
Annie Ager, Board President
Annie has been working with horses for more than 60 years and running Hickory Nut Gap Farm Camp for more than 30 years. Her spirit and never ending ability to get things done are the engine that makes the organization a success.
Carrie Nicholson, Board Vice President
Carrie has been volunteering with Hickory Nut Gap Horse Camp for years and is the quiet, dedicated professional who keeps everything working behind the scenes.


Brittany Keeler, Treasurer
Brittany is a dedicated horse lover who runs a small business in Fairview and whose kids love to get outside and to ride. You’ll often find Brittany at the barn feeding, saddling, or riding horses in addition to overseeing our finances.
Becky Barth, Secretary
Becky is a lifelong outdoors woman who runs a business in Fairview and is a big part of the community.


Patty Matteson, Fundraising Chair
Patty is a dedicated employee of Buncombe County Schools and a horse lover through and through. She can often be found riding around the neighborhood on her horse Roian or feeding the herd at the barn. Patty is the brains behind all of our fundraising events.
John Ager, Board Member
John has spent his life helping to preserve farmland in Western North Carolina and currently serves as the District 114 Representative in the North Carolina House. He’s married to Annie and has been helping support her efforts through more than 50 years of marriage.


Heather Lee, Board Member
Heather has been part of the farm community for years and is a longtime supporter of efforts to make Western North Carolina a better place.
Billy Majewski, Board Member
Billy owns a small business in Asheville and is dedicated to helping kids overcome their life challenges. His dedication to helping others was the inspiration behind our Saturdays at the Farm Program.


Eric Ager, Executive Director
Eric grew up on the farm and has been riding since he was two years old. He recently retired from the U.S. Navy and has come back home to help keep the family farm going.
Emma Claire Hoffman and Andrew Lee, Riding Instructors
Emma Claire and Andrew are the people you’re most likely to see at the barn (besides Annie). Emma Claire is a lifelong rider who is an incredible horseback riding instructor. Andrew can be found doing all the things that make the farm work like feeding hay, picking up feed, teaching lessons, and rebuilding fences.


Taylor Davis, Administrator
Taylor is our behind-the-scenes director. She is detail-oriented and organizes Project HNG events and summer camp programs.