You know that old saying about March coming in like a lion and going out like a lamb? I’m very hopeful that the term of my presidency will be similar. I cannot imagine a more turbulent way to begin than with a storm larger than ever in recorded history which caused tremendous damage to the trail system. Honestly, though FETA has faced significant damage to the trail system before, just ask long-term trail owners. This storm, as we all know, was different. It was different because the trail system, while near and dear to all of us, was secondary to all the devastation around us. So many people are still without homes, running water, power, and sewage, and of course, those are the ones who survived the storm. 

Keeping in perspective how privileged all of us are to be housed, caring for and riding horses has been at the forefront of your FETA board’s mind while at the same time recognizing our pledge to care for the system of trails. We decided early that we wanted to refrain from hiring any professionals as it may take them away from the more serious and necessary work of hurricane recovery. Instead, we wanted to take a considered approach to get a few loops of trails open using volunteers. The board set out to evaluate which loops would be best suited to be opened by volunteer labor, ie. no dangerous or overly large trees to remove or erosion issues. (Chinquapin Farm’s loop became an easy first choice because the farm manager there, Andrew Holbert, had already done the lion’s share of the cleaning for us.) At the same time, we put out a call for volunteers and planned a work day. There was also a lot of work done to update the liability waiver to ensure we were taking care of our trail owners, the lifeblood of the FETA system. We had hope of a few volunteers showing up to help and getting a single loop opened that first work day. Boy, did we underestimate the FETA membership’s enthusiasm to help and get the trails open!

 
In addition to opening trails, FETA worked with a crew from Chinquapin Farm to chop and split wood. An entire dump truck worth of firewood was donated to Outreach in Polk County from trees downed on the FETA system. 

Enjoy some of the photos from the work days and consider coming out and helping. We have a new volunteer coordinator, Molly Caldwell, who we hope you will be hearing from about volunteer opportunities soon. We have lots of trails left to clear and believe it or not, trail clearing may be as much fun as riding - well as much fun as you can have without a horse. If you don’t believe me, ask anyone who was at the volunteer trail clearing day about the stupid dance.

Happy Trails,

Kathleen

With Fall comes deer hunting season. Please make sure you are visible to hunters as you ride the trails. Blaze orange or other high visibility apparel is highly recommended on all FETA trails and REQUIRED to ride the trails on Chinquapin (the farm behind the FENCE Showgrounds). 

Vests and helmet covers are readily available for riders and ear covers, trail sheets and more are available for horses.

• Archery season is in effect now until November 15. 
• Black Powder season runs November 16 through 29.
• Gun season begins November 30 through January 1, 2025.

Stay aware and stay safe!

The FETA trail system began with the Storm of the Century in 1993 over thirty years ago. The Southeast was recently devastated by another storm, Hurricane Helene, that wreaked havoc on countless families and communities. As we work to repair our small corner of the state and restore all of our trails to order, your FETA board is asking that members take a moment and consider our Trail Owners. Many of them cleared trails without additional help, using their own funds in order to allow members to access their beautiful properties. We are so grateful for our generous Trail Owners who allow their private land to be used as FETA trails. 

With Thanksgiving approaching, take a moment to write a thank you note with your favorite memory (or memories!) on a trail, or a note to the trail that you ride most often. If possible, include the trail name and send your note to bergen.jorgenson@gmail.com 

You can write as many as you would like! The FETA board hopes to compile these and send them to our FETA Trail Owners as a thank you.