The Aiken Horse June-July 2018

Volume 13 • Number 6 • June-July 2018

Deirdre Stoker Vaillancourt, REALTOR®

803.640.4591

THIS IS MY NEIGHBORHOOD Aiken, South Carolina — Southern Charm and Equestrian Sport 2209 TALLY HO DRIVE

MLS # 101470

• Exceptional turnkey horse • Wash stall, grooming stall farm in Bridle Creek • Courtyard barn w/ 1BD apt • 28 acres. 6 14x14 stalls.

• Grass Dressage arena & grass • 8 large grass paddocks Jump Field • $695,000

1080 ARCHIE WARE RD MLS # 101987

• 16.44 acre eventing horse farm • 9 stall shed row barn, 2 tack rooms, wash stall, feed room • Farm is gated & perim fenced

• 8 large grass paddocks • Grass jump field • Owners residence 3BD/2BA • Salt water pool • $550,000

265 FOUR OAKS RD

525 LAURENS ST

• Approx 4 acres, flat grass jump field • Courtyard style 10 stall Barn w/ full studio apt. and 1000 sq ft 2BD/1BA guest cottage • Separate tack room, feed room, laundry • Remarkable 3000 sq ft timber frame 3BD/ 2BA owners residence • $1,375,000

MLS # 97065

• 11.5 acre Hitchcock Stables • 2 carriage houses, bunk house • Original family stable yard • Adjoins The Woods dating from 1882 • 27 12x12 stall barn • $2,300,000 • 8 large paddocks

MLS # 102676

• 8.32 acres in the heart of • 11 stall barn w/ separate Aiken’s Historic Horse Distr. covered wash stall • Restored 1BD 1BA residence • 4 large, irrigated, cross-fenced • Multi function carriage bldg grass paddocks • $2,200,000

3 RUNS PLANTATION LOTS

MLS # 102282

• Private, custom designed equestrian estate on 46+acres built in 2012 • Built to accommodate breeding sports horses, conditioning Polo ponies, training event horses • 8 grass paddocks with shade trees on 15 acres, 1.3 mile grass perimeter Gallop track

534 MARION ST. SE

• Exceptional private lot on cul de sac within Aiken’s most established equestrian community.

• Amenities include: clubhouse, exercise area, swimming pool, xcountry schooling area, 2 dressage arenas, fenced Stadium jumping arena & miles of managed trails for riding or walking • Seller owns 2 adjacent lots & one across the road for total privacy • Will consider seller financing with qualified offer • Call Deirdre for details: (803) 640-4591

189 CROOKED CREEK

MLS # 100888

• Turnkey, private, gated farm • 4 large grass, board fenced on 15+ acres pastures, flat grass area to ride • 5 stall barn w/ spacious tack • Near all 302 equestrian venues room & wash stall • $439,000

785 GRACE

• 10 Acres in Historic Horse Distr.

• 3 barns; 20 stalls, 20 paddocks • 2 grass training fields • Guest cottage

MLS # 71716

• Frontage on 3 clay roads • Easy access to The Woods • 4BR/3BA residence • $3,100,000

www.AikenSCProperties.com 2

The Aiken Horse

June-July 2018

FOX HALL

$2.49 MILLION

WILD OAKS

$1.37 MILLION

TWIN LANES FARM

$785,000

NEW Spectacular Aiken Horse District 3 BR brick manor house, with recent updates. Hardwood floors, commercial grade kitchen, art studio, fireplaces, 2 master suites, 4 stall brick barn, guest house, & 5.43 acres of lush organically managed irrigated pastures & grounds. Easy access on clay roads to Hitchcock Woods.

RISEN STAR

$360,000

Lewis Lane 62 A horse farm with 12 stall center aisle barn, 3 BR/2 BA apartment with granite & hardwood floors, paneled tack room with half bath & laundry.

Gorgeous pasture dotted with live oaks & stick and ball/jumping field.Conveniently located close to downtown Aiken.

