In 1996, Lester Murphy took a group of students on a riding holiday in Ireland; this trip proved to be the inspiration for the formation of High Point Equestrian Center. The students that rode with us in Ireland recognized a clear difference in the rideability, athleticism and safety of the Irish bred horse compared to the horses they were used to riding. The Irish horse enabled our riders to safely do things on horseback they didn't know they were capable of doing. We went for mile long gallops, jumped stone walls, ditches, banks and water jumps. And yet, upon returning to America, some students were afraid to canter around the arena on the American school horses. The Irish horse inspired trust and confidence in the riders. So much for the theory that the relatively inexperienced rider "wouldn't know a good horse if it bit them in the but". High Point Equestrian Center was formed with the idea of providing Irish bred horses to our students.

It is the Irish bred horse that makes the riding experience at High Point Equestrian Center distinctively different and special compared to other riding stables. Working and riding in America and Europe taught Lester Murphy that the two most important ingredients to a quality riding experience were the quality of the horse and the quality of the instruction. To better achieve the quality of instruction, he trained with the British Horse Society, whose reputation for producing knowledgeable and capable trainers is respected world-wide. Lester Murphy also studied, and/or worked with many highly respected trainers including Grainne Sugars, Iris Kellet, Gisla Holstein, Jane Sleeper, Bruce Davidson and Karen O'Connor to name a few.

High Point Equestrian Center actively imports quality Irish Sport Horses from Ireland. These horses are all for sale, however, the same selection of horses are regularly used for lessons. All horses are selected for their willing and easy temperaments, as well as outstanding athletic ability. High Point Equestrian Center also breeds the Irish Draught, Irish Sport Horse and Connemara Pony from a selection of Registered Irish Draught mares that were imported from Ireland.

High Point Equestrian Center is a combined training facility, offering lessons for the beginner through advanced rider in dressage, stadium jumping and cross-country jumping. We offer a high quality riding environment that fits all levels of riding experience. But best of all, we offer use of outstanding lesson horses that provides beginner and advanced riders with horses that will be able to improve your skills, rather than hold you back.