Carolina Horse Park was born of a vision held by a group of equestrian enthusiasts in North Carolina who were concerned about the dwindling amount of land dedicated to the sport. The Sandhills Equestrian Conservancy (now known as the Carolina Horse Park Foundation), a North Carolina 501(C)3 corporation, was created in 1998. The IRS has recognized it as a public charity for tax purposes.

Carolina Horse Park hosted its first events in the spring of 2001: The 11th Annual Southern Pines Horse Trials, and the 50th Running of the Stoneybrook Steeplechase. The calendar continues to grow as new events are added each season.

Carolina Horse Park is located on what was 250 acres of beautiful farm land, approximately 12 miles south of Southern Pines, North Carolina. There are wonderful flat fields, perfect for show jumping, dressage and racing, as well as expansive wooded areas that host cross country courses for eventing and the obstacles for the CDE's.  There are gorgeous hardwoods, Longleaf Pines and varieties of plants that have been carefully preserved. There are also two ponds, three wells, plus electricity and city water. Over one mile of road frontage allows easy access for vans, trailers and spectators.

The resulting vision developed by the Board of Directors has led the way in raising part of the $4-5 million needed to complete the entire vision for the park. The transfer of currently operating horse events with their organizers and volunteers intact is assisting in making the park economically and operationally viable within its first years.

Carolina Horse Park, a permanent site for national and international equestrian competitions, with Steeplechase, Eventing, and Dressage is the only one of it's kind in North Carolina. It could one-day rival Kentucky's Horse Park or Virginia's Horse Center.