Born and raised in Calabash, North Carolina, an equestrian was deeply influenced to pick up horseback riding by her mother.?Recalling her early experiences, she said, “It’s been such a foundation in my life.” You either have it in you or you don’t, says the 28-year-old. Now, having found her calling, the devoted equine rider is one of the top tour guides in South Carolina’s county. She highlighted having found the ideal work setting with both serene beach and horseback trail excursions. The equestrian further adds, ?It?s(the location) not something you?re just going to stumble across unless you Google it and look for it.? And amidst the loud cities, who doesn’t like a “hidden gem”?

In light of the region’s rising equestrian economy, it has become a major hub for equestrian sports, attracting both residents and visitors. In addition, a recent project announcement further promises to contribute more to the county’s thriving equine business.

Equestrian dreamland and the county revamp plans

As Darby Dugan takes care of horses in the peaceful surroundings of Inlet Point Plantation, she finds herself fulfilling a long-held dream. After spending a lifetime caring for these four-legged friends, she states, ?for the people that love it, it?s the total package. You?re in nature with this beautiful, big therapeutic animal.? In the middle of this delight, the 28-year-old finds further joy in Horry County’s plan to build a rural community center that would cost over $100 million and span Conway and Aynor.

According to the Post and Courier, the facility is meant to host an extensive range of events, including conferences, fairs, weddings, livestock exhibits, and rodeos, according to county authorities. This large-scale project brings attention to the county’s booming horse industry and attracts a significant number of locals and tourists each year. Notably, a feasibility assessment earlier this year by a project-affiliated business revealed that Horry County has an equestrian involvement rate that is higher than the national average.

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At the infrastructure subcommittee meeting on August 9, discussions among county leaders emphasized several conclusions, shedding light on both the benefits and challenges related to the building. The targeted site for the center is near the intersection of Hardwick Road and U.S. Highway 501. To accommodate the planned construction, Hardwick Road will need to be widened and paved. Remarkably, the county acquired about 500 acres for this large-scale project last year. With all preparations in full swing, the question arises: How extensive can one expect this plan to be?

Equestrian site sights huge prospects

The long-debated idea has been around for a while. An estimated $29 million in economic effect might be generated by the planned rural civic center in Horry County, which would draw around 500,000 people a year. Charles Johnson of Johnson Consulting, a company that helps the county plan for the center, underlined it as?“The demographics work.”?Horry Electric Cooperative donated $400,000 annually and was one of the project’s major backers.

There is also support from the community for this program, indicating that Horry County has higher levels of equestrian activity involvement. Accordingly, the analysts have recommended that the center include about 150 RV sites, 400 permanent animal stalls, and a vast network of routes for horseback riders and walkers. Further, it’s also hugely expected to add to the state’s almost $2 billion horse industry, as Johnson said, ?It?s going to bring in a lot of tourism.?

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