October-November 2021 by Aiken Horse Productions

Volume 17 • Number 2 •

October-November 2021

The Aiken Horse

October-November 2021

SuzyHaslup_TAH_Sept2019.qxp_Layout 1 9/18/21 11:31 AM Page 1

WINSOME FARM $1.1 MILLION

SOLD

Located in the 302 corridor, this gated 37.7A horse farm has Coastal Bermuda pastures, 8-stall center aisle barn with matted 12 x 12 stalls with fans, 2 tack rooms, 2 wash stalls, a grooming stall, laundry, 2 half baths, office and feed room. There is a 150’ x 220’ arena, grass field for practice polo or jumping, trails through the woods, paddocks & run-in shed. Over 1,900 sf. 2 BR/2 BA hardiplank house with 9’ ceilings & custom kitchen with granite countertops. Drive through 50’ x 74’ metal garage/ workshop with 200 AMP service, half bath & office.

KATHRYN SIDERS MICHELE HIGGINS Licensed Assistant

Licensed Assistant

An Accredited Land Consultant, Suzy achieved the title of Leading Sales Agent in 2013, 2015, 2016 & 2020. Her achievements include Meybohm “Best of the Best” & President’s Club, as well as 2018, 2019 & 2020 RLI APEX award for top producing land real estate agents.

FOX HOLLOW LOTS

KINGS RIDGE

$670,000

WINDSOR PROPERTY

$145,000

SOLD

WOOD’S END LOTS 0

520

00 1 PA

00 6

03 00 4

490

0 50

07 04

006

04 00 7

07 YA

-0

003 01 1 00 01

510

089

005

089 07 03 005

08 9 01 00 9

009

E ND W A

08 9

500

9 08

Prepared by: Aiken County Government

089 07 05 002 089 07 05 001

10/22/2018 JB

Scale: 1 inch = 200 feet

089 07 04 008

089

500

490

089 07 05 004

500

07 04

Priced at $275,000 and $320,000, these lots provide an exceptional opportunity to own a farm Parcel Map bordering the 2200-acre Hitchcock Woods offering 70 miles of riding trails open to the public year round. Lots are cleared and ready for home and barn, paved cul-de-sac, underground utilities with city services and no HOA. Possible owner financing and lots may be combined. Direct access to trails of the Woods. WO OD S

Buyers can customize this 2,270 sf. light filled open floor plan modern hardiplank farmhouse with 3 BR/3 BA, 2 car garage and opt. bonus on over 6 A in popular Bridle Creek Equestrian. Contiguous lot available to add for a total of 11.85 A. Split bedroom plan, study, fireplace, pantry, walk-in closets in every BR, hi-speed internet & outdoor barbeque porch. Great trails, 2 arenas w/silica sand & fiber & new activity building.

08 9

490

089

089 06 01 001

01 00 5

08 9

480

07 04

08 9

500

01 00 8

089

-1 SC

089 07 01 00 4

AY KW R

$619,000

089 07 03 003

01 14 08 8 CK CO

08 9

SWALLOW DIP

REDUCED!

510

CH HIT

01 00 7

002 01

08 9

089

118

Wonderful horse property with established pasture, 12 x 32 run-in shed with tongue and groove pine tack/feed room, 2 paddocks with selectively cleared limbed up pines, underground electric and 2 horsepower well. Property is cleared & prepped for ring & home/house site. Bring your horses and have access to dirt roads for riding and driving. Adjacent to Windsor Trace.

088 19 01 001

$649,000

BRIDLE CREEK

Situated on the water in gated King’s Ridge, this 3 BR/2BA brick French Country home boasts a Stephen Fuller floor plan featured in Southern Living. Has vaulted ceilings, hardwood and porcelain floors, fireplace, attached 2+ car garage, patio, and screened porch overlooking the lake. The 7-acre property has spectacular views, 4-board fencing, wonderful plantings, and room for horses!

089 07 04 010

Fox Hollow is a premier gated residential equestrian community situated perfectly for those wanting to be close to both Augusta, GA and Aiken, SC. Fox Hollow covers just under 800 acres including a trail over beautiful Johnson Lake, irrigated show rings, mirrored irrigated 20 x 60 dressage ring, cross country course and over 30 miles of fabulous trails. Available now: Lot 19/12.45 A/$168,075 Lot 36/7.83 A/$78,300

Aiken County IT / GeoServices

Copyright (C) Aiken County Government Aiken County makes no warranty, representation or guaranty as to the content, sequence, accuracy or timeliness of the database information provided herein. Users of this data are hereby notified that public information sources should be consulted for verification of the information contained on these maps. Aiken County assumes no liability for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies in the information provided regardless of how caused, OR, for any decision made or action taken or not taken by any person in reliance upon any information or data furnished herein.

Winter Colony home on large lot on Chesterfield St. near the Willcox Inn & Hitchcock Woods. One level living with 3 BR suites/3 BA, heart pine floors, coffered ceilings, living room, library/den, formal DR w/original cabinets, kitchen w/custom cabinets, stainless steel appliances. Viking range, pantry & butler pantry. Screened porch overlooking backyard & pool with 1 bath pool or guest house.

www.AikenHorseRealty.com (803) 215-0153 • suzy.haslup@gmail.com October-November 2021

The Aiken Horse

October-November 2021

The Aiken Horse

sold

THE VISTA SCHOOLING & EVENT CENTER

BIG TREE FARM - A FARM for ANY DISCIPLINE

gorgeous 175 Acre stAte of the Art eQuestriAn fAcility W/ schooling AreAs, dressAge & stAdium ArenAs, Xc JumPs W/WAter comPleX, storAge 3 Br mAnAger’s home / office

58+ Acres, 15-stAll BArn, lighted ArenA, Polo or JumP field, PAsture 2 Br, 2 BAth living QuArters, sePArAte office, 3+ cAr gArAge/WorkshoP

490 Big tree roAd | $759,900 - sold

859 old tory trAil roAd | $1,995,000 - sold

SPOTTED CREEK FARM – TURNKEY ON 11 ACRES 2 stAll BArn W/hot&cold WAsh stAll & tAck room; lArge grAssy PAsture fenced grAss riding ArenA, sePArAte shed ideAl for hAy storAge 3 Br, 1 BAth loW mAintenAnce rAnch W/neW fenced dog yArd

110 cooks Bridge roAd | $375,000

HOBBY FARM IN 302 HORSE COUNTRY

11.5 Acres W/good BArn site & roAd frontAge; Access to trAining venues PrivAtely sited 4 Br, 2 BAth home With room for eXPAnsion on 2nd level; oPen kitchen / living sPAce

837 floWing Well roAd | $385,000

under contrAct THE COTTAGE ON THE RAIL

8.64 Acres in Aiken’s horse district, 8-stAll center-Aisle BArn renovAted historic home W/stunning vieWs from the verAndA

1354 AuduBon drive | offered for $2.1 million

SUNSET COTTAGE, CIRCA 1910

nAtionAl historic register Willis irvin tudor revivAl design With stone, stucco-clAdding & cedAr shAke eXterior. mAgnificent living & dining rooms, 3 Brs, 4 BAths; WAlking distAnce to Aiken golf cluB & doWntoWn Aiken.

557 highlAnd PArk | $595,000

under contrAct THE PINE HOUSE C. 1868 ON 8.27 ACRES

8.27 Acres of level lAnd, close to stABle vieW 5 Br, 4 BAth historic home; 2 Br, 2 BAth guest house; ideAl As residence or B&B – no restrictions

THE POINT ON EDISTO LAKE

4 Br, 4 BA home situAted PrivAtely on neArly 2 Acres W/APProX. 500 ft of WAterfront + PrivAte dock & 3-BAy gArAge. gAted community eQuidistAnt to Aiken & columBiA & eAsy Access to Aiken’s 302 horse country.

741 edisto lAke | $650,000

5995 edgefield roAd | noW $580,000

HIGH FLAT FARM – LEWIS LANE ASSOCIATION

11.01 Ac. W/neWer 3-BoArd fencing. estABlished grAss field ideAl for ArenA, JumP field or turn-out; Access to leWis lAne AssociAtion trAils lovely locAtion for house / BArn Beyond gorgeous oAk trees & Among estABlished eQuestriAn ProPerties

PArcel 1 leWis lAne | $209,000

MIDTOWN HOME CLOSE TO BRUCE’S FIELD

WAlking distAnce to Polo At Whitney field & A golf cArt ride to PAlmetto golf, fermAtA, green BoundAry cluBs & Bruce’s field. 3Br + office, 2BA, PrivAte BAck yArd With in-ground Pool & lovely outdoor sPAces

BArrington fArms

trAil Access vArying AcreAge AvAilABle rAnging from 5.5+ Ac. for $67,146 -- 24+ Ac. for $157,000

WeXford mill WAterfront 302 horse country .69 Acre | $65,000 1.68 Acres | $84,000

Cissie Sullivan

826 oleAnder drive | $489,000

Land for Sale leWis lAne AssociAtion

trAil Access nonnie’s lot - 11.02 Ac. | $193,000 henry’s trAnQuil retreAt - 8.23 Ac. | $157,000 Pond meAdoW - 13.68 Ac. | $250,000 oAk grove - 11.34 Ac. | $215,000

SUPERBLY DESIGNED 142+ ACRE RANCH

ideAl for horse or cAttle; 9-stAll morton BArn & eQuiPment shed 3 custom 3 Br, 2 BA homes Perfect for oWner, fArm mAnAger & guests or As comPound; Pond & Woods for trAils Along log creek

25 moores roAd in edgefield, sc | $1,600,000

133+ ACRES WITH PONDS & HAY FIELDS

gorgeous, irrigAted tifton 85 BermudA hAy fields And 2 lArge Ponds. fenced frontAge enhAnced By PlAnted PAlms. ideAl for AgriculturAl Pursuits or dreAm Big & creAte your PArAdise!

moores roAd in edgefield, sc | $750,0000

WeXford lAnding - AviAtion lots runWAy Access 5+ Acres on runWAy - stArting from $45,000

Woodside - gAted community country cluB Amenities residentiAl Building lot on golf course 201 hemlock drive | $39,000

Tracey Turner

803-998-0198 | SullivanTurnerTeam.com 6

The Aiken Horse

October-November 2021

BEAUTIFUL 4.5+ AC. ESTATE IN AIKEN’S HORSE DISTRICT BLUE SKIES AT 928 TWO NOTCH ROAD SE

5+ BR, 7 1/2 Bath Renovated & Impeccably Maintained Historic Home ExcEptional & GorGEous Historic HomE on 4.5 acrEs in aikEn’s covEtEd HorsE district. oriGinally built in 1902, tHis 3-story HomE is complEtEly rEnovatEd, impEccably maintainEd and sitEd to Enjoy viEws across tHE bEautifully landscapEd Grounds to brucE’s fiEld & powdErHousE polo fiEld bEyond. HomE fEaturEs a widE vEranda, Hardwood floors, HiGH cEilinGs and an ExpansivE GrEat room w/ innovativEly, illuminatEd cEilinG & full bar. ownEr’s suitE Has spacious bEdroom w/vaultEd cEilinG, firEplacE; 2 full batHs & drEssinG room. 3 EnsuitE GuEst brs & 5tH br HavE Gas firEplacEs. formal dininG, library & sEparatE dEn Enjoy firEplacEs & GEnErous proportions. fabulous kitcHEn w/subZEro, vikinG appliancEs opEns to sun-fillEd brEakfast room. ElEvator to 2nd & 3rd story wHicH offErs a pinG-ponG room, sittinG room & ½ batH. fully EquippEd GuEst HousE, fitnEss room, 3-bay GaraGE & EquipmEnt GaraGE. nuts & bolts - multi-ZonE Hvac, sEcurity, irriGation & sound systEm + GEnErator. rEady for an offEr!

offErEd for $2,500,000 MARYLAND COTTAGE CLASSIC & HISTORIC, C. 1929

DOWNTOWN - PRIME LOCATION

SWEET AMBROSIA FARM 65+ acrEs for tHE sportinG lifE

GEnErous proportions, HitcHcock cEilinGs & a rEstoration truE to tHE HomE’s Historic intEGrity. main floor br suitE, rEnovatEd kitcHEn & bar. maturE GardEns, brick walls & walkways, dEtacHEd GaraGaE & privatE rEar tErracE. supErb location nEar aikEn’s HorsE district & downtown

downtown commErcial rEtail spacE w/ rEsidEntial livinG quartErs abovE. main lEvEl 2178 sf commErcial rEtail spacE fEaturEs HiGH cEilinGs, ExposEd brick, wHitEwasHEd wood floors, Half batH, sEparatE officE upstairs is 2 br, 1 ba rEnovatEd rEsidEncE, known as “tHE loft.” idEal for livE/work or 1031 ExcHanGE.

lovEly propErty includEs a main rEsidEncE, barn w/apt & a GuEst cottaGE ovErlookinG tHE pond.rEnovatEd main rEsidEncE w/ spEctacular opEn floor plan & a truE cHEf’s kitcHEn. 7-8 stall barn, kEnnEls, & ridinG arEna. supErb opportunity! 4br, 3 batH 3,360 sf rEsidEncE, 1+br barn apt, 1+br pond cottaGE

1022 soutH boundary avEnuE | $990,000

151 laurEns st sw | $995,000

1480 wirE road | $1,695,000

Cissie Sullivan

RESIDENTIAL /COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITY

Tracey Turner

803-998-0198 | SullivanTurnerTeam.com October-November 2021

The Aiken Horse

SECTION 10 16 20 24 28

Hunt Directory Aiken Fall Grand Prix New Vocations TB Show News & Notes Shop Local Guide

Section One

Daniel Geitner aboard November Hill’s Vesta de Lavardin winning the $30,000 Aiken Fall Grand Prix, Aiken Fall Classic at Bruce’s Field in the Aiken Horse Park. Photography by Gary Knoll

SECTION

Section Two

39 40 42 48 54 56 54 58

The Vista Ask the Judge Secret Lives: Bijou Oktoberfest 4 Star Balanced Sporthorse NYTS Hunter Kay Menorcan Horses

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Singapore on the way to winning the Four Star at the Stable View Oktoberfest Horse Trials. Photography by Gary Knoll

SECTION

Section Three

Dondi Crosby from Walterboro, SC competing at the inaugural Labor Day 5D Barrel Race at Crown B Ranch

67 70 72 73 74 76 79 86

Western Auction Crown B Ranch Horses & The Law Classifieds Directory Labor Day Barrel Race Calendar Index of Advertisers

Photography by Pam Gleason

The Aiken Horse

October-November 2021

Aiken

The

Horse

Aiken’s Publication P.O. Box 332 • Montmorenci, SC 29839-0332 • Horse 803.643.9960 • TheAikenHorse.com • TheAikenHorse@gmail.com Time Dated Material • Periodicals • Volume 17 • Number 2

s we are finishing this paper, it doesn’t really feel like fall yet. We’re still having hot days and the nights stay warm, like late August. But you can tell colder days are coming since it gets dark so early and horses’ coats are starting to fluff up. There are other signs, too: the grass in the pasture, which was growing like crazy, is starting to die down, and flocks of geese are flying overhead every evening. It may not seem like fall judging by the air temperature, but if you go by action on the horse scene it certainly does. It’s always relatively quiet here in the summer, and things have been quieter than usual since the arrival of COVID-19. However, there has always been a sense that horse activities are ready to take off as soon as the starting gate is opened. Although the pandemic is not over, and there are still some feelings of caution, Aiken’s equestrian world is definitely galloping along. The most talked about new event right now is the Best of the West horse sale that came to the Aiken Training Track the first weekend of October. This sale brought high end ranch horses to the city and it was an eye-opening experience. Not only were there many outstanding animals, the prices they fetched were much higher than most people expected. While there may be some people who are still shaking their heads about this, many others have a new appreciation for Western horses, as well as for the value of any horse that is truly “broke.” Read all about it in Section Three. In Section Three, we also introduce James and Alexis Banks, who moved here from Arizona and are operating Crown B Ranch in Wagener. They are Western performance horse specialists and have already had their first barrel race and have scheduled four more

October-November 2021

this fall, along with regular team roping practice and many more plans for the future. Aiken’s Western scene has been growing slowly over the years and it seems as if it is really taking off now. For this issue, we got to meet a black stallion that Kelly Sigler recently imported from the Spanish island of Menorca. Menorcan horses are a rare breed, similar to PREs (Andalusians) except they are all black, and they move more like warmbloods. Kelly has already gotten the breed recognized by US Equestrian, and is hoping to form a breed registry in this country in the future. Read about that in Section Two. In Section One, we have our annual Aiken Area Hunt Directory, keeping you up-to-date on who is hunting, when, and where, in the coming season. We also have two photo spreads: one from the Aiken Fall Grand Prix at the Aiken Horse Park and one from the New Vocations All Thoroughbred Show at Highfields. In addition, we have a Shop Local feature, which we have published in conjunction with the Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce’s new Red Ticket program. In this promotion, shoppers at participating stores earn red tickets for every $25 they spend, and these tickets are entered in regular drawings, with a chance to win as much as $1,000. We hope you enjoy this issue; there are so many stories out there, we’re already working on the next one. But please let us know if you have an idea for an article, or if there are things going on out there that we should know about. We want to be your horse newspaper.

The Aiken Horse EDITOR & PUBLISHER Pam Gleason

ART DIRECTOR Gary Knoll

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Jean Berko Gleason

LAYOUT & DESIGN Gary Knoll

PHOTOGRAPHERS Pam Gleason Gary Knoll

ADVERTISING

803.643.9960 theaikenhorse@gmail.com

Going Out Of Town? Don’t miss future issues of The Aiken Horse. We will send you a one year subscription (6 issues) for $24.00, or $36 for First Class. Send check or CC # & your mailing address: P.O. Box 332, Montmorenci, SC 29839 Or sign up on the web at TheAikenHorse.com

Pam Gleason Editor & Publisher

Aiken

The

Horse

Aiken’s Horse Publication

The Aiken Horse Policies: The opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers, editors, or the policies of The Aiken Horse, LLC. The Aiken Horse is owned by The Aiken Horse, LLC.

The Aiken Horse

Aiken Area Hunt Directory 2021-2022

elcome to the annual Aiken Horse Hunt Directory for 2021-2022, providing important dates, information and contact numbers for seven of our regional hunts. For those ready to follow the hounds, cubbing is already well underway and formal hunting is just around the corner. As ever, Aiken’s formal season starts in November and wraps up in early March, making this area the perfect winter stamping ground for hunt junkies from Northern climes, as well as for our local enthusiasts. By November, when the weather up North starts deteriorating, the air in Aiken cools, making for excellent scenting conditions, enthusiastic horses and exciting outings in the countryside. No wonder this area attracts so many seasonal riders. With the COVID-19 pandemic still altering some schedules and events, please contact hunt secretaries for the most up-to-date information about riding with a hunt or observing one. Most hunts have traditionally welcomed the public at their annual opening meet and blessing of the hounds, but several made those meets private last year and may do so again in 2021.

