The Southern Pines and Pinehurst area has long been home to horse owners of all breeds and disciplines. Each autumn, trainers and owners from throughout the country bring their horses here to train in the mild winter climate and great sand footing, features which make the Sandhills one of the leading equestrian training and competition locations in the country. For many years, the Sandhills has been the winter home for Combined Training and now is quickly becoming a year-round home for many owners, especially those who compete in the Combined Driving.
Thanksgiving Day traditionally marks the "Opening Day" of hunt season for the Moore County Hounds, which culminates with the Hunter Trials in March. The Sandhills is also an ideal residence for Hunters and Jumpers as well as Dressage horses, as it is a midway point between the Winter Circuit in Florida and the Summer Circuit in the North. The Pinehurst Harness Track* has been the winter home for the Standardbreds for over fifty years. It is here these horses come every fall to live and train and prepare for the upcoming summer racing season. The matinee races are a highlight of the spring season.
No matter what your equine discipline or interest, whether you are a competitive rider or ride for pleasure, the Sandhills offers an extraordinary environment for both horse and rider.
*The track is owned by the Village of Pinehurst and has been placed on the National Register of Historical Places. Fun fact: Did you know Annie Oakley preformed at the Fair Barn in Pinehurst?