Welcome to the Athens Area Horse Community (AAHC) May 2021 newsletter! We have been BUSY here at AAHC!! Scroll to learn more about what we are doing behind the scenes, exciting upcoming events, an article to help on what to do when you see equines in need of help, an ode to horse moms and so much more!
We did a poll in the AAHC Facebook group decided that “local horse community” would be defined as an hour or so drive from Athens.
Please help us grow by forwarding this newsletter to other local horse community members!
To sign up for future newsletters, please fill out the form at this link.
What Are We Doing Behind the Scenes at AAHC?
In addition to working on this newsletter and maintaining this website, we are working on events – a local trainer showcase, and schooling opportunities, proposal for Heritage Park, and we have dreams of a youth program for Athens youth. Click to read more.
Local Trainer Showcase
This is a series designed to highlight all the amazing and fabulous trainers in the Athens Area… and to give us all a reason to get together and socialize.
From the attendee’s perspective, this is an opportunity to learn about local trainers. Depending on the trainers skill set, you may be able to watch the trainer train/work horses or watch them teach a few lessons. The fee to attend the event will vary from event to event but will be around $25/person.
Schooling Opportunities
These events are designed to be low pressure events. Some events will have lessons that you can sign up with a trainer. To learn more, sign up for our newsletter, follow the AAHC Facebook page, or follow this link and bookmark the page as that is where we will be posting all the information and updates.
Upcoming Local Events
Lots of exciting events are being offered this month! However, we noticed a big gap at the end of the month – Memorial Day weekend… Should we plan a trail ride meet up that weekend or will everyone be out of town?? Send us an email or start/join the conversation on AAHC social media.
Adding an event to our calendar is easy and we depend on people like you to help keep us in the know! Send us an email at athensareahorsecommunity@gmail.com. Visit the AAHC Upcoming Events page to learn how to add the calendar to your app or Gmail account.
Helping Equines in Need
A recent question about too-skinny horses from one of our AAHC members prompted a discussion about the right way to help.
To get clarity on best practices for our area, a local equine rescuer, Paulette Brown of the newly created 501c3 Redux Equine Rescue, had a conversation with Matt Thompson, Equine Health Manager of the Georgia Department of Agriculture and provided us with the following information.
Corporate Partner Feature – Allison Creek Farm and Services
One person who fills out this survey will be randomly selected to win an $50 Allison Creek gift certificate. This certificate can be used for any farm services that Allison Creek offers – horse trailer maintenance, repairs, and upgrades, a patience pole, custom metal fabrication, or farm services! Winner will be notified by email. One entry per person. Winner will be chosen on May 31st and notified via email.
If you or your company appreciates what we are doing here at AAHC and want to consider joining us as a CORPORATE PARTNER, send an email to athensareahorsecommunity@gmail.com.
Member Feature – Emily Coggins
This month we are excited to feature Oconee youth Emily Coggins! Emily is active in 4-H and shows her paint horse, Laredo at breed shows.
We want to feature a member of the local community in every newsletter! If you want to recommend someone for the spotlight, send us an email!
Need a smile? Check out this gallery of photos from the local community.
There were several opportunities to share pictures in the AAHC Facebook group in the last month. Click through the community’s photos of minis and big-eared equines.
Everyday Rider
In the Everyday Rider column, Amanda talks about her amazing horse mom and other horse moms in the area.
Visit AthensAreaHorseCommunity.com
Volunteer Opportunities
Follow this link to connect with local non-profits, shows, and intern opportunities.
Ride
Click to check out our map of local riding venues – from trails to covered arenas. Oh, and adding your venue is easy with Google Maps.
Local Merchants
We have compiled a list of local businesses to help you find the help you need in Athens.
Our community by the numbers
1057
AAHC Facebook Page followers
751
AAHC Facebook active group members
351
Unique visitors to the website in April
129
Posts in April in the Facebook group
Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/horsingaroundinAthens
Because I have been reading answers to our FB group admission questions for nearly 10 years, I know that a lot of members in the Athens Area Horse Community keep their horses at home and ride mainly for pleasure. If you are one of those people, I would love to chat with you. How can the admins help you and your horses? What are you curious about? Do you ride english or western or not at all? Have an idea for us? You can reach me at athensareahorsecommunity@gmail.com.
See you at the barn! – Amanda McCoy