The first BBHA horse show was held at the fairgrounds in Bladenboro on the Asberry Taylor farm off of Hwy 242. There were at least one hundred exhibitors present for the first show. The story goes that Mr. H.J. White purchased a stallion out of Texas off of the King Ranch. Tickets were sold for a drawing at that first show. Willie Durden from Bladenboro Saddle Club won the horse a stallion named Pardon Pino. Some people recollect that at one of the early shows a skydiver landed in the arena, he was supposed to land on a horse, but as you can imagine that didn’t happen.

In 1968 the Borderbelt Horseman’s Association was formed. Some of the early members as best we can recall were L.D. West, Eldon Lamb, H.J. White, Stanley Durden, H.T. Taylor, Pete Lambeth, Charles Warwick, Hoyt Moody, M.Carr Gibson, and Eldon Pate. Bladenboro Saddle Club, Lumberton Saddle Club and Twin State Saddle Clubs were some of the first clubs to join the Borderbelt Horseman’s Association. Early meetings were held in Bladenboro. With time other clubs started joining the BBHA. Raynam and Laurel Hill soon joined. The shows continued to grow and with time the Lumberton Saddle Club grew to be one of the largest clubs. The arena was one of the finest in the area with stalls, bathrooms and a concession area. Registered shows were held at this arena. One night the stalls caught fire and were totally destroyed. Mr. M. Carr Gibson had donated time and money to help build Lumberton Saddle Club, and
in one night almost all was lost.

As the horse industry grew in North and South Carolina so did the BBHA. With a roster of dedicated people and their love for horses the horse shows continued to grow. Clubs grew and it gave horse people a place to go on a Saturday afternoon. Families could be together with their children doing what they loved, showing horses and being with friends. Watching their kids gain confidence in the show ring, knowing that what they learned there would carry over into their everyday lives.  With time the clubs dispersed and some went their own way, new clubs came and some clubs left. The clubs that remain today East Howellsville, Coastal Carolina, and Silver Spurs have joined as one and all shows are held at the Farmer’s Market in Lumberton. The dream of an indoor arena is still very much alive. The Borderbelt and their clubs have worked diligently to see that something happens with the Farmer’s Market. Getting the public involved and other horse people aware that this facility has lots of potential will be the key to one day having the 12 million dollar facility. The outdoor arena built two years ago, has proven to be a perfect place for horse shows and rodeos. With lots of room for trailers and horses it shows promise for growth and the future of the Borderbelt. With over 40 acres and 18 campsites (under development) the Farmer’s Market could easily handle English hunter, jumper classes as well as Walking horse shows. Rodeos and Festivals, lawn mower pulls, and even the Kansas City BBB-Q cook-off has been held at the Farmer’s Market. Throughout the year NBHA (National Barrel Horse Association) shows are held there along with other open shows. We generously invite everyone out to visit the Farmer’s Market, and enjoy this wonderful facility.

From the early years of the BBHA has emerged some of the horse industries major trainers and AQHA judges. Eldon Pate, Gene Parker, Jeffery Pait, Carla Winberg, E.H. Pait, Jaimie Pait, and Johnny Woodard. Over the years the BBHA has made a difference in so many lives, and given people the confidence in themselves to go out and achieve their dreams.
Today 40 years later, the BBHA is still around. The shows are smaller, the crowds not as large but at every show you will find someone that has ties to the early years. A grandson or granddaughter, great, great grandchildren following in the old footsteps of those who showed with pride so many years before. The kids grow up and go away but at some point in time they gravitate back, and when they do they bring others with them.  So the next time you are at a horse show, look around and look close. You may be looking at the next AQHA President, or who knows the future President of the United States.