Articles

we have officially created an AAHC Affiliate Page on Bookshop.org—a platform that allows you to buy books online while supporting… Read More »AAHC’s Book Shop

The 2026 Athens Area Horse Community Calendars are now available — but stock is limited at this low price. Order… Read More »AAHC 2026 Calendars

Athens Area Horse Community we want to ensure our horse community is safe, even in the worst of times. Better… Read More »TLAER & AAHC 2026

There’s been lots of great activity coming out of our Gwinnett County NEIGHborhood group! A big thank-you to everyone who… Read More »Gwinnett County NEIGHborhood group Wins

In Georgia, we are no strangers to tropical storms. AAHC wants to help you get ready. Click on the images… Read More »Hurricane Readiness

Guest Author: Ashley Best  (University of Georgia Cooperative Extension | Newton County, County Extension Coordinator | Agriculture and Natural Resources… Read More »Managing Fall Armyworm Infestations in Georgia Horse Pastures

When a horse-related emergency occurs—whether it’s a trailer accident, barn fire, natural disaster, or roadside incident—first responders are first on… Read More »Help Us Help Train Your County’s First Responders!

Thank you for considering our course for Continuing Education for your team and staff. Below you will find the instructor’s… Read More »TLAER Course CE Credit Credentials

September 8 & 9 at Georgia International Horse Park (Conyers) Fee for 2 day course (lunch included): $185AAHC Members fee for… Read More »Large Animal Emergency Response Course – Register Now!

Apply here to for $125 scholarship to the Large Animal Emergency Response Course at GIHP on Sept 8 & 9,… Read More »Large Animal Emergency Response Course Scholarship Application

UPDATE: Registration is available! Learn more here: https://www.athensareahorsecommunity.com/event/large-animal-emergency-response-course/ Fill out the form below:

Since 1976, the Kel-Mac Saddle Club and Horse Shows have been designed to introduce novice riders, green horses, and riders of all disciplines, English, Western, Gaited, and Trail, to the horse show world in a less intimidating and supportive environment. In addition, Kel-Mac gives returning and seasoned riders a competitive but affordable environment to test themselves and their horses.

The admin team here at AAHC is working on a special newsletter. Our local horse community has lost a few… Read More »Memorial Submission Form

Anyone who spends time with horses recognizes that they are emotionally complex animals. We are predators who climb onto a prey animal’s back and expect perfection. The least we can do is accommodate how horses view and interpret their surroundings. 

Click each button to review past meeting notes from each committee:

Jump Classes:   *Break for Lunch 12-12:30*  Entry:   Officials:   Email Amanda or Jessica if you want to volunteer! Rails Classes:  Jump… Read More »Trails & Rails

AAHC members and guests welcomed Dr. Rebecca Gimenez Husted to speak on one of her areas of expertise at the… Read More »2023 Horse Trailer Safety Workshop Notes

Slideshow has been broken down into two sets – slides 1 to 50 at top with slides 51 to 80… Read More »Trailer Safety Seminar PowerPoint 2023

This is a series of seminars giving local horse owners skills and knowledge for how to manage and grow finances when we have horses, own a farm, or an equine related business.  

Date: March 14th, 2023 at Allison Creek Trailer Shop AAHC Champions attending: Ryan Hitchcock, Kelly Keating, Jessie Gladney, Joan Grant,… Read More »Community Initiatives Meeting Notes – AAHC Champions Committee

28 March Mounted Events Committee Meeting Attended by: Jessica Stevens, Andrea and James King, Jessie Gladney, Joan Grant, Christine McGee-McBee,… Read More »Mounted Events Meeting Notes – AAHC Champions Committee

Submitted by Leslie Allen  I have ridden horses most of my adult life. When my oldest daughter wanted a horse,… Read More »Advice to Self When Buying a Horse

Maybe you have already been benefitting from the community here that AAHC is working to organize and have been thinking… Read More »2023 Membership Drive

A hunter pace is a trail ride. If you want to compete, you choose your preferred speed (slow/med/fast) and shoot for an ideal time (set by ride organizers.

If you’re looking for a local horse organizations that is making a difference to volunteer at or give money, check out the lists here.

If you have been wanting to do something about Heritage Park, we’ve done a lot of leg work and it is time for the community to show up and support the initiative.

Click to view the Park Concept Plan we are offering with the proposal for improvements at Heritage Park.

AAHC is excited to be working on a bunch of fun rides! Do you like Poker Rides, or Hunter Paces? Enjoy exploring local farms that you wouldn’t normally have access too? Sign up today to stay informed on our upcoming trail rides.