Aiken Hounds

Drag Hunt Hitchcock Woods and Aiken County, SC. Hunt attire: Green coat with a chamois collar. Evening: Scarlet with green facings, chamois collar. Master of Foxhounds: Ms. Linda Knox McLean, Mr. Larry Byers, Ms. Sarah Wildasin Huntsman: Mr. Chad Wilkes Contact: Hon. Sec. Dr. Linda C. Hickey, 803.270.7392, lchickey63@ gmail.com. Hotline: 803.643.DRAG www.facebook.com/aikenhounds; www.theaikenhounds.com Season: Mid-October through mid-March Opening Meet: Thursday, November 25, 2021 (Thanksgiving) Caps should contact the hunt secretary. Hunt days: Tuesdays and Saturdays The Aiken Hounds is the longest running hunt in South Carolina. It was established in 1914 by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hitchcock and recognized by the MFHA in 1916. During drag hunt days, the AH hunts the 2,200 acres of the Hitchcock Woods. These Tuesday and Saturday meets are well-suited for riders on a fixed schedule as drag hunts typically only take a couple of hours. The Aiken Hounds also conduct periodic live hunts in Aiken County. The Aiken Hounds Opening Meet and Blessing of the Hounds has traditionally been held at Memorial Gate in the Hitchcock Woods on Thanksgiving Morning, drawing over 100 riders and crowds of spectators. In 2020, opening meet was made private due to COVID-19, and it has not yet been decided whether to hold it as a public meet or not this year. For information, visit www.theaikenhounds.com. Prospective guests are requested to please contact the hunt secretary. Cancellations and changes are posted on the hotline within two hours of the event.

Belle Meade Hunt

Live Hunt Thomson and McDuffie Counties, GA. Hunt attire: Scarlet coat with a Confederate Cavalry yellow collar. Evening: Same Master of Foxhounds: Mr. Charles W. Lewis, Mr. Ed Maxwell, Dr. Gary Wilkes, Mr. Edgar S. (Epp) Wilson Contact: Hon. Sec. Mrs. Angela Smith, 706.833.3104, ke4nnr@ classicsouth.net, www.bellemeadehunt.org Hunt Office: 706.595.2525 Season: November through mid-March Opening Meet: Saturday, November 6, 2021 Caps are invited to contact the hunt secretary. Hunt Week: February 6-12, 2022 Hunt Ball: February 12, 2022 Hunt days: Wednesdays, Saturdays and some Sundays The Belle Meade Hunt was established in 1966 and recognized by the MFHA in 1970. Belle Meade is a large, fast moving hunt that takes riders through the hills, fields and woodlands of northwestern Georgia. The hunts often have fields of 50 to 75, which are divided into four flights including two jumping and two non-jumping flights. In nonpandemic years, Belle Meade boasts a well-attended opening meet with over 100 riders and 500 spectators. Belle Meade keeps English and Crossbred foxhounds.

Camden Hunt

Live Hunt Kershaw County, SC Hunt attire: Black Melton or Oxford gray coat with gold collar and charcoal piping. Evening: Scarlet with gold lapels. Master of Foxhounds: Ms. Sue Sensor, Ms. Amy Cantey, Ms. Janet Butcher and Mr. Richard Osworth Huntsman: Ms. Melissa Rice Contact: Hon. Sec. Ms. Amy Cantey, 803.420.6860, therealcamdenhunt@gmail.com Season: October through mid-March Opening Meet: Thanksgiving, November 25, 2021 Hunt days: Wednesdays and Saturdays The Camden Hunt is the second oldest hunt in South Carolina and was recognized by the Master of Foxhounds Association in 1926. The hunt maintains a professional huntsman, a kennel, and between 20 to 25 couple of crossbred hounds. The terrain in hunt country is a mix of lush swamps, hardwood forests and mature pine woods. Hunt country is well paneled with coops, Aikens and Camdens. The footing is mostly sandy and very horse friendly. There are three fields: the first, which jumps; the second, which goes at a slower pace and can avoid jumping; and the third field which does not jump. Game consists of red and gray foxes as well as coyote.

The Aiken Horse

October-November 2021

spends time hunting in Salley, SC from January to mid-March. The hunt territory is the former Saxonburg Hunt fixtures which was passed on to Rose Tree in 2020. The huntsman duties are shared by Sean Cully, MFH - RT-BMH and Marion Thorne, MFH – Genesee Valley Hunt. This partnership provided some fabulous hunting during the inaugural season in 2020. The territory consists of fixtures in and around Salley and Wagener. The hunt’s Crossbred Foxhounds entertain coyote, red fox and grey fox. There are usually two fields; a third field is available occasionally.

Shakerag Hounds

Lowcountry Hunt

Live Hunt Beaufort, Charleston, Colleton, Bamberg, and Jasper counties, SC Hunt attire: Black coat with gold piped indigo collar (to represent historical crops of indigo and Carolina gold rice) Master of Foxhounds: Ms. Christina Bates, Mrs. Nina S. Burke, Mrs. Melinda F. Shambley, Dr. Mark O. Shambley Huntsman: Mr. Tony Gammell Contact: Hon. Sec. Elizabeth Howard, 434-531-5843, lowcountryhunt@gmail.com. www.thelowcountryhunt.com Hunt Monitor: 843-608-HUNT Season: Cubbing October through mid-November; Formal midNovember through mid-March Fall Hunter Pace: October 2, 2021 Opening Meet: November 13, 2021 Hunt Weekend:, January 13-16, 2022 Hunt days: Tuesdays, Thursday, Saturdays, and sometimes Sundays The Lowcountry Hunt was founded in 2006. Hunt country includes some of the oldest and most beautiful estates in the ACE Basin with terrain ranging from freshwater marshes and tidal creeks to ancient live oak groves and hardwood forests. Fox and coyote are hunted with frequent sightings of alligators, bald eagles, and many types of waterfowl. The Lowcountry Hunt keeps American and Crossbred foxhounds.

Rose Tree-Blue Mountain Hunt

Live Hunt Salley, SC Master of Foxhounds: Mr. Sean Cully, Ms. Maryann Cully, Mr. Edward Franco, Mr. Michael Wright Huntsman: Mr. Sean Cully, MFH Marion Thorne, MFH (Guest Huntsman from Genesee Valley Hunt) To Hunt, Contact: Ms. Maryann Cully, MFH/Hon. Secretary mkcully@yahoo.com Season: January – mid March Hunt Days: Monday, Wednesday & Saturday Attire: Casual attire except for joint meets, otherwise be neat and tidy. Formal attire for joint meets will include black coats/tan breeches. Rose Tree-Blue Mountain hunt is based in central Pennsylvania and

October-November 2021

Live Hunt Madison, Franklin, and Wilkes counties, GA. Hunt attire: Black coat with dove gray collar with Byzantine gold piping Master of Foxhounds: Mr. Daryl Buffenstein & Mr. Wayne Thrush Huntsman: Mr. John Eaton Contact: Hunt Sec. Dr. Tara Stricko, 770.312.3438, huntsecretary@ shakeraghounds.com. www.shakeraghounds.com Season: Labor Day through mid-March Opening Meet: October 23, 2021. Details for the hunt breakfast & tally-ho wagons are to be determined. Guests must sign a COVID-19 release in addition to the standard liability release. Both are available on the website. Closing Hunt: mid-March Hunt days: Tuesdays and Saturdays The Shakerag Hounds is the oldest recognized hunt in Georgia. It was established in 1943, when a group of horse and hunting enthusiasts at Atlanta’s historic Chastain Park started the Atlanta Hunt Club, the precursor of the Shakerag Hounds of today. In 1950, the hunt was officially recognized by the MFHA. Facilities include a large clubhouse, kennels, a barn for staff horses, and a home for the professional huntsman. Shakerag Hounds employ a pack of 40+ PennMaryDel and Crossbred foxhounds that hunt red and gray fox, coyotes, hogs, and bobcat. Fox hunting with Shakerag is a family sport, with riders 8 to 80 participating in one of up to four fields.

Whiskey Road Foxhounds

Live Hunt Aiken, Allendale, and Lexington counties, SC. Hunt attire: Scarlet with Aiken green velvet collar. Evening: Same with scarlet facings. Master of Foxhounds: Mr. David Smith, Ms. Barbara Nelson, Mr. Joseph Hardiman & Ms. Betsy Minton Huntsman: Mr. Joseph Hardiman Contact: Hon. Sec. Betsy Minton, 803.617.8353, elizabethminton@ att.net, www.whiskeyroadhounds.com Season: October through March Opening Meet: November 7, 2021 Hunter Paces: February 21, 2022 Hunt Week: February 2-8, 2022 Hunt Ball: February 4, 2022 Closing Hunt: March 20, 2022 Hunt days: Thursdays and Sundays Established in 1976 and registered with the MFHA in 1977, the Whiskey Road Foxhounds regularly hunt large tracts in Aiken, Allendale, and Lexington counties. WRFH fields three flights over wooded and grassy terrain, through cattle farms and timber properties peppered with coops, logs, and cross-country style jumps. Whiskey Road keeps 30 couple of English and Crossbred hounds. Guests are invited to wear their colors.

The Aiken Horse

CELL: (803) 522-3648

WWW. SHARERDALE.COM SHARERDALETEAM@GMAIL.COM office: (803) 761- 0678

- SOLD - UNDER CONTRACT

The Aiken Horse

October-November 2021

CELL: (803) 522-3648

WWW. SHARERDALE.COM SHARERDALETEAM@GMAIL.COM Office: (803) 761-0678

$1,250,000 - 3,964 Square Feet - Sean Wolf Custom Build 2010 -3 Runs Plantation - 4 Bedroom w/ fully equipt apartment - 5 acres with 7 pastures - 4 stall barn w/tack room & storage

$295,000 Gatewood Community 3 bedroom/2 bath/Bonus Room 2638 Square Feet LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!

October-November 2021

$2,250,000 6,327 Sq Ft / 4 bed 3.5 bathroom Luxurious Master Suite. In-Law / Guest House 5 stallls/ Arena / Large Turnouts / 20 Acres

$442,000 4 bedrooms / 2.5 bath 1950 Square Feet 1 ACRE WITH 2 STALL BARN DIRECT TRAIL ACCESS!!

- $1,450,000 - 4,880 Sq. Ft. Built in 2009 - 4 bedroom, 5.5 bathroom, elevator - 16 Acres, 4 stall barn - Guest apartment above barn -3rd story zen viewing tower - Salt water pool

$269,500 Aiken Estates 3 bedroom / 2 bath 2430 Square Feet OVERSIZED Sunroom

The Aiken Horse

2022 STABLE VIEW CALENDAR

JANUARY

11 14-15

12 15

FEBRUARY

MARCH

5-6 12 18-20

APRIL

1-3

SEPTEMBER

14 15 23-25

21-22

22-23 2 12-13 19-20

MAY

9-10 14-17 30-May 1

2-5 18-19 24-26

JUNE

4-7 13-14 17-18 19-21

OCTOBER

5 7-9 12

30-July 3 9-10 16-17

29-Oct 2

15-16

JULY

NOVEMBER

2 5

AUGUST

9 19-20 7

DECEMBER

10-11 17-18

Dates pending USEF approval

117 Stable Dr, Aiken SC 14

The Aiken Horse

October-November 2021

The Aiken Horse

$30,000 Aiken Fall Festival Grand Prix, Bruce’s Field

Photography by Pam Gleason & Gary Knoll

BUY 10 GET ONE FREE!!!

BOY! M A E R I SU ! Y R G N HU

ONLY AT AIKEN SADDLERY’S NEW DRIVE-THRU WAREHOUSE

Call 803-649-6583 Text 803-522-5448 or Email aikensaddlery@gforcecable.com to order 18

The Aiken Horse

October-November 2021

The Aiken Horse

October-November 2021

New Vocations Thoroughbred Show, Highfields Event Center

October-November 2021

The Aiken Horse

Photography by Pam Gleason & Gary Knoll

l u xu r i ou s acco m m o dat i o n s • awa r d -w i n n i n g r e s tau r a n t l o b by ba r • i n t i m at e s pa 100 COLLETON AVENUE SW | AIKEN, SC | 803.648.1898 | THEWILLCOX.COM

The Aiken Horse

October-November 2021

The Aiken Horse

News and Notes By Pam Gleason

New Dates at Stable View

Stable View, which has become Aiken’s premier eventing destination, is continuing to add more equestrian events to a very active schedule. In 2022, they will hold a total of 48 competitions spread out over the year, including recognized and schooling horse trials, hunter/jumper shows and dressage competitions. What’s more, many of their competitions have been upgraded, meaning that they should start to attract even more attention in the horse world, drawing top competitors from across the region and beyond. Eventing has always been Stable View’s strongest suit, and it promises to become even more attractive in the coming years. For lower level riders and those starting out, it will continue to hold regular Eventing Academy shows, which feature a schooling day before the competition so that green horses and riders can practice before they ride in front of a judge. In 2022, Stable View will also hold three national level USEA and/or USEF horse trails, including the Region Three championships in June. The facility’s signature events, however, are two FEI-level outings that attract the best horse and rider teams in North America; one in the spring and one in the fall. This year, US Equestrian instituted new procedures for assigning dates for recognized competitions. The new “Eventing Calendar Process” is “designed to produce the most effective U.S. sporting calendar to properly develop and prepare High Performance horses and athletes to be competitive at international long format competitions and Championships both in the U.S. and on the world stage.” “What this means is that they have created pathways within the context of what is best for US Eventing, and they have designated specific events that will prepare riders better for the big events,” said Barry Olliff, who owns Stable View along with his wife Cyndy. “Stable View has come out of the process very well. Our FEI event in April is three weeks before the Five Star in Kentucky and our Oktoberfest is three weeks before the Five Star in Maryland. That makes Stable View a very important preparatory event. All the top riders will be here: It couldn’t be better.” Although US Eventing’s new calendar process doesn’t officially start until 2023, Stable View already has ideally situated spring and fall dates in 2022. This should make the season especially exciting– and it doesn’t hurt that Stable View is also giving out $60,000 in prize money at each of its Four Stars. In addition, in 2022, Stable View has

doubled the number of hunter-jumper shows that it will offer, going from four per year to eight per year, and these shows have been upgraded from B shows to A shows. This should attract many more exhibitors, and will mean that Aiken has three venues offering prestigious recognized horse shows: Bruce’s Field, Highfields, and now Stable View. The addition of Stable View’s “A” dates will make Aiken a much more significant destination for riders seeking points on the hunter-jumper circuit – you would have to go to Florida to find a place where you could put show miles on a horse or hunt points more efficiently. For dressage riders, Stable View will hold three Level 3 and three Level 2 shows, with schooling shows every month that there is no recognized show. And there is something else that is being added to the Stable View menu: loyalty programs. Stable View already offers year-end awards and prizes to repeat exhibitors at its Eventing Academy shows. In the coming year Barry said he would like to institute loyalty programs in all the disciplines, along with upgrading the prize money offered. “We will have additional prize money and incentives,” said Barry. “I haven’t quite figured out how it will work and how much it will be. But it won’t be insignificant.”

“The foundation’s goal is to raise enough funds that can support an annual grant program for many years to come, thus ensuring Annie’s legacy as a rising star in equestrian sports,” wrote Tara. The family is asking for contributions of photos and video clips to be included in the commemorative slide show that will play at the celebration. Please email favorite photos to rafterysouth@gmail.com If you would like to donate to the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Fund, you may do so directly on the AHP website here: https://aikenhorsepark.charityproud. org/Donate/?cid=10365. Or send a check to AHPF, PO Box 1951, Aiken SC 29802. Make checks payable to the Aiken Horse Park Foundation and put Annie Goodwin in the bottom left corner of the check.

Centennial Club

On Monday, August 16, Ray Mansur and his 28-year-old Haflinger gelding Manfred became Aiken’s first members of the American Driving Society’s Centennial Club. What’s more, Ray also became the very first male member of the ADS to achieve this distinction. The Centennial Club, sponsored by Shelly Temple who is the vice president of the

Celebrating Annie Goodwin

The Goodwin family is inviting the Aiken equestrian community to a Celebration of Spirit for Annie Goodwin, a talented eventing professional who was killed in a tragic schooling accident over the summer. The gathering is scheduled for 5-8 pm on February 9, 2022 at Bruce’s Field in the Aiken Horse Park. Friends and family will share “words of remembrance, inspiration and humor” at 6 pm. The family chose the Aiken Horse Park as the site for the celebration because of Annie’s affection for it. Tara Bostwick, who is vice president of the Aiken Horse Park Foundation, says that the foundation is honored to be the host. “Annie was a frequent guest of Bruce’s Field since it first opened,” she wrote in an email. “She competed in hunter/jumper shows, schooling days, dressage shows and most recently made her freshman debut in the Grand Prix Eventing Showcase last March. I cannot think of a better place for friends and family to come together to remember Annie than Bruce’s Field as it played such an important role in so many of her equestrian accomplishments.” The Aiken Horse Park has already announced another way it is honoring Annie. This is the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Fund, which was “established in Annie’s memory to foster, support, and develop Aiken’s young equestrians who embody Annie’s character and dedication in their respective sports.”

The Aiken Horse

ADS and one of Aiken’s best known whips, is modeled after the Dressage Foundation’s Century Club, which recognizes older riders and their equines. In order to join the Centennial Club, a whip and his horse must have ages that add up to 100 or more, and they must perform a dressage test of their choice, scored by an ADS recognized judge. There is no required minimum score: for this club, to compete is to win. Ray, who is 78, drove his test in front of the judge Muffy Seaton at the Aiken Driving Club-sponsored Summer Sizzler Fun Day at Bellehaven Farm in Windsor. Dan Rosenthal, who is the president of the ADS, was on hand to present Ray with an official ribbon and to congratulate him for his achievement. Considering the number of senior driving enthusiasts and long-lived horses in the Aiken equestrian community, it seems likely that there are other candidates out there who might be eligible for this club. Interested? Any

October-November 2021

ADS member who has seen enough winters can join. Although you are allowed to drive multiple horses in your test, you can only count the age of one of them (No, a 52-yearold driving a 4-in-hand of 12-year-old ponies can’t become a member.) The application can be found on the ADS website under Competitions and Awards. There is no fee for this program. Visit americandrivingsociety.org for more information.

Engineered Equine Performance

Engineered Equine Performance, a new equine rehabilitation and conditioning facility, will have a grand opening and open house on October 21, all day from 9 in the morning until 8 in the evening. The main event will be from 4:30 until 7:30, when there will be vendors and various giveaways. A demonstration followed by a question and answer session will begin at 6:30 pm. Engineered Equine Performance, located at 4065 Wagener Road in Aiken, is dedicated to providing preventive care and rehabilitation for sport horses. The facility has a number of therapeutic tools, including PEMF therapy, a vibration floor, and a water treadmill with a cold water spa. The business is owned and managed by Maxine Emerich, who has a degree in engineering, and originally came to this area as an employee at the Savannah River Site, where her husband still works. Maxine will be working with area veterinarians and internationally known experts to bring world-class treatments to Aiken’s equestrian community. Check out the new website (engineeredequineperformance.com) or call 803-646-8754 for more information.

