Grove Park Inn & The Biltmore House – The perfect Christmas Stay

There are 20 days left to Christmas! Now that its December 5th I feel that I can actually start THINKING about this wonderful event that graces us every year. I am NOT one to start thinking about it until AFTER Thanksgiving ... I truly believe we need to give thanks...

The Mevo Flight Scope – The Perfect Gift for the golfer that has Everything

Are you looking for a great Christmas present for that golfer who has everything? Or ... do you just want to buy a great present for yourself, try Mevo!! What is Mevo? Mevo Flight Scope is a 3D Doppler radar based launch monitor that can be used indoors and outdoors...

The Famous ‘Blessing of the Hounds’ in Southern Pines NC

Happy Thanksgiving! Are you looking for an amazing combination of "FAMILY" experiences to share on Thanksgiving. Well, there is no better "Tradition" than to wake up Thanksgiving morning to attend the Blessing of the Hounds in Southern Pines and then before you sit...

Ugly Christmas Sweaters

These days ... it's not enough to show up to a holiday party with homemade cookies and a bottle of wine for the host. Finally, if you really want to spread festive cheer, you have to find the silliest, most over-the-top ugly Christmas sweater. Clearly putting the rest...

Stretch Your Horse – The Ultimate Horse Health App

I love horses and I love riding There are so many disciplines of riding...Dressage, Show Jumping, Eventing, Barrel Racing, English Pleasure, Western Pleasure, Endurance riding...the list goes on and on. While we, as riders, may differ in our philosophies and riding...

Forest Creek – Premiere Pinehurst Golf

Pineurst Golf at its Best - Forest Creek Golf Club While I will be sharing so many GREAT golf communities around the country with you, I thought I may as well start with some great clubs in my own home town! Welcome to Forest Creek. Besides sitting on 1,265 acres of...

High House Farm – Horse Farms Southern Pines NC

Once a month ... I will be featuring wonderful farms for sale across the country in “Equestrian Communities”. As a realtor, I will be happy to put you in touch with the Brokers that have these great Horse Farms Southern Pines NC listed. The first one I am a little...

Asmar Equestrian – Amazing Equestrian Apparel

Just sixteen days until Christmas ... so I thought the next few blog posts would be all about great gifts to give that special rider or golfer (or maybe yourself for Christmas!!) This post is all about one of the best riding jackets I have ever purchased. Elegant,...

Personalized Note Cards – Bella Vintage Home

One of my past real estate clients contacted me recently about where I ordered note cards with a painting of their house on it...20 years ago! Yes, they bought their home in 1999! Oh my.....I had to do some research on this one. I did find the source. Additionally, I...

Hallowed Ground – by Jaime Diaz

We do think of the one coffee table book ... that should grace the living rooms of those passionate about golf. Hallowed Ground by Jaime Diaz, Linda Hartough and Jack Nicklaus is THE one. It is the perfect Christmas gift for every golfer. As a Realtor, I have the...

Thanksgiving in Pinehurst & Southern Pines

Happy Thanksgiving! If you are looking for an amazing combination of "FAMILY" experiences to share on Thanksgiving....there is no better "Tradition" than to wake up Thanksgiving morning and attend the Blessing of the Hounds in Southern Pines and then before you sit...

Wooden Farmhouse Signs – by Melted Laughs

As I drive up and down the pretty farm roads ... of my hometown here in Southern Pines, I see SO many farms that have addresses on them but no farm names! I think EVERY farm needs a name...and while many have them...they don't have a sign that tells the name of the...

A Great Golf Tip from Donna Andrews – LPGA Champion

Looking for a great golf tip? Donna Andrews is the Lead Instructor at Pine Needles Resort → in Southern Pines, NC. Undoubtedly, Donna's simple teaching techniques and this great golf tip can help you learn to play like a pro. Moreover, she is my friend AND my golf...

Last minute Stocking Stuffer? Try the Hay Handler!