We complied a list of all the fundraisers we could find helping this local equine vet family.

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AAHC Fellow Members are vital members of the Athens Area Horse Community team who go above and beyond to support the local community.

Hurricane Ian will bring heavy rainfall, high winds, and evacuees. Let’s be prepared community!

Lots of events and opportunities to connect as we head into cooler weather! Click to view.

News relevant to the Athens, GA horse community – local races in Mongol Derby, Heritage Park, planting native grasses in pasture, and new column HorseWise!

Stan Michael completed the tough 1000km race over the Mongolian Steppes. Click to read more about the derby and his story.

As a AAHC Business Member, you have permission to use this logo on your marketing materials! We love our local… Read More »Business Member Logo

Most of us want to nurture a partnership with our horses. We want them to be pain free and willing partners. Click to learn more about your horse.

There are so many acronyms in government it can seem like a bowl of alphabet soup. The Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax or SPLOST is a tax that helps your local government solve problems for your community.

Valuable information for horse owners to mitigate risk and prevent injury to their horses at home in the barn.

These trail rides are not to be missed! 680 acres of rolling hills with trails through old growth forest and native grassland

This report presents an analysis of data compiled from barn fires that occurred over a period of four years, from… Read More »Barn Fires: A Deadly Threat to Farm Animals

How to Configure an Equine Facility to Prevent and Better Respond to Barn Fires. By Coralie Morauw and Rebecca Gimenez… Read More »Emergency Preparedness – Barn Fires

Review of Strategies to Prevent and Respond to Barn Fires Affecting the Horse Industry by Rebecca Gimenez Husted, PhD; Jennifer… Read More »Barn Fire Prevention

Sed ut perspiciatis, unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam eaque ipsa, quae ab… Read More »Brett test

Click to read the latest horse news in the Athens area.

Horseback riding is beneficial for people of all ages but can especially improve children’s motor skills and confidence as well as communication and leadership skills.

Planting native grass species provides undeniable benefits to your horses and the local ecosystem Click to how/why and find local resources.

Riding your horse on the road can be fun, scenic, and a good way to get out of the arena. In this article, find tips and things to remember when riding or preparing to ride on the road.

Today we talk about Red Mare’s Break Free coaching program, Hidden Hazards in Your Barn, Working Eq, and tips for keeping your horse cool.

This month we focus on saving land for horses, but we also cover upcoming events, weed control, leather care, an editorial about the Rivian plant, and more.

Local tack repair pro Susan Akins answers the question: “How should I take care of my tack?” The answer is really simple and true for both english and western tack. Visit our site to learn more.

Letter To The Community by Nancy Clark I am writing this in regards to the behemoth Rivian plant proposed for… Read More »Opposed to Rivian

The community compiled this list for our neighbors who don’t know anything about horses and county law enforcement to reference when local equines escape their fences and their owners can not be immediately located

A winter annual, burrweed sprouts in December or so and sets an extremely spiney and painful seed in early spring. Click to learn how to identify and manage Burrweed.

New year, new AAHC website! We talk about helping loose horses in our area and the new electric vehicle plant coming to Rutledge. Also Allison Creek is opening a new location, Beanie Crowe is at Starlight, and we have a new consignment shop _ Athens Equestrian Consignment.

This November marked 11 years since I got the wild hair to start the AAHC Facebook page. No one is more surprised than me how much AAHC has changed in the last year – a testament to our wonderful team and support system. We have a lot to cover in this newsletter so grab a cup of coffee and settle in for a little while – lots of fantastic news.

Now that I am a horse mom, I have an ever growing appreciation for my mom. I feel like I… Read More »We Love Our Horse Moms

By Kim Gates, certified saddle fitter 706-400-9981; gatesbythecreek@hotmail.com As a saddle fitter I see saddles and strap goods in all… Read More »Tack Cleaning Hacks

Ask A Pro: Stacey McCoy “How do I teach my dog barn and trail manners so we can enjoy being outside… Read More »Taking Your Dog to The Barn

Whether you are new to hauling horses or a seasoned hauler, this Horse Trailer Safety Seminar is a fantastic learning… Read More »Horse Trailer Safety Seminar

Come learn the answers to your english saddle questions with Saddle Fitter Patina Sidner as she opens up an english saddle and lets us look inside.

Learn about riding working equitation and how to maneuver obstacles. All level riders, horses, and disciplines welcome.