Ponies, Pearls & a Donkey

The finals of a fast-paced 14-Goal Women’s Challenge Polo Tournament at New Bridge Polo Club on Friday, October 1, set the stage for Ponies & Pearls, a fundraising event for Brooke USA. Billed as a Women’s Empowerment Event, Ponies & Pearls drew a sizable crowd to the clubhouse lawn where they socialized with cocktails and watched the match taking place on Field One. “We are thrilled with the response we received to ‘Ponies & Pearls,” said Katie Roth, who is the chair of the Aiken Advisory Council for Brooke USA. “The council worked very hard, and we are so proud we exceeded our expected attendance and fundraising goal for this first-time event.” Events like Ponies & Pearls help Brooke USA Foundation raise awareness and funds to continue its mission of significantly improving the health, welfare, and productivity of working horses, donkeys, mules and the people who depend on them for survival worldwide. Joining guests watching the polo action from the clubhouse lawn was Brooke USA’s

October-November 2021

Equine Ambassador “Kate the Black Burro.” Kate has a job, although it may be a bit different than those performed by working donkeys, mules, and horses in many third world countries. Kate is a beer burro. Kate’s owner, Joanna Caldwell, said Kate got her start in public appearances in 2017 as a mascot for her twin sons’ high school polo team. Joanna soon began taking Kate to parties, and then learned about the beer burro trend, in which donkeys are used to bring drinks to party guests. Aided by saddle bags, Kate has been bartending at parties, weddings, corporate events, and polo matches for the past 10 years. Joanna, who lives part time at New Bridge Polo Club, jumped at the opportunity to support Brooke USA with Kate. “Kate is a working equine,” she said with a smile, “And that is what Brooke represents globally. Plus, she is well cared for, which is one of Brooke’s goals — educating people in impoverished countries on how to care for their equines. The donkeys and other working equines are everything to people in Africa and other third world countries – their livelihoods and literally lives, depend on them.” In addition to the entertainment provided by the polo match, the attendees enjoyed watching Kate serve an array of craft-infused tequila drinks created by 21 Seeds Tequila, a female-founded company. Silent auction items could be viewed and bid on throughout the afternoon. Recently, Brooke USA launched a campaign to ban sales on Amazon of ejiao, which is used in traditional Chinese medicine and beauty products. Produced by boiling donkey hides, the demand for ejiao has led to tens of thousands of working donkeys being stolen and slaughtered in Asia an Africa. Learn more about Brooke USA, including how to voice your opinion to Amazon, by visiting the website, www.BrookeUSA.org. Nancy Johnson

Gold Wowie CBD

Players and visitors to New Bridge Polo and Country Club might notice that they have a new and unique presenting sponsor this season. It’s not LandRover or Longines or Veuve Clicquot Champagne. It’s Gold Wowie CBD, a CBD oil company owned and run by Leilani Pacheco, an entrepreneur and animal lover who recently moved to Aiken from Hawaii.

Although she was raised on the paradisiacal big island, Leilani explained that she was always attracted to the American South, possibly inspired by her grandmother who lived in Virginia. She grew up riding horses, and dreaming about playing polo. But it was the 1970s and there were few women in the sport and none in Hawaii. “We girls weren’t allowed,” she said. “Only boys could play. Now anybody can play, and I love horses, and Aiken just drew me.” Over the winter, Leilani bought property in New Bridge, as well as a house in town, and has just started taking polo lessons, which she loves. “I don’t need to play tournament polo,” she said. “But I want to learn to play.” Sponsoring the season at New Bridge was another way to get involved in the sport, with the goal of promoting her company and helping people and their horses and pets along the way. Working as a natural healer in Hawaii, she has been involved with therapeutic cannabis products for decades, and developed Gold Wowie to create and sell the best full spectrum CBD on the market, which she certifies through regular testing of every batch. Gold Wowie makes different formulations for people, horses and dogs, and Leilani said that CBD can work wonders on horses with various inflammatory and stress related problems, as well as on dogs with separation or thunderstorm anxiety. Leilani, who also practices MagnaWave PEMF, said she often works with veterinarians and strives to educate her clients, not just to sell them product. “Every horse is different,” she said. “I think of what I provide as another step to help them. I’m here to heal.” For more information, visit goldwowie.com

The Aiken Horse

Exclusive Clothing, Gifts and Sporting Art 126 Laurens Street SW Aiken, SC 29801

803.642.9772 equinedivineonline.com

The Aiken Horse

October-November 2021

The Aiken Horse

Shop Local

utumn is upon us and with it comes shopping season. Whether shopping for oneself or picking out gifts for Christmas, most of us will spend more money shopping in the last quarter of the year than at any other time. It’s no secret that shopping through major outlets on the internet has become more popular than ever. It’s fast and convenient and you don’t have to leave the house. The trend accelerated rapidly with the COVID-19 pandemic, and many people have stopped going to retail stores altogether. This has meant harder times for local businesses, which rely on foot traffic and in-person spending for the majority of their income. In order to reverse this trend, it’s more important than ever to shop local. This will support small businesses, enhance the economy and keep our community strong. According to the organization Independent We Stand, when you shop local, for every $100 you spend, $68 will stay in the local community. If you spend $100 at a national chain, only $43 stays in the community.

Shopping local does not necessarily mean shopping at a store in your exact neighborhood. It does mean shopping at independently owned businesses, especially those that go out of their way to provide unique items that you won’t find at a chain store. Locally owned businesses are what give our cities and towns distinctive character: not only will you find more interesting items, you will also be supporting the diversity and charm of special places like Aiken. Starting in November, be sure to look for stores that are participating in the Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce’s Red Ticket program. This is an initiative to make shopping local more appealing than ever. Participating stores will give out numbered red tickets for every $25 spent. Those tickets will then be entered into weekly drawings for cash prizes, starting at $100 and going up to $1,000. This means that if you shop local this year, you could get all your money back! And if you do – remember to spend it locally

This sterling silver and 14k gold stirrup bangle from Mark Lexton is a customer favorite for a reason. Simple. elegant and stunning, wear it alone, stacked or paired with a watch. Mark Lexton, based in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina is a master goldsmith known for his carefully crafted and very wearable hand-forged pieces. MarkLexton.com; 843.662.1971

FITS Full Seat Tech Tread Tights- Now with 2 Pockets! FITS’ breakthrough Tech Tread innovation maximizes grip where riders need it while minimizing it where they don’t. Inspired by the directionally resistant technology of athletic shoes’ soles. FITS Tech Tread breech gives you an inconspicuous and extremely comfortable edge. Perfected by our ergonomic styling and made possible by advances in garment printing technology - Tech Treads must be worn to be believed!

Add some Western flair to your stable with Knotty Girlz halters and leads, now available at Aiken County Farm Supply! Knotty Girlz halters are top rated and beloved by followers of Natural Horsemanship methods and anyone else who appreciates a versatile, durable and colorful rope halter. What’s more, the company is family-owned and operated in Washington state. Aiken County Farm Supply. 1933 Park Ave, SE, Aiken. 803-649-2987. aikencountyfarmsupply.com

Available at the FITS Aiken Outlet Store 111 Warehouse Road, Aiken Phone: 803-226-0195

The Aiken Horse

October-November 2021

If you’re looking for clothing, artwork and gifts with an equestrian theme, Epona should be one of your very top destinations in Aiken. Epona on Laurens carries beautiful mugs, tiles and designs you won’t find anywhere else, all at reasonable prices.Visit the store to get inspired! Epona on Laurens, 137 Laurens St SW, Aiken. (803) 262-5102. Eponaonlaurens.com

Get foxed at Aiken Saddlery! Browse a selection of fox-themed clothing and gifts, such as this sweater by Chestnut Bay, embroidered jean jacket by KF Clothing and baby towel by Sarah Klein.You can get a foxy martini shaker and glasses too, toys, novelty socks and much more. Aiken Saddlery, 1044 East Pine Log Road, Aiken. Aikensaddlery.com; 803-649-6583

Everyone needs a new bridle! This is may be especially true if you are still riding in a bridle with a traditional design. A better understanding of equine anatomy and the effects of putting pressure on sensitive structures has resulted in advanced designs, such as this Schockemöhle Equitus Alpha Anatomical Bridle. The new alignment avoids the main facial nerve, spares important blood vessels and arteries and reduces pressure on the horse’s neck. Available at Oak Manor Saddlery. 2677 Wagener Rd, Aiken. (803) 641-7070 oakmanorsaddlery.com This 100% cotton afghan throw decorated with the Baker Blanket logo has many uses – sit on it while watching polo, protect your car seats, use it as a throw blanket, you name it! With a design that harkens back to an earlier time, it has a special charm for horsemen everywhere. Available at The Tack Room, 2530 Broad St, Camden SC. Tackroomonline.com; (803) 432-2264

Where can you find unique clothing, gifts and sporting art? Equine Divine on Laurens Street in downtown Aiken has a selection of items to please horse-loving people of all kinds. Settle into the colder months with this soft crewneck sweater made by Wooden Ships, a family-owned and ecologically minded company beloved for its cool, casual chic style. Equine Divine: Exclusive Clothing, Gifts and Sporting Art. 803.642.9772; equinedivineonline.com 126 Laurens Street SW, Aiken, SC 29801.

October-November 2021

The Aiken Horse

2021 Fall Polo Schedule

Now Available

Offered through New Bridge Realty

Contact Raza Kazmi, 888-4NB-POLO, info@newbridgepolo.com Hurry! This One Won’t Last Long! Last of It’s Kind in Phase 1 Paloma Lane: $225,000

Copa de Plata 8 Goal September 15 - October 3 New Bridge Ladies Invitational 14 Goal September 20-October 1 USPA National Copper Cup® 12 Goal September 22 - October 10 USPA National President’s Cup 8 Goal October 6 - 24

11.28 acres perimeter fenced parcel is the last of it’s kind located in Phase 1. Hardwood shade trees dot the property with well established grass perfect for paddocks. The close proximity to all club amenities, including the practice field, makes this property unique.

Stellar Location Could Be Yours! Exceptional Parcel on Polo Fields 4 & 5 Lauren Circle: $229,000

There’s no doubt this is the prettiest lot in Phase 3. Five acres, perimeter fenced with unobstructed views of Polo Fields 4 & 5. This parcel sits high and dry and offers maximum usability. All grass and mature trees. This is a premier location with amazing views.

Ideal Location Ready for Your Dream Home Lauren Circle Lot 3E: $64,000

UNDER CONTRACT

Situated adjacent to lovely homes, this 1+ acre lot is cleared, perimeter fenced, and ready for your dream home! Ideal location for a serene country home in a gated community with access to all club amenities and the availability of high speed internet.

#newbridgepolo / #newbridgelife / newbridgepolo.com

The Aiken Horse

USPA Association Cup 8 Goal Single Elimination October 27 - November 7 USPA Bronze Trophy® 12 Goal October 13-31

About New Bridge (visit newbridgepolo.com or call 1-888-4NB-POLO) New Bridge is an 860-acre gated equestrian community nestled among rolling pasture lands on New Bridge Road just 15 minutes from downtown Aiken, South Carolina. Born from the excitement, intensity and tradition of polo, New Bridge is the home of New Bridge Polo & Country Club and of Aiken Youth Polo. It embraces equestrians of all disciplines as well as those who simply love the outdoors. Residents enjoy an array of equestrian amenities including five meticulously groomed polo fields, stick and ball areas, an exercise track, polo arena, riding trails, all-weather GGT dressage and jumping arenas, miles of groomed roads made for riding and The Stables, our full-care, premier 24-stall boarding facility. A swimming pool with lounge area, a clay tennis court, and an Argentinian colonial-style Clubhouse with restaurant/bar (open spring and fall), balcony, porch, and outdoor spaces round out the perfect setting for everyone from families to empty nesters, casual riders to competitive athletes, and those simply seeking solace from a busy world. Now booking weddings and special events at the New Bridge Clubhouse! Call Katie at (803) 341-8800

October-November 2021

The Aiken Horse

Not our first rodeo.

BRIDLE CREEK EQUESTR I AN COMMUN I T Y

From the developer of Three Runs Plantation comes another wonderful equestrian neighborhood in Aiken, South Carolina. Bridle Creek meanders across 600 wooded acres, featuring ﬁve-acre lots and larger. Amenities include a dressage arena, jump arena, X-Country Schooling area and an activity center with meeting, social and ﬁtness space. All this plus miles of scenic trails. Phase One is already sold out, with more to come. Inquire today by calling 1-888-297-8881 or email info@bridlecreekaiken.com 600 Acres • Miles of groomed and marked trails • Jump arena • Dressage arena with mirrors • X-Country schooling area Activity/Fitness Center • Homesites from 5+ acres • From the developer of Three Runs Plantation HOMESITES INDIVIDUALLY PRICED • DEVELOPER FINANCING AVAILABLE • BRIDLECREEKAIKEN.COM Marketed by The Carolina Real Estate Company, Aiken, SC. Plans and prices subject to change without notice. This does not constitute an offer in any state where prohibited by law. No time requirement to begin construction.

Inside 39 40 42 48 54 56 58

New Owners: The Vista Ask the Judge Secret Lives: Bijou Oktoberfest 4 Star Balanced Sporthorse NYTS Menorcan Horses

DFG STABLES AIKEN, SC - OCALA, FL

CATHY GEITNER (803) 270-0574

DFGSTABLES @ AOL . COM DFGSTABLES . NET

The Aiken Horse

DANIEL GEITNER (803) 270-5420

October-November 2021

(803) 671-0678 October-November 2021

The Aiken Horse

October-November 2021

The Aiken Horse

October-November 2021

New Owners for The Vista

Paul, Lee and Morgan Batton cut the ribbon at their new facility.

Morgan and Paul Batton Take the Reins By Pam Gleason

he Vista Schooling Center has new owners. This fall, Morgan and Paul Batton, best known as the proprietors of The Hitch and Tow, which is currently Aiken’s only full-service trailer dealership, purchased the property. They plan to continue to operate the place as a schooling center, hold various events, and expand their offerings in the future. The Vista was opened at the end of 2015 as Aiken’s first dedicated schooling facility for event horses. Complete with dressage and jumping arenas, gallop tracks, a jumper derby field and cross country courses with fences from Starter to Intermediate level, The Vista has been a highly successful venture since its inception. It attracts customers six days a week from early morning to late afternoon, and in Aiken’s high season of eventing (December through March) it can see as many as 90 horses a day. Riders can sign up for schooling through a convenient website, and they may pay by the session or opt for two levels of yearly membership, giving them unlimited access to the facility for one or two horses. The concept for the Vista came from the horseman Tom Caniglia, who was looking for a place to take his students for lessons. In recent years, however, Tom has not been involved with the business, which was owned by a group of partners who are not horsemen. Although they may have been happy with the Vista as a business proposition, they realized that the place would be better served if it were owned by people who had a passion for horses and a deeper understanding of the needs of the horse community. Morgan and Paul Batton, both 31, certainly fit the bill. Although Paul, a mechanical engineer, is only a horse person by marriage, Morgan is totally immersed in the equestrian community, and especially in the eventing world. In addition to owning The Hitch and Tow, she is also a professional eventing trainer with her own business, Morgan Batton Eventing. Raised in Southern Pines, NC, she has been riding since childhood, took up eventing at 14, and now specializes in starting young horses under saddle and producing them up the levels in dressage and eventing. She has a small group of students, and is currently competing at the Intermediate and Three Star level. “We had used The Vista for schooling, and it always struck us as one

October-November 2021

of Aiken’s premier schooling facilities,” said Morgan. “We liked how well it was done, and felt that that was something that we could be a part of. Our skill set is utilized there, and it’s a property that was really well thought out and well done from the start. To be able to take a farm like that, that already had an operational business on it, was such a great opportunity.” Regular visitors to The Vista will be glad to know that the Battons are maintaining it as a schooling facility. They are also planning to continue offering the shows, derbies and other events that the Vista is known for. The Battons plan to build their home and a stable for Morgan Batton Eventing on the property in the near future, and they have some other plans to expand their offerings, including holding weddings and events in the building that is currently the home of the Half Moon Yoga Studio. They have partners in this venture: Christian and Rebecca Judy, who are the owners of Duke’s Barbecue on Whiskey Road. Plans for the immediate future include moving the office to a place that is more convenient to the parking area and revamping the footing in the large water complex, which is currently closed. “Safety is a priority,” said Morgan, commenting that the footing in the complex is not up to par with the rest of the cross country course. “Everything we do, we want to do with excellence.” The Battons will also be keeping their current management team: Brooke Burgess is staying on as general manager and Janet Chichester will remain the head of client relations. “We’re excited to have them stay with us,” said Morgan. “They make a super team. We’re blessed to be able to acquire The Vista. It’s one of the most beautiful settings in Aiken. The rolling hills are gorgeous, the footing is fantastic, and it has been so well cared for. It’s a great place of community, where people can come and can gather together. “We’re very happy to be here in Aiken,” she continued. “The people are fabulous. Everyone is so genuine and kind. The horse community is diverse and it’s so special. It’s a place like no other. Aiken’s horse community is a family for sure.”

The Aiken Horse

Ask the Judge

Questions about Dressage With Amy McElroy

Amy McElroy is an FEI competitor, and a USEF S judge. She is qualified to officiate at any USEF recognized national show at all dressage levels. She rides, trains and teaches at Fair Lane Farm in Aiken and judges between 15 and 20 dressage and eventing shows each year. In her popular Ask the Judge column, she answers readers’ questions about dressage. Do you have a question for Amy? Send her an email at McElroyDRM@aol.com, or visit her website: www.amymcelroy.com.

Dear Amy,

I am excited that I will be competing at the Region Three Dressage Championships this year. I am qualified at the Training and First Level Adult Amateur divisions. I also am hoping I get the opportunity to move on to the Nationals. I was wondering if you could give me any tips to enhance my rides and scores?

