The
Carolina Horse Park Looks to a Bright Future
Ellen Chaney Williams "Revitalization"
is the word on everyone's lips at the Carolina Horse Park, in Raeford, North Carolina
these days. As the ten year anniversary of the 250 acre equestrian competition
facility approaches, a new management team and a revamped Board of Directors prepares
to take the helm and steer the Park to a new level of excellence. "We have
big shoes to fill," says Jane Murray, the new Executive Director,
"We are building on the blood, sweat and tears poured into this place by
the founding members of the Horse Park Foundation. We are taking their vision
to the next level. We see the Park becoming a viable, self-sustaining business
and becoming the premier multi-purpose equestrian facility in the mid-Atlantic
region." To
this end, the Board of Directors, led by Chairman Dr. Nick Ellis, envision
the Park  becoming
a high class competition facility to rival any in the country. Already in place
are three large all weather riding arenas, an international level cross country
course, a turf steeplechase track, and 192 permanent stalls in state of the art
barns. Plans are in the works for broad based upgrades, including the purchase
of new show jumps, improving the competitors' food pavilion, building permanent
restrooms, landscaping, and expanding on the driving hazards already in place.
(Kim Severson is pictured at the right jumping into the water on Tipperary
Liadhnan at the Southern Pines Horse Trials in the spring of 2009.) "We
have been handed a great situation," says Dr. Ellis, "We see
this as an equestrian 'field of dreams'. Southern Pines is known for its foxhunting
and the Walthour Moss Foundation; but, it is also a very diverse equestrian community
which includes steeplechase racing, 3-Day Eventing, driving and horse shows. We
want to encourage crossover and support within the competition disciplines here
and provide a venue which all will use and support. The new
management's challenge
is to provide and promote a multi-purpose facility." Horse
people aren't the only area residents benefitting from the Park. Land values in
surrounding Hoke County have risen significantly, and as a result, tax revenues
are increasing. Long time Board member and Hoke County resident Rebecca Wood
feels the Park has had a "significant influence for the better,"
on the area. "In addition to expanding the operations to appeal to a wider
equestrian audience, we hope to bring recreational and educational activities
there as well. I can envision sporting events and educational biology field labs
being held there as well opportunities for the FFA, 4-H and other local community
groups." Nick
Ellis adds: "If the Florida and Kentucky show facilities are any indication,
a high end show grounds will attract motels and restaurants. Competitors may even
buy nearby farms to house their horses during competitions. Additionally, we hope
to catch people on their way to and from the Florida shows. The steeplechase circuit
also works seasonally, and we are part of their northern migration in the spring." As
the ten year milestone approaches, plans are in the works for a celebration acknowledging
the achievements of the Park's founding members and key sponsors, and introducing
the new board and staff to the community. They include: Nick Ellis, Larry Smith,
Doreen Schlicht, Kathy Gurley, Wyatt Upchurch, Stephen Later, Sue Buckley, John
Burgess, Thomas Hart, Linda McVicker, Richard Moore, Bobbie Mudge, Kathryn Tate,
Kelly Valdes, Donna Verrilli, Wade Young, Lefreda Williams and Rebecca Wood.
The new office staff includes: Jane Murray (Executive Director), Gwen
Parkins (Internal Affairs), Andrew Ellis (Operations) and Dana Diemer (Competitions). The
Park already has a busy year scheduled for 2009. If you would like more information
about the Park or would like to become a "Friend of the Park", please
call 910-875-2074 or go to
www.carolinahorsepark.com. |
