Lynn Leath designed and built this facility in 1998, using her years of horse experience to provide maximum mental and physical health, safety, and comfort for her top level competitive sport horses and riders. Before moving her operation to Chapel Hill, Lynn had operated NSTC in Apex, NC since 1983.

The Leath family lives on the farm which is gated for maximum security.  Hay is stored in a separate building for fire safety.  Pastures are all double fenced to prevent horses fighting over fence lines.

Photos by Tara Clark

Olympic size covered riding arena (size 80' x 208')

Permaflex rubber footing in arena

Footing groomed daily

Mirrored wall (70' x 6') on one full end

Extensive lights for night time riding

PA system for instruction or music

Overhead sprinkler system for dust control

Insulated roof and skylights helps keep cool in summer

Only 6 stalls: 12'x12' with rubber mats

Cross-training on the 1/3 mile track that gently undulates to provide an excellent environment to strengthen and condition, as well as work outside of the arena.

Covered paddock outside of each stall

Ceiling fan above each stall

Well lighted and ventilated

Heated tack room and restroom

Washer/Dryer (fits horse blankets!)

Wash stall with industrial heater and fan

"Most horses need at least limited turn out, but the pasture needs to be safe, and the horse needs a place to get out of the elements, so I designed the barn with many options. When the horses are  in their stalls, the Dutch doors can be opened (or shut in the winter), yokes into the aisle can   allow them to hang their heads out and see, or the sliding doors may be shut to avoid nipping  other horses. In good weather, the horses may be allowed to come in and out at will, so that if the weather turns bad, or the flies begin to bother them. They are free to go into their stalls where there is protection from the wind or rain, plenty of fresh water, shade and a ceiling fan. When the pastures are wet, the horses can still have access to their individual covered “patio”. Turn out may be alone, or with a buddy, but never in groups"

Spacious 51 foot round pen with tall solid walls is ideal for working with young horses, lunging, or long lining.

The show barn was added in 2000, to accommodate horses coming in for clinics, and as an overflow barn for horses in training. It has access to its own two acre pasture.

Lynn added a heated teaching pavilion, so she no longer feels the need to go to Florida for the winter!

North Star training Center is spread out over 32 acres, with four spacious pastures, and a 1/3-mile galloping track.

(Photo by Jack Griffith)

North Star Training Center is conveniently located in the North Carolina Triangle and Triad:

45 minutes east of Greensboro
45 minutes west of Raleigh/Cary/Apex
30 minutes southwest of Durham
20 minutes north of Pittsboro
20 minutes south of Hillsborough
70 minutes north of Southern Pines