Lifelong Student

Dear Student,

Congratulations on qualifying for the Regionals, especially at two levels. Aiming to compete at the Nationals is a good goal. I would be happy to share some pointers to help give you the extra edge for winning rides at these levels. The Regional Championships for 2021 are being held at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers, Georgia. This is an exciting venue, as this is where the 1996 Dressage Olympics were also held. At this type of competition you will be competing against horse and rider combinations throughout the five states that make up Region Three. Besides South Carolina we also include the states of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee. This competition will have ribbons through eighth place, and there is only one class you will ride in to determine your final standing. To keep the scoring fair, your score will be the average of two judges’ scoresheets. If you go on to compete at the Nationals, your score will be the average of three judges’ scoresheets. Each judge will have their own station around the arena with their own tests sheets. When competing at the Regionals or the Nationals, there are a few things that are important to keep in mind. First of all, these tests must be ridden by memory! Unlike at a regular show, no callers are permitted. Be sure to know your tests well, so you can avoid any costly errors. Also, whips are not permitted in these classes. You will be eliminated if you forget this and carry one. Also be certain your horse is wearing his number and it is clearly visible: you cannot ride without a number on your horse. Finally, stay aware of your assigned time and be ready for an on-time arrival around the apron of your arena: being tardy can mean elimination. Be certain all your attire (for example your show shirt and neckwear or your saddle pad), and equipment (for example bits and nosebands), is legal for your level. All the information about what is legal and what is not can be found in the USEF rulebook under the Dressage section. This book is available online, so be sure to take a look at it. If in doubt about anything, you can always reach out to the Technical Delegate (TD) at the show to help you confirm a ruling. Approach your arena for an on-time start with your number well in view. Remember to drop your whip and to take off any other equipment that is allowed in warm-up but not in your test (for example bell boots and leg wraps) since you will be eliminated if your horse is wearing these when you enter the arena. Although the rules surrounding these pieces of equipment are clear and well-known in dressage circles, over the last 20 years of judging, I have unfortunately witnessed the

The Aiken Horse

disappointment of competitors being eliminated for all of these easily avoidable infractions of the rules. Once you’re in the arena, it is important to stay aware of your ring craft. Geometry and accuracy with correct basics are among the keys to success. When riding circles, it is important for you do to the correct size and to keep a nice, even shape centered around the prescribed letter. In Training Level Test Three, which is the test ridden at the Regionals and Nationals, I often see many common geometry and accuracy mistakes. Strive to have your entry and final halts exactly at X. This means your body should be directly over X. Be sure to clearly hold your halt for three seconds, the required length of the halt. Also, don’t forget to put your reins in one hand and salute at both the beginning and the end of the test. Many times, I see riders so happy with their horses that in their final halt, they just start patting the horse. This is wonderful to do, but only after you salute! If you do not salute, you will incur an error that will cost you two points off the final score, which is used to calculate your percentage. That is expensive. When performing your test, strive to be in the prescribed gait or performing the required movement at the exact point that your body is over the letter so you won’t be considered too early or too late in your transitions. The trickiest movement in the Training Level championship test is the transition from walk to trot that goes immediately into the left trot serpentine. If you wait too long to make that transition to trot at C it will be hard to make your first serpentine loop in the correct size and shape. Also don’t forget that you should ride clearly into your corners with correct bend during the bulk of the test, but stay out of them in the serpentines: good serpentines do not use the corners. In your stretchy circle, really try to show a difference in your horse’s frame. Try not to throw your reins away or let your hands get extremely wide: allow your horse to stretch forward and down into the contact. In First Level Test Three, the championship test at the First Level, I also see a number of other common mistakes. In this test, there are many times that you are required to reach the centerline. It is important you are clear with your steps. This includes both the leg yields that finish on the centerline and the 10-meter trot circles that start and finish on the centerlines. The canter loops (left and right) must touch the centerlines, as must the entry and exit halts. Overall, judges want the test to look effortless. The horse should display a steady tempo with nice forward energy and intent throughout the test. The horse and rider should have a quiet and steady connection, producing a closed mouth with the poll clearly the highest point. Marks will be lowered if you seem to be rushing around, or moving sluggishly with strides that don’t track up. If your horse has a busy mouth (opening or showing tongue), or his head is way too high, or he curls his head down, getting his poll too low, this will also have a negative impact on your ride and score. Be ready to have the ride of your life. Think forward with the best accuracy and geometry you can. Show off your horse and go for it! Much luck.

October-November 2021

USEF/USEA Horse Trial Dates December 4, 2021 (P-ST) February 5, 2022 (P-BN) February 6, 2022 (TBA) March 5-6, 2022 (P-ST) April 23, 2022 (P-ST)

Apple Days D Schooling HT February 11, 2022 March 11, 2022 March 25, 2022

SportingDaysFarm.com

3549 Charleston Highway, Aiken Text Only: 803-226-2024

October-November 2021

The Aiken Horse

Secret Lives

Bringing Bijou Back By Nancy Johnson

annah Jungling recalls being a young “barn rat” 21 years ago on the day Bijou Noir, a petite black filly, was born at a stable in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Bijou’s dam, Fantasia, was a Thoroughbred standing about 15.3 hands, while her sire was the renowned eventing Trakehner stallion Amethyst, who was almost 17 hands. Despite her parentage, at maturity Bijou could still measure in as a pony. “She may be only 14.2, but don’t tell her that!” Hannah says with a laugh. It is something of a rarity for anyone to know a horse from the day it is born through maturity and into its senior years. That is the case with Hannah and Bijou, although there are some missing pieces in their history. Bijou is now living in retirement at Hannah’s farm in Aiken, but it took some detective work to get her there. Hannah says she will always be grateful to Cindy Burke, the owner of the farm where Bijou was born, for her first opportunity to ride and compete a quality event horse. That horse was Bijou’s mother Fantasia. “I rode her in three Young Riders Championships in Area 4 and won with her at Prelim and Intermediate before she retired,” she remembers. When it was time to start training Bijou, it was no surprise that Hannah was all in. She broke the filly and competed her up to the Preliminary Level while schooling through Advanced. “She was an absolute pocket rocket and a beautiful mover,” she says. But then Hannah suffered a serious riding accident and went through a very tough period. During that time, Bijou, then 10, was sent out East to be sold. “I completely lost track of her for five years,” Hannah explains. “It was so hard on me because she was my absolute heart horse; just so special to me in so many ways.”

athletic and quick that you’d be on the ground before you knew it.” Amy and Hannah continued to communicate regularly for years. “I literally told her every bit about the first 10 years of this mare’s life,” Hannah says. As their relationship grew, Hannah told Amy that Bijou could always have a home with her, even if she was only suitable as a lawn ornament. Then, just over a year and a half ago, Hannah got an unexpected call from Amy. Amy’s parents had sold their farm where Bijou was living in semi-retirement. She needed a home. At the time, Hannah and her husband Bryce were making plans to move from Iowa to Aiken. Instead of shipping Bijou from the East Coast to Iowa and then back again, the mare was sent to stay temporarily with a friend of Hannah’s in Aiken. Hannah admits she cried when she and Bijou were finally reunited. “I called out to her and she galloped across the pasture to me,” she says. Bijou quickly became the queen of the Junglings’ farm. “She’s utterly wild and feral in the field,” Hannah says. “She lives out and starts every galloping stampede in the field. She’s still very affectionate with people; she will just stand and snuggle with you for as long as you let her.” At age 21, Bijou occasionally takes Bryce, who is a beginner rider, for a

Bijou at home: she loves to stick her tongue out

Bijou Noir competing with Hannah in her younger days back in Iowa.

Hannah searched for Bijou Noir religiously on the internet. “On the first of every month, I would check all the national databases – USEA, FEI, USEF, and so on – for any record of her, but it appeared as if no one was competing her for years,” Hannah notes. But then, she finally found the mare’s name listed as having competed successfully in some horse trials with a woman named Amy Brown in Virginia. Hannah contacted Amy through Facebook and the two quickly formed a friendship. “I sent her lots of photos of Bijou, from her baby pictures all the way through my competing her,” Hannah says. By the time Hannah and Amy first connected, Amy was having fun with Bijou, occasionally competing her at Novice level but not campaigning her seriously. Bijou had passed through a couple of hands before Amy got her, and it didn’t completely surprise Hannah that no one had competed her before that. “She could be a bit of a handful,” Hannah says. “In fact, she was a real spitfire! When she was growing up, she took a lot of pride in dumping me at least weekly. She was just so

little walk-trot ride in Hitchcock Woods. “She just takes such good care of him. Sometimes I can’t even believe she’s the same mare!” Hannah says. “That’s her only job now – just being happy. She’s here to be adored and spoiled rotten. I will always live up to my promise to give her a great retirement.” On top of realizing her dream of getting Bijou back to retire, Hannah is thrilled to share some additional good news. In February the Junglings are expecting three foals from Bijou, who were conceived through embryo transfer at the Equine Fertility Institute at Performance Equine Clinic in Aiken. All three surrogate mares carrying the foals are on Hannah’s property. “Having a baby from Bijou has been my dream since the day I knew we were getting her back. Performance Equine was just brilliant in getting us not one, not two, but three embryos implanted with two more in the freezer,” Hannah says. The sire of these foals is Smaragaid Cliff, a 14.2 hand stallion who is the current leading Connemara sire for both the USEF and the USDF. One of the foals has been sold in utero. When the foals are born in the spring, Hannah plans to pick her favorite of the other two to keep for herself and will offer the third for sale. “I have no idea what to expect as far as size,” Hannah says. “Bijou is small, but certainly has size in her genes. And regardless, she jumped around 4 feet like it was a joke.” Sponsored by Triple Crown Nutrition: Providing nutrition beyond compare.

The Aiken Horse

October-November 2021

The Aiken Horse

2022 STABLE VIEW CALENDAR JANUARY

FEBRUARY

5 12 15 22-23

12-13 19-20

5-6 12 18-20

MARCH

APRIL

1-3 9-10 14-17

30-May 1 Dates pending USEF approval

117 Stable Dr, Aiken SC 44

The Aiken Horse

October-November 2021

The Aiken Horse

Internal Medicine Workups Rachelle Thompson, DVM

803-641-0644

Respiratory Chronic Colic Geriatric Weight Loss Neurological Limited Space Available Make Reservation Today

The Aiken Horse

October-November 2021

Experienced equine law counsel for businesses, horse owners and equestrian professionals throughout SC and NC.

864-527-5955 | jim@ritchiefirm.com TryonEquineLaw.com Facebook.com/ritchieandassociates

a 501c3 non-proﬁt organization

Your Camden Showgrounds

Since 2009

I-20 Exit 101

288 STALLS WITH RUBBER MATS, 3 EXHIBIT RINGS WITH STATE OF THE ART FOOTING, 2 COVERED ARENAS, FANS, CATTLE PENS, GENEROUS SPACE FOR LUNGEING AND SCHOOLING, AND VENDOR AREA

Make a Mark on the Park!

We have some lofty goals for the Park. Join us with our “Make a Mark on the Park” campaign! NAME A STALL We will provide the name plaque to honor your horse. Reach out to us via PM on FB for details about this popular, affordable option. We also have options, like NAME A BARN. We would love to see our visitors showcased across the property! Thanks for moving the Park forward. We look forward to seeing you ringside!

Oct 1-3 Oct 8-9 Oct 15-17 Oct 22-24 Oct 29-31 Nov 3 & 17 Nov 13-14 Dec 2-5 Dec 15

Palmetto Paint Horse Club Dr Susan Fay Clinic Four Beats For Pleasure SCQHA Spooktacular SCDCTA SCEP Winter Wednesdays Schooling Series Camden Winter Classic SCHJA Finale H/J SCEP Winter Wednesdays Schooling Series

Please contact the Show Manager with questions about their event.

For Booking Information 803-983-0366 info@scequinepark.com

Dates Subject to Change

443 Cleveland School Rd Camden SC 29020

scequinepark.com October-November 2021

Camden SC I-20 Exit 101 The Aiken Horse

FEI Four Star Cross Country: Oktoberfest at Stable View

Photography by Pam Gleason & Gary Knoll

The Aiken Horse

October-November 2021

DECEMBER 11, 2021 SCHOOLING HORSE TRIALS FEBRUARY 19 - 20, 2022 USEA/USEF HORSE TRIALS

October-November 2021

The Aiken Horse

« «

Many Problems + One Solution

Banixx, the effective solution for year-round issues! Skin Irritations

Dry Itchy Manes & Tails Antimicrobial

Thrush & Abscesses

Anti-Microbial + Anti-Fungal

banix x . com 52Aiken Horse The Aiken Horse October.indd 1

877-944-0795 October-November 2021 9/14/21 3:57 PM

October-November 2021

The Aiken Horse

October-November 2021

Balanced Sport Horses

Conditioning and Rehabilitation

By Nancy Johnson; Photography by Gary Knoll

hile living in British Columbia, Canada, Elli Meinert, who now lives on a farm in Windsor, spent two years earning her degree in Equine Sports Therapy. “It was a very extensive program. I learned about every muscle and tissue in a horse’s body,” she begins. “I knew this is what I wanted to do; it just took a while to find the perfect timing and take the plunge.” In May 2021, everything aligned, and she opened Balanced Sport Horses, a business specializing in rehabilitation and conditioning services for horses, located on her quiet 32-acre farm. While traditional rehabilitation care once relied on stall rest, hand walking, wound dressing, and leg wrapping, Elli’s facility takes things to a new level with the use of a variety of state-of-the-art equipment to aid in horses’ recovery and conditioning. The Equi-Mag blanket, including neck covering and leggings, uses electromagnetic signals to aid in cell recovery. Very popular across all disciplines is the TheraPlate, which uses unique vibration technology to stimulate muscles and circulation, helping to counter chronic inflammation and speed healing. Elli has found treadmills to be a great aid for rehabbing and conditioning. She stresses that they only have the horses walk on the machine and are careful to adjust the speed to each horse. “When I start them off, I watch the horse’s footfall and listen to it,” she says. “You want them walking purposefully, but not rushed. I look for them overstriding and to see the pelvis moving, but not in a hurry.” Ellie has found that most horses take to the treadmill very easily. “The ones that are difficult are the ones who want to play on it.” Then there is the piece of equipment that has really upped the game for Balanced Sport Horses – an equine water treadmill. Elli and her assistant, Efrain Sanchez, work as a team to prepare and handle the horses to ensure a safe and positive experience on the water treadmill. For its first session, they start a horse out with just a small amount of water in the bottom of the treadmill to let them get used to it and warm up. Just as with the regular treadmill, the speed is adjusted to each horse’s stride. “As we see them getting comfortable, we add more water as they continue to walk.” The treadmill must have some water in the bottom to run and it is easy to fill to the desired depth, since it takes only 12 seconds to add one inch of water. As the horse continues to walk, usually for another 12-15 minutes, Elli watches their breathing and their stride. “If they are getting tired and taking shorter steps or are losing focus, we take some water out,” she says. “Extensive research done in England recommends that knee deep water does the most for stride length and lung volume,” Ellie says. “People don’t realize how much work it is for horses to walk in water.” The water treadmill can also be adjusted to add an incline of up to 12 degrees. “We only use the incline, at about 6 degrees, for very fit horses,

October-November 2021

like advanced event horses,” Ellie emphasizes. “The addition of the incline adds another whole level of work,” she says. “You can hear them stepping that much harder.” “I include the TheraPlate with each water treadmill session,” Elli continues. “And I really encourage them to use it. It aids in circulation and helps avoid lactic acid buildup which people tend to underestimate. Also, I tell clients that after they get home, to make sure the horse moves around. They can turn them out, hand walk, or even ride lightly. “The water treadmill was a substantial financial outlay, but I totally have faith in it,” Elli says. “I love operating this machine and seeing the difference it makes in the horses. Every time we put a new horse on it, they come off looking fit and happy.” She gets a lot of positive feedback from owners and riders. “They tell me, ‘This horse feels so much stronger, or straighter, or more forward’ – it’s so rewarding.” Elli already has clients that come for water treadmill sessions every week as part of their training program. “I will work with my regular clients to adjust days if necessary,” she says. A session on the water treadmill, which is typically 30 minutes plus prep, is $85. That includes time afterwards on the TheraPlate, which would be $20 by itself. In addition, after 10 paid sessions, Elli comps the 11th session. Much of Elli’s initial business has been through word of mouth and via Facebook. “There are not a lot of private places that have what we do for rehab and of course, the big places are a bunch more expensive,” she says. When speaking with a potential rehab customer, Elli says, “The first question I ask is ‘Who is your vet?’ Aiken really has some good options for veterinary and farrier aftercare in rehabs and it is important that I work with them.” Elli is happy to have potential clients schedule a visit to her farm to see the water treadmill in operation. “I schedule therapy appointments so traffic and noise are kept to a minimum,” she says. Elli is already looking to the future in terms of additional equipment and services. “We are about to add a solarium over the top of the TheraPlate. It will be great for the winter as it blows warm air and has infrared light that also helps with recovery,” she says. She is also looking at a saltwater spa as a potential future investment. “I would want to have it set up so I could put it on a trailer and take it to shows as that is where it is especially useful.” To schedule a visit or a session on the water treadmill, contact Elli by text or phone at 803-443-8900, by email: elli@balancedsporthorses.com or through Facebook.

The Aiken Horse

Aiken Youth Dominate

Gracie Brown, Robyn Leitner, Summer Kneece, Sophie Grant, Aiden Meeker, Reagan Leitner, Josh Escapite

Successful Outing at NYTS Finals By Pam Gleason

iken Youth Polo sent seven players to the United States Polo Association National Youth Tournament Series Finals in Chicago this September. By all measures, it was a raging success. There were two divisions of the tournament: the Open and the Women’s, and each had four teams. Aiken’s players were split up and distributed amongst the teams, which are selected by a national committee. Both finals featured two teams with Aiken players. In addition, the MVP of each tournament was from Aiken, and Aiken’s players won the Best Playing Pony and the Sportsmanship award. Finally, Tiger Kneece, the head of Aiken Youth Polo, was the coach of both winning teams. The National Youth Tournament Series (NYTS) was conceived as a way to give young people opportunities to play with and against one another and thus encourage the growth of polo. To be eligible, players must have a handicap of at least B (-1) and they must not have reached their 19th birthday on January 1 of the playing year. The country is divided into four zones that hold qualifying tournaments during the season. At every qualifier, judges select a number of All Stars who are eligible to represent their zone in the finals, held at various locations throughout the country. This year, semifinal games were at clubs in the Chicago area, with the finals at Oak Brook Polo Club on September 12. The winning Open team, the Eastern Division, consisted of Aiden Meeker and Sophie Grant, both Aiken Youth Polo players, along with Winston Painter from Redding, Connecticut and Landon Eckbo Daniels from Wellington, Florida. This was essentially the same team that was the runner up in the 2020 NYTS, which was played this January in Wellington. The only difference was that in January, Landon played for the victorious Florida region. Landon therefore won the tournament two years in a row playing for different zones. On paper, the Eastern team looked exceptionally strong. Aiden Meeker, who plays all levels of polo in Aiken and in Florida, is very well mounted and highly skilled. Sophie Grant, who captained the Aiken team to the Girls’ Interscholastic Polo Championship this spring, was recently named the Polo Training Foundation’s Lynn Thompson Interscholastic Player of the Year. Winston Painter, who played for the victorious Gardnertown team in the Open division of the Interscholastics, was the Russell A. Sheldon Interscholastic Male Player of the year. Landon Daniels, a returning champion, has years of experience playing at various high octane clubs in Florida. The Eastern Region went up against a Wildcard team that featured another AYP player, Josh Escapite. He joined Daniel Miranda, Taylor Palacios and Vlad Tarashansky. Wildcard started off with two goals on handicap, a lead that was quickly erased by Eastern’s dominant play and practiced teamwork. The final score was 8-6 in favor of Eastern, with Josh Escapite responsible for all four of Wildcard’s goals. This performance earned him MVP honors. It might

The Aiken Horse

be noted, however, that he was not the high scorer of the final. This distinction belonged to Sophie Grant, the only female player on the field, who tallied five times for her team. In the Girls’ tournament, Aiken’s four female players were split up evenly amongst the teams. Gracie Brown, a graduate of Aiken Youth Polo and now a member of the USC Aiken Women’s Intercollegiate team, played for Team Yellow, Reagan Leitner for Team Pink, Robyn Leitner for Team Blue and Summer Kneece for Team Purple. This was the first time that the Girls’ Championship had four teams, and they were all very competitive, a testament to the phenomenal growth of women’s polo over the past decade. Summer, Reagan and Robyn had played together with Sophie Grant to win the Girls Interscholastics earlier in the year. In the final, Team Pink played Team Purple, pitting Summer Kneece (Purple) against Reagan Leitner (Pink.) Summer joined Saralyn Painter (Winston Painter’s younger sister) Elise Pardue and Caroline Matthews to form a formidable squad. The Pink team, which dominated its semifinal, also included Madison Jordan, Kelsey Bray and Grace Fleishmann. It was a close game throughout, with the lead changing hands several times in the early chukkers. The Purple team entered the final period ahead by just half a goal, fought hard to maintain the advantage, and ended up winning 6.5-5. Summer Kneece, who scored three of her team’s goals, was named the MVP. Reagan Leitner’s pony Sagebrush garnered Best Playing Pony honors, while Robyn Leitner won the Sportsmanship Award for “continued positive attitude, fairness and support for their peers.” Although Tiger Kneece has coached at the NYTS finals before, these were his first two wins. The victories were especially sweet, not just because of the honors won by his daughter Summer, but also because he has been teaching many of the riders for six or seven years. “The first accomplishment was that these kids stuck with the sport,” he said. “It’s incredible to see how they have matured as riders, individuals and good polo players. The talent level of the tournament overall has really increased, which is saying a lot about the success of the youth programs across America.” Tiger, who serves on the Junior Polo Committee of the USPA, says that NYTS has gotten very successful, but that this success relies on feeder programs for younger children, such as the middle school tournament program, which introduces younger kids to the sport. “That’s really where our focus is now, to make sure that when these kids age out, we reload the program.” Interested in Aiken Youth Polo? Follow them on FaceBook, or call Tiger at 803646-3301.

