We know you have good intentions of getting out to see the all of the Carolina Horse Park Foundation’s Painted Ponies now turned out in downtown Southern Pines. But in case you don’t, here’s the couch tour.
“Born of Fire” by Leah Thiel
Sponsored by the NC Sandhills Prescribed Burn Association and Jesse Wimberley.
Where to find it: The Jefferson Inn, 150 W New Hampshire Ave.
What are the ponies? They’re an annual fundraiser for the Carolina Horse Park. Artists and sponsors work together to decide on a theme. It takes more than two months to design and finalize the piece. Each pony is then clear-coated by Sandhills Community College’ Collision and Automotive Center, and placed on display. In April, they will be auctioned off to benefit the park.
“Spring Equine-nox” by Judi Fleming
Sponsored by The Amazing Grace Farm: Glenda Kirby.
Where to find it: The corner of E. Pennsylvania Ave. and SE Broad St., near the entrance to Southern Pines Downtown Park
“Let it Ride” by Vanessa Grebe
Sponsored by Mike and Aimee Wilson.
Where to find it: Eye Candy Gallery, 275 NE Broad St.
Celebrating Pollinators” by Whitney Kurlan
Sponsored by The Pilot – Kathy Desmond
Where to find it: The Pilot, 145 W Pennsylvania Ave.
“Kumbha Rasi” by Carl Knutson
Sponsored by Carl Knutson – The Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhills.
Where to find it: Near Pinnock Real Estate, 115 E Pennsylvania Ave.
“Lotus” by Melissa Tatge
Sponsored byAudrey Wiggins Real Estate, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, Lifestyle Property Partners, Opulence & DUXIANA of Southern Pines.
Where to find it: The Mews, 280 NW Broad St.
“250 Years of American Spirit” byYvette Sparks
Sponsored by the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Where to find it: Red’s Corner, 901 SW Broad St.
The auction: All 16 will be auctioned live on Sunday, April 19, from 4-6 p.m., at BHAWK. You can register here. The auction is one of the biggest fundraisers for the Park. In 2024, the auction raised over $100,000 for the Carolina Horse Park Foundation, with ponies selling for anywhere between $3,000 and $10,000. Funds help the Park conserve open space and host events.
“The Tale of the Brightmare – A Story of Childhood Resilience” by Nicole Sinay Torres
Sponsored by Patrick McKee.
Where to find it: Near C. Cups Cupcakery, 125 NE Broad St.
“After the Rain Comes Light” by Natasha Russell
Sponsored by Denali Equine: Dr. Kate & Mike Workman & Juli Sillman.
Where to find it: Near Swank Coffee Shoppe, 232 NW Broad St.
“Mistress” by Tom Trieloff
Sponsored by Don Warren and Heidi Grimm Powell (Co-Chairs of the Carolina Horse Park Board of Directors).
Where to find it: The Southern Pines Welcome Center, 235 NW Broad St.
“an Reul-iùil” (Gaelic for the North star) by Adam Garland
Sponsored byAshten’s Restaurant, Hawkins & Hawkins, CDP Stables.
Where to find it: Ashten’s Restaurant, 140 E New Hampshire Ave.
“Seahorse” by Cassidy Oeltjen
Sponsored by Breezeway Sporthorse and Diagnostic Clinic.
Where to find it: The Country Bookshop, 140 NW Broad St.
“Miss Poppett, Horse of our Heart” by Caleigh Conlin
Sponsored by Carrollton Farm – Karen Conlin
Where to find it: Near the Southern Pines Water Billing Department, 180 SW Broad St.
“Curiouser and Curiouser” by Shelly Gerrtsma
Sponsored by WhitLauter Estate Jewelery – Whitney or Leann Parker.
Where to find it: WhitLauter Estate Jewelry, 229 NE Broad St.
“Rein It In” by Lily Comer-Taylor
Sponsored by Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique.
Where to find it: The Belvedere Plaza, 124 Pennsylvania Ave.
“A Bit of Comfort II” by Christina Reynolds
Sponsored by Southern Prime Steakhouse & Cabin Branch Tack Shop
Where to find it: Cabin Branch Tack Shop, 232 SW Broad St.
Need to hold the reins? Find a printable map and get more information at the Carolina Horse Park’s website. If you’re taking photos, use #CHPPaintedPonies for a chance to be featured on the Carolina Horse Park’s social media.
