Isabella Noto from Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. commented, “This is my first time to ride with George. I am riding in the 3ft. 6in. hunter class. It is really fun and we learned a lot. We thought he (Mr. Morris) would be mean to us but he was really nice!”

Noto is a rising sophomore in high school and has been riding, for nine years. Her horse Romanov, a gray warmblood, is her current mount. Competing her horse is her favorite activity.

“I like FENCE. This is my first time showing here and it is my favorite horse show grounds I’ve been to,” she said. “Everyone is very nice and making it a fun show.”

Auditor Fred White of Gentle Touch Stables in Hampton, Va. echoed Isabella’s comments.

“This facility is really something. The covered arena and air conditioned bathrooms made this a special clinic. I hope to come here to compete in the future,” he said.

The Foothills Equestrian Nature Center maintains a full equestrian venue open to all breeds and types of riders and horses. The Center also maintains miles of hiking trails, offers nature programing and summer day camps as well as equestrian competitions. For more information about FENCE programs call 828-859-9021 or visit www.fence.org.

– article submitted by Carrie Knox