October-November 2021

The Aiken Horse

The Versatile Menorcan Horse Dressage, Trail, or ‘The Bot’

By Nancy Johnson; Photography by Pam Gleason

elly Sigler Patterson never had any intention of importing and breeding horses. A professional horse trainer specializing in foundation work, she was very content running a teaching and training business at her Looking Glass Farm in Wagener. But then, about six years ago, Kelly was introduced to Menorcan horses and her love and admiration for this rare Spanish breed has become almost an obsession. “It all started when I was in Spain looking for a horse for a Mexican client,” Kelly begins. “She was looking for a PRE (Pura Raza Espanola) and suggested that while I was there, I take a stop in Menorca as she had heard their horses were very interesting.” Menorca is an island in the Mediterranean Sea that is known for its unspoiled beaches and a riding and hiking trail that runs all the way around the island. When Kelly took a side trip there, she immediately loved it. “It’s very green, and looks like Ireland with sun,” she says. “There are lots of little stone walls everywhere, giving it an old European feel. And the people are lovely.” When she went to a show stable on the island, Kelly was impressed by the incredible presence of the stallions. “They were all happy, hanging their heads out of their doors. None of them had their ears back or were aggressive; they were personable and being jet black, they were so regal,” she says. “And then I saw one ridden. My first thought was these horses move like warmbloods, but they have the temperament of a Spanish horse.” The Menorcan horse developed on the island over the centuries and is derived from PRE, Arabian and Barb bloodlines. Although the horses have been around for a long time, the Menorcan was not established as an official breed until 1989. Breed standards are quite stringent. All Menorcan horses are black, with only a small amount of white permitted. They average about 15.3 hands, and their height must fall within a small specified range. Athletic and bold, they are also remarkably calm and personable, making them ideal for riders who want a horse with the ability to excel in the dressage ring along with the quiet attitude of a trail horse. They are strong, sensible and hardy. On the island, Menorcan horses compete in a version of dressage that is based on classical dressage and includes such movements as the elevade. They also participate in parades and perform at cultural festivals. The crowds delight in a movement known as “the bot” in which the horse rears and then walks on its hind legs. “My first time at a festival I thought it was absolutely crazy,” Kelly admits. “But then I saw how remarkable and in control the horses were while doing this.” She explains that the horses are a big part of Menorca’s heritage and that it is considered good luck if you touch one of the horses while they are rearing up. Kelly started making regular trips to Spain. Many of her students back in the U.S. had expressed an interest in visiting Spain and getting to know its horses and people, and so she began organizing trips. “We call it Ride, Wine, and Dine Dream Trip to Spain,” Kelly says. “Everyone’s favorite place on the trips was Menorca. The landscape looks like it is out of a Tolkien movie. They just loved the horses; [they are] just so easy and enjoyable. It is amazing that a horse could move that well, yet still be so incredibly quiet on a trail ride.” Kelly’s feedback from those who went on her trips was consistent. Everyone was just so taken with the horses – they all wanted to bring one home. “They loved the idea of a horse that could do dressage, maybe go to a few shows, but still be fun to trail ride,” Kelly says. “I realized that there are a lot of people that fit into that category.” A couple of her clients kept urging Kelly to investigate bringing Menorcan horses over for them. Because of COVID, Kelly had not been able to travel to Spain in over a year. She decided to use the time

The Aiken Horse

that would normally be set aside for her riding group excursions to explore the possibility of importing a few horses. Kelly reached out to Maite Bonet, a young Menorcan woman who rides for the prestigious show stable Son Martorellet on the island. The two met on one of Kelly’s first trips and they had developed a strong working relationship and friendship. “Every time I went to Menorca, I would give Maite dressage lessons, and she would send me videos at home for critique,” Kelly says. “When I asked her if she would be interested in helping me find some Menorcan horses for clients, she immediately jumped on it. As a native, Maite knows everyone; the island is only 25 miles wide.” Maite found many nice horses for sale and the two organized all the information about the various horses and created a website, prmenorcanhorsesusa.com. Kelly and Maite are amazed at the response they have received. “We had no idea so many people were looking for Menorcan horses,” Kelly says. They have already sold quite a few horses in Europe and thus far, three in the U.S. While Kelly has several local customers seeking Menorcan horses, they have come up against one difficult issue. To import a horse to the U.S. it must be negative for Piroplasmosis, a tick-borne disease endemic in Europe. “They have a lot of ticks in southern Spain, so a lot of horses test positive for it. We tested 20 or 30 and have only found a handful that don’t have it,” Kelly explains. But Kelly and Maite have a plan that will allow them to import many more quality Menorcan horses by joining forces with a breeder in southern England, where Piroplasmosis is not a problem. “We plan to buy a herd of mares to bring to his farm to breed. We will then import those foals to the U.S.,” she explains. “There are currently less than 2,000 Menorcan horses, putting them on the endangered list for extinction,” she says. “The Menorcan Breeding Association is very supportive of us wanting to bring the breed to the States. They even said they would come and do foal inspections.” She feels the Menorcans trust her because Maite, her business partner, is a native Menorcan and well-respected. In addition, Kelly has been bringing tourists to their small island for years. “They are supporting us because I have supported them,” she says. This fall, Looking Glass Farm welcomed its first Menorcan import, a 12-year-old stallion named Zar who was purchased by Melissa Phillips, one of Kelly’s clients who made two trips with her to Spain. Zar is the first Menorcan horse to step on American soil. He is settling in well and has already been to a dressage schooling show at Stable View, where Kelly says he turned a lot of heads and everyone was curious about his breeding. “He was awesome!” she says. “He was a little bit distracted as it is the first time he has ever shown with mares around. But he still managed a 65% in a Training Test and second place ribbons with both myself and his owner.” Another Menorcan stallion is due to arrive at Looking Glass Farm soon and Kelly is planning an open house in October to show off both horses. They are excited about establishing a Menorcan Horse presence in the US – the USDF has recently recognized the breed, meaning that Menorcan Horse enthusiasts can compete for breed awards here. In November, Kelly will take Zar to Equine Affaire in Springfield, Massachusetts, where they are scheduled to be in two demonstrations and Zar will be on display in the breed barn. To learn more visit https://prmenorcanhorsesusa.com. Contact Kelly by text or phone at 803-522-4395 or email, ks@kellysigler.com.

October-November 2021

The Aiken Horse

October-November 2021

The Aiken Horse

October-November 2021

The Aiken Horse

67 70 72 73 74 76 79 86

Inside

Western Auction Crown B Ranch Horses & The Law Classifieds Directory Labor Day Barrel Race Calendar Index of Advertisers

The Aiken Horse

October-November 2021

Going for Broke

Western Auction is Talk of the Town Story and Photography by Pam Gleason

hen the horses from the Best of the West auction arrived in Aiken during the last week of September, they were hard to miss. Horses entered in the sale were stabled at the Aiken Training Track downtown from Tuesday on, in preparation for the Saturday, October 2 event. While some of them remained at or near the track where the sale would be held, others made appearances on the dirt roads of the historic district, on Winthrop Polo Field, and in the iconic Hitchcock Woods. On Thursday evening at cocktail hour, Ike Sankey, who ran the sale, led a trio of horsemen through the historic district and down to the Willcox. Dressed in their cowboy hats and boots, they rode their horses up the marble steps of the inn and halted inside the lobby, to the delight of the regular Thursday crowd. “Welcome to the Best of the West!” declared Ike, as the bartender brought him his beer. Then the three riders turned their horses around on the carpet, and rode back down the steps and out into the street, ducking their heads as they passed through the entryway. They certainly knew how to make an impression. Ike Sankey runs his family business, Horse Resource Sales, from his home base in Montana. He puts on three sales per year: one in Arizona, one in Wyoming, and now, one in Aiken. Specializing in safe, broke, ranch horses, these sales include only approved horses from high quality professional consignors. In addition to welcoming onsite buyers, the auction also entertained bids from customers over the phone and online. Because the entire auction was live-streamed on YouTube, preregistered and qualified buyers from all over the country could follow along and bid if they saw a horse they liked. The sales catalogue was posted online, and prospective buyers were encouraged to contact consignors and make arrangements to try out the horses before the sale. There were also many opportunities to meet the horses and see what they could do, including a “soft preview” on Friday

October-November 2021

afternoon, followed by a “buyer’s social” at the Training Track that evening. The next morning, the official auction preview started at 10:00 a.m. on the Aiken Training Track. Here, the consignors demonstrated their horses’ skills – in some cases, spins like a reining horse, quick stops and roll backs, quiet jogs and lopes. The main type of demonstration, however, was intended to show how quiet and broke the horses were. Some cowboys cantered around shooting guns off their horses’ backs, swinging ropes or waving flags. Quite a few stood up on them, sometimes while jogging or loping. Little kids rode them, often double or triple. Dogs rode them. They carried giant stuffed animals. They stood quietly, and then sometimes performed without a bridle or a saddle. Seeing children and adults climbing over and under the horses and around and between their legs, even their back legs, got to be quite commonplace, as did seeing people jumping up on them from behind and then sliding back off their rumps – in short, violating every principle of horse safety you might find in an English riding manual. But, for the most part, the horses did not bat an eye, and no one seems to have gotten hurt. (It also might be noted that there was not a safety helmet in sight anywhere, even on the youngest children riding the tallest horses.) In addition to all this, there were horses that had been trained to sit down on cushions, horses that seem to enjoy being covered with flapping tarps, horses that bounced a giant rubber ball, and at least one that could pick up your coat from the ground and hand it to you so you wouldn’t have to dismount if you dropped it. No mounting block? No problem. Many horses were trained to lie down on command and quite a few even had the strength to allow riders to step onto their backs while they were down, and then stand up. The majority of the horses were Quarter Horses with good pedigrees, but there were also imported Gypsy Vanners, draft crosses, Paints, and a pair of young polo ponies

The Aiken Horse

from Greymar ranch, a polo breeding and training outfit in Franklin, Tennessee. Traditional Aiken horse culture was built on the English sports. Western sports are on the upswing locally, but many Aikenites had never been exposed to quality stock from out West before this sale. Although the Sankeys’ auctions have a reputation for bringing top dollar, many prospective buyers and casual gawkers came away from the sale with a case of sticker shock. They had been advised that the horses would sell for very significant sums, but when they heard this, a lot of people just shook their heads and said, maybe somewhere, but not in Aiken. The first horse up, a 2014 buckskin Quarter Horse gelding named FK Frost Flyin Heart (aka Carson) dispelled any such notions in a hurry. The initial bid came in at $12,000, and then the numbers accelerated rapidly. As Carson strutted his stuff in the auction ring near Blue Peter’s Tree in the infield of the Training Track, a giant television screen showed his sales videos and the auctioneer kept up a steady banter. Carson was undoubtedly a good-looking, calm, well-trained horse, who could perform dizzying spins with or without a bridle. He was consigned to the sale by Buckeye Acres Farm, a horse training and sales business owned by the Yoder family in Ohio, that brought four horses to the sale. When the bidding finally stopped, Carson had changed hands for $75,000. That got everyone’s attention. The next horse out, a 10-year-old pinto gelding name Virgil, had a somewhat more earthbound price tag, going for $19,000. But then came Lot 3. This was Big N Bright (Amarillo) a beautiful palomino quarter horse, that could do just about anything, and do it with a style and composure that belied his age – he was just 5. Amarillo, a 15-hand gelding who came to the sale from Mozaun and Sarah McKibben’s Whitesboro Texas ranch, sold for $125,000. Clearly, this sale was going to be a success. In fact, when it was over 48 out of 48 horses changed hands. The average sale price was $42,531; the top 10 average was $93,531 and the top five average was $116,000. The high seller fetched the price of a small farm in Aiken County: $190,000. This was for Lot 12, a 4-year-old black Friesian cross gelding that had been started in dressage, would jump a crossrail, could do various tricks and was said to be a superior trail horse with a temperament like no other. Named Buckeye’s Lakota, he was also a horse consigned by the Yoder family, and their young daughter showed how willingly he could carry her, whether she sat in the saddle or stood up on his back, barefoot on a vaulting pad, as he trotted about. While many of the horses were sold remotely on the phone or the Internet, about half went to buyers in the South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia region, with over a quarter sold to people in Aiken itself. For instance, Bart and Abby Fry, who live in Virginia Beach, Virginia, but compete regularly at Aiken Polo Club, bought two horses: Lot 13 (Black Spiced Rum: “Captain”) and Lot 14 (Starspangledsportster: “Ozzy.”) “I had been looking for a trail horse for Bart,” Abby explained, “And a few months ago a ranch horse came up for sale in my area. I saw it on Facebook and it looked so cool – they were shooting off it and you could do anything with it. I thought it would be really fun to try to find a horse like that.” That horse sold within 24 hours, so when Abby heard that the Best of the West sale would be in Aiken, she was immediately intrigued. She called Ike Sankey and talked to him about the sale, and then arranged to start trying horses as soon as they came to town on Tuesday. “I tried a lot

The Aiken Horse

of horses,” she said. “There were different types: one horse we bought, Ozzy, is really sporty and quick. Some were more trail types. They were all really well behaved. The common denominator was that they all had really good brains.” Abby and Bart Fry plan to use their new horses for general riding. However, as a polo player, Abby said she is thrilled with the handle and quickness of the new acquisitions, and hopes to have them playing polo too. “Captain played some polo out in Wyoming, so I know we can use him. Ozzy has done reining and roping. He hasn’t played polo before, but I stick and balled him when I tried him and he was just fantastic, so hopefully we can play him as well.” It might be noted that Captain has another claim to fame: he was the horse that Ike rode into The Willcox that Thursday evening. Although Abby said that she had picked some other horses that she might have bid on, Captain and Ozzy were her top two choices and she is very happy with the sale and the way it was run. “It was just a cool experience all the way around,” she said. “Everyone was so nice, so

friendly and so easy to work with. Everyone was also very open about what their horses could and couldn’t do. They were just nice people to work with, and I was really impressed.” Jerry Mount, who relocated from Hawaii to Aiken with his family in March, also bought a horse at the sale. This was Firefly, one of the two polo ponies on offer. “I was in the market for a polo pony,” he said. “I didn’t know that there were going to be polo ponies in the sale, but I looked through the catalog and found three with polo experience, so I was interested.” Jerry says he is a new rider and player, and so was looking for a quiet horse that would take good care of him. He was impressed to read about the Greymar program, which has been breeding and producing quality playing horses for years. His pro, Matt Sekera, told him that Greymar was a well respected outfit and it was definitely worth trying the horses, and so he did. One of them was not the right horse for him, but Firefly definitely fit his bill. He went to the Training Track with a check and ready to buy. “When the first western horse at the sale went for over $100,000, I put my check back in my pocket,” he said with a laugh, noting that polo ponies of the type he needed don’t typically fetch six figures. But in the end, both polo ponies were gaveled in the low $20,000 range: not cheap for a polo horse, but not out of the ordinary either and on par with what similar horses cost at the polo pony sales that were held in Aiken over a decade ago. Although Jerry has not played his new horse yet, he did ride him the day after the sale, and so far he is very happy.

October-November 2021

“He’s just so calm and sweet,” he said. he said. “It was good for the hotels and “Riding him is like having a really nice restaurants and for the horse community. pair of Italian leather shoes, where the first Plus, they all were just fabulous people. day you put them on they feel perfect.” Everybody was so positive about one The Mounts live in the historic district another. Sometimes with trainers there across from the Training Track, and they can be a competitive atmosphere, but all were happy to see all the activity there, these people supported each other.” since the place has been very quiet ever Ike Sankey was equally happy. since they moved in. “We appreciate everything that the “What a wonderful event for Aiken,” City of Aiken did, and that they did at said Jerry. “It was so fun, and there was a the Training Track. We appreciate all the great turnout – everyone came out. To see good people that came out and supported the Training Track used for it, and see all it.” He said. He admitted that he didn’t those cars and people and horses was such know in advance how successful the sale a good feeling.” would be, but he was definitely pleased Mike Spannaus also bought a horse at with the result. the sale. Mike and his wife Lynda live in “We knew we would have tremendous Johnston on their North Forty Farm, a support on the phone and on the internet horse retirement facility. Mike, who is 65, because we have a very good following. was looking for a quiet, easy trail horse I had no idea what to expect from the to ride – he has an extensive riding and locals: we tried to bring the kind of horse Barry Bornstein that people said they wanted, and I think training background, and he was ready for a horse that would always be easy we did. The only complaint I heard Buckeye’s Lakota, the high seller, went for $190,000 and reliable. A veteran of horse auctions, from anybody was that it was hot in the he sought out a less flashy horse that he figured would not be a salesbleachers when the sun was out.” topper, and selected Lot 34, a 10-year-old black draft cross from Idaho Ike said that his company’s next sale, Cowgirl Cadillacs, will be in named Blackjack. Unlike many other buyers, he didn’t try the horse Wickenburg, Arizona on February 18-19, 2022. This will be followed before he bought it, but he is confident that he made the right move. by a sale in Wyoming the first week of June, and if all goes according to “I’m going to give him three to five days to settle in and get plan, the Best of the West will return to Aiken in October, 2022. comfortable first,” he said. “He had a long trip; he traveled almost 3,000 “We’re hoping to be at the Training Track again,” he said. “It worked miles to get here, so we’re just brushing him and feeding him carrots. I out well and we were very happy with it.” want to give him time. He’s super sweet and exactly what I was looking Will they pull another “horses in The Willcox” stunt? Maybe not. for.” Ike had cleared it in advance with Tina McCarthy, who is the manager Like the other buyers, Mike was extremely impressed with how well of the Willcox, but he said she may have thought he was joking. The the sale was run, as well as with the character and professionalism of the Willcox likes to think of itself as Aiken’s living room. Although we all consignors. do love horses in this city, most of us would agree the living room is one “I was thrilled to death that they brought such a great thing to Aiken,” place where they don’t belong.