NEW BRIDGE POLO

$429,000

Turnkey equestrian property in gated Fox Hollow w/hardiplank 4 BR/3.5 BA two story home w/pine floors, 2 fireplaces & chef's kitchen. 3 stall barn w/wash stall & storage, 4 paddocks & in-ground pool. Amenities include cross country course, fabulous trails & irrigated show rings. HOA fees only $970.

RACELAND STABLE

$535,000

REDUCED Working 30 acre horse farm perfect for the eventer, fox hunter or any professional.

Lovely 4 bedroom home, extra mobile for help, 1/2 mile sand training track, 4 stall barn, 3 run-ins, 11 pastures & round pen. Mostly cleared with good pasture and fencing.

SUMMERDAY FARM

$625,000

Wonderful opportunity to own in security gated New Bridge across from community barn & new show ring. 9.85 acres of fenced pasture w/new custom 2 BR/2 BA frame & stone home w/open floor plan. Stone fireplace, exquisite kitchen w/pantry, screened porch, large master w/walk in closet & spa bath. Includes storage shed.

GRAY WOODS

$499,000

Aiken Horse District on the clay roads with access to the Aiken Training Track & a short hack to the polo fields & Hitchcock Woods.

20 stall barn w/tack room, feed room, office & barn apartment. Add’l. 1752 sq ft dormitory has 3 apartments. 6 stall Eurociser, paddocks, round pen & wash stall on almost an acre.

SADDLEBAG COTTAGE $239,000

NEW Horse farm w/lovely 3 BR Cape Cod on over 53 acres in Ridge Spring area just 15 minutes from downtown Aiken. Home has 2 car garage, hardwood floors, screened porch & fabulous deck w/dock leading to a 4 acre spring fed pond. Miles of riding trails, fabulous pastures, 3 stall barn & equipment shed.

Two story, 4 bedroom/4.5 bath, 3576 sf brick home by Todd Gaul of Designer Builders.

Beautiful hardwood floors, tranquil setting and minutes from the heart of Downtown Aiken. Twenty acres located in a premier equestrian corridor ready for selective clearing for a horse farm or may be subdivided by future buyers.

LONGLEAF COURT REDUCED

COLEMAN BRIDGE LAND $399,000

$175,000

SOLD

Winter colony 2 bedroom/2 bath cottage full of charm and one block away from the Hitchcock Woods. This 1368 square foot, circa 1915, home has heart pine & oak floors, double fireplaces, wainscotting, Hitchcock ceilings & renovated bath with newer metal roof. Sought after Aiken location. $

107,400

10.74 ACRES

TWIN SILOS - LOT 2

Fabulous land & lots available: Twin Silos Farms, Mt. Vintage, & Fox Hollow

803-215-0153 • www.AikenHorseRealty.com June-July 2018

The Aiken Horse

3

your best friend in real-estate

Your online home for every Real-Estate need FineHomesOfAiken.com

THE ACADEMY is a delightful brick residence on Aiken’s prestigious Berrie Rd. Easy access to Hitchcock Woods.

Handsome mill work with high coffered ceilings & tall windows. Wood, tile, & marble floors. Kitchen has Wolf range w/8 gas burners, wine fridge, & gorgeous granite counter tops. Paneled library w/vaulted ceiling. Elegant living & dining rooms. Large sun room w/bar. Heated salt water pool nestled in a Travertine marble patio. Master Suite has walk-through closet and a screen porch that faces patio & pool. Master Bath has jetted tub, private water closets, & large walk-in shower. 2 upstairs bedrooms w/Jack-n-Jill bathroom. 3-stall barn w/wash stall, tack & feed rooms. 3.19 acres w/3 large fenced paddocks. $2,150,000

THE BALCONY is the most prestigious equestrian

estate in Aiken, a comfortable showplace in the heart of Aiken’s “Winter Colony.” Close to all equestrian venues, the 5.85-acre compound is a peaceful sanctuary within tall masonry walls. The elegant slate-roofed residence shows refined craftsmanship in every detail. Stately formal rooms. 6 ensuite bedrooms w/fireplaces. Kitchen, laundry, & utilities are all updated. Exquisite gardens & lawns. 20-stall stable, 3-BR cottage, swimming pool, large paddocks. $2,750,000

GAMEKEEPER’S LODGE is a luxurious

equestrian estate adjoining Hitchcock Woods’ 65 miles of trails in the beautiful Foxchase Equestrian subdivision. This 6447 sq.ft. 5BR 4.5BA classic brick home boasts wood-&-tile floors, fine woodwork, several fireplaces, & rich architectural details. Superb floor plan for family life & for gracious entertaining.

