Appalachian State University Chancellor Sheri Everts will cut the ribbon on a new solar barn project at Horse Helpers of the High Country (HHHC), which offers equine rescue, education and advocacy.

The solar panels will help power the organization’s barn and fencing, providing energy efficiency for the facility and its operations.

“This is a step toward a more sustainable future for our organization, and we could not have done it without the High Country and Appalachian Community,” said Dr. Heather Dixon-Fowler, member of HHHC’s Board of Directors. Dixon-Fowler is also acting chair and associate professor in Appalachian’s Department of Management.

A $13,500 grant for the project was made possible through funds collected during the Appalachian and the Community Together (ACT) BIG Sale in fall 2018. Additionally, Transition Blue Ridge provided a $2,000 matching grant, and Myers Solar Construction, owned by Appalachian alumnus Matthew Myers ’15, donated $19,000 in labor toward the project.

Horse Helpers of the High Country

Advocating for & Protecting all Equine & Inspiring Positive Human-Animal Bonds

Horse Helpers’ long-range vision is to establish an equine center on its own property adding space for additional horses and training facilities. Using the networks established across the region, including Appalachian State University, HHHC is expanding its educational offerings to the equine and human community, facilitating greater understanding of the healing of human-animal bonds through meaningful inter-species relationships.

Learn more

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.