Moore County
Horse Farms.

Moore County has been an equestrian hub since the early 1900s, with deep traditions in polo, steeplechase racing, foxhunting, eventing, and dressage. The Sandhills region's sandy soils provide ideal footing, and landmarks like the Carolina Horse Park, Walthour-Moss Foundation trails, and active hunt clubs cement its status.

Moore County equestrian properties range from $350,000 for smaller farms near Cameron to $3 million for premium estates near Southern Pines and Pinehurst. Properties with proximity to the Carolina Horse Park or established equestrian communities command the highest prices.

Moore County supports an exceptionally diverse range of disciplines including polo, eventing, foxhunting, dressage, hunter-jumper, combined driving, and steeplechase. The area's equestrian heritage spans over a century across these disciplines.

The Carolina Horse Park in Raeford (near the Moore County border) is one of the top eventing and combined driving venues on the East Coast. It hosts USEA-recognized horse trials, combined driving events, and other competitions throughout the year, attracting riders from across the region.

The Walthour-Moss Foundation preserves over 4,000 acres of longleaf pine forest near Southern Pines with an extensive network of riding trails. It is one of the largest privately maintained trail systems for equestrian use in the Southeast and is free for riders.

Yes, Moore County has active foxhunting packs including the Moore County Hounds. The area's hunt country traditions date back generations, and many properties are designed with foxhunting in mind — large pastures, jump-friendly fencing, and proximity to hunt territory.

The Fields near Cameron, Pine Ridge Farms, and several neighborhoods around Southern Pines offer equestrian-oriented living with shared trails, horse amenities, and like-minded neighbors. These communities range from modest horse neighborhoods to upscale equestrian estates.

The Sandhills region's sandy, well-drained soils create naturally good footing that stays firm even after heavy rain. This means fewer lost riding days, better arena conditions, and healthier pastures with less mud — a significant advantage over clay-heavy Piedmont soils.

Moore County is approximately 70 miles from Raleigh (about 1 hour 15 minutes) and 120 miles from Charlotte (about 2 hours). The county's central location in the Sandhills provides access to both metro areas while maintaining a rural equestrian atmosphere.

Yes, polo has been played in the Southern Pines area for over a century and remains active today. Local polo clubs host matches and tournaments, continuing the tradition that helped establish Moore County as an equestrian destination in the early 1900s.