Riders lounge poolside near the magnificent 1,664 sq. ft. European-style brick 7-stall stable. Saltwater pool.

3-car garage with apartment. $1,185,000.

SOLD ADNAMA FARM is a 4238 sq. ft. French country

SHELBORNE FARM is a gracious 4 BR 4.5 BA custom HIGH COTTON FARM This equestrian estate has a residence on 50 acres with magnificent views. Interior features are 5 fireplaces, granite counter tops, 2nd floor observation deck, wood floors, stunning 2-story great room, and a framed-in apartment over the garage. Six-stall barn with wash rack & feed room, dressage ring, 150x300 huinter-jumper ring. Board-fenced pastures. Three-car garage. $999,989

4 BR/4 BA residence and 4 or 5 stall barn with charming apartment, all on 12.47 acres. Located close to town, the farm has 5 fenced grass paddocks and an electric gate entrance. The home has: new roof, numerous upgrades, tankless water heater, and new interior colors. Gas heat, thermal-pane windows. Extra-large master suite downstairs. $925,000

HILLTOP FARM offers sweeping views and wonderful privacy 10 minutes from downtown Aiken. The 28.6acre farm has a 6-stall barn w/feed room, tack room, & 1/2 bath and a 3200-sq.ft. workshop. This custom-built home with vaulted ceilings, bay windows, hardwood floors, stacked stone gas fireplace, granite counters in the kitchen, stainless appliances, and spacious downstairs master suite. 2 BR, 1 BA & a large bonus room upstairs. Enjoy many porches. The in-ground salt pool with gazebo is the perfect spot for relaxing after a day of riding. $799,000

CHADBOURN FARM offers an idyllic equestrian lifestyle. The 3000 sq.ft. 4 BR 3 BA residence was built in 2005 and extensively updated in 2017. Light-filled interior. Great Room with fireplace. Formal dining room.

Wood floors, hickory cabinets, & granite counter tops.

Spacious master suite. 20 acres includes a 6-stall centeraisle barn with wash rack and tack room. Large fenced pastures, dressage arena, and 6.5 cleared acres for any equestrian use. $788,000

WOOD’S END is your only opportunity to build or purchase a new home adjacent to Hitchcock Woods.

Lots 2, 3, 4, & 5 are available for purchase. Each lots is approximately 4 acres in size. Zoned for horses and conveniently close to downtown Aiken. The new home on Lot 1 (140 Wood’s End Way) is a spectacular contemporary residence with wood floors, 3 en suite bedrooms, fireplace in LR, 9’ ceilings throughout, and a 3-stall barn. This perfect equestrian property is available for $698,000.

estate in Chime Bell Chase. On a hilltop with superb views, this 18.83 acre property is designed around a lovely courtyard open to a 3-stall covered-aisle barn with tack room & wash station, a 3-door workshop with open interior, and a salt pool with cabana. This stylish 3 BR, 3 BA, 2 HB brick residence is all on one level. Wood, tile & stone floors. Architectural shingles. $1,250,000

The finest farms in Aiken, South Carolina.

Call 803-640-0123 for estates, farms, homes & land.

