The year is already half over, which seems impossible. We are in the planning stages for our fall BBQ which is held in appreciation of our trail owners. See details below and put it on your calendars.

At the BBQ I will be winding up my term as president. These nine years on the FETA board and six years serving as president have flown by. I have been lucky to have such a great team of board members. Everyone on our board works hard as a volunteer for FETA as we endeavor to keep everything running smoothly for our trail owners and safe for our riders.

There has been a recent change to our board. Becky O’Neill, our technology guru who was instrumental in the transition to online membership has retired. We will miss you, Becky, and thank you for your contributions. The board voted to fill the open slot with trail owner, Shell Brodnax. Shell brings to the board expertise with the online membership system so that she can back up our membership chair as well as experience in event planning which will benefit our annual picnic and BBQ. We are lucky to bring these skill sets to the board.

Good news for our riders - we have recently had two trails added to the FETA system. One is a reopened trail that crosses Golden Rd between the Stoneybrook area and Skip’s Trails. The other - in progress - is a new trail that replaces the closed Kay’s Crossing and gets riders on the Peniel side from Honeyhill to Bill Collins Rd. Both trails were made possible by generous trail owners allowing FETA riders to come through their property. We thank you! And both required work from trail owners, our trail crew and volunteers who stepped up to clear and sign these trails. We are blessed with so many people dedicated to FETA and willing to get hot and sweaty for the benefit our our riding members.

Happy trails,

Kathy

Shell Brodnax is the founder and CEO of the Real Estate Staging Association® (RESA®), a 501(c)(6) Tax-Exempt Nonprofit Trade Association for professional real estate stagers. With over 22 years in the industry, Shell is a renowned leader, visionary, author, business strategist, and global speaker in real estate staging.

Shell co-authored the Amazon best-seller "Home Staging: The Power That Sells Real Estate," offering a comprehensive guide for homeowners, agents, and investors on maximizing property value and attracting the right buyers.

As a motivating business strategist, Shell has empowered thousands of real estate entrepreneurs to overcome obstacles and realize their potential. Her accolades include the Central Valley Women’s Council of Realtors Business Woman of the Year, Staging & Design Network Leader of the Year, and two-time Stevie Award finalist for Women in Business. She also hosts the podcast "Stager Talk."

Along with Shell’s professional career she has been involved in philanthropy for over 35 years. She was an Area Coordinator and Temperament Evaluator for SF Bay Area German Shepherd Rescue as well as raising over $100,000 for the group. She has also formed three non-profit organizations. Senior Saving Seniors, a senior dog rescue that catered to senior people, CHAMPS The Calaveras High Athletics Management Program Services that served the High School Athletics Department and she is the founder of RESA, the 501 C(6) organization. 

Shell owns Sisterhood Stables, a Boutique boarding facility in Columbus with her husband Chris. She has a Registered Paint, Brick, and Quarter Horse, Boo. Shell is excited to join the amazing board at FETA.

Summer in our area can mean encounters with ground-nesting bees. The lead rider may notice bees about a foot above the trail indicating an entrance to a nest. Be alert so you can avoid bees. Discuss in advance with your riding partners how you will handle a bee swarm. Typically in the hunt field we yell “BEES!!” and gallop on so no rider gets delayed in the swarm. Your group may decide reversing direction is the best alternative.

If you know you are allergic and carry an EpiPen, be sure to have it on you and not on your horse should you become separated. Instruct a friend you ride with where you store the pen and how to operate it. To become less of a target, avoid perfume and scented shampoos and wear light colored clothing. Report any nests to the Trailmaster so we can alert riders and possibly destroy the nest.