Gretchen Verbonic has been named to the Second Wind Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Pacolet Area Conservancy. On Dec. 23, 2016, she was presented with the award, which reads, “In recognition of a useful and productive life, continuing beyond retirement, while others paused to rest, this dedicated person caught a ‘second wind’ and began a new career of service to the community and to mankind.”

After moving to the area in 2000, Verbonic has been involved with the Foothills Equestrian and Nature Center (FENCE) as a board member, finance committee member and participant in the Therapeutic Riding of Tryon (TROT) program. She has painted sets and done stage decoration for Tryon Little Theater, has been involved with the Lake Lanier Homeowners Association and has been a dedicated office volunteer for the Pacolet Area Conservancy.

Verbonic’s careers were in the computer and equestrian fields. Growing up in Michigan, she began riding hunters, equitation and event horses as a child, and also began dressage at an early age. Following a career in computers in Washington, D.C., she moved to Northern Virginia and took up foxhunting. As well as competing herself, she trained horses and riders. She became a nationally known, licensed dressage judge,  which she did for over 35 years.

Prior to moving to this area, Verbonic and her husband Mike lived at their historic Checkmate Farm in Hamilton, Va. They currently reside at Lake Lanier in Landrum, S.C. with their pug, Dixie Belle.

– article submitted by Carole Bartol