FineHomesOfAiken.com Meybohm

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The Aiken Horse

June-July 2018

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June-July 2018

Aiken

The

Horse

Aiken’s Horse Publication

P.O. Box 332 • Montmorenci, SC 29839-0332 • 803.643.9960 •

www.TheAikenHorse.com • Editor@TheAikenHorse.com

Time Dated Material • Periodicals • Volume 13 • Number 6

I

f you happened to watch the Kentucky Derby this year, you might have gotten the feeling that the winner, Justify, was destined to win the Triple Crown. Of course, there have been several Kentucky Derby winners over the past decade that might have given you the same feeling – Big Brown and California Chrome come to mind. Neither of these horses, despite their brilliance, could win the three race series.

Still, Justify – big, bright and muscular and undefeated – seemed so promising. He definitely had the look of a champion as he cruised under the wire at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May. The fact that American Pharoah broke the 37-year-long Triple Crown drought just three years ago in 2015 made it seem much more likely that Justify could do the same thing.

And he did. We were so sure he was going to that we held off publishing this paper until after Belmont weekend so we could celebrate his victory. Justify’s Belmont win might have seemed a little anti-climactic after American Pharoah’s, but it was fantastic for racing, which could use more genuine champions.

Thoroughbred racing may not be every horse person’s favorite thing. The sport, like anything that involves large amounts of money, certainly has its problems, some of them significant. But one thing that racing certainly has done is create some truly spectacular horses. American Thoroughbreds, which are becoming popular again in many other disciplines, are some of the most talented and beautiful athletes in the world.

Justify, with his gleaming chestnut coat and his natural pride, is an amazing specimen, a horse that towers

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above the competition in more ways than one. That is something to appreciate.

We hope you enjoy this issue. In the first section, you will find an article about Justify and some of Aiken’s Triple Crown connections. Did you know that 20 Aiken trained horses have won at least one of the three Triple Crown races and four of them have won two? You will also meet Pie, a 29-year-old Paso Fino with an indomitable spirit who is currently living at Equine Rescue of Aiken. And you will learn what it is that draws Adam Snow, a former 10-goal professional player, to the sport of polo.

In the second section, we have an article about new fabric technologies that can help keep you cooler in hot weather, something everyone in Aiken is likely to appreciate in the coming months. You will also meet FVF Sailor Man, a horse that loves to jump the Grand Prix courses at the Aiken Horse Park. Then we introduce Heather Absalom, who trains hunter/ jumper horses at Just Hope Farm, and Kim Barteau, an FEI dressage and equestrian performance trainer who has recently started giving clinics in Aiken, traveling here from his home base in Florida.

Finally, in the third section, you will meet a few of the foals that were born this year in Aiken. We started our foals series last year, and it was so interesting to go out and see the variety and the quality of the horses being bred in the area that we decided to do it again.

We hope to follow up on these babies and the ones we profiled last year in future issues.

Of course we have our usual features too: Ask the Judge with Amy McElroy, who answers questions about dressage; News and Notes; and Secret Lives of Horses, featuring a senior horse living in Aiken.

This month’s Secret Lives horse is CH Bernie’s Spirit, a 23-year-old Saddlebred show horse who is still a stunning beauty. Find her story and picture in section two.

As ever, if you have an idea for a story or you know something that we should know about, please drop us an email. We love keeping up with our readers and we are thrilled to be your horse newspaper. Have wonderful summer.

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 editor@theaikenhorse.com

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Don’t miss future issues of The Aiken Horse.

We will send you a one year subscription (6 issues) for $24.00. Send check or CC # & your mailing address: P.O. Box 332, Montmorenci, SC 29839 Or sign up on the web at www.TheAikenHorse. com

Aiken

The

Horse

Aiken’s Horse Publication

All contents Copyright 2018 The Aiken Horse 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.

Pam Gleason Editor & Publisher

The Aiken Horse

June-July 2018

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Triple Crown Adam Snow on Polo Grand Prix Rescue: Pie News & Notes

On our cover: Justify breaks from the gate in the 150th Belmont Stakes on his way to the history books. Read more about Justify, his Triple Crown win, and Aiken’s Triple Crown history on page 8.

