Horse Country

Horse Country in Southern Pines NC is one of the most beautiful areas of the Sandhills. The sandy soil and mild climate here have made Southern Pines a home for thoroughbreds, breeders, trainers and equestrian enthusiasts for many years. The rolling acreage of longleaf pines, sandy trails and clean fields are an equestrian lovers dream. Fox hunting has been a favorite past time since 1903, when James Boyd's grandsons spent their days hunting and riding this gorgeous area. They later founded Moore County Hounds in 1914.

The Walthour Moss foundation, established by Virginia Walthour Moss and William O "Pappy" Moss, occupies some 4000 acres in horse country and serves as a true nature preserve and wildlife refuge. The endangered red cock-aded woodpecker is making a strong comeback here, and deer, racoons, fox squirrels and red and grey fox also call the Foundation home.

The Moss Foundation is a favorite of world class drivers and riders from all over the country. Special provisions will continue to preserve it's sandy lanes and trails for many years to come. The Moss Foundation has grown over the years, through Ginnie and Pappy's generous contributions and overwhelming support from the community.

Many of the horse farms in horse country border the foundation, and as such make it an equestrian lover's paradise. The NC State Equine Research Facility is just up the road. This facility is a branch of the NC State University's Veterinary College. The facility offers some of the most advanced equine research and technology available. The college itself is just an hour or so away. For the equestrian enthusiast or professional the community, weather and facilities and opportunities here are unrivaled anywhere in the states.

The equestrian community in the Sandhills holds many social events and horse shows throughout the year, from trials to dressage and hunter/jumper events, racing, hunt club events, steeplechase, etc. One of the most popular and well known is The Stoneybrook Steeplechase event. Stoney brook has grown over the years and has become quite the party. Stoneybrook's attendance can reach several thousand on any given race day, and seems to grow every year. It starts with a "gala" party on Friday night and the races start on Saturday. With events for everyone from children's activities, tailgating, best hat contest, and exhibits, this is definitely an event worth checking out. Stoneybrook is now held at The Carolina Horse Park at Five Points.  See Map Here

Some of the best equestrian trainers and breeders in the world are here, and numerous tack shops for all the gear that you could possibly need. And because of the growth of the equestrian community, support personnel and local talent are plentiful as well.

Although, Horse Country is most commonly used to refer to this area of Southern Pines, it also extends to parts of Foxfire, Vass, Cameron, The Harness Track in Pinehurst, and parts of Hoke County by The Carolina Horse Park at Five Points. The Carolina Horse Park at Five Points is a 250 acre facility with facilities for 5 major categories of equestrian events. The local government of Hoke county actually developed favorable zoning for the lands and parcels surrounding The Carolina Horse Park to support the growth of the equestrian community there.

The Pinehurst Harness Track was constructed in 1915, and in 1916 the Pinehurst Jockey Club was formed by Leonard Tufts, son of Pinehurst founder James Walker Tufts. Among it's early members were trainers and owners of standardbreds, thoroughbreds and polo ponies. By the 1920's it was being turned into a winter training facility. The Pinehurst Harness Track, now owned by the Village of Pinehurst and operated by The Parks and Recreation Dept., consists of 3 tracks, 18 barns, 2 blacksmith shops, tack shop and restaurant.

Horse Farms and acreage here are still relatively affordable, but values have continued to appreciate and grow rapidly. There are also several equestrian communities that have sprang up on the outskirts of Horse Country over the years, such as The Meadows, The Fields, Morganwood, McLendon Hills, and Pelham Farms.

 

Back to Southern Pines Community                         Southern Pines History

Back to Sandhills Communities

Back to Sandhills Neighborhoods                         Walthour Moss Foundation

Sandhills Horse Farms                         Homes with Acreage in the Sandhills