October-November 2021

The Aiken Horse

Ready for Action

Crown B Ranch Brings Something New By Pam Gleason

hen James and Alexis Banks decided to sell their ranch in Arizona and relocate, they wanted to go someplace completely different. They had lived in Arizona, Texas, Louisiana and California, where they were involved in the horse world in various ways, but most especially in barrel racing and team roping. Alexis is from a rodeo family and grew up immersed in the Western sports. James, whose father David was a respected racehorse trainer, has an extensive horse training background in various disciplines. Their business, Crown B Ranch, focuses on training horses, teaching lessons and putting on western performance events. Instead of going to a place where there were lots of other people doing the exact same thing, they wanted to bring something new; to forge their own path in the equestrian world. And that is why they came to Aiken. Although there are plenty of Western riders and trainers in this area, serious competitive opportunities have been few and far between. Aiken area roping and barrel racing enthusiasts usually have to travel long distances to compete. The Banks family plans to change all that. In the spring, they bought land in Wagener on Coleman Bridge Road. By midsummer they had put in fencing, a full-sized Priefert arena, a stable for their horses, and gotten started on a home for themselves. In August, they brought in 40 head of leased Corriente cattle. Then, on Labor Day weekend, they held their first event, a 5D barrel race with buckles and added money prizes. This first barrel race was a resounding success, drawing competitors from around the area, everyone eager to see more local happenings in the future. The day started with “exhibitions” which were essentially practice rounds for green horses and riders. Then came the young riders, 24 in all, who ranged from leadline to semi-pro level. Finally, there was the open, which drew 114 horses to race around the barrels in pursuit of the fastest time. This was a privately run event, and it went very smoothly: there was no doubt that James and Alexis are polished professionals – this was not, in other words, their first rodeo. As soon as the Labor Day Barrel Race was in the books, they began publicizing regular Thursday evening practice roping sessions. In addition, Crown B Ranch has already announced a National Finals Rodeo (NFR) style barrel racing series, with qualifying events on October 16 and November 6, and the final performances November 20-21. They have started giving roping and barrel racing lessons, have horses in training and for sale, and have many more plans for the future. In a short month, they have already helped put Aiken on the Western performance map, and they have started diversifying the area’s English-dominated equestrian calendar. Although they are definitely bringing new energy to the area, the Banks family is not entirely foreign to the Aiken area or to the English disciplines here. In fact, although he grew up in the Southwest, James was actually born in Maryland, and his father went to the University of Virginia, where he was on the polo team. His aunt, Virginia Lazenby, has been involved with steeplechase horses for decades and currently has horses in training in Camden. His mother, from Devon, Pennsylvania, rode show jumpers, and when he was a young, so did James, who

The Aiken Horse

took riding jobs in hunter/jumper barns. He has also worked with Thoroughbreds and had jobs breaking babies for the racetrack. “But I picked up a rope when I was about 18, and never looked back from that,” he said. Not only did roping satisfy his athletic and competitive drive, it could also be lucrative. “Where we come from, it’s the Mecca of roping. In the winter time, cowboys from North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, all those guys that are retired come down there. On any given day in the central Arizona area, you can catch two or three jackpots a day. If a guy is roping well, he can win two or three thousand a week just roping. And then maybe they give him a truck, or a semi of hay.” Team roping requires a pair of riders; one who ropes the calf by the head (the header) and the other who ropes by the heels (the heeler.) James says he is usually a heeler. Aiken’s culture is a little more foreign to Alexis, who comes from a Southwestern ranching and a rodeo family and has not lived on the East Coast before. Alexis started roping when she was a child, and then switched her main focus to barrel racing when she was in high school and has competed very seriously in the sport. Although she admitted to

Sophia’s first race riding her father’s roping horse, June

feeling some culture shock when she first got here, she says she is happy to be in Aiken. “It’s so eclectic, and there’s so much of everything. I just really love it.” The Banks family also includes their 5-year-old daughter Sophia, and their son, Achilles, who was born in Aiken over the summer. Crown B Ranch is very much a family business, and Sophia, who did her first barrel race on Labor Day, has already started helping out. When training new horses in roping, they use a dummy cow attached to the back of a vehicle to get the horse used to following it. Sophia, who is adept with the camera on a cell phone, takes videos of the horse from the back of the vehicle so that they all can review it later. “She’s getting pretty good at it,” said Alexis. “Her generation, they’re so good with the cell phones. She already has her own little YouTube channel, and she does some vlogging all on her own.” And Achilles? He’s still too young to give an opinion, but his father hopes he will follow the family tradition and be a team roper. A heeler, of course.

October-November 2021

The Aiken Horse

Horses and the Law

Child Riders and the Liability Release By Jim Ritchie

t’s a crisp Saturday morning and you are standing in front of your training barn looking out over the pastures, arenas, and horses. You have built a nice business through determination and a lot of hard work. It feels good. A nice-looking SUV is heading up the drive; your new student is arriving for her first lesson. When the car rolls to a stop, a bright-eyed child jumps out – new boots and helmet already on. Her mom, also new to riding, follows her daughter toward the barn and all of you go into the office. You explain the sign-up process and present the mother with your standard waiver to sign for her daughter’s participation. She reads it and asks “Does this mean that if my daughter gets hurt, you’re not responsible? Is that the law?” You say to yourself “I certainly hope so,” but your heart sinks a little. You have not really studied the waiver, and since it’s more than a few years old, you are not totally confident it is enforceable. You have heard stories. In that moment, you think “What if it is not enforceable? Is my business and everything I own now at risk?” Pre-injury waivers for minors are a big issue in the equestrian world. Unfortunately, there is no standard language that is universally enforced by the courts. In some states, such waivers are not enforceable at all. The major reasons for the inconsistency are the competing public policy interests involved in resolving these matters. These issues include assuring access to affordable recreational and sports opportunities for children; respecting the rights of parents to make decisions on behalf of their child; holding businesses accountable for the safety of their customers, and protecting a minor’s legal rights when they are injured. Reconciling these issues is difficult for courts and legislatures. The emerging trend nationally is to support waivers for minors when used by non-profit organizations, volunteers, and schools, but avoid enforcement when they are used by businesses. These new court decisions and state laws highlight the challenges facing equine businesses and professionals, non-profits, and the parents of young riders. As a result, it is more important than ever to understand your state’s position on waivers for minors and then make sure your waiver meets the requirements as best you can. It is best to have an experienced equine attorney review and draft your waivers to make sure they meet your needs and are up to date. In South Carolina, there is little guidance from the courts on these issues. As a general matter, South Carolina respects the rights of parents to make legal decisions for their children, including signing contracts on their behalf. The South Carolina General Assembly has not directly addressed the validity of recreational activity waivers for minors, but it has certainly shown strong support for school athletics and a wide variety of youth recreational opportunities, many of which routinely require a parent or legal guardian to sign a waiver for their child’s participation. The most explicit legislation on this subject is the South Carolina Equine Activity Liability Act (the “EALA”). The EALA provides broad liability protection for certain equestrian activities and persons, but also establishes several exceptions to that protection to hold bad actors accountable. There are a few key points directly involving minors in the EALA. First, the definition of “Participant” includes all equine activity participants regardless of age. That means the liability protection applies to claims by minors and adults. Second, the legislature explicitly

The Aiken Horse

signaled its expectation that minors are covered because the EALA lists examples of activities that children participate in, including lessons, shows, pony club, 4-H club, hunt club, riding club, school and collegesponsored classes, programs and activities, and therapeutic riding programs. However, because the EALA does not provide universal immunity, it is not a substitute for preparing and using effective waivers and other liability contracts, especially when dealing with children. Whether you are a lesson barn, trainer, non-profit association, competition host, or school, if you are working with minors, requiring a written waiver agreement is vital. To be effective, a waiver for minors requires that specific terms be included, but even then, enforceability can vary. Here are some critical terms to address in your waiver: • Allow only the parent or legal guardian of the child to sign the waiver • The waiver should state that the parent/guardian is signing for herself and on behalf of the minor child • Include indemnification language in the event an injured child or his parent asserts a claim in spite of having signed the waiver • Address negligence and assumption of risk. Do not try to excuse gross negligence or recklessness • Put in a “savings clause” in case there are changes in the law after the agreement is signed which may render some of its terms unenforceable. A savings clause will preserve the remaining valid language and avoid a court’s automatic rejection of the entire agreement. • Incorporate the EALA required language conspicuously in the agreement to secure its protection Once you have a proper waiver agreement in place there are important record keeping and risk management practices you should follow. Keep the signed waiver on file (electronically and in hard copy) for at least 15 years. This may sound excessive, but remember, children can wait until they are 18 years old to assert a claim for injuries that occurred when they were young. The law calls this “tolling” and it protects a child’s right to wait to file a lawsuit until they are an adult. Having the signed waiver available should you need to defend a claim many years after the injury occurred is invaluable. If there is an accident involving a minor, you should create an incident report that describes the event, the date, time and place it occurred, identifies any witnesses present (including their contact information), includes helpful photos or a diagram, recites the medical assistance rendered (or declined), and notes what the injured person could have done to avoid the incident. Keep the report with the waiver for that child. In all equine liability matters, it is important to remember to layer your asset protection safeguards. Complying with the EALA and using well-written waivers are great tools, but having the right insurance and holding your property and business in a limited liability company or corporation are even more essential for asset protection and good business. This fall take time to update your waivers and liability agreements to make sure they are up-to-date legally and meet your business needs. At the same time establish good risk management practices with incident reports and long-term record keeping. You will be glad you did. Jim Ritchie is head of Ritchie & Associates, LLC and an avid horseman. He represents business and equine law clients across the Carolinas. For more information visit tryonequinelaw.com or call 864.527.5955. © Ritchie & Associates LLC

October-November 2021

Classifieds Westfalen 3 yr old mare, will stay small, 15.1 or 2. Scored Premium at her inspection. By Goldmaker (TB approved by several WB registries). Dam is HOL Osita HGF, out of Rantares daughter by Czars Legend, Chardonnay. 3 quality gaits, lots of handling, has worn tack, not ridden. Smart, curious, brave, sweet. $9,500 https://youtu.be/gCho5eCIHCg Vass, NC. Judy Howell: 910-639-6232.

BOARDING/TURNOUT/ TRAINING Chime Ridge Stables. Three stalls with daytime turnout available for quiet gelding’s. Partial self care, adult friendly atmosphere. Chime Ridge Stables, South Aiken. 803508-3760 phone or text. Horse boarding in Windsor, SC carriage driving community. Lovely, low country setting. 12x12 stalls connected to 2 acre fields and a short term paddock with shelter available. Jog’lin Board Farm Contact Lisa Whitcomb 414-4779419 FARM SERVICES Southern Ridge Excavation. Drainage, grading, small clearing, pad prep, utility ditching, pond mowing. Third generation family operated; Licensed & insured. Member Aiken Chamber of Commerce. Call Alex Koegel. 803522-5752. southernridgex@gmail. com. G. L. Williams & Daughter. Serving the CSRA for over 54 years. Specializing in hauling, grading, clearing, property maintenance, and excavation. We provide everything from several types of fill dirt, top soil, compost, mortar sands, crushed asphalt/concrete, to screenings and a variety of rocks. Roll-off containers and manure removal

available. (803) 663-3715. Certified DBE. WOSB. www. glwdtrucking.com HAY Hoss Luva Hay. Exceptional quality local Coastal Bermuda Hay and Alfalfa mix from out of state. Competitively priced. Will deliver state-wide. Satisfaction Guaranteed. Jim McClain: 803.247.4803 Round and Square Bales. Oakwood Farms: 3593 Silver Bluff Road, Aiken SC 29803. $60 per bale round hay bales. $70 per bale round bales kept inside. Square bales at $7.00 per bale. Will deliver for a small fee. Please call 706-830-2600 or 803-8270864. email garymcelmurray@ glmconstruction.net Moorefield Farms. Premium Ohio Hay. Now in Aiken! Regularly scheduled reliable delivery direct from our farm to you. Large or small quantities, no middleman. Consistent quality. Alfalfa, timothy, orchard and mixes. Quality guaranteed. MoorefieldHayFarms.com. 330201-1700. HELP WANTED Race horse exercise rider/jockey needed. Must have experience galloping and breezing racehorses call Kenny 706-495-8142

Restored 1980s carriage made in New England. Good condition, drives very smooth. Comes with custom harness made in Pennsylvania - complete. Fit our Friesian gelding. Harness is like new! $2500 for both. 803-292-6931

HORSES/PETS & SERVICES Away Days Farm Services: Lifelong horseman w/ race track, polo and show facility experience available for farm sitting, all-animal care, fence mending and farm and landscape maintenance with your equipment. Jon Ruedisueli (603)322-3019, captjon@hotmail. com Trinity Farms Terriers: Irish Russell Terriers & Norfolk Terriers. Old World, Healthy 100 year old. Bloodlines w/ proven calmer dispositions. Health & Dispositions guaranteed. Preservation breeders for 48 years. Donna Fitzpatrick 803-648-3137 easyjacks.com, trinityfarmskennel. com RENTALS/HOME SHARES Aiken Luxury Rentals. Fully furnished cottages; walk to downtown. Perfect for temporary assignments, or housing while you build. Work-from-home ready; high speed internet. Antique finishes & modern convenience. info@aikenluxuryrentals.com. aikenluxuryrentals.com. 803-6482804. Cozy, cute carriage house for rent on Hitchcock Woods on iconic equestrian estate. 1BR/1BA. Sleeps 4. $125/night. European style barn with soaring ceilings.

3 stalls available (self care) $20/night per horse. 5 min to downtown Aiken and close to all horse venues. Perfect for female solo travelers. Monthly discounts avail. www.StayAiken.com Camper site on 275-acre farm available for fall/winter season. Stalls , corrals and turn out also available. Miles of trails ,woods and fields to ride in! Call for details. 803-295-8687 Equestrian home to share in Windsor on State Park Rd for the 2021-2022 season Nov 1-May 31. Must have a 5 month commitment. 25 acres, stalls, turnout, jump ring, dressage ring with mirrors and a friend. Text alexhills2@verizon.net or call 508277-6999 Studio Apartment Available on large horse farm in Wagener. All new paint appliances etc. sunny with views of fields and garden. well behaved pet ok. You may also bring your horse(s) as we have boarding availability. $600.00 a month for fully furnished apartment also includes internet and electric. Call 803-295-8687 for more info For Rent: Center Aisle Barn, 5 stalls, tack room, good pasture, close to Bruce’s Field, Aiken. $2,000 per month. 979-530-3900.

Advertising in The Aiken Horse DIRECTORY LISTING ADS: $25 per issue CLASSIFIED ADS are $25 for the first 30 words & 40 cents for every word or $90 for the year (6 issues.) thereafter. Add $5 for blind classified. BUSINESS CARDS: $70 per issue or $290 for the year (6 issues.) PHOTO CLASSIFIEDS for horses: $35; Limit 30 words & one picture DISPLAY ADS are available in a range of PHOTO CLASSIFIEDS for real estate, etc. sizes. For a detailed rate sheet and $45; Limit 60 words & one picture. publication schedule, visit our website: BOXED CLASSIFIEDS: add $5 to your total TheAikenHorse.com

October-November 2021

MAILING ADDRESS: The Aiken Horse, P.O. Box 332, Montmorenci, SC 29839 EMAIL: theAikenHorse@gmail.com We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express.

Pay online: TheAikenHorse.com or call us: 803.643.9960

Advertise in the December-January issue! Deadline November 17, 2021 Publication date December 3, 2021

The Aiken Horse

Directory of Services ANIMAL CARE/HOUSESITTING Away Days Farm Services: Lifelong horseman with race track, polo and show facility experience available for farm sitting, all-animal care, fence mending and farm and landscape maintenance with your equipment. Jon Ruedisueli (603)322-3019, captjon@hotmail.com BLANKET CLEANING & REPAIR Aiken Horse Blanket Couture. Creative coolers; your colors. Creative equine-ware. Tack covers/carry bags Saddle pad enhancements. Blanket wash/waterproof . Blanket repair. AikenHorseBlanket.com. Elisa Denaburg. 803-640-3211 BOARDING/TURNOUT/TRAINING/SALES Chime Ridge Stables. Stalls available. 803-508-3760 Heart Horse Stables has roomy individual pasture boarding with 12 x 12 run-in shelters. Owners on site. Just over the Aiken line in Windsor. Arena, round pen, trails. $350/mo 704-288-7385 Horse boarding in Windsor, SC carriage driving community. Lovely, low country setting. 12x12 stalls connected to 2 acre fields and a short term paddock with shelter available. Jog’lin Board Farm Contact Lisa Whitcomb 414-477-9419 www.Sporting Days Farm.com. 3549 Charleston Hwy, Aiken, SC 29801 - 5.5 miles from Aiken By-Pass. Offers year round, seasonal or short term board as well as dry stalls. 150 acres with trails and practice areas. USEF/USEA Horse Trials in the winter, schooling shows. Visit our website to see all that it offers in 2021. sdaikenht@ aol.com The Stable On The Woods: Elite boarding & training facility and home to trainers Darrell and Melissa Vaughn. With access to Hitchcock Woods, our barn sits on 70 acres and boasts a full size dressage arena with mirrors, show jumping arena and highquality grass pastures making this the ideal place for you and your horse. Training program to meet your needs, whether your discipline is Dressage, Eventing, Hunters, Jumpers or Foxhunting. thestableonthewoods.com 603.785.0435 Vaughn Equestrian: offering training, sales, and boarding. Professionalism is the guiding principle of owners Darrell and Melissa Vaughn in shaping every component of Vaughn Equestrian. Dressage, Jumpers, Eventing & Young Horses. training and sales. vaughnequestrian.com (603)-785-0435 COMPANION ANIMALS Trinity Farms Terriers: Irish Russell Terriers & Norfolk Terriers. Old World, Healthy 100 year old Bloodlines with proven calmer dispositions. Health & Dispositions guaranteed. Preservation breeders for 48 years. Donna Fitzpatrick 803-648-3137 easyjacks. com, trinityfarmskennel.com CONSTRUCTION & GRADING G. L. Williams & Daughter. Serving the CSRA for over 54 years. Specializing in hauling, grading, clearing, property maintenance, and excavation. We provide everything from several types of fill dirt, top soil, compost, mortar sands, crushed asphalt/concrete, to screenings and a variety of rocks. Roll-off containers and manure removal available. (803) 663-3715. Certified DBE. WOSB. www. glwdtrucking.com Southern Ridge Excavation. Drainage, grading, small clearing, pad prep, utility ditching, pond mowing. Third generation family operated; Licensed & insured. Member Aiken Chamber of Commerce. Call Alex Koegel. 803-522-5752. southernridgex@ gmail.com. DENTISTRY MidAtlantic Equine Dentistry: Mike Cissell DVM, MS, DACVS-LA: Excellence in equine oral health. midatlanticequinedentistry.com; maed.aiken@gmail.com. (928) 458-4529.

