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.  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 of Hunters and Jumpers as well as Dressage horses.  Southern Pines is the home to Five Points Equestrian Center.

 

 

Do you prefer to be a spectator instead of a participant?  You will find many opportunities to do so throughout the year.  The activities are wide ranging: steeplechase racing, dressage, sulky racing, horse trials, polo matches and training for the US Olympic team.  The Pinehurst Harness Track is the primary venue for much of those activities.   The facility has been the winter home of champions since 1915 and many of the spectator events are scheduled for this venue.