Governor James B. Hunt Jr. Horse Complex — Attraction in Cary

Be prepared for a LOT of walking if you've not been there before. While there are a very limited number of metal bleachers next to the rings, most seating is self-provided. Parking near the barns is free but at a premium, so first-come, first-serve. The rings themselves are always in good condition and dragged between classes as need be. The large indoor ring has stadium bleacher seating, but the outside rings are the single or double set of metal bleachers as earlier mentioned. It can often be very dusty.

There are four main horse barns (A-D) in a tightly grouped cluster, with two interior rows of stalls and two exterior rows of stalls each. Most horses for a given show or event are stalled in these barns. I think there is another one or two barns down the hill near the dressage rings, though.

Bring your own chairs and fans if you need either/both. There are women's and men's restrooms at the barns, all of which (at least, the women's rooms...) are wheelchair accessible and quite roomy, which is helpful. Be aware that there is a relatively steep hill (if you are walking and particularly if you have mobility issues) to get to the main barns from the upper parking area, and a similar steep hill to get down to practice rings and dressage area. There are wash racks for the horses in each barn, and as groups (such as 4-H) use the facilities, decorating stalls or groups of stalls is absolutely acceptable and quite common.

The facilities are very close to a number of off-site food options, so it's easy enough to make a run to pick up lunch or dinner in a relatively short amount of time, especially if your preferred establishment has online ordering for pickup or similar. The barns have lots of trash cans and water pumps, so do clean up after yourselves. Bring fly screens for food or bug spray or wear protective clothing, as flies are all over the place, especially in the interior facing rows of stalls. (Pretty much the norm with that many horses in one area, though.) Wet wipes are a treasure beyond compare.

I've been at this venue multiple times over the last ten years or so. My only issues have been the lack of seating (easy enough to handle on one's own though), the flies (annoying but also can be worked around), and the cloying humidity often found in the indoor stadium seating ring. Still, it's good seating, so it's workable. Overall, the Hunt Horse Complex is one of my preferred venues for horse shows in NC, though I have mainly stayed on the Eastern side of NC, venturing only as far west (for shows) as the Carolina Horse Park (Raeford/Southern Pines area) - which is also a really nice place that offers a unique, great cross country course for eventing competitions.

I have no difficulty giving the Hunt Horse Complex a big thumbs-up. Just be prepared for the walking, dust, and flies, and bring your own seating (or cushion if you prefer the bleachers to have some padding). Long days, but also lots of fun, and a great way to relax, be around horse people and their equine family members. If you're into photography, some amazingly unique photo opportunities to be...

Sooooo hot inside with not enough air flow even with windows open. Seems like there should be some (or more if there's any) "safe" giant industrial fans blowing for the guest and performers of the Loomis Circus. Enjoyed the show but we all (ages 9-63) felt like we were about to faint and were totally dripping wet. We love ice cold lemonade but the $$$ $10 tumbler cup was too expensive to go with the other pricey snacks. Buuut out of desperation due to the heat and length of time inside for the event, we caved in. We lived 🙂. Wish there was some air/heat info given beforehand of this (instead of getting it from protesters at the entry) plus maybe info on type of snacks & price range. I'm sure that I'd go to this facility again.. but no way on a...

I am not much of a rider in regards to horses or bulls but I find the large animal sports absolutely fascinating. This facility has been here for decades and is always a great time. There is always seating and lots of vendors to support the events held here. If you’re looking for some great entertainment or just to get out of the house for a couple hours make sure to see what’s going on in the Hunt building at the NC...