The Aiken Horse

HAY Hoss Luva Hay! Exceptional quality Coastal Bermuda. Real fertilizer and lime to Clemson specs, not chicken litter. Never rained on. Square and round bales. Competitively priced. Can deliver statewide. Fully enclosed truck. Satisfaction guaranteed. Jim McClain. 803.247.4803. Moorefield Farms. Premium Ohio Hay. Now in Aiken! Regularly scheduled reliable delivery direct from our farm to you. Large or small quantities, no middleman. Consistent quality. Alfalfa, timothy, orchard and mixes. Quality guaranteed. MoorefieldHayFarms.com. 330-201-1700. Round and Square Bales. Oakwood Farms: 3593 Silver Bluff Road, Aiken SC 29803. $60 per bale round hay bales. $70 per bale round bales kept inside. Square bales at $7.00 per bale. Will deliver for a small fee. Please call 706-830-2600 or 803-827-0864. email garymcelmurray@glmconstruction.net INSURANCE Betsy Minton, Sterling Thompson Equine, 803-617-8353. Now writing homeowners insurance for private residences. No horses required but certainly welcomed. Access to top-notch underwriters offering customized, affordable coverage. Still delivering excellent competitive insurance options for your horses and farms. betsyminton@sterlingthompson.com. Sterling Thompson Equine: 800 942 4258 Hutson-Etherredge Company. Insuring Aiken farms since 1876. Your hometown independent insurance agency can customize your equine property coverage by choosing the best company to fit your needs. We are a full service insurance agency. Call Sandi Vogus for a quote! 803-649-5141 INSTRUCTION/LESSONS Amy McElroy. USDF Gold Medalist and USEF S judge. Instruction and training at all levels. Visit amymcelroy.com or call 803.640-4207. Aiken Horsemanship Academy. Your naturally inspired adult learning resource! Offering Clinics, Courses, Starting Young Horses, Evaluations, and Lessons. JulieRobins.com 803-220-1768. Jodi Hemry Eventing. Three-Star Eventer offering professional training, sales, boarding, instruction, horse shows, located in the heart of Aiken. 803-640-6691 JodiHemryEventing@gmail.com JodiHemryEventing.com REAL ESTATE/ RENTALS Aiken Fine Homes and Land. Specializing in selling or renting homes, farms, land & barns for short or long term leases. 29 years experience in helping people find the property of their dreams, even if it takes building it! Call Barbara Lawrence, 803-439-0778 for honest & realistic answers to your real estate questions. Carolina Real Estate Company. Fine homes, estates and horse properties in Aiken, South Carolina. Let us welcome you home to AIKEN, Home of Horses, History & Hospitality! carolinahorseproperties.com. (803) 648-8660 Sharer Dale, Meybohm. “Where town meets country.” sharerdale@ gmail.com. 803.522.3648. Suzy Haslup, Meybohm. “Your Aiken Horse Real Estate Specialist.” Buying or selling in the most celebrated equine community in the South. ww.aikenhorserealty.com; 803-215-0153 Tracey Kenworthy Turner, Meybohm. Specializing in marketing & selling Aiken’s horse country properties for 15+ years. southernhorsefarms.com. 803-215-4734. TACK & TACK CLEANING/REPAIR The Saddle Doctor. Saddlery and harness repair. 544 Two Notch Rd. HollyMacSpencer@aol.com. 803.642.5166.

October-November 2021

The Aiken Horse

Labor Day 5D Barrel Race at Crown B Ranch, Wagener

Photography by Pam Gleason & Gary Knoll

The Aiken Horse

October-November 2021

Aiken Area Calendar of Events OCTOBER 1-3 2 2 2 2-3 2-3 2-3 2-3 2-3 3 3 3 3 3-10 6 6-10 6-10 6-10 6-24 8-9 8-10 8-10

PPHC Show. South Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden, SC. 803.486.4938, scequinepark.com The Lowcountry Hunt Hunter Pace. Palmetto Bluff 651 Old Moreland Rd., Bluffton, SC 29910. thelowcountryhunt.com SCDCTA Schooling Dressage/CT Middleton Place Equestrian Center 4280 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29414 Amber Lee 803-260-5970 aelee28@gmail.com Fall Festival Clear Round Day 1768 Pleasant Acres Rd, Guyton, GA echelonsporthorsesllc@gmail.com HJ Show. Chattahoochee Hills Eventing. Bouckaert Farm, 9445 Browns Lake Road, Chattahoochee Hills, GA. 770.892.2117, info@ chatthillseventing.com, chatthillseventing.com Atlanta Youth Dressage Challenge. Georgia Int. Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA. 770.860.4190, georgiahorsepark.com EGA Open Show 1156 County Line Road Harlem, GA Newton County Saddle Club Open Horse Show. Georgia Int. Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA. 770.860.4190, georgiahorsepark.com USEF/USDF/NCDCTA/SCDCTA Dressage Harvest Moon Dressage CBLM Championshipsscdcta.webmaster@gmail.com Fall Hunter Pace. Camden Hunt Clubhouse, 678 Red Fox Road, Camden, SC. 803.420.6860. camdenhunt.com Nutrena $30K Grand Prix. Tryon Int. Equestrian Center, 25 Int. Blvd, Mill Spring, NC. tryon.coth.com Sunday Polo. Aiken Polo Club, Aiken. Manager Tiger Kneece: 803.646.3301. Info line: 803.643.3611. Aikenpolo.org Finals Copa de Plata. New Bridge Polo, 862 New Bridge Rd, Aiken. 803.648.3699, info@newbridgepolo.com, newbridgepolo.com Aiken Women’s Challenge. Aiken Polo Club, Aiken. Manager Tiger Kneece: 803.646.3301 Info line: 803.643.3611 aikenpolo.org Stable View Schooling Jumpers. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm. com Tryon Fall III. Tryon Int. Equestrian Center, 25 Int. Blvd, Mill Spring, NC. tryon.coth.com Elite Show Jumping (H,J) Wills Park Equestrian Center 11915 Wills Road Alpharetta, GA Vic Russell 678-858-7192 NC State Fair Horse Show Governor James B. Hunt Complex Raleigh, NC Sheri Bridges 919-556-7321 horseshows@trianglefarms. com USPA National President’s Cup 8 Goal. New Bridge Polo Club, 862 New Bridge Road, Aiken. 803.648.3699, info@newbridgepolo.com, newbridgepolo.com SDR. Susan Fay Clinic. South Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Rd, Camden, SC. 803.486.4938, scequinepark.com 2021 T.I.P. Championships. Stable View, 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com Great American Insurance Group/USDF Region 3 Championship and Atlanta National Fall Dressage. Georgia Int. Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA. 770.860.4190, georgiahorsepark.com

October-November 2021

8-10 9 9

9 9-10 9-10 9-10 9-10 10

10 10 10-24 12-17 13 13 13-24 13-31 15 15-16 15-17 15-17

Sedgefield Performance Trials. Whiskey Road Foxhounds, SC 3, Martin, SC whiskeyroadfoxhounds.com Townshend Cup International Arena Polo. England vs. USA. New Bridge Polo Club. 862 New Bridge Road, Aiken. 803.648.3699, info@newbridgepolo.com, newbridgepolo.com Schooling show - eventing and dressage. Chattahoochee Hills Eventing. Bouckaert Farm, 9445 Browns Lake Road, Chattahoochee Hills, GA. 770.892.2117, info@chatthillseventing.com, chatthillseventing.com Saturday Night Lights $73K JTWG Grand Prix. Tryon Int. Equestrian Center, 25 Int. Blvd, Mill Spring, NC. tryon.coth.com SC Performance Trials. Southern Pines, SC. 803.420.6860. camdenhunt.com Saddlebred Makeover. The Vista Schooling and Event Center, 859 Old Tory Trail, Aiken. 803.262.5263, schoolthevista.com PSJ FENCE Show. FENCE, Tryon, NC. 803.649.3505, psjshows. com USEF/USEA Horse Trials. Poplar Place Farm, 8191 Highway 27, Hamilton, GA. 706.681.8748, poplarplacefarm.com Aiken Hounds Hunter Pace to benefit the Aiken Hounds Foundation. Fox Nation: 735 Cedar Branch Road, Windsor, SC 29856. Register online at theaikenhounds.com. Peg Tribert: mtribert@gforcecable.com. Conditioning Trail Ride. Camden Hunt Clubhouse, 678 Red Fox Road, Camden, SC. 803.420.6860. camdenhunt.com Finals USPA Assoc. Cup. New Bridge Polo Club, 862 New Bridge Road, Aiken. 803.648.3699, info@newbridgepolo.com, newbridgepolo.com USPA George S. Patton 6 Goal. Aiken Polo Club, Aiken. Manager Tiger Kneece: 803.646.3301. Info line: 803.643.3611. Aikenpolo.org Tryon Fall IV. Tryon Int. Equestrian Center, 25 Int. Blvd, Mill Spring, NC. tryon.coth.com Stable View Schooling Dressage. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com Yappy Hour. SPCA Albrecht Center’ s Marr Education Center, 199 Willow Run Road, Aiken. 803.648.6863, letlovelive.org Wagener 6 Goal. Wagener Polo Club, Aiken. Billy Raab, 561.719.3318, wagenerpolo.com USPA Bronze Trophy 12 Goal. New Bridge Polo Club, 862 New Bridge Road, Aiken. 803.648.3699, info@newbridgepolo.com, newbridgepolo.com Fall Bash. Hermitage Farm, Hermitage Farm 2362 Tickle Hill Rd, Camden, SC 29020. 803.420.6860. camdenhunt.com RFD’s American Qualifier “The Tribute Race”, Good Times Barrel Racing. Georgia Int. Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA. 770.860.4190, georgiahorsepark.com Sedgefield at the Park Fall NCHJA ‘C’ Show. Carolina Horse Park, 2814 Montrose Road, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2074, carolinahorsepark.com Four Beats for Pleasure Horse Show. South Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden, SC. 803.486.4938, scequinepark.com

The Aiken Horse

15-17 Elite Show Jumping (H,J)Chatt Hills 9445 Browns Lake road, Fairburn, GA. Vic Russell 678-858-7192 16 Saturday Night Lights $137K Coca-Cola Grand Prix. Tryon Int. Equestrian Center, 25 Int. Blvd, Mill Spring, NC. tryon.coth.com 16 SPCA Flea Market. SPCA Albrecht Center’ s Marr Education Center, 199 Willow Run Road, Aiken. 803.648.6863, letlovelive.org 16 Junior North American Field Hunter Championship Qualifying Hunt. Camden Hunt Clubhouse, 684 Red Fox Road, Camden, SC. 803.420.6860. camdenhunt.com. Richard Osworth: thecamdenhunt. jrfoxhunting@gmail.com. 16 SCDCTA Schooling Dressage/CT 247 Hill Branch Rd, Ridgeville, SC Carol Freligh Carol@scdcta.com 16-17 Elite Show Jumping (H,J) Wills Park Equestrian Center 11915 Wills Road Alpharetta, GA Vic Russell 678-858-7192 16-17 Stable View Eventing Academy Schooling Day/Horse Trails. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@ stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com 16-17 Cheryl & Co. HJ Show. Poplar Place Farm, 8191 Highway 27, Hamilton, GA. 706.681.8748, poplarplacefarm.com 16-17 PSJ Southeast Regional Championships Show. Highfields Event Center, 147 Warehouse Road, Aiken. 803.649.3505, psjshows.com 16-17 Carolina Carriage Club Show. FENCE, Tryon, NC 19-24 Tryon Fall V. Tryon Int. Equestrian Center, 25 Int. Blvd, Mill Spring, NC. tryon.coth.com 20 SOLH Yahtzee Ride. Broxton Bridge Plantation, Ehrhardt, SC solhhounds@gmail.com 20-31 October at Bruce’s Field I & II. Bruce’s Field at the Aiken Horse Park, 931 Powderhouse Road SE, Aiken. 803.830.7077, aikenhorsepark.org 20-31 USPA Constitution Cup 6 Goal. Wagener Polo Club, Aiken. Billy Raab, 561.719.3318, wagenerpolo.com 22-24 HJ Fox Halloween Classic and Medal Finals. Georgia Int. Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA. 770.860.4190, georgiahorsepark.com 22-24 SCQHA Spooktacular Show. South Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden, SC. 803.486.4938, scequinepark.com 22-24 Pine Tree CT and CDE. Big Sky Farm, 390 Tremont Place, Southern Pines, NC. 910.603.2449, fkvaldes@gmail.com. americandrivingsociety.org 23 Radway Event Horse Show 4627 Whiskey Road, Aiken. radwayeventing.com 23 Highfields Just for Fun Show. Highfields Event Center, 147 Warehouse Road, Aiken. 803.649.3505, psjshows.com 23 Spooktacular Classic. Poplar Place Farm, 8191 Highway 27, Hamilton, GA. 706.681.8748, poplarplacefarm.com 23 Mini-HT, CT and Dressage Show. The Vista Schooling and Event Center, 859 Old Tory Trail, Aiken. 803.262.5263, schoolthevista.com 23 Saturday Night Lights $137K ESI Footing Grand Prix. Tryon Int. Equestrian Center, 25 Int. Blvd, Mill Spring, NC. tryon.coth.com 23 Shakerag Hounds Opening Meet & Blessing of the Hounds. Georgia. shakeraghounds.com. 23 SCDCTA Schooling CT & Dressage Okatie, SC 1 Hoggs Tavern, Okatie, SC Sarah Molesky smoleskly@oldfieldsc.com 23 Honeysuckle Hills Farm LEAF Schooling Show 4186 Nopone Rd, Gainesville, GA. Dana fergusonallfergs2@yahoo.com 770-519-0158 23-24 WHES Schooling Day and Event. Carolina Horse Park, 2814 Montrose Road, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2074, carolinahorsepark.com 23-24 TRHC 46th “Morris the Horse” Trials. FENCE, Tryon, NC. 828.351.9709 23-24 Brownwood Farms (H,J) Wills Park Equestrian Center 11915 Wills Road Alpharetta, GA Roger Brown 770-312-4473 23-30 2021 Open & Senior World Barrel Racing Championships Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter Perry, GA 24-Nov.7 USPA Player’s Cup 4 Goal. Aiken Polo Club, Aiken. Manager Tiger Kneece: 803.646.3301. Info line: 803.643.3611. Aikenpolo.org 26-31 WIHS @ Tryon. Tryon Int. Equestrian Center, 25 Int. Blvd, Mill Spring, NC. tryon.coth.com 27-Nov.7 USPA Association Cup 8 Goal. New Bridge Polo Club, 862 New Bridge Road, Aiken. 803.648.3699, info@newbridgepolo.com, newbridgepolo.com

The Aiken Horse

28-31 Tryon Dressage Fall III National/CDI/USEF Para-Dressage Championships. Tryon Int. Equestrian Center, 25 Int. Blvd, Mill Spring, NC. tryon.coth.com 29-31 Sedgefield at the Park Haunted Classic NCHJA ‘C’ Show. Carolina Horse Park, 2814 Montrose Road, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2074, carolinahorsepark.com 29-31 SCDCTA Show. South Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden, SC. 803.486.4938, scequinepark. com 29-31 BRHJA Classic. FENCE, Tryon, NC brhja.com 30 Springdale CEC Show. Pine Tree Stables, 1265 Sanders Creek Road, Camden, SC. 803.424.1952, conto@bellsouth.net. camdenequinecircuit.com 30 Diversity in Equestrian Sport Seminar. Tryon Int. Equestrian Center, 25 Int. Blvd, Mill Spring, NC. tryon.coth.com 30 Saturday Night Lights $215K Longines FEI Jumping World Cup. Tryon Int. Equestrian Center, 25 Int. Blvd, Mill Spring, NC. tryon. coth.com 30 Halloween Jumper Show Lander University Equestrian Center Amy Cobb (864) 506-5143 30 Big Cheese HT, CT & Dressage Show 1541 GA-138, Covington, GA 30014. Caroline Templeton bigcheeseeventing@gmail.com; www.bigcheeseeventing.com 30-31 Eventing. Chattahoochee Hills Eventing. Bouckaert Farm, 9445 Browns Lake Road, Chattahoochee Hills, GA. 770.892.2117, info@ chatthillseventing.com, chatthillseventing.com 30-31 SCDCTA Championship Show - Schooling Shows 443 Cleveland School Rd, Camden, SC 29020 scdcta.com carol@scdcta.com 30-31 Peace at Poplar HJ Show. Poplar Place Farm, 8191 Highway 27, Hamilton, GA. 706.681.8748, poplarplacefarm.com 31 Open Horse Show, Hunter, jumper, Western, Gaited, Driving, games. Full Gallop Farm, 3828 Wagener Rd, Aiken. Lara Anderson: 803. 215.6590, fullgallopfarm@yahoo.com, fullgallopfarm.com 31 Sunday Polo. Aiken Polo Club, Aiken. Manager Tiger Kneece: 803.646.3301. Info line: 803.643.3611. Aikenpolo.org

NOVEMBER 3 3 4-7 4-7 5 5-7 6 6 6 6 6 6 6-7 6-7 6-7

Winter Wednesdays. Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden, SC. 803.486.4938, scequinepark.com Stable View Schooling Jumpers. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm. com Hunter Jumper Show. Bouckaert Farm, 9445 Browns Lake Road, Chattahoochee Hills, GA. 770.892.2117, info@chatthillseventing. com, chatthillseventing.com Aiken Driving Club Windsor Trace CT & CDE Windsor, SC aikendrivingclub.com Young Horse Show Finals. Tryon Int. Equestrian Center, 25 Int. Blvd, Mill Spring, NC. tryon.coth.com Cutting Horse Show. Georgia Sports Arena 10930 Hwy 56 Swainsboro, GA nchacutting.com Augusta Polo Cup. Aiken Polo Club, Aiken. Manager Tiger Kneece: 803.646.3301. Info line: 803.643.3611. aikenpolo.org Dressage Tests of Choice. Full Gallop Farm, 3828 Wagener Rd, Aiken. Lara Anderson: 803. 215.6590, fullgallopfarm@yahoo.com, fullgallopfarm.com Equestrian Art Sale: It’s a Horsey Thing! Three Runs Plantation Club House. 125 Three Runs Plantation Drive, Aiken. 11-7 pm. Belle Meade Opening Hunt & Blessing of the Hounds. Thomson, Georgia. bellemeadehunt.org; 706-595-2525. Saddle Rock Farms Fall Fiesta IEA Show. Georgia Int. Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA. 770.860.4190, georgiahorsepark.com FRC Show. FENCE, Tryon, NC frcshows@gmail.com Autumn Leaves - NCDCTA Dressage Championships. Carolina Horse Park, 2814 Montrose Road, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2074, carolinahorsepark.com PSJ Series C Show. Highfields Event Center, 147 Warehouse Road, Aiken. 803.649.3505, psjshows.com Horseshow Ventures Wills Park Equestrian Center 11915 Wills Road Alpharetta, GA. 678-807-1353. hsvshownews.com.

