ride and the first time I met and rode with Jim Hess who would become a friend and fellow FETA board member.  Many of you are aware that Jim recently departed this mortal coil for greener pastures.  It was truly a privilege knowing you, Jim.  We'll miss you and are comforted knowing that you're in a place now where there is no pain and the trails are never closed.

Happy Trails!
President Dan 
In This Issue
Welcome Gail Gardner
North Peniel Trails Favorite Loop
On The Trails with Ranger Ric
Parking Areas
Lead Horse Trail Etiquette
Tryon Hounds Hunt Schedule
Join Our Mailing List!
Quick Links
 
 
 
 
 
Thanks Jim Hess, Welcome Gail Gardner
Jim enjoyed the trails and respected the legacy of preservation that FETA represents.  His desire to see the trails protected was evidenced in his commitment to securing trail easements.  We will miss Jim's enthusiasm and dedication.  Jim's wife, Gail Gardner, will continue Jim's efforts on the FETA board.  Gail's profession is that of a psychologist.  She shares Jim's love of trail riding.  We will officially welcome Gail to the FETA board at our January meeting.  Thanks for continuing the cause Gail.
Favorite Loop:  North Peniel Trails
 
Riding in the snow 

(1) Head North by turning left from the parking lot. Stay on the same side of Peniel Road on the Thickety Ridge Trail from the Peniel parking area.

 

(2) Go downhill, cross a shallow creek, then up and over the ridge.

 

(3) As you crest the ridge and head back downhill, Ladyslipper Trail is on the right.  DO NOT take Ladyslipper trail.  Continue straight, passing a gravel road on the left.  Continue straight until you are riding along a fence line on the left.  This is one of Maude Carr's many hayfields.  Without Maude, the system WOULD NOT EXIST on this side of Red Fox.

 

(4) Continue on this trail.  It bends left (west) following the fence line to another FETA intersection indicating straight or turn right.  Go straight, do not turn right.

 

(5) Continuing straight, the trail veers right and leaves the fence line, heading  downhill.  There is  a narrow trail on the right going downhill. It's almost hidden until you get to it.  Proceed down this trail.  Don't worry about the narrowness. It gets better toward the bottom.

 

(6) At the bottom is a FETA diamond with a right arrow. Turn right.  DO NOT turn left as it becomes private property.

 

(7) The trail goes east/northeast.  You will come to what appears to be an unmarked intersection to go straight or turn left. This intersection is marked but the sign is on a tree to the left, not readily visible. Turn left onto Suzanne's Trail.

 

(8) Now on Suzanne's Trail, a meadow is on the left.  You will come to the first of several shallow stream crossings.  Continue on to a "Y" intersection marked with a FETA sign. Take the right fork to remain on Suzanne's Trail.

 

(9) Continue to an UNMARKED "Y".  Bear left.

 

(10) The trail continues easterly/northeasterly, crossing a few more creeks.  Creeks may be dry depending on rainfall.  This trail slowly bends north to a "T" intersection.  On a tree to the right (about eye level on a tall horse) is a sign that says Suzanne's Trail. The trail to the left goes uphill.  The trail to the right goes downhill. Take the trail to the right and head downhill to Gold Mine Trail.

 

(11) Gold Mine Trail is VERY RUTTED.  Horses should be able to walk safely at the bottom of the rut but please exercise caution. The footing is a little dicey here. You should be headed northeast.

 

(12) The trail descends and gets better as you proceed to White Oak Creek crossing.

 

(13) Cross the creek.  Continue along Gold Mine Trail as it slowly veers north. As the trail turns north, KEEP A SHARP EYE out for an unmarked trail on your right. Take the trail to the right. Continuing straight will take you into the Honey Hill subdivision and points north of Honey Hills.

 

(14) After turning right, you will be on Valerie's Trail.  There are no signs identifying this trail. It meanders through a thicket of ferns and climbs gently uphill to an UNMARKED four-way intersection. Turn right at this intersection.  Note the "New Steep Hill Trail" sign on the tree to the right.  You will soon realize why it is called this.

 

(15) New Steep Hill Trail goes uphill.  At the top, watch for a trail on the left which is unmarked from this direction. Know this trail by the rocky footing at the beginning. Turn left at this trail.

 

(16) Continue up this trail to "New Steep Hill Trail" sign on the left with an arrow pointing back the way you came.  Veer right.  Continue uphill.  Do NOT turn left and head back downhill.  You are now on Old Steep Hill Trail.

 

(17) Follow this trail to an intersection marked by a FETA diamond, indicating straight or right.   Turn right.

 

(18) Follow the trail to an unmarked fork, bear left.  Continue to a pasture fence (Cochran's pasture) where you can turn left or right. Turn right.