Could you use a last minute stocking stuffer ... for your favorite horse person? If you are looking for a product that EVERY barn could use, try the Cashel Hay Handler Carrier. If you are not sure what to get your favorite equestrian for Christmas, try this very...

New Year’s in Myrtle Beach

Now that Christmas 2019 ... is over and you are looking for something fun to do for New Years…..or any time in the new year....try Myrtle Beach! We spent New Year’s eve there several years ago and had a blast. So much to do! Furthermore, what could be better than...

Starting off the New Year in the BEST Way…

I started out the 2020 in the best way .... on New Year's day morning I had a lovely ride on my horse, Deuce, and in the afternoon, I played golf with friends Cheri and Mike. Cheri was wearing an amazing jacket from Zero Restriction. I loved the color and how...

The Tota Comfort System Snaffle Bridle

I have a wonderful horse ... by the name of Deuce. He and I have had a fabulous partnership in dressage over the last 7 years. He is a far better horse than I am a rider but he takes great care of his mama! Several years ago I had him fitted for both bits and bridles....

The World’s Greatest Golf Stretch

Over the last several months ...I have been working hard on my golf game as well as my riding. Therefore I have also been suffering from some lower back pain that I have not felt in years! Over the holidays I have not been swimming as much as I usually do to keep...

Riding in the rain

Oh my have we had a lot of rain this year already! In December alone we had almost 8 inches of rain and so far in January we have had almost three with more on the way. How does that affect our ability to ride here? Not much, thank goodness. Southern Pines is known as...

Willow Tree Memory Box “Quiet Strength”, by Susan Lordi

If you are looking for something special ... for that Equestrian that already has everything, try this Willow Tree keepsake memory box called "Quiet Strength" by artist Susan Lordi. Since introducing Willow Tree® in 1999, Susan has conceived, sculpted and carved the...

Practice your putting!

I was ... thinking about Putting Practice Tips whiles cleaning out my golf bag the other day and at the bottom of my "golf ball pocket" I found these black and white golf balls. I forgot they were in my bag! Last year I had taken a putting lesson and the golf pro...

Another great horse farm in Southern Pines Horse Country

Another great horse farm in Southern Pines Horse Country While I will be writing about MANY wonderful horse farms, equestrian estates and spectacular training facilities and barns around the country, I feel as though I need to share more about the horse farms in this...

Look Pretty in Pink in this Golf Skirt

As January ... is quickly flying by and we are heading in to February, we need to think about looking pretty in PINK! With that in mind, over the next few weeks I will be sharing my favorite Valentine's Day picks. Some for you and some for your loved ones! In my...

Equus Couture is coming TONIGHT!

I met Tiffany Donnelly   ... at the US Dressage Finals in 2016 and fell in love with her unique horse, hound and human fashions (or just Pet Clothes USA) ... from brow bands and halters to stock ties and pins to dog (and cat) collars and leashes to great belts and...

Painted Ponies … EVERYWHERE!

  Painted Ponies ... EVERYWHERE! In case you missed the debut of the "Painted Ponies" in downtown Southern Pines this past weekend, don't worry...they will be around town for the next two months! This wonderful public art display of 10 almost 5-foot tall fiberglass...

Riding and Golfing in Ocala, Florida

OCALA, FLORIDA - Riding and Golfing Courses and Horses blogs all about great places to ride your horse and play golf. Well...Ocala, In my view Florida is one of those places. Therefore I decided to take a nice LONG vacation with my horse, Deuce, my boyfriend, Jim and...

Riding on Air! Only use your leg when you need to!

TRAINING IN OCALA Jaron Verheij comes to Southern Pines once a month to give dressage clinics. I work with him at home as often as possible...but I am so excited to be able to be here in Ocala to train with him every day for two weeks during the month of February. I...

Day Trips when you are in Ocala

DAY TRIPS If you are looking for some fun "Day Trips in Florida" when you are in the vicinity on your day off, here are some great options! Our first favorite is Tampa Bay Downs ....it offers the best of BOTH worlds....a great golf practice facility...AND...amazing...

