Mother Nature decided to give Scotsgrove Farm some heat during the Western Carolina Hunter Pace Year End Gathering, which took place June 16. 

Despite the temperature, the headcount for the event was good, organizers said.

Leslie Scott opened up her stables and land for the year end ride. She could even be seen traveling the road between the camp and halfway point in her golf cart to make sure everything was running smoothly.

In addition to Scott, the Broadus family opened up their land as well for the trail ride. Scott, Dustin Chapman, Laurie Ridgeway, Scott Tate and Kate Tighe prepared the trails.

Joey Cabaniss emceed the event.

In camp, Lisa Porter and Cecelia Snyder provided their registration skills, welcoming riders in to sign-up. Scott and Sherry Tate were on hand for parking the trailers and rigs.

Samantha Fouse and Gwen Phifer were the timers for the day.

Riders started and finished at the arena. They were greeted at the checkpoint at the Hangman’s Tree by Anne Clevenger, Heather Daniel and Jackie Smith, who provided them with welcomed cold water.

Cara Nelson and Beth Straitiff provided a spread, and there were egg salad and chicken salad sandwiches, freshly cut watermelon and other fruits, fresh veggies, and iced tea for guests to enjoy.

After enjoying the full 8-9 mile trail or 3-4 mile mini pace trail, riders took care of their horses and settled under the pecan tree for lunch and to enjoy the awards presentation. 

The schedule for Western Carolina 2018-19 Hunter Pace & Trail Ride Series will be up in a few weeks.

For more information about this event and other past Hunter Pace events, people may visit WCHPace.org.

– Reported by Missy Bright and Jan Smith