 

(19) Follow the trail along the pasture fence to an intersection marked by a FETA "Y" sign. Bear right at this fork. Go downhill.

 

(20) At the bottom of this hill, bear left and continue downhill.  Look through the trees on the right for your first glimpse of Lake Cochran.

 

(21) Bear right at the next intersection. Then another right (a FETA diamond will indicate that the trail only goes to the right).

 

(22) In a few feet is a fork where you will see a FETA diamond with "crossed arrows" indicating  bear left or right.  Bear LEFT to take the trail that hugs the eastern shore of Lake Cochran.

 

(23) If you are ready for a break, feel free to dismount near the picnic tables. To continue, go along the trail as it exits the clearing area near the picnic tables up a narrow gravel road.

 

(24) Watch for a FETA diamond indicating straight or right. Turn right.  Continue hugging the shoreline of Lake Cochran.

 

(25) The trail goes around the lake and begins to climb an easy hill to a left or right intersection. Veer right to exit the woods and into the clearing.

 

(26) Once out of the woods, turn left.  There is a well-worn path that appears to go straight and back into the woods again.  DO NOT follow this trail.  Veer right along the trail less travelled, heading west.  Ladyslipper Trail should be visible heading west. The trail will be more or less visible depending on the height of the grass.

 

(27) Continue along Ladyslipper Trail until it rejoins Thickety Ridge Way.  Turn left to head back to the Peniel Parking Area."

On The Trails With Ranger Ric 
Ric and Kathy RondellI have accumulated a number of points on the ROOT Report contest due to the large number of down trees and trail obstructions I have encountered while riding the trails.  My wife, Kathy, and I ride ALL the trails, not just those out of FENCE or a loop from one of the boarding barns. Riding a variety of trails means we encounter more obstacles.

Many people believe that being on the FETA system is best.  While this may be true for many, I have found that there is an inherent tendency to ride the same trails where you live. When Kathy and I arrived in Tryon some 5 years ago, we wanted property with direct access to the system.  The FETA trails was one of the deciding factors in our moving here in the first place.  As it turned out, we found a beautiful piece of land not on the system but only a short drive to FENCE.  As we began to learn the trails, it was our routine to basically load up the horses, drive to FENCE, then ride out either through FENCE or Steeplechase to get on the system.

After awhile we were in a rut riding out Mahlers to Pony Track or Dark Horse to Pretty Bottom and back again.  Then I discovered there are many parking areas throughout the system to allow members the ability to ride other areas without having to start at the FENCE parking lot.  The parking areas are listed in the newsletter. 

I would encourage members who have yet to find these parking areas to give them a try. I'm sure you will find that it will open up a whole new trail experience and allow you to ride even more of this beautiful system we are blessed with. 

See you on the Trails!
Ranger Ric
Parking Areas
FETA has four official parking areas.  The entire system of trails may be accessed from these lots.

FENCE
From I-26, east or west.  Take SC Exit #1 toward Landrum. 
Go 1.5 miles, then turn right onto Bomar Road (look for the Land Mart on the corner).
Go one short block, turn right onto Prince Road.
Follow Prince Road for approximately 1.5 miles.
Turn left onto Hunting Country Road (just before the I-26 overpass).
Follow Hunting Country Road for approximately 3/4 mile.
Equestrian Center entrance, Mane Gate Lane, will be on the left just before the I-26 underpass.
For the main FENCE entrance for the FENCE Center, hiking trails and TROT barn, continue on Hunting Country Road under the I-26 underpass to the main FENCE gates on your right.

Spicer/Hooker Road
Located just past the intersection of Old River Road and Spicer Road, along the right side of the road, just before the pipeline.  Rondo Ridge and Cotton Patch areas are accessible from this parking area.

Peniel Road Parking
Located on Peniel Road, 3/4 of a mile west of the intersection of Henderson Road, Luther Durham Road, and Peniel Road.  Situated on the edge of a hay field, riders are reminded to keep to the designated parking. Do not drive or ride your horses in the field.

Scriven Road Parking 
Scriven Trails have officially opened.  Parking is available on Scriven Road, just east of Markham Road and west of the Scriven Plantation home.  For now, riders can access the Scriven Trails and/or hack along Scriven Road to the Rondo Ridge/Cotton Patch area.  Future trail expansion plans will use this parking area to access more Hooker and Rondo Ridge trails.

In addition, there are unofficial parking areas. They are:

Finally Farm
Located on Carriage Row, just before the intersection with Hunting Country Road.  Several trails may be accessed.  You may ride along Carriage Row when trails are closed.  Riding on the roads is permissible when the trails are closed but be aware that you may not use a FETA trail to get to the road.  Do not tie to fences.  Never tie your horse to anything they can pull loose from in the event of a panic.  Horses have been known to pull away from fences that remain attached to the lead rope.  Compounding the flight response is the object chasing them which usually results in injury.

