A Sanctuary Shaped by Purpose and Resilience
Set on 400 rolling acres in Blythewood, SC, Cindy Nord’s farm is more than just a home for 21 horses and 17 rescue dogs. It’s a personal sanctuary shaped by experience, resilience, and an unwavering love for animals.
Originally from New England, Cindy’s path to South Carolina has been anything but ordinary. A psychologist by training and a horsewoman by heart, she has built her life around resilience, healing, and purpose, both personally and professionally. “The farm is where I feel most comfortable,” she reflects. “It’s the one place I’ve always felt grounded.
A Lifelong Bond with the Land and the Horse
Cindy’s connection to the land runs deep. As a child, her early years on a farm were both a source of solace and challenge. “I loved the farm life and the animals. Unfortunately, the down side was that I was abused by a farm hand growing up,” she shares candidly.
That connection evolved into a lifelong commitment to purpose-driven work. Today, Cindy serves on numerous community-focused boards and organizations, while also opening her heart and home to rescue dogs. She also dedicates her energy to supporting young women in the equestrian world, including aspiring riders on the University of South Carolina’s equestrian team. “It’s important to me to invest in the next generation, not just financially, but emotionally, mentally, and as a mentor,” she explains.
The All-Weather Arena That Had to Be Done Right
When it came time to invest in a riding arena in Blythewood, Cindy was looking for the best. She needed a specialist, someone who understands the complexity of equestrian arena construction and the performance demands of top-level riders and horses.
“I wasn’t just looking for someone to move dirt and lay footing,” she says. “I needed someone who understood the weight of what this space means to me, to the horses, and to the girls who ride here — and someone who could deliver nothing less than the best.”
She found that in Austin Wood, founder of Diamond W Contracting, a premier arena builder serving clients across the Southeast, Central, and Midwest regions.
From the first conversation, Cindy knew this wasn’t your average builder. “Austin was gracious, extremely knowledgeable, and brutally honest in the best way,” she recalls. “He didn’t overpromise. He wasn’t slick or salesy. He just told me the truth, and then followed through with everything he said.”
Built with Integrity, Layer by Layer
Austin’s approach to equestrian arena construction was both precise and personal. “Austin is one of the most considerate, hardest-working people I’ve ever met,” Cindy shares. “You can tell he puts his whole heart into it. Every detail is intentional, and nothing gets overlooked.”
Each layer of the arena was carefully installed, tested, and engineered to deliver long-term performance. And it worked. Even after heavy rain, Cindy’s all-weather riding arena is ready to go. “It’s the best surface we’ve ever had,” she confirms. “You can feel the difference underfoot. The horses move better. They are more comfortable.”
An Investment That Goes Beyond the Arena
For Cindy, this arena is more than a place to work horses. It’s a space for healing, growth, and connection. A place where young women can ride, train, and learn life lessons that go far beyond competition. “It’s not about ribbons,” she says. “It’s about building confidence, responsibility, and belief in themselves.”
That belief is mirrored in the arena itself, a beautiful space built by someone who truly shares those values. “That’s one of the things that sets Austin apart,” Cindy says. “You could tell this project mattered to him just as much as it did to me. That kind of care is rare.”
