"I never could get used to the brutal cold up there," Brent said. "It's good to be back."

As the daughter of Cary Brent, former manager of Diamondhead Corporation of Pinehurst back in the 1970s, Charlotte grew up riding at the Pinehurst Stables at the Harness Track.

She showed in the hunter ring, but became interested in dressage after a job grooming for Ruth Sarkunas at a show in Raleigh.

"Ruth and I worked so well together," Brent said. "I was only going to work for her for two years, and it turned into 22 years."

First in Boston, then in New Hampshire, the stint with Sarkunas offered additional training opportunities with U.S. Equestrian Team riders John Winnett and Pam Goodrich, and German trainer Gerd Zuther.

Brent enjoyed show ring successes up to Federation Equestrian International intermediate level, and has since started over at the lower levels with an 11-year-old thoroughbred gelding off the track.

"I've taken it slow with him," Brent said. "The basics are always hardest."

Brent and her partner, Carol Martel, have opened Mon-Reve Farm, a 10-stall barn for full-service clients.

Included in the monthly board rate is grooming, de-worming, thrice a day feedings and plenty of individual attention. Lessons are extra, on your horse or their 8-year-old pinto schoolmaster.

"There is someone on grounds 24 hours a day, seven days a week," Brent said. "Carol and I are perfectionists."