Strolling down the gravel path at the Broyhill Equestrian Preserve last July, I felt a sense of déjà vu. I’d never visited the Western North Carolina venue, home to the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show, but my mother and grandmother had, and it seemed familiar. The scents of oiled leather and citronella fly spray mingled in the crisp piney air of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. A loudspeaker crackled, and I heard hoofbeats thundering—the smells and sounds of my childhood. My stomach fluttered, anticipating my own moment in the saddle, even though that wasn’t to come. Not this weekend, at least.
Although its atmosphere is reminiscent of other equestrian competitions, Blowing Rock has an impressive pedigree: The two-week affair is the country’s longest continuously running horse show, and celebrated its…
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Garden & Gun (Digital) - 1 Issue, June/July 2024