Photography by Mathea Kelley

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FVF Sailor Man Cool Clothes Ask the Judge Pictures of Paradise Secret Lives: Bernie Just Hope Farm Kim Barteau Clinic

Kelli Wright of Gainesville, Georgia aboard Remastered. Training Level cross country at Paradise Farm, May Horse Trials. More picture on pages 48-49.

Photography by Gary Knoll

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SECTION 62 66 71 72 74 77 86

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Mysteries by Sasscer Hill Foals of 2018 Classifieds Directory Polo in Pictures Calendar of Events Index of Advertisers

Gringa, a Thoroughbred polo pony mare, with her colt SSF Williams at Silver Stone Farm in Ridge Spring. Read more about Silver Stone Farm and five other foals born in Aiken this spring on page 66 Photography by Pam Gleason

June-July 2018

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Winning the Triple Crown Justify and Aiken’s Classic History

By Pam Gleason

T

he 150th Belmont Stakes is over. Justify overpowered the field to become the 13th horse ever to win the Triple Crown of American horse racing. It was a thrilling moment. After dominating the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes over sloppy surfaces in the fog and the rain, Justify finally got a chance to run over a fast track under clear skies at Belmont Park.

He did not disappoint. Breaking cleanly from the number one post position, he grasped the lead and never relinquished it. Because no horse seriously challenged him during the first part of the race, he and his jockey, Mike Smith, were able to dictate the pace. They put in a fast first quarter to stave off early contenders, then settled down to run more easily until the stretch. There, Vino Rosso and Gronkowski (who had trailed the field early on) came up to challenge. But when Smith asked, Justify had plenty left, and he cruised to victory by 1¾ lengths. In front the entire trip, he stood out clearly as he approached the wire. The other horses were spattered with dirt; his gleaming chestnut coat was clean and shiny. He made it look easy.

him by a cool 20 in the same race. It is of course unfair to make these comparisons, since Justify only went as fast as he had to in order to win.

He is the second horse ever to win the Triple Crown while undefeated (Seattle Slew was the first), and may have faster and more spectacular races left in his career.

We will soon find out. Shortly after the Triple Crown victory, it was announced that the colt’s racing career is not over. No plans have been announced at this writing, but it is likely that he will make an appearance in Saratoga this August and at Churchill Downs for the Breeders Cup races in November. In any case, if history is any guide, Justify already has a lock on Horse of the Year honors. He has also won six races in 112 days, with purse money of $3,798,000, or $633,000 per start. Not bad for a horse that was purchased as a yearling for $500,000.

His breeding rights have been sold for a reported $75 million to Coolmore Stud.

Aiken and the Triple Crown

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lthough Aiken has never had a Triple Crown winner, 20 Aiken trained horses have won at least one of the races that make up the Triple Crown. Four horses even captured two of the three jewels. Here are their stories.

Shut Out: One Race Shy

Justify at the Belmont wire ahead of Gronkowski, second. AP Photo/Julio Cortez

Excitement was high at Belmont Park, where the race is run, but not nearly so high as it was in 2015 when American Pharoah made his successful Triple Crown bid. American Pharoah ended a 37-year drought that had inspired many critics to contend that the series was no longer winnable and should be changed. American Pharoah proved them wrong, and now Justify has shown that winning the three race series is difficult, but it is doable – if you are a superhorse and you get lucky. Although there has been some controversy after the race, with a suggestion that Restoring Hope, who, like Justify, is trained by Bob Baffert, effectively blocked potential early challengers “like an offensive lineman protecting his quarterback,” this seems unlikely to have affected the final outcome. Baffert, who also conditioned American Pharoah, is the second trainer ever to win two Triple Crowns. (The other is James Fitzsimmons, known as “Sunny Jim” who trained Gallant Fox in 1930, as well as his son Omaha in 1935.) Baffert now has 15 wins in the Triple Crown races, a record of his own.