Horses In The Sun!

HORSES IN THE SUN One really can't go to Ocala without at least spending an afternoon at HITS Ocala. That's exactly what we did. But what is HITS? HITS, Inc. is a special events management company primarily focused on producing hunter/jumper horse shows. It stands for...

Golden Ocala and Equestrian Club Florida

GOLDEN OCALA GOLF AND EQUESTRIAN CLUB It’s been about ten days now since I have gotten home from my wonderful golf and equestrian vacation in Ocala.  Therefore … I have been taking a little vacation from my vacation…but now I am back writing all about one of the...

World Equestrian Center, Ocala

WORLD EQUESTRIAN CENTER OCALA As I mentioned in my previous post, the highlight of my Ocala Trip (other than training with my amazing horse Deuce and my wonderful trainer Jaron Verheij of Dutch Dressage), was my visit to Golden Ocala. And, in addition to the new World...

On Master’s Sunday … take a Video Golf Lesson from Pro Conrad Shindler

VIDEO GOLF LESSON As we all are trying to stay put and weather the coronavirus outbreak, why not take a video golf lesson from a PGA touring Pro? REALLY??? Normally, Conrad Shindler would be preparing for a Korn Ferry Tour event. Although today, normal is a foreign...

Great Golf Movies To Watch at Home

GREAT GOLF MOVIES TO WATCH AT HOME Since we are all probably staying at home this weekend and maybe for days to come, why not tune in to some of the great golf movies that have been made over the years. Here are some of my favorites and where to get them if you don't...

Best Horse Movies

THE BEST HORSE MOVIES EVER As promised, after sharing my favorite golf movies...I am now going to share my favorite horse movies...but there are SO many! I am really not so sure where to start. I may even have to break it up in to two blogs....those that are based on...

The Best True Horse Movies EVER!

THE "TRUE" BEST HORSE MOVIES EVER Are you ready for some fabulous "true" best horse movies based on the lives of real horses? I re-watched (for about the 10th time) both Secretariat and Seabiscuit last week. Here are the Top 3 that made my list... SECRETARIAT...

Fedora Golf Hats and Golf4Her

Golf4Her and my favorite Fedora golf hats!  If you have seen me out on the golf course over the last six months or so...you won't see me without my stylish Fedora golf hats on! Made famous by Wold Hall of Fame golfer Chi Chi Rodriguez, they really are the most...

Fior Da Liso…one of my favorite equestrian blouses

Fior Da Liso ... is truly one of my favorite equestrian blouses that I have ever worn. I have 4 in my collection. This is me in my first Fior Da Liso blouse. The blouses are popular in the Equestrian World, but can be worn anywhere and anytime and look great with a...

The BEST horse fly boots, horse leggins – Shoofly Leggins!

SHOOFLY LEGGINS Every once in awhile a great product comes along and you know that you will never go to another. That is how I feel about Shoofly Leggins. They say they are the best fly bite protection on the planet for horses and I do agree!!  I have used them for...

Golf on a Scooter! | Golf Scooter | Golf Bike

FINN GOLF SCOOTERS As many of you know I LOVE riding my horse and I LOVE golf....BUT...I never knew you could ride AND play golf!! On a Golf Bike / Golf Scooter. I played a wonderful round yesterday at the amazing Pine Needles Golf Club (home of many Women's US Open's...

Lavender Fly Spray

Lavender for you and your horses!! If anyone knows me... they know how passionate I am about LAVENDER!!  I had it growing all over High House Farm and I will be growing it at the new farm as well.  There was one time when I was seriously considering turning my...

Miracle on the 17th Green

MIRACLE ON THE 17th GREEN Looking for a great golf book to give Dad for Father's Day? This novel could be it! My Dad actually gave it to me as he KNOWS my passion for the sport of golf. Written by James Patterson (who has had more New York Times bestsellers than any...

TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra, Florida

TPC SAWGRASS Sorry you have not heard from me this last week but I was busy recovering from my Birthday Vacation to TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra, Florida. What a great birthday present it was!  Whether you go there for your birthday, anniversary or just because you...

Grande Pines Equestrian Community

GRANDE PINES EQUESTRIAN COMMUNITY I have been a little lazy with my writing this past week....but that is just because the weather has been SO beautiful. Consequently, I have been out riding my horse and playing as much golf as I can ... so let's just call in "field...

IBKUL…yes, I be cool! | Apparel For Golf & Riding

IBKUL...one of my favorite apparel for golf and riding. If you see me out and about...whether I am riding or golfing...or maybe even enjoying an evening out with friends...there is a good chance you will see me in something made by IBKUL. "IBKUL" featured its opening...

Pinehurst #4 on The 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July from Pinehurst #4! Here is hoping you and your family are having the best of times on The 4th of July! What BETTER way to celebrate the 4th than playing golf with family or friends! And there is not a better golf course to celebrate the 4th than on...

Musical Freestyles

WHAT IS A MUSICAL FREESTYLE?  I have ridden my horses in Dressage now for close to thirty years. When people ask me what kind of riding I do, when I say "Dressage" most know what "Dressage" is ... but when I say "Musical Freestyles", many don't know what a Freestyle...

Horse Quencher

Do your horses drink enough water? With record heat indexes and very high summer temperatures (we have gotten close to 100 here in NC this past week). I am watching my horses very carefully to make sure they are drinking enough water. But how do I know what is enough?...

U.S. Kids World Golf Championships

U.S. KIDS GOLF Each year since 2005, Pinehurst and the surrounding community has played host to thousands of junior golfers from across the globe. The US Kids Golf World Championships are here in town with the finals tomorrow...so it's not too late to scoot out to...

IBKareful Convertible Mock | Best Golf Apparel

IBKareful.. As everyone knows ... I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IBKUL products. Simply out: they have the Best Golf Apparel on the planet !Furthermore, I had no idea IBKUL was as innovative as coming out with a product that you can play golf in or ride in ... or frankly do...

The North & South Amateur Golf Championships

The North & South Amateur Golf Championships I am getting ready to play in one of the oldest amateur golf tournaments in the United States...the North & South Amateur. The inaugural North & South Amateur began on April 1, 1901, on Pinehurst No. 1. The...

Don’t Touch Me Bug Spray

The Best Bug Spray - An AMAZING Repellant! As I was spraying some of this AMAZING bug spray on me the other day, I realized that I have written all about bug spray for horses and fly boots for horses...but I have not written anything about BUG spray for HUMANS!...

The World Amateur Golf Championships | Myrtle Beach Golf

 ADD PLAYING IN THE WORLD AM TO YOUR BUCKET LIST!  In early Spring, before Covid rocked everyone's world, I was invited by a bunch of girls to head down to Myrtle Beach, SC. I would play in the World Amateur Golf Championships the week before Labor Day weekend. One of...

USGA to make Pinehurst their new HQ

Big News this week !!! The USGA will make Pinehurst their new home and so should you ... ⛳️ The USGA is, naturally, promoting the sport of golf and thus they have made this huge announcement just this week. Impacting the growth of golf and extend the mission for...

Kiawah Island, SC

KIAWAH ISLAND Do you have a place that you love to go on vacation time and time and time again? That "PLACE" for me is Kiawah Island, South Carolina. Why? There are MANY reasons but to start with... 1) The Golf ...2)The Beaches... 3) The Shopping and 4) The...

One of my favorite vests for Riding AND Golf…I call it the JEST!

My half sleeve vest... I have been so busy selling real estate these past many weeks so I have not had much time to write...but as the weather is now turning cooler here in North Carolina and I find myself reaching for sweaters, vests for riding and golf and...

Seven Days in Utopia…a GREAT golf movie!

