Foothills Equestrian Nature Center

Welcome to the FENCE Nature Center, a sanctuary of 384 acres of hardwood forest, meadow, and wetland that offers a serene escape for hikers, birdwatchers, gardeners, and astronomers. Our property is protected by a conservation easement, ensuring that it will remain a pristine natural habitat for generations to come.

At FENCE, we believe in the power of community and the importance of nurturing and protecting our environment. That's why we're always grateful for donations, which allow us to continue our mission of preserving and enhancing our natural resources. We carefully invest every contribution to ensure that it grows and serves its purpose now and in the future.

FENCE Nature Center

Our Nature Center provides a unique opportunity to explore and learn about the natural world. During the school year, we host Project FENCE, a natural history curriculum that serves over eight thousand elementary and junior high school students. We offer guided hikes, birdwatching tours, and gardening workshops, all designed to help visitors connect with nature and develop a deeper appreciation for the environment.

FENCE TROT Program

FENCE is proud to offer TROT, a therapeutic riding program that teaches horsemanship skills to adults and children with physical, developmental, and cognitive challenges. Our program provides a safe, friendly, and supportive environment where participants can build confidence, improve their physical abilities, and develop a meaningful connection with horses.

FENCE Equestrian Center

The FENCE Equestrian Center is 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), and on-site parking and spectator seating. We host events in all disciplines year-round, attracting equestrians from across the region.

Upcoming Events

We offer a variety of events throughout the year, from combined training and schooling jumpers to free yoga classes and concerts. Our events are designed to bring together community members and provide opportunities for learning, relaxation, and enjoyment.

Recent News

We're proud to announce that the Knights of Columbus presented Therapeutic Riding of Tryon (TROT) at FENCE with a generous donation. The donation 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.

We're also excited to introduce our new program, E.A.S.E (Equine Assisted Senior Engagement), aimed at early stage dementia, MCI (mild cognitive impairment), and Parkinson's participants. 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.

Thank You

We're grateful for the support of the Kirby Endowment Fund at the Polk County Community Foundation, which allows us to maintain our log cabin and ensure that it remains a beautiful and welcoming space for all.

At FENCE, we're committed to building a strong and vibrant community through our connection with nature, horses, and each other. We hope you'll join us in our mission and become a part of our extended family.