MCEDP

The Carolina Horse Park’s Painted Ponies Art Walk returns to Southern Pines from January 27 through March 30, 2021. In its second year as a fundraising event for the Park, the Painted Ponies Art Walk has grown and will feature 12 sculptures (10 ponies and 2 smaller foals) meticulously hand-painted by local artists. The 5-foot-tall fiberglass sculptures will again line Broad Street in downtown Southern Pines and will captivate locals and visitors as they shop, dine and stroll.

The sculptures truly are exquisite works of art, and are a testament to Moore County’s vibrant arts scene and its rich equestrian heritage and culture.

There are 18 local businesses sponsoring the Painted Ponies, and a list of the ponies, sponsors, and artists are available at this link.

A reveal party and walking tour will take place on Saturday, January 30^th beginning at The Mews on Broad Street located at 280 NW Broad Street, Southern Pines. The tour will be from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Advancing the Carolina Horse Park’s aim to serve the larger community, the Painted Ponies Art Walk will bring a small part of the horse park to downtown Southern Pines.  “We are thrilled to bring the ponies back to Southern Pines,” said Bryan Rosenberg, Carolina Horse Park board member. “Part of the Carolina Horse Park’s mission is to preserve Southern Pines’ heritage as an equestrian refuge surrounded by attractive open space.”

Sponsors, artists, equestrians and visitors to the Painted Ponies Art Walk are all invited to use the hashtag #PaintedPoniesCHP when posting to social media. The event culminates in a public auction of the ponies on April 3rd, with all proceeds benefiting the Carolina Horse Park Foundation.

The Carolina Horse Park (CHP) Foundation is a 315-acre, nationally recognized premier equine competition venue and preserve located in neighboring Hoke County.  CHP is dedicated to the preservation of open space for equestrian events, as well as educational and recreational purposes.  In addtion to championship level equine competitions, it also hosts other agricultural events and fun outdoor activities.

(Original story by Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.  Photo credits: The Sway)