Hey there everyone! I am potentially moving out to Durham, NC and I know nothing of the area, so I figured to make a post to get some info and a feel for the HJ scene out there!
I have a hunter mare that I do the 3’ adults with, and I’m starting to look for a place that could fit our needs. I need a place that has great care, and great instruction with a trainer who rides.
Any and all information is greatly appreciated!
Beverly Burnette is wonderful.
Merilee Ventura is amazing. She works out of McNairs in Raleigh, and has her own farm, Byway, in Carthage. She’s an R judge and an exceptional coach and trainer.
Bob Savage at Quiet Meadow is also very good. You’re lucky, there are LOTS of good options in that part of NC.
Do you want to show at A shows or C shows? We have wonderful C shows in NC which are usually pretty competitive with the adults. There is also a very well run year end C Adult Medal Final held at the Triangle Farms November show. There is also an A Adult Medal Final named for Bryan Jones. That final is held during the NCHJA Annual show.
What else is important to you about your horse’s care and training? That will help steer you towards some good options.
TBH growing up in Wellington I have a very unrealistic standard for horse shows and barns, and have learned that there’s really nothing like Wellington. So I’ll say both, but mostly A.
She’s a really easy keeper, so with regard to grain and food nothing too crazy aside from just feeding my supplements. She’s on night turnout down here in FL, so I would hope something that has that option. I would hope the property had a ring with great footing,12 X 12 stalls with matts and fans, and good turnouts. While I would love to be able to be at the same facility as my trainer, I’m willing to trailer out to lessons if it’s the best situation for my mare and I. It’s just hard to get training rides when you aren’t at the same property as your trainer.
I think I’ve covered most everything, but let me know if you need anything else!
Do you have an idea where in Durham you would be driving from and how long of a barn drive are you willing to do? The need for training rides does narrow it down. I would also find a barn with a trainer versus ship ins. When a trainer has a vested interest in your horse staying in show shape, the care is usually up to par.
Also, look at Triangle [Area] Equestrians and Sandhill Area Equestrians on FB,
If you are in Durham, it might be worth looking up Apex Equestrian Center, its a short drive from Durham. I know they go to or at least used to attend the A shows and travel a bit. I used to board beside them and hack out with riders from that farm. They all loved being there and horses were always in great condition.
My friends kids ride with Lisa Dye or did prior to her going to Oriana. She’s a lovely person and very good instructor. No clue about training with her though.
I think the OP might really enjoy Laura Gaither’s Foxview Farm in Bahama. Laura is lovely and rides great. She was at Devon this weekend for the Equitation classes. Tami Jones’ Harmony Farm in Hillsborough has a group of successful adult riders with Joy Janouskovec as the trainer. Joy is a beautiful hunter rider and a fun, organized trainer. If a longer drive is doable, there are a couple of good A trainers in the Apex area but I would assume barns convenient to Durham are a better option. Traffic is getting crazy around Apex/Cary.
Thanks everyone so far for the info!! Definitely have a bunch of options to look into. I’ll be working at Duke Medical so pretty central.
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