Fields Edge
Park along the fence near the Morgan Chapel Bridge.  Do not ride across the short end of the field. The Field's Edge trail starts at the end of the fence.  Many trails may be accessed from here but don't abuse your parking privilege by tying to the fence.

River Road
My favorite parking on River Road is almost to the western end, just past Appaloosa Lane.  There is a pull off there.  Access Rondo Ridge, Cotton Patch, and Hays Hollow.  You can back track down River road, cross the river, and ride River's Edge from there.

Jobe Parking
Located on Wizard Way, the last right on Bill Collins Road before going under Hwy 74 from the south.  It is located at the residence of Ken and Sandy Jobe.  Their drive is on the right, 100 yards from Bill Collins.  Park across from the driveway along the edge of the field.

Remember that you may not ride when trails are closed.  Information about vehicles, the date/time, vehicle tag numbers, both truck and trailer, are usually recorded  by someone passing by in case a question arises which FETA needs to address.  We take the protection of the best trail system on the East Coast seriously.  Thank you for your help in maintaining it with us.
Lead Horse Trail Etiquette

Saddling Up on White Christmas 2010A trail ride with a few barn buddies should be enjoyable. And even a small group on a casual outing will benefit from established guidelines and a sensible trail leader. If you're that leader, here are a few do's and don'ts to help make your ride safe and pleasant.

 

Don't assume every rider or horse in the group is comfortable with changes of gait. Before you head out, determine which gait is acceptable to everyone on the ride. And once you initiate a gait change, continuously check (by sight and voice) that everyone is doing okay. If the pace is too fast for anyone, slow down.

 

Do establish a method for downward transitions. Horses can pile into each other during unannounced slowing or stops. Use a hand signal or your voice to convey your intentions to the rider behind you. That rider should then relay the message to the rider behind him and so forth. When the last rider gets the signal, she slows first, then the second-to-last rider, and on through the group. As leader, you'll slow last.

 

Don't lope or gallop in a group on the trail. Fast gaits tend to "hype up" horses which can cause serious problems that even an experienced rider may find difficult or dangerous. All it takes is for one horse to act up at a fast pace and the whole group can get out of hand.

 

Do look for changes in the trail and terrain. Increase following distances when traveling down a heavily wooded trail so branches swept aside by one rider don't hit the next horse and rider. Keep to a safe pace over tricky footing and on difficult trails.

 

Do keep a sharp eye for upcoming obstacles and warn others. If you must duck to avoid low branches, warn the other riders to be ready to duck also. If you spot a hoof-sized hole in the trail, make sure the other riders see it too. Just as your horse will be more vigilant in the lead, it's your job to scan for any hazards and warn the group.

 

Do trade positions within the group. Each member of the group will benefit from taking the positions of lead horse, middle horse, and last horse in turn.

 

Don't allow slow-moving horses to fall too far behind the group. If they do, they may become anxious and even resort to rearing or bucking.  In addition, it's not wise for riders of slow movers to make a practice of trotting up behind the group to catch up. This can startle or stir up the other horses in the group. Best to keep the group at a pace that's comfortable for everyone.

Tryon Hounds Hunt Schedule

Following are the remaining dates for Tryon Hounds Hunt Schedule. For your safety, the North Peniel trails are closed during these times.

Wed, Feb 16
Wed, Mar 9
Questions or comments?  Board members are happy to talk to you any time.  They are:
Dan Hecht, President
Dot Moyer, Vice President
Judith Kerns, Secretary
Anne Swift, Treasurer
Dave Smith, Trails Chair
Faith Jorgenson, Communications
Roberta Axelrod, Membership
Rhonda King, Member Relations
Bill Beardslee, Finance
At-large members:  Nancy Mahler, Maude Carr, Bill Ennis, Tina Walker and "Ranger Ric" Rondell.

Trail area representatives are:
Nancy:  Chinquapin Farm
Rhonda:  Pony Track and  Hunting Woods
Faith, Bill B.:  Hunting Country Road to River Rd.
Ric:  Rondo Ridge and River's Edge
Anne:  FENCE
Dot:  Pretty Bottom, Stonybrook
Judith:  River Road and Carriage Row
Dan, Roberta, Dave:  North Peniel Trails
Maude, Bill E., Tina:  Little Mountain area.   

FETA's Board meets the 4th Tuesday evening of the month at 6:30.  All members are welcome to attend, raise questions or issues at the start of the meeting, or just observe.  Contact Dan Hecht for location.  No July or December meeting.
Faith Jorgenson
Foothills Equestrian Trails Association