ANOTHER GREAT GOLF MOVIE TO WATCH AT HOME It's supposed to be a rainy day here in North Carolina, so it would be a perfect day to stay inside and tune in to another great golf movie! My sister told me about this one and I have watched it three times in the last week!!...

Miracle at Augusta

MIRACLE AT AUGUSTA → For those of you who read my post earlier this year about the James Patterson and Peter De Jong novel, Miracle on the 17th Green ... a book that my Dad gave me for Christmas last year and is now one of my favorites ... you won't be surprised to...

Thanksgiving 2020

Happy Thanksgiving! At this time of thanksgiving last year I was blogging about the annual Blessing of the Hounds ... a tradition in Southern Pines since 1914.  It has become a big tailgating event for thousands of spectators who come to watch the pageantry of this...

Stable Style…the perfect Christmas gift for that horse person that has EVERYTHING!

STABLE STYLE - The perfect Christmas gift If you are looking for a holiday gift for that horse person who has EVERYTHING or if you just enjoy looking at gorgeous barns around the country...you need to check out this new coffee table book by Raquel Lynn called  STABLE...

Stay warm with a heated jacket by Ororo

  The holidays are over.....I am moved into my new house...and I am back to blogging! Since it is still so cold here (and in so many places)...I thought I would share a great option for staying warm and toasty this winter and EVERY winter. It's called ORORO Wear! A...

The BEST little – miniature donkey – ever!

Miniature Donkeys Finally, I have moved into my new farm. Consequently, I  have all of my four-leggeds back together (they were boarded in separate barns while I built my new farm here at Pine Ridge Farms). Thus, I am reminded of how precious, cute, and fun Clover, my...

20 Best Donkey Gifts

Miniature Donkeys & The 20 Best Donkey Gifts Finally, I have moved into my new farm. Consequently, I  have all of my four-leggeds back together (they were boarded in separate barns while I built my new farm here at Pine Ridge Farms). Thus, I am reminded of how...

Seabrook Island Club

SEABROOK ISLAND CLUB...ONE OF THE BEST RIDING AND GOLFING SPOTS IN SOUTH CAROLINA As everyone knows, Kiawah Island is one of my favorite spots to play golf ... but right around the corner from Kiawah is another fabulous spot. this one, to not only GOLF but to RIDE,...

The BEST golf tournament EVER …. The Masters!

The Masters As I sit here and watch the last round of The Masters on this glorious Sunday. (Is there a better way to spend a Sunday than watching The Masters??) ... I am convinced that it is indeed the BEST golf tournament in the WORLD. Furthermore, I was lucky enough...

Let’s go to The Races! VGA’s Race of the Pines Golf Cart Race

The Inaugural Pinehurst Golf Cart Races! ... while there were some bigger races that happened yesterday (The Kentucky Derby)...there were still some very exciting races that happened In Pinehurst  ...GOLF CART RACES!  If you have never been to a GOLF CART...

The BEST PGA Championship ever!

As I sit here and watch the reruns of third round of the PGA Championship ... at The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island on TV (everyone knows by now my favorite place) ... I am hoping that Phil Michelson can hold on to his very narrow one shot lead. I had the wonderful...

Great Golf gifts for Father’s Day

Father's Day and Father's Day Golf Gifts! Father's Day is a great day to spend watching the final round of the US Open with your Dad! It's going to be an exciting day of golf for sure! I'm also taking my Dad to a nice Sunday brunch ... so you could start with that and...

30 Best Golf Gifts

As I sit here and watch the reruns of third round of the PGA Championship ... at The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island on TV (everyone knows by now my favorite place) ... I am hoping that Phil Michelson can hold on to his very narrow one shot lead. I had the wonderful...

Happy 4th of July

Here is to the red, white and blue! This long 4th of July Weekend (LOVE it when it's a three day weekend)...is the perfect time to spend riding or golfing with family and friends. Enjoy every minute of it and in honor of this holiday I have picked some GREAT red,...

