Halifax County Horse Council

The Halifax County Horse Council (a 501(c)3 organization) exists to represent and further the common interest of horse enthusiasts in Halifax County and surrounding regions. The Council also promotes solidarity during unforeseeable issues in the county that may affect horse owners.

In conjunction with Halifax County Cooperative Extension, the primary objective of the Council is to promote animal husbandry by offering quality educational and recreational activities which provide enjoyment and learning opportunities for the community. We are a member of the North Carolina Horse Council.

Calling all youth and adult trail riders to join Halifax County Horse Council Riding Program.

This program is for trail riding only... no arena riding or training. We will award prizes to members of Halifax County Horse Council who acquire 250, 500, 1000, 2000 hours of trail riding time. Once riders hit the 2,000 hour mark they will start over. The program is free and riders will be on the honor system to accurately report their trail riding hours, however we would love for you to use a mapping program so we can see the places you travel.

You can sign up anytime and your hours will carry over from year to year. You can begin recording hours when you register and you can ride as many horses as you want. Hours are recorded for the rider. Toward the end of each month you will get an email with a link to log your riding time.

Each milestone will be awarded:

250 hours - Monogrammed hat
500 hours - water bottle
1000 hours - Monogrammed saddle bag
2000 hours - Belt Buckle

Let’s start the year out right by spending more time with our Horses! Further details to follow.

In the 1980’s, the Halifax County Commissioners assigned the abandoned County Old Folks Home/Farm and TB Sanitarium to the Halifax County Cooperative Extension to develop a 4-H Rural Life Center. Under the guidance of the Extension Director, the Halifax County 4-H Horse & Livestock Council was organized on September 25, 1989.

Council members included representatives from the Halifax Cattlemen’s Association, Roanoke Valley Saddle Club, 4-H Horse Club leaders, County Commissioners, and the Extension’s 4-H agent. With generous donations from local businesses and volunteer help from the Cattlemen, Horse Owners, and a 4-H Horse Club, the first ring was built by the Fall of 1990.

From sandy cropland to today’s green fields, the 4-H Rural Life Center and Horse Complex have developed into a multi-use county facility with a 16 stall barn, concession stand, bathrooms, two lighted riding rings, camping facilities, wooded trails, basketball courts, and frisbee golf.

The Council continues to make improvements to the facility to benefit horse owners of Halifax County and surrounding areas. We also host horse shows, clinics, trail rides, and educational seminars throughout the year to help fellow horse owners enjoy their horses