Since 1998, the 315-acre Carolina Horse Park has been an important part of the Hoke County, North Carolina community, contributing more than $8 million a year to the local economy and land values. The Carolina Horse Park hosts a calendar of international and national competitions that often includes at least two international horse trials, the Southern Pines War Horse Series, a Derby Cross, and training and schooling opportunities for several disciplines including dressage, eventing, combined driving and hunter/jumper competitors.
That’s a lot wear and tear for any venue’s arenas, so when it came time to think about giving the Horse Park’s additional arenas with excellent footing, Marc Donovan, the Carolina Horse Park Program Director chose Diamond W Contracting for the installation.
Marc has been organizing series at the Carolina Horse Park since 2013, when he created the highly successfully Cabin Branch Event Series (now, the War Horse Series). Marc is a USEF R-rated course designer who worked with Richard Jeffery and Conrad Homfeld on the 2010 World Equestrian Games, he was named to the US Pony Club Academy of Achievement in 2016 and honored at the USEA Annual Convention as an “extraordinary individual that positively impacted eventing through service and support of horses, riders and events.” Marc knows the importance of footing and a properly constructed arena, so he selected Austin Wood and Diamond W Contracting for the creation of the new arenas. And almost immediately knew he made the right choice.
“Excellent footing enhances performance,” Marc says. “Austin and his crew at Diamond W built a beautiful competition arena for the Carolina Horse Park. The attention to detail exceeded our expectations. They completed the project on schedule, were a pleasure to work with, and we’ve received rave reviews from riders.”
Austin’s commitment to the end result started on day one of the job. “We understand that not all horse arenas are created equal, which is why we’ve custom engineered our arenas, to provide every client – including Marc and the Carolina Horse Park, with arena base and footing that will work the best for their facility and its requirements,” explained Austin Wood.
Marc says the reviews from riders couldn’t be better since the Horse Park debuted its new arena and footing in January. Including high praise from U.S. Olympic Three-Day squad legend, J. Michael Plumb.
Mike, Marc says with a nod of respect, has a discerning eye for details and (it turns out) he’d been following the arena project’s progress since the construction was under way.
The same quest for the best commitment in himself and his horses, that made Mike Plumb the only U.S. athlete (in any sport) to represent his country in eight Olympics, also piqued his interest in the process behind our building the arena foundation and footing. And he didn’t want to miss a single step. When the job was finished, Marc invited him to the Horse Park to check out the finished product. “I cannot believe it,” he said. “Believe what?” Marc asked. “That those guys actually sanded the railings of the fence around the arena! That kind of finishing touch is just unheard of.”
Marc is already talking about planning the next arena so he can bring Diamond W Contracting back to the Horse Park because he says “without a doubt” he would recommend Diamond W to anyone looking to put in an arena.
“Here at Diamond W, the attention to detail is truly our commitment from start to finish all the way. So whether it’s a ring refurbish or new installation, let’s talk. We’d be glad to give you an immediate quote, (864) 993-5029”.