One of the BEST public courses in South Carolina…Farmstead Golf Links

Farmstead Golf Links... I am so sorry I have not been blogging lately...so much riding, golf playing...and of course that work thing ALWAYS gets in the way! However...I am back... so look for that weekly Courses and Horses blog going forward! I just got back from my...

Whistling Straits and The Ryder Cup

WHISTLING STRAITS and THE RYDER CUP As I am sitting here getting ready to watch the final "Sunday Singles" of the Ryder Cup...I am reminded how lucky I have been to play Whistling Straits AND to have experienced a Ryder Cup (2014!!) WHISTLING STRAITS What is it like...

Wonderful “Bling” Holiday Gifts!

Add some BLING to your holiday gifts!!Christmas Gifts for the Golfer Over the next few weeks I will be sharing some of my FAVORITE gift giving ideas and this week is one of my favorite for all of you golf lovers...or for those of you looking to give your favorite golf...

Sloggers for Christmas or ANYTIME!

My favorite Barn Shoe and Boot ... Sloggers! Whether you're working in the barn, the garden, or running errands out-and-about town on a rainy day, you'll be comfortable and dry in your Sloggers!   I love the slip-on convenience shoes and boots as I am often in and out...

Putting for Christmas!

Looking for a SPECIAL Christmas gift for that favorite golfer of yours? Or ... do you just want to buy a great present for yourself that will make you a better putter? Try ExPutt!  When I was at the World Amateur Golf Tournament in Myrtle Beach earlier this year, one...

Best Putting Simulator

Looking for a SPECIAL gift for that favorite golfer of yours? Or ... do you just want to buy a great present for yourself that will make you a better putter? Try ExPutt!  When I was at the World Amateur Golf Tournament in Myrtle Beach earlier this year, one of the...

The Best Valentine’s Day Golf Gifts ❤️

If you're looking for the best Valentine's Day golf gifts, look no further!We've put together a list of our top picks for the holiday.   Valentine's Day is a time to express your love for someone, and what better way to do that than by playing a round of golf...

Sawgrass when it’s NOT raining! Check out this great place to golf when the sun is shining!

TPC SAWGRASS Sorry you have not heard from me this last week but I was busy recovering from my Birthday Vacation to TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra, Florida. What a great birthday present it was!  Whether you go there for your birthday, anniversary or just because you...

The St. Andrews Experience

I have been to many professional golf tournaments and to quite a few of the Majors, including several US Opens, a PGA Championship and The Masters... ... but never have I had such an experience as I just did at the 150th British Open...better known as "The Open" which...

The Courses of Scotland’s East Coast and The Highlands…

THE COURSES OF SCOTLAND'S EAST COAST AND THE HIGHLANDS... If you read my most recent blog about my wonderful visit to the 150th British Open you already know that I recently made a 16 day trip to Scotland! Not only did we witness an AMAZING Open. Furthermore, we...

A Horse Farm Tour in Southern Pines

How to spend the PERFECT Day in the Country... Why not a horse farm tour? Today, Prancing Horse which is the therapeutic riding organization is holding a tour today of five horse farms throughout Southern Pines. Have you ever been to a horse farm? Would you like a...

Featured Post

A Horse Farm Tour in Southern Pines

How to spend the PERFECT Day in the Country... Why not a horse farm tour? Today, Prancing Horse which is the therapeutic riding organization is holding a tour today of five horse farms throughout Southern Pines. Have you ever been to a horse farm?...

My name is Jamie McDevitt

… but my friends call me J-Mac. I have created this blog because I love golf…and I love riding my horse.
Over the course of twenty four years living in the Pinehurst and Southern Pines, NC area, I have discovered that many people share these same passions. Welcome to Courses and Horses! This unique spot in the Sandhills of North Carolina is well known for both it’s Equestrian and Golf Lifestyles. I enjoy both to their fullest riding my horse almost every day and golfing as much as I can on the over 40 courses in the area.  I also love traveling to new places to ride and golf!
I created Courses and Horses in 2019 so that the many people that live, love and enjoy these two lifestyles may discover other communities and areas around the country and world that share the same passions. Come along for the ride, be it on your horse or in your golf cart as you experience travel, tips and lessons, real estate, fashion as well as fun products and equipment available in the golf and equestrian world.

