Little River Circuit Making a Move in 2018- New Location Helps Children In Need

By: Brittany Bevis

Often fondly referred to as the “Little Sister” of the Martinganza Quarter Horse Show and Futurity, the Little River Circuit is making a move this year to Lake Waccamaw, NC. Hosted by the North Carolina Quarter Horse Association District IV, the Little River Circuit will take place May 18th-20th with judges Lori Gingrich, Pete McAlister, Kimberly Leiter, and Daren Wright.

“A new barn is almost finished and is supposed to be ready when horses arrive!” says Show Manager Susan Daniels. “There is a beautiful, pecan grove with covered arena in the shade, and an additional riding arena has been added since we were last there, so it’s exciting! And, you can bring your own shavings to this facility.”

In addition to a 110′ x 265′ covered arena, 120′ x 200′ lighted, outdoor arena, on-site wi-fi accessibility, concession stand, and 66 camper hookups, there is a unique aspect to this picturesque facility in Lake Waccamaw. It’s called the Boys & Girls Homes of North Carolina Exhibition Center, and the 140 acre campus is home to a working farm, chapel, and North Carolina Public Charter School. The area is a sanctuary for vulnerable children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect and has operated in this capacity since 1954.

Youth who live in this “sanctuary community” reside in cottage-style homes along with residential counselors. There is also The Lake House, a temporary housing area for young mothers, aged 12-18, who are pregnant or raising children and who are in custody of the Department of Social Services.

In addition to providing a safe and loving environment for these children, the Boys & Girls Homes of North Carolina makes sure that youth have plenty of opportunities to grow, learn, and commune with nature, due to the facility’s close proximity to the State Park. At the facility, kids learn to grow and harvest vegetables, greenhouse plants, and harvest pecans, which are then sold in the B&GH’s Country Store. Also, there is a Horsemanship program available for kids who want to learn about caring for horses, and there are weekly trail rides.

“As a sanctuary community, the Boys & Girls Homes of North Carolina is dedicated to keeping our commitment to growth and change as a socially responsible and emotionally intelligent organization that communicates openly, operates democratically, promotes nonviolence, and embraces social learning while looking though a lens focused on safety, emotion, loss, and future.”

“The money paid to the Boys & Girls Homes for the rental of the facility is used to upkeep the facility and bring people in to make them aware of the facility and what it does for children who can no longer stay with their families and aren’t ready for foster care. It’s a beautiful facility, and we would love to have as many join us as possible,” Daniels says.

The Little River Circuit is offering a flat fee of $300, which includes a stall, office and drug fees, and all classes held at the show, with the exception of the training class that’s done as a fundraiser for different causes. The host hotels for the event are the Quality Inn and Econolodge.

Host Hotel Info:

Quality Inn- 910-641-0644 (just off Hwy 74 at Whiteville)

Econolodge- 910-642-2378 (about 1 mile from Hwy 74 into Whiteville)

For more information about the Little River Circuit, click here.

For more information about the Boys & Girls Exhibition Center, click here.

2018 LITTLE RIVER CIRCUIT Show Schedule

2018 LITTLE RIVER CIRCUIT Tab Sheet

2018 LITTLE RIVER CIRCUIT Info Sheet

2018 Friday Little River Circuit Patterns

2018 Saturday Little River Circuit Patterns

2018 Sunday Little River Circuit Patterns