Have I mentioned, that I absolutely LOVE my home? Moore County is definitely the capital of horse country in North Carolina. Former Olympians walk the streets of Downtown Southern Pines, pastures filled with grazing horses litter the countryside, and there are numerous tack and feed stores for the avid equestrian to frequent. Moore County has always had a rich history with horses. From fox hunting to eventing, there is an undeniable equestrian culture everywhere you look. It is every horse lover’s dream.
Everyone has been buzzing about the new Painted Ponies that are displayed in downtown Southern Pines from February 8th-April 2nd. 10 ponies have been hand painted by select artists and sponsored by various businesses in Moore County.
The Painted Ponies Art Walk and Auction displays 10 lifesized fiberglass ponies. Artists donated their time (Some say that it took them over 150 hours to complete their piece, wow!). On April 2nd, the ponies will be removed and available at public auction on April 4th. The money raised will go towards the Carolina Horse Park and their non profit educational activities!
So this equestrian photographer had to take a stroll and photograph some pretty ponies! Except this time, they stayed perfectly still for the camera. 😉
This one was one of my favorites!
This one was painted by Nikki Lienhard. It is sponsored by Better Homes and Gardens Lifestyle Property Partners, Opulence of Southern Pines, and Patricia’s.
I just loved the colors of copper and turquoise in this horse! And the wings, wow! How creative!
This was the only horse that had elements come off it, I thought it was pretty creative! I gasped when I first saw it. How magical!
This next one was also one of my favorites, it is STUNNING!!
This was called Water for Horses, by Janey Jarvis. It is sponsored by The Country Bookshop!
I loved all the colors and intricate details of this horse. Janey even signed it, if you can spot it!
I loved the way she painted this one’s face. I feel it is going to look pretty stunning outside someone’s home or barn!
When I saw this next one, it’s sweet face made me smile!
Between the ears, painted by Darlene Ivey and sponsored by English Riding Supply. I loved the way she captured little moments while riding, while on the beach, through the woods, over fences. That wonderful moment of exploring the world with your best friend!
I loved the beautiful palomino color she chose. It complemented the color schemes of her scenes so well!
The flowers were my favorite part, framing such a sweet, familiar face!
The next one was such a cool concept!
The Chief’s Pony, painted by Tiffany Teeter, and sponsored by Cabin Branch Tack Shop and BB&T.
I love the appaloosa spots! And all the shapes. It made me wonder if there was a story or meaning behind each symbol. It was so interesting!
Of all the ponies, this was the one I wanted to hop on and take a ride through the Moss Foundation! He looked fun and fierce!
The next one was easy to spot and was so cute!
Little Red Truck, painted by Claire Connaghan and sponsored by McDevitt Town & Country Properties.
I loved how the little red truck paid homage to McDevitt’s branding, and the cloud spot over it’s eye! It was so cute! I also loved how it was looking at their office.
This was another one of my favorites!
Love your Local, painted by Ashley VanCamp and sponsored by Ashten’s and Moore Equine Feed and Pet Supply. I mean, WOW!
The detail on this one was incredible. I love all the colors and different vegetables.
I loved the corn tail! How creative!
I cannot imagine how many hours she put into this horse. It was so beautiful and well done!
I loved all the details, including the little chestnuts! How well thought out!! You have to see this one in person!
Everyone knows I have a soft spot for pintos, so this one immediately caught my eye!
Royal Tashunka, painted by Mary Ann Welsch and sponsored by WhitLauter by Leann Parker.
I just loved the soft jewel tones that complimented the browns and golds of his coat.
I especially loved the succulents and soft greenish teal colors, as well as all the little special details.
This one was such a stunner, you have to see the beautiful colors in person!
This next one just screamed Moore County NC!
Living in the Pines, painted by Gene Fletcher, sponsored by The Pilot. Do you see the small homage to The Pilot in the artwork!?
I loved the foxhunting, the dog woods, and the cardinal. It is the perfect representation of the Pines!
It just felt like home, and I absolutely loved it! It was so well done!
This next one seemed to think about the location, and perfectly complimented it’s surroundings!
Horsefeathers, painted by Beth Roy and sponsored by Hampton Inn and Suites, Townplace Suites, and Hilton Garden Inn.
I love how she placed the feathers to highlight the horse anatomically.
I love the black horse, colors, in contrast with the bright yellow building. It looks so festive, and fits right in!!
This is the last horse, and was painted by a sweet friend!
Horses Connect Us All, painted by Shelly Turner and sponsored by Pinnock Real Estate & Relocations Services, C Cups Cupcakery, and Longevity Massage & Bodywork Therapy Center.
I loved all the elements included in Shelly’s piece that truly makes up Moore County. The foxhunting, carriage driving, the music, the golf, the military. It is just perfect!
I love the texture and patterns too. It is just beautiful and so well thought out!
I love how the soldiers had little green berets, as Fort Bragg is home to Special Forces!
My favorite part was his head, all the lines, dots, and symmetry is so pleasing!
Just like Shelly’s piece, horses really do connect us all here in Moore County. I love how downtown is dotted with the prettiest painted ponies. I cannot wait to bring out of town visitors to the ponies and show them all the wonderful talent and equestrian culture. I sure hope this is tradition that we keep, and will be sad with they scoop the ponies up for auction!
So Grab a cup of Coffee at your favorite shop, stroll the streets and check out these gorgeous ponies for yourself. They are far prettier in person! Which one is your favorite?