Let’s go…

GOLF

Birdie Gear

Places To Golf

What To wear On The Course

Golf Pro Pointers

Club House Decor

Golf Front Playgounds

EQUESTRIAN

Blue Ribbon Tack

Places to Ride

What To wear On The Horse

Horse Trainer Tips

Farm House Decor

Equestrian Estates

My Promise to You

Because I feel it is very important that the products and places that I am writing about and sharing with you are 100% tested, I want all readers of this blog to know that I have either tried the products and personally used them, or have gone to the many wonderful places and have had a wonderful time there! My hopes are that you will have the same postitve experiences I have! 

Z

100% Tested

All golf and equestrian products are personally tested by me!

Z

High Quality

I only recommend high quality products, yet try to endorse products that are a great value.

Pinehurst &
Southern Pines

Pinehurst, NC is to golf as Southern Pines, NC is to riding horses. Who would have ever thought these two quaint little towns in the heart of North Carolina, only minutes from each other would have SO much to offer!
How did I find Pinehurst and Southern Pines? … In 1996, I headed to the Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. Along the way, I decided I would start to search for a new place to live as I knew Los Angeles was not where I wanted to stay forever. I grew up in Pittsburgh, but, after experiencing 10 years in sunny California, I desired to find a smaller town with warmer weather that would be my “forever” home! I concentrated my search on North and South Carolina thinking that the weather there may be a bit like LA! Looking in larger cities like Charlotte and Raleigh, I decided to take a respite to play a little golf at a place called Pinehurst. BINGO!!! What an amazing little town. Now with a population of only about 16,000 this golf mecca WAS and IS a sight for sore eyes with over 40 golf courses in a 40-mile radius…what more could one ask for! It is known as The Home of American Golf, with its celebrated Pinehurst resort and fabled No. 2 golf course that has played host to several major championships and every golf legend you can name.

What I DIDN’T know at the time was that Pinehurst’s sister town, Southern Pines, is as horse crazy as Pinehurst was and is golf crazy!

Without question, the James Boyd family who migrated here in 1904, brought their love of horses to Southern Pines and made it one of the leading equestrian centers in the nation, They inspired a couple named Ginnie and Pappy Moss to put down roots here during the late 1930s. The Mosses trained horses and developed their own farm, Mile-Away Farm, exactly that distance from the center of town.

The colorful pair joined ranks with the Boyds to preserve thousands of acres for riding and fox hunting. The acreage is now well over 4,000 and growing. After Ginnie and Pappy inherited stewardship of the Moore County Hounds, they recruited horse lovers from all over the country to migrate to Southern Pines. The town with a population of 15,000, is flanked by gorgeous horse farms and shared by riders of all disciplines including eight Olympic equestrian athletes.

A Southern Pines elder statesman by the name of Norris Hodgkin, Jr, who once served as mayor, was quite famous for his quotes. He once described Southern Pines this way.: “All you can see to the horizon is pine trees. Yet hidden beneath them is one of the most vibrant and unique towns anywhere. Its history is remarkable. Thanks to those pines, people come here from all over the world to ride horses or play golf, and many find they simply don’t want to ever leave. I’m sure you know the famous local saying…”Anyone who gets a little sand in their shoes will eventually come back and put down roots”. And I did just that!

Regrettably, Norris passed away in 2016 and I never had the pleasure of actually meeting him, but I agree with his description of Southern Pines one hundred percent. Both Pinehurst and Southern Pines are special places and these lovely little towns have inspired me to not only share more about THESE communities with those that seek the equestrian and golf lifestyles…but to explore many other places that share the same qualities so that we golf and horse lovers may continue to enjoy our passions with friends and family for many years to come. Welcome to Courses and Horses!