Athens Area Horse Community

10/16/2026

The Equine Vote: Candidate Responses

We’re grateful to both candidates for taking the time to respond to our questions. It’s apparent that both put considerable thought into their answers and the issues that matter to horse owners across Georgia.

Katherine Juhan-Arnold submitted her responses on September 27, 2026, followed by Tyler Harper on October 9, 2026. Their answers are presented in the order they were received, with each candidate’s responses reproduced unedited.

Here are some insights from their responses:

Katherine Juhan-Arnold:
“Rescues are partners, not an unfunded substitute for government.”

Tyler Harper:
“Protecting horses from neglect and abuse is a responsibility I take seriously.”

What do the candidates have to say about the issues affecting horse owners, farmland preservation, equine welfare, and the future of agriculture?
Read the full questions and both candidates’ answers:

https://www.athensareahorsecommunity.com/2026/07/20/the-equine-vote/

This page takes approximately 15 minutes to read, and we encourage everyone to review both candidates' complete answers, it will be well worth your time.

And if you know of any good follow-up questions, please comment them below!

10/08/2026

Dusty Mewborn is a local farrier who has spent years caring for horses and being there when his clients need him. Now, Dusty and his family are facing a difficult time of their own.

One of Dusty’s children has been diagnosed with a rare genetic illness, and his other child is undergoing testing for the same condition. With ongoing medical care and expenses adding up quickly, the family has started a fundraiser to help.

If you’re able to contribute, even a small donation can help. And if you can’t donate, sharing this fundraiser with your friends, family, coworkers, and community can help get the word out.

Please consider helping support the Mewborn family during this difficult time.

https://www.spotfund.com/story/6623036e-9526-4cf5-a54b-8cba900e099c?source=s&share_location=c&r=aHR0cHM6Ly9sLmZhY2Vib29rLmNvbS8%3D&fbclid=IwY2xjawUyfSVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mAXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4Q8B0jR2KrgKWUs-B5155iZHb7E0C2RZzOEx1C2DtTvf-qpQd_-uhn2uR41g_aem_Iv38FPbJzFH2SbWD9QF9rA&SFID=kfjqftbsc

Hey friends, family, and community. As most of you know, our daughter Bristol was recently diagnosed with Branchiootorenal- a very rare genetic condition (1 in

10/07/2026

One of the biggest invasive plant problems at Heritage Park is Autumn Olive, a non-native shrub that can spread quickly and crowd out native plants.

Volunteers are needed to help remove Autumn Olive from the park’s trails and surrounding areas throughout October, before the trails close for construction.

October workdays:
October 13 • 22 • 27 • 29
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Everything needed for the work will be provided. Volunteers just need to bring drinking water.

With the park expected to close its trails after November 1, these October workdays are an opportunity to help clear invasive plants and improve the park before construction begins.

A little bit can go a long way, and every set of hands helps. Come out and volunteer!

10/02/2026

Heritage Park Trail Improvements

Heritage Park is slated for a significant investment that will bring major improvements to the property and its trail system.

The county recently received a Georgia DNR grant that will reimburse the county for its purchase of approximately 110 acres adjoining Heritage Park and provide approximately $1 million toward completely rehabilitating the park’s trails. The map that we shared shows the property of Heritage Park Trails including the additional 110 acres.

The trail contractor has not yet been selected. The contractor will need to be approved by the Board of Commissioners, with that decision currently expected around October. Once work begins, the trail improvements are anticipated to take approximately eight months.

During construction, the Heritage Park trails will be closed. The current expectation for the closure to begin is November 1st 2026. The project must be completed within the grant’s current spending period, which extends through December 2027.

Additional park improvements are also moving forward, including rehabilitation of the existing arena, fencing around the covered arena, an outdoor schooling arena, and improvements to the parking area and restrooms. The county is currently preparing the information needed to put the arena improvements out for bid.

We know an extended trail closure will affect many members of our community, and we will share additional information as the project timeline becomes clearer. Once the improvements are complete, AAHC is also looking forward to celebrating with a community grand reopening!

09/30/2026

September’s calendar model: Nose!

Nose was one of the winners from last year’s Wall Calendar Photo Contest and now has a spot in this year’s calendar. Here’s his story, shared by his owner:

”I bought Nose, a former neglect case, five years ago. This once-feral horse became a Beginner Novice Eventer and Dressage Horse, qualifying for Regionals his first year. He is also a first-flight foxhunter, having hunted across the Southeast. Despite a recent ACL injury now part of a UGA study. Nose taught me to ride and jump. He is my irreplaceable unicorn and best friend.”

Photo credit: CM Bryson Photography

09/26/2026

For those of you who are new here, meet Amanda McCoy—the founder and the heart of Athens Area Horse Community!

Amanda started AAHC back in 2010 on a whim and a hope to bring local horse people together. A lifelong “barn kid” raised by a professional trainer, she worked for years as a local trainer and farm services provider before taking the leap to make AAHC her full-time mission in 2021.

With a “head for business and a heart for horses,” Amanda has guided AAHC from a small local network into a thriving, supportive community. We’ve come such a long way since those early days, and we’re just getting started—fresh, exciting chapters are right around the corner for AAHC!👀

09/23/2026

Where are you riding this weekend?

A group of our members here at AAHC are loading up and heading to Hard Labor Creek for their Volunteer Work Day this Saturday!

This is a fantastic opportunity to help clear brush, maintain our beautiful equine trails, connect with fellow horse lovers, and enjoy a great ride together. Keeping our local trails open and safe takes a community effort, and every set of hands helps!

If you don't have plans yet, we'd love to have you join us for a fun and rewarding day on the trail! Drop a comment below if you're coming!

09/18/2026

The Equine Vote: GA Dept of Ag Candidate Questions

Hay community! With the November election approaching, we want to help ensure horse owners understand where our Georgia Department of Agriculture candidates stand on the issues that impact our horses and our community. Last week, we submitted a targeted list of questions to the candidates regarding equine industry recognition, farmland preservation, and state welfare programs.

Our questions cover - farmland preservation & data centers; The now-closed State Equine Impound Program, helping abused & neglected horses in our state, and more.

You can review the full list of questions we’ve shared with them here: https://www.athensareahorsecommunity.com/2026/07/20/the-equine-vote/

We are currently awaiting their responses and will share every unedited answer when they are available.