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Like the birds, we are always careful to build a stong nest and we are looking for the best materials to build our nest with. That's why we appreciate donations year around. You don't have to wait for a special holiday, we will always carefully nurture and protect your investment in FENCE so it will continue to grow and serve its mission now and into the future. Thank You!
FENCE Nature Center
FENCE offers 384 acres of hardwood forest, meadow, and wetland for hikers, birdwatchers, gardeners, astronomers. Our entire property is protected by a conservation easement, so it will always be available for future generations. During the school year, some eight thousand elementary and junior high school students join our Project FENCE natural history curriculum.
FENCE TROT Program
FENCE is proud to offer TROT, a therapeutic riding program teaching horsemanship skills to adults and children with physical, developmental and cognitive challenges in a safe, friendly and supportive environment.
FENCE Equestrian Center
The FENCE Equestrian Center has gained a reputation as one of the finest facilities of its kind in the Southeast. With permanent stabling for over 300 horses in eleven barns, all-weather footing in three lighted showrings (including a covered arena), on-site parking and spectator seating, the Equestrian Center hosts events in all disciplines year-round.
- Upcoming Events
- TROT Horse Show Nov 23, 2024 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- FENCE Office Closed Nov 28, 2024 - Nov 29, 2024
- NO YOGA Nov 29, 2024 09:30 AM - 10:30 AM
- IEA Show Nov 30, 2024 - Dec 01, 2024
- Roastin' on the Ridge Roastin' on the Ridge is your ultimate getaway from those turkey leftovers! Dive into a feast of oysters, chicken gumbo, and sip on some beer and wine while grooving to live tunes! Join the fun after Thanksgiving on Saturday, November 30th, from 12 PM to 4 PM! Tickets (must be purchased in advance) are $60 per person and can be purchased online, over the phone, in person or by mail. Nov 30, 2024 12:00 PM - 04:00 PM
- Recent News
- Retaining Wall & Walkway replaced : Thank you very much to the Samuel and Stephanie White Fund Grant at Polk County Community Foundation for funding a much-needed project. FENCE was able to replace the dilapidated wall and walkway leading to the downstairs bathrooms. The newly completed retaining wall and a paver sidewalk are a beautiful addition to our facility for all the community to enjoy. Read more…
- THANK YOU : Thank you to the Kirby Endowment Fund at Polk County Community Foundation for helping maintain our trails. With the help of our volunteers, we can keep our 5.5 miles of walking/hiking trails clean and ready for visitors each day. Maintenance on the trails is crucial to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Read more…
- Cross Country Schooling : Attention Trainers: Our Cross Country course is open for schooling Read more…
- Knights of Columbus present donation to Therapeutic Riding of Tryon : On Wednesday, March 6, The Knights of Columbus presented Therapeutic Riding of Tryon (TROT) at FENCE with a donation. “TROT is beyond grateful for the kind donation from the Knights of Columbus,” said Summaiya D’Adamo, TROT’s director. “Their generosity helps our students TROT on!” The donation to TROT will be used to help cover the program’s tuition for providing equine-assisted activities to adults and children with physical, developmental and cognitive disabilities in a safe, friendly and supportive environment. Read more…
- New program at FENCE : E.A.S.E (Equine Assisted Senior Engagement) is a new program at FENCE aimed at early stage dementia, MCI (mild cognitive impairment), and Parkinson's participants. It is a four-week program consisting of a Spring and Fall session. The goal of this program is to inspire connection and improve the lives of those impacted by dementia, MCI, and Parkinson's through equine engagement. The program focuses on a sensory experience for each student while creating a sense of awareness, confidence, and social connection within a structured and supervised environment. The program takes place at Rosemary's Barn. Participants will spend time and connect with equine animals and other therapy pets in a beautiful, natural setting. Read more…