RAEFORD, NC (January 14, 2011) Advanced and Olympian level riders from around the nation will be converging on Carolina Horse Park for the Southern Pines Horse Trials March 25-27 in one of the most exciting displays of equestrian prowess the sport offers. Taking place over three full days, the Southern Pines Horse Trials is free for spectators and offers not only a glimpse into a popular equestrian event, but also a family fun weekend with Kid Zone, food and retail vendors, and much more.
For the second year in a row, Southern Pines Horse Trials will be the inaugural event for the annual PRO Tour series [Professional Riders Organization]. The scene at Carolina Horse Park promises to be electric with over 400 of this season’s top riders and horses competing for prize money in the advanced levels.
“As once again the first stop on the PRO Tour, this year’s Southern Pines Horse Trials will be even bigger and better, featuring many great additions for both competitors and spectators. This is certainly one of the Park’s highlight events,” said Jane Murray, Executive Director at the Carolina Horse Park.
A standout social feature of the Southern Pines Horse Trials is the exclusive dinner and dancing event, Britches and Bling, held at the Carolina Horse Park Saturday night. Dressed in everything from jeans and flannels to diamonds and dresses, party-goers will enjoy live music, incredible food and –brand new this year –a celebrity fashion run-way show, showcasing local businesses’ clothing and accessories on some of the most well-known riders.
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“I continue to be impressed with the many improvements and enhancements Carolina Horse Park has made to both its events calendar and facility,” said Phillip Dutton, 2 time Olympic Gold Medalist and Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event Champion. “I am looking forward to a great weekend of competition and entertainment at the Southern Pines Horse Trials.”
Other big names expected to compete are riders Karen O’Connor, 2 time Olympic medalist, 3 time Pan Am Medalist and Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event Champion, and Boyd Martin, Four-Star champion and international competitor.
Horse Trials or Three-Day Eventing as it is defined in the equestrian world, is a competition comprised of three phases where the same horse and rider combination perform in the areas of dressage, cross country, and show jumping. Often called the most exciting of all equestrian sports, Eventing originated as a way to keep Calvary officers and their horses fit for duty by providing the ultimate test of “war horse” and “warrior”. An Olympic sport since 1912, Eventing’s diversity and intensity are unparalleled in equestrian sports.
