Equestrian Life in the Sandhills
Equestrian Life in the Sandhills
The Sandhills is celebrated worldwide for its equestrian heritage, from the historic Moore County Hounds and Pinehurst Harness Track to the 4,000-acre Walthour-Moss Foundation and nationally recognized events at the Carolina Horse Park. Centered around Southern Pines, this thriving horse country blends history, sport, and tradition in unforgettable ways.
For riders, breeders and spectators, it’s the mane attraction.
For golfers, this is it, of course – heaven on earth. But this is serious horse country too, a premier equestrian community thanks to the sandy soil and mild climate that combine to create one of the best places to raise, keep and ride horses. And folks have been doing just that for more than a century. It’s a world of farriers and farms, riders and drivers, stables and saddleries, first-rate equestrian events and the simple elation of the wind through your hair.
Some of the most beautiful rides can be enjoyed on the more than 4,000 acres set aside by the Walthour-Moss Foundation just a mile outside Southern Pines. Essentially a vast nature preserve and wildlife sanctuary bordered by horse farms and laced with sandy lanes and trails, the area is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
If you don’t ride, that doesn’t mean you can’t also enjoy equestrian life from other perspectives. Carolina Horse Park, between Aberdeen and Raeford, annually dressage and other national and international competitions, which draw huge crowds of spectators. The Moore County Driving Club hosts an annual Christmas carriage parade through downtown Southern Pines that’s one of the highlights of the holiday season.
And in the Village of Pinehurst, you can’t overlook the historic Pinehurst Harness Track, a 111-acre equestrian center that opened in 1915. At this major winter training facility for Standardbreds between October and May, you can watch horses being put through their paces in the early morning while enjoying a hearty breakfast at the Pinehurst Track Restaurant.
Events to Watch:
Blessing of the Hounds – Thanksgiving Day
Painted Ponies Art Walk & Auction: The Painted Ponies Art Walk brings color and creativity to downtown Southern Pines each winter, when dozens of life-sized, artist-decorated horse statues line Broad Street. From February through early April, visitors can stroll among these unique works of art, snap photos, and enjoy a seasonal celebration of the Sandhills’ equestrian spirit.
Carolina Polocrosse Club The Carolina Polocrosse Club is a perennial powerhouse in the American Polocrosse Association and one of the largest polocrosse clubs in the country.
Carthage Buggy Festival The Carthage Buggy Festival is a lively annual celebration honoring the town’s Tyson & Jones Buggy heritage, featuring live music, crafts, food, and family fun in historic downtown Carthage.
Where to ride with my horse:
Where to ride a horse:
Where to ride in a carriage:
Where can I take lessons?
Where to shop:
A Bit Used Prancing Horse Tack Shop
Where to host an equine-themed event:
Stay on a horse farm:
Dine While Watching Horses Train:
Pinehurst Track Side Restaurant
Local Equestrian Groups:
