Foothills Equestrian and Nature Center (F.E.N.C.E.)

The Foothills Equestrian and Nature Center is a 380-acre recreational area in Tryon, North Carolina. The park was founded in 1985 as a nature education and outdoor recreation center and has since grown to its current size. The center offers many courses such as bird watching, flora and fauna identification and uses, and husbandry classes. They also partner with Clemson University to offer the South Carolina Master Naturalist Program. There are over 6 miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding that connect to the Foothills Equestrian Trail Association trails. Each trail has signs describing different native plant species and animals in the area. The center has a pond with a boardwalk trail that leads over the water and marsh areas, and allows you to see the different micro ecosystems up-close without damaging the delicate balance. Equestrian events, such as hunter and jumper and three-day eventing clinics take place here. Also, dressage and jumper competitions are held in lit show rings, including one covered ring.