Speech pathologist, foster mother, and life-long equestrian Cat Thompson established Butterfly Dreams Farm Therapeutic Riding Program with co-founder Tracy Mosher in 2005 after seeing the powerful way horses impacted a special child in her life. Click to read more about this wonderful program.

Lots of new activities this month – a Ride-A-Test, Local Trainer Showcase. Corporate Partnership opportunities, an update on Heritage Park, Tack Cleaning Hacks from a certified saddle fitter,

How you care for your tack has a direct impact on how long your tack will last. Taking care of your tack is also a safety concern and the cleaner you keep your tack the more times you are inspecting it. Here is a short list of things you can do.

We have been BUSY at AAHC!! Click to read 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!

A small gesture of love for my horse mom and all the horse moms in our community. Thank you for all you do!

In addition to creating and maintaining this website and the AAHC social media, we are excited to be working on a variety of projects! Click to read more on our website!

A recent question about too-skinny horses from one of our AAHC members prompted a discussion about the right way to… Read More »Equines in need

The show is split into three separate divisions with classes suitable for any and every rider. Western and English tack options.

This month we are excited to feature Athens local youth Emily Coggins.

In our April newsletter, we introduce a new classifieds section. We look at upcoming events, answer a question about nutrition and hoof condition, meet an Athens local and learn about a local organization. Huge thank you to our sponsor Clean Horse Blankets.

Clean Horse Blankets is your local horse blanket wash, waterproofing, and repair service. Local to Athens, GA pickup and delivery options. Click to read more about taking care of your horse’s blankets.

HIP-U classes for horse professionals will be available this spring!

This month our Ask-A-Pro submission was about healthy hooves and nutrition. So we turned to Cathy Micali at Athens Equus. Click to read about using nutrition to improve your horse’s hooves.

Kel-mac Saddle Club holds 4 all-breed shows a year, organizes regular trail rides, and raises money for local non-profits. Click to read more about this fantastic local organization.

This month we feature community member and horse trainer Karen Czarick of Dancing Horse Farm Eventing.

Our March newsletter is full of upcoming events, a member and organization feature, a gallery of photos and some tips from a local trainer on bringing your dog to the barn. Thanks again to our sponsor this month, Allison Creek.

What do you do when the weather is cold and rainy? Are you an Athens GA local with an idea for an article? Send us an email to athensareahorsecommunity@gmail.com.

We love our 4 legged pals – horses and dogs included! Click to read tips from Athens local Stacey McCoy to help make your trip to the barn with your dog more enjoyable.

Allison Creek is your local horse trailer maintenance, repair, and upgrades shop. Click to read more about how they got started, their most popular service, and some recommendations from the staff.

We are excited about our first member feature! If you want to recommend someone for us to feature, send an email to athensareahorsecommunity.com.

Stardust offers a variety of services, beginner lessons, therapeutic riding, nursing home visits, and more. Click to read more about what this local EC is contributing to the local Athens community.

Proud of our first ever newsletter to the AAHC community. Click to see member photos and features, events, and more.

Come join us at our second Athens Area Horse Community Jumper Show of the winter! This fun, casual show is meant to be a great experience for horses and riders.

Athens local recently attended massage school and we sat down with her and asked a few questions.

Allison Creek exists to help you provide a safe and healthy environment for your horses. Thank you to Allison Creek for sponsoring the AAHC newsletter.

Take a quick tour of the horse’s digestive tract with local Veterinarian Dr. Katy Mayhew.

The United States Pony Club is an educational organization for horse crazy kids and adults to learn about horses. The… Read More »Hilltoppers Pony Club

Looking forward to hosting a few rides this year! Currently we have confirmed the date and location for one ride:… Read More »2021 Hunter Paces and Poker Rides

We are excited to help bring Richard Lamb to the Athens area for a Riding In Balance Clinic! He will… Read More »Richard Lamb Clinic – Feb 13/14

We are excited to announce AAHC is launching a newsletter! Use the form at the bottom of this page to… Read More »Newsletter

When I am working with a trainer or attending a clinic, I try to remember important words of wisdom or significant phrases that make a lot of sense for my horse and I, or made a strong impression on me. I’ve included some that really stand out for me.  

No matter what breed of horse you ride, or your chosen discipline, trail riding is beneficial for your horse’s mental and physical well being. 

Find ways to be creative and playful with your horse.

I had the pleasure of attending a two day clinic in Ocala, Florida this week.  This was a unique clinic… Read More »The Spirit of Good Riding

Let’s look at 5 ways we commonly frustrate and confuse our horses, and maybe if we stop and think about them we can come up with some ways to help clear things up.