October-November 2021

7 7 7 10 10-14 10-14 10-14 11-21 12-14 12 12-14 13 13 13 13 13 13-14 13-14 13-14 14 14 14 14 15 15 17 17-21 17-21 20 20 20

25K Cleghorn Golf & Sports Club Grand Prix. Tryon Int. Equestrian Center, 25 Int. Blvd, Mill Spring, NC. tryon.coth.com Horse Trials. Full Gallop Farm, 3828 Wagener Rd, Aiken. Lara Anderson: 803. 215.6590, fullgallopfarm@yahoo.com, fullgallopfarm.com Whiskey Road Foxhounds Opening Meet & Blessing of the Hounds. Aiken. whiskeyroadfoxhounds.xom. SCDCTA Schooling Dressage. Stable View. 117 Stable Dr., Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com Aiken International CSI2* Bruce’s Field at the Aiken Horse Park, 931 Powderhouse Rd. SE, Aiken. 803.830.7077, aikenhorsepark.org Jump for the Children Governor James B. Hunt Complex Raleigh, NC Sheri Bridges. 919-556-7321 horseshows@trianglefarms.com Tryon International Three-Day Event. Tryon Int. Equestrian Center, 25 Int. Blvd, Mill Spring, NC. tryon.coth.com Atlanta Fall Classic I & II. Bouckaert Farm, 9445 Browns Lake Road, Chattahoochee Hills, GA. 770.892.2117, info@ chatthillseventing.com, chatthillseventing.com Aiken Driving Club Fall Weekend aikendrivingclub.com WHES November Schooling Day, Carolina Horse Park. 2814 Montrose Road, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2074, carolinahorsepark.com Elite Show Jumping (H,J) Wills Park Equestrian Center 11915 Wills Road Alpharetta, GA Vic Russell 678-858-7192 SCEP Foothills Finals. Pine Tree Stables, 1265 Sanders Creek Road, Camden, SC. 803.424.1952, conto@bellsouth.net. camdenequinecircuit.com Highfields Just For Fun Show. Highfields Event Center, 147 Warehouse Road, Aiken. 803.649.3505, psjshows.com Lowcountry Hunt Opening Meet & Blessing of the Hounds. thelowcountryhunt.com. 843-608-HUNT. TROT Horse Show. FENCE, Tryon, NC Megan McGarrigle 828859-9021 Britches and Bridles Dressage Series-Schooling 216 E Sandy Ridge Rd, Monroe, NC 28112 medlinheidi@yahoo.com Athens Area HJ Assoc. Finals. Georgia Int. Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA. 770.860.4190, georgiahorsepark.com WHES Championships & November HT, CT, D. Carolina Horse Park, 2814 Montrose Road, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2074, carolinahorsepark.com Camden Winter Classic. Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden, SC. 803.486.4938, scequinepark. com Camden Hunter Trials. Hunter Hill, Springdale 803.420.6860. camdenhunt.com King Show Horses Fall Western Classic Challenge. Georgia Int. Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA. 770.860.4190, georgiahorsepark.com 25K Cleghorn Golf & Sports Club Grand Prix. Tryon Int. Equestrian Center, 25 Int. Blvd, Mill Spring, NC. tryon.coth.com Schooling Horse Trials / Dressage Tests of Choice. Full Gallop Farm, 3828 Wagener Rd, Aiken. Lara Anderson: 803. 215.6590, fullgallopfarm@yahoo.com, fullgallopfarm.com Thanksgiving Pet Food Drive. SPCA Albrecht Center’ s Marr Education Center, 199 Willow Run Road, Aiken. 803.648.6863, letlovelive.org Holiday Sniffari. SPCA Thrift Store, 1589 Whiskey Road Aiken. 803.648.6863, letlovelive.org Winter Wednesdays. Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden, SC. 803.486.4938, scequinepark.com GHJA Finals (H,J) Wills Park Equestrian Center 11915 Wills Road Alpharetta, GA. GHJA.org Jump for the Children Governor James B. Hunt Complex Raleigh, NC Sheri Bridges 919-556-7321 horseshows@trianglefarms.com Radway Event Horse Show 4627 Whiskey Road, Aiken. radwayeventing.com Lilo Fore Dressage Clinic. Poplar Place Farm, 8191 Highway 27, Hamilton, GA. 706.681.8748, poplarplacefarm.com Dressage, Show Jumping and CT at Le Bonheur 1699 Berry Bennett Rd, Chatsworth, GA Anna Bosworth 423-653-1236 abosworth88@ gmail.com lebonheurequestrian.com

October-November 2021

20-21 Medal & Derby Finals Banquet. Highfields Event Center, 147 Warehouse Road, Aiken. 803.649.3505, psjshows.com 21 SCDCTA Schooling HT/CT/Dressage. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com 24-28 Elite Show Jumping (H,J) Wills Park Equestrian Center 11915 Wills Road Alpharetta, GA Vic Russell 678-858-7192 25 Aiken Hounds Opening Meet. Hitchcock Woods. theaikenhounds. com. 25 Camden Hunt Opening Meet. Tanja & Greggs Pond 803.420.6860. camdenhunt.com 27 USEF Series Derby. Highfields Event Center, 147 Warehouse Road, Aiken. 803.649.3505, psjshows.com 28 Pine Top Thanksgiving Horse Trials. Pine Top Farm 1432 Augusta Hwy., Thomson, GA 30824 pinetopeventing@gmail.com pinetopfarm.com

DECEMBER

SCHJA Finale. Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden, SC. 803.486.4938, scequinepark.com 2-5 Aiken Holiday Premiere Bruce’s Field Aiken, SC Megan Goddard 803-295-2094 www.equusevents.com 2-19 December Classic I, II & III Bruce’s Field at the Aiken Horse Park, 931 Powderhouse Road SE, Aiken. 803.830.7077, aikenhorsepark.org 4 SCDCTA Schooling Dressage and CT 4280 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29414 Amber Lee 803-260-5970 aelee28@gmail.com 4-5 Sedgefield at The Park Winter Classic NCHJA “C” H/J Show. Carolina Horse Park, 2814 Montrose Road, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2074, carolinahorsepark.com 4-5 Southeastern Schooling Show Championships. Bouckaert Farm, 9445 Browns Lake Road, Chattahoochee Hills, GA. 770.892.2117, info@chatthillseventing.com, chatthillseventing.com 4-5 Dream Big Equestrian Holiday Classic IEA. Georgia Int. Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA. 770.860.4190, georgiahorsepark.com 4-5 Southeast Schooling Show Championships 9445 Browns Lake Rd, Fairburn, GA. Hugh Lochore info@chatthillseventing.com 770-8922117 11 Jumping Branch Farm Schooling Horse Trials. Starter-Training. 179 Fox Pond Rd, Aiken. 240-460-1094. timshaw628@gmail.com. jbfarm.com 11 IEA Hunt Seat Show, Region 1, Zone 4. Georgia Int. Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA. 770.860.4190, georgiahorsepark.com 11 Camden Equine Circuit Year-end Banquet 803.424.1952, conto@ bellsouth.net. camdenequinecircuit.com 11 Radway Event Year End Awards 4627 Whiskey Road, Aiken. radwayeventing.com 11 Aiken Driving Club Christmas Drive aikendrivingclub.com 11 Dressage, Show Jumping and CT at Le Bonheur 1699 Berry Bennett Rd, Chatsworth, GA Anna Bosworth 423-653-1236 abosworth88@ gmail.com lebonheurequestrian.com 11-12 USEF/USDF SCDCTA Dressage. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com 11-12 Five Star Hunters Holiday Classic IEA Show. Georgia Int. Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, GA. 770.860.4190, georgiahorsepark.com 11-12 PSJ Series C. Highfields Event Center, 147 Warehouse Road, Aiken. 803.649.3505, psjshows.com 12 Choose Your Phases / Coaching encouraged. Full Gallop Farm, 3828 Wagener Rd, Aiken. Lara Anderson: 803. 215.6590, fullgallopfarm@yahoo.com, fullgallopfarm.com 15 Winter Wednesdays. Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden, SC. 803.486.4938, scequinepark.com 18 PSJ Series C Derby. Highfields Event Center, 147 Warehouse Road, Aiken. 803.649.3505, psjshows.com 19 SCDCTA Schooling HT/CT/Dressage. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com 2-5

The Aiken Horse

Business Cards

Aiken Vacation Rentals Thanks for a great ﬁrst year! Our cozy furnished downtown pet-friendly rentals are fully booked for the 2021 - 2022 winter season! Now accepting bookings beginning April 2022. On Facebook @AikenVacationRentals AirBnB SUPERHOST KendraDeKay@gmail.com (803) 443-4755

The Aiken Horse

October-November 2021

The Aiken Horse

October-November 2021

Outﬁtting Southeastern Farriers for Over 30 years

GREAT SERVICE AND QUALITY FARRIER SUPPLIES ARE OUR PRIORITY

Aiken, SC

Columbus, NC

803.685.5101

828.894.0280

www.monettafarrier.com

DocScott’s Equine Top Dress Hydrate • Recover • Energize Nitric Oxide Boost Samples available at

Aiken Saddlery

1044 East Pine Log Rd, Aiken

803-649-6583

docscottselectrolytes.com October-November 2021

The Aiken Horse

Index of Advertisers ADVERTISER Aiken County Farm Supply Aiken Fine Homes and Land Aiken Horse Park Foundation Aiken Horsemanship Academy Aiken Land Conservancy Aiken Luxury Rentals Aiken Polo Club Aiken Saddlery, Inc. Aiken Tack Exchange American National Insurance Amy Scott Art Annie Goodwin Celebration Auto Tech Balanced Sport Horse Banixx Barnware Be Fly Free Biddle Realty Brenda’s Angels Bridle Creek Carolina Company RE CHAPS DFG Stables Engineered Equine Performance Epona Equine Divine Equine Rescue of Aiken Estrella Equine FITS Equestrian FOTAS Aiken G L Williams and Daughter Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce Highfields Home to Home Jill Diaz Polo Jumping Branch Farm

Page 87 15 36 47 37 19 60 16 41 19 23 37 57 53 52 22 53 31 19 32 88 52 34 23 22 26 75 51 23 66 47 27 50 51 78 51

Section 3 1 2 2 2 1 2 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 2 1 2 1 1 1 3 2 2 1 1 1 3 2 1 3 2 1 2 2 3 2

The Aiken Horse

ADVERTISER

Page

Keller Williams Stinson Keller Williams Stinson Keller Williams- Gutierrez Lightning Protection Systems LOC Equestrian Mark Lexton Meybohm RE (Sullivan/Turner) Meybohm RE (Sullivan/Turner) Meybohm RE Haslup Meybohm RE Vaillancourt Meybohm RE Vaillancourt Moorefield Farm New Bridge Polo Club NibbleNet Oak Manor Saddlery Pain Center Performance Equine Vets Progressive Show Jumping, Inc Redman International Horse Transport

Shane Doyle Sharer Dale RE Sharer Dale RE Sharer Dale RE South Carolina Equine Park Southern Equine Service SPCA Albrecht Center Sporting Days Farm Stable View, LLC Stable View, LLC Standlee Teddi Ismond The Kneaded Edge The Kneaded Edge The Tack Room The Willcox Tryon Equine Law

4 5 44 41 51 26 6 7 3 2 45 53 30 52 41 19 46 61 41 64 12 13 35 47 38 62 41 14 44 63 53 23 41 57 22 47

Section 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 2

October-November 2021

AIKEN COUNTY FARM SUPPLY

SERVING AIKEN COUNTY FOR OVER 50 YEARS

803-649-2987

1933 Park Ave. Aiken, South Carolina 29801

October-November 2021

The Aiken Horse

CarolinaCo-AikenHorse10-21_aikenhorseRIGHT 10/6/2021 9:24 AM Page 1

A I K E N, S O U T H C A R O L I N A

HOMES | HORSES | HISTORY | HOSPITALITY

C ome

Home to Greener Pastures

www.CarolinaCompany.com | 803.648.8660

ER UND ACT R CONT

Historic Ray Cottage . $1,400,000

The Paddocks

COURTNEY CONGER 803.645.3308

Rare opportunity to acquire one of Aiken’s historic cottages located on nearly an acre of landscaped gardens within walking distance of downtown and the Hitchcock Woods. Built in 1930, the cedar shake & stucco residence encompasses over 4,000 square feet with high ceilings, lovely millwork and polished oak flooring throughout. Completely restored in 2010, improvements included a new master bedroom and ensuite bath on the first floor, new electrical, new plumbing, new HVAC, new roof and extensive new landscaping. There is a stackable washer/dryer in the master bath. The second floor, with 4 bedrooms, 4 full baths & 2 sleeping porches, has its own laundry room. In addition to the main residence, there is a charming carriage house with a one bedroom, two bath, 2-story apartment and single car garage.

Equestrian lots now available in popular south side horse country — build a home for you and your horses in this friendly community! The 21 lots offered in Section One range from 5.34 acres to 13.83 acres. Community amenities include arena and miles of perimeter riding trails. Wooded lots offered at just $16,000 per acre, cleared lots are $18,000 per acre.

Timshel Gardens

Here’s nearly 79 acres (78.93 acres) of absolutely beautiful fields of grass, shaded with large mature oaks and pine trees. The farm cabin, nestled in a shady grove surrounded by many ornamental plants and trees, has 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, and soaring ceilings with fireplace in open living area. There is a large 12-acre hay field which could be converted to use as a polo practice field.

Two lovely level parcels available in equestrian community. Both lots are cleared, stumped, and planted in grass, and are perimeter fenced in non-climb wire with board on top. Community riding area with dressage and cross country course, with miles of riding trails. Timshel Tract with 12.49 acres is $132,000 and Pottery Mill Parcel with 10.38 acres is offered at $113,000.

COURTNEY CONGER 803.645.3308 | RANDY WOLCOTT 803.507.1142 . $815,000

Buckland Barn, an historic training facility in Aiken’s downtown Horse District, has spacious 2,787 square foot main residence, combining 2 original cottages with central great room. Cottage is delightfully renovated with wood floors, granite counter tops and all appliances. Two converted race barns have 15 expanded stalls, board fenced paddocks, grooms’ loft apartment, dressage arena with mirror. Easy access on sandy clay roads to downtown dining and shopping, equestrian venues and Hitchcock Woods, Aiken’s 2,200 acre riding reserve with over 60 miles of sandy trails.

TOM MURRAY 626.644.3008 . $499,000

Custom wrought iron gates open to welcome visitors to 113 acres of fields and woods on the Edisto River. This beautifully maintained traditional home offers 3 fully finished floors. Main level includes formal living & dining rooms, den with fireplace, custom kitchen with granite, breakfast bay and all stainless appliances and spacious master suite. On the 2nd floor are 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths and sitting area. The 3rd floor has paneled media room & 2 bedrooms. Covered deck overlooks stocked pond, fenced pastures, lighted riding ring, 8-stall Barnmaster center aisle stable with tack room.

Charming farmhouse set back on 5.14 acres with black rail fencing and 3 large pastures. The shed row barn with breeze way features two 12x12 stalls, mats, fans, wood paneled tack room with sink and feed room. Smartly appointed home features fireplace, hardwood floors, spacious kitchen, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths. Turn-key equestrian gem — club house, dressage & jumping arenas. Ride out to miles of trails!

COURTNEY CONGER 803.645.3308

Paddocks Bend

River Oaks Farm

TOM MURRAY 626.644.3008 . $619,888

Historic Horse District . $1,425,000

COURTNEY CONGER 803.645.3308

The Smith Farm RANDY WOLCOTT 803.507.1142 . $450,000

Bridle Creek Farm

MIKE HOSANG 803.270.6358

Peaceful lakeside living with your own dock on 18 acre semi-private lake. Comfortable home offers exquisite views, custom porcelain plank floors, fireplace, built ins, updated kitchen with granite counters, spacious owners suite, 2 guest bedrooms, and separate living space with microwave, fridge and bath above garage with separate entrance. Irrigation system, separate storage building.

ER UND ACT R CONT

Kershaw Place Near Horse District RANDY WOLCOTT 803.507.1142 . $699,000

Live in luxury under the arched branches of ancient oaks in historic and picturesque Aiken, South Carolina. This remodel entirely modernized for today’s open concept living. Designer kitchen with oversized entertainment island, granite counters and Bosch appliances, opens to the large light-filled family room with vaulted ceiling. All new electricals, HVAC, instant hot water, LG washer & dryer, siding, gutters, windows, doors, and baths. Features include custom cabinetry, heart pine trim, glass showers, shiplap accent walls, custom blinds on all windows, Nest thermostat, Ring door security, LED lighting, smart outlets, and high speed internet boosters.

ER UND ACT R CONT

Lakeview Farm

MIKE HOSANG 803.270.6358 . $684,000

Bridle Creek

Stately gated entrance leads you into Lakeview Farm. Sportsman's retreat includes approximately 43 gently rolling acres mostly in grass, an 11 acre fishing/skiing lake with a country lakehouse set right on the shoreline. 2 bedroom, 1 bath cottage boasts a full length porch overlooking lake, large, open kitchen, family room with fireplace. Large, separate den with fireplace. Located in Aiken’s popular Highway 302 equestrian corridor — additional acreage available.

JACK ROTH 803.341.8787 . Starting at $19,500 per acre

From the developer of Three Runs Plantation, Bridle Creek meanders across 600 wooded acres of Aiken’s horse country, featuring equestrian homesites of 5 acres or more. Community amenities include dressage & jump arenas, cross-country schooling, and NEW activity center with fitness equipment and kitchen. Financing available!

Courtney Conger

Randy Wolcott

Jack Roth

Aiken County Horse Farm . $1,245,000

JANE PAGE THOMPSON 803.215.8232

Working horse farm with a 5 bedroom, 4 bath farm house with 4,800 square feet of living space and porches that overlook round pen, schooling ring and fenced paddocks that roll towards McTier Creek. The courtyard barn has tackroom, feedroom, office and stalls that can be configured for breeding or for boarding. The 95 acre farm is convenient to Aiken, and includes run-in sheds, covered pole equipment building and many other equestrian amenities.

Tom Murray

Thomas Bossard

Mike Hosang

Alex Tyrteos

Brian Cavanaugh

Lee Hedlund

803.645.3308

803.507.1142 803.341.8787 626.644.3008 803.640.2845 803.270.6358

Barb Gould Uskup

Donnita Harmon Jane Page Thompson

803.295.3199

803.508.1936 803.215.8232 203.249.3071 803.624.6072 803.221.6831

Office: 803.648.8660 | www.CarolinaCompany.com