The final time for the Belmont Stakes was relatively slow (2:28.18), about a second and a half slower than American Pharoah in 2015 (2:26.65), and over four seconds slower than Secretariat’s historic run in 1973. (2:24 flat.) Using a standard estimate of five lengths to a second, this means that American Pharoah would have beaten Justify by about seven and a half lengths and Secretariat would have trounced

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The Aiken Horse

The first Aiken-trained winner of two of the three classics was Shut Out, owned by Helen Hay Whitney and trained by John Gaver for Greentree Stables, who had a winter training barn at the Aiken Training Track.

In 1942, Shut Out (Equipoise out of Goose Egg) won the Kentucky Derby by 2¼ lengths. Greentree Stables actually had two top 3-year-olds in 1942. The other one, Devil Diver (also an Aiken trained horse), had beaten Shut Out in the Hopeful Stakes when both were 2-year-olds and he seemed the more promising colt. Or at least the top jockey Eddie Arcaro thought so. Gaver offered Arcaro his choice of mounts for the Kentucky Derby, and Devil Diver is the horse he rode. Wayne Wright, also a champion jockey, piloted Shut Out to victory, while Devil Diver and Arcaro languished in sixth.

Then, in the Preakness, Shut Out had a difficult trip and finished fifth despite a late rush. But three weeks later, the colt came back to win the Belmont, this time with Arcaro in the irons. For good measure, he went to Saratoga where he triumphed in the Travers Stakes. Nonetheless, he was denied Three Year Old Colt of the Year honors, which went to Alsab. Alsab, who had also been the Two Year Old Champion in 1941, finished second in both the Derby and the Belmont and won the Preakness in record-setting time. His claim to the champion title was probably cemented by his September victory in a match race against Whirlaway, the 1941 Triple Crown winner. Whirlaway, who had been Horse of the Year in 1941, retained that crown in 1942.

Even though Shut Out won two of the three triple crown races, because he was not named a national champion, he is not included in the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame, which is reserved for horses that have been given a horse of the year title of some sort. He is, nevertheless, one of the most distinguished horses to have trained on the Aiken Training Track. His stablemate Devil Diver, on the other hand, had spectacular 4 and 5-year-old seasons, earning the Champion Older Male title both years and garnering himself a spot in Aiken’s museum.

Capot: Not Quite

The next horse to win two of the three Triple Crown races was Capot in 1949. Capot was another Greentree Stables horse trained by John Gaver for the Whitney family. A dark brown colt (Menow out of Piquet) Capot came closest of all the Aiken trained horses to being a Triple Crown champion.

Racing nine times as a 2-year-old, Capot won five races, including the Champagne Stakes, the Wakefield Stakes and the Pimlico Futurity. It

June-July 2018

saying after the race.

And Gaver was right. Two weeks later, Capot and Ponder were the betting favorites for the Preakness. Ponder was never a factor, but Capot, ridden by Ted Atkinson, as he had been in the Derby, had a perfect trip, settling in just off the lead behind Noble Impulse, passing that horse at the sixteenth pole and then fending off a late rush by Palestinian to win the race by a head. Three weeks later, Capot also won the Belmont by half a length, with Ponder and Palestinian, both late closers, hot on his tail. After these exceptional performances, Capot was named the champion 3-Year-Old Male and the Horse of the Year. He had missed a Triple Crown title by one horse and three short lengths.

Pleasant Colony: A Real Contender

Shut Out at the Belmont with John Gaver & Eddie Arcaro up. Photo by Bert Morgan

Of the four Aiken trained horses who won two legs of the Triple Crown, Pleasant Colony was the only one who actually had a shot of winning it because he captured the first two races, the Derby and the Preakness, in 1981. Owned and bred by Thomas Mellon Evans, Pleasant Colony raced for Buckland Farm, which had its winter training quarters at the Aiken Training Track for many years. In Aiken, the big horse (he was just shy of 17 hands) had

was a good record, but did not necessarily make him a standout when he started his 3-year-old year. Nonetheless, he was entered in the 75th running of the Kentucky Derby in 1949. That year, Olympia, a speedy horse who had been an outstanding 2-year-old, was the heavy favorite.

Capot, a 13-1 shot, broke well from the number one position and settled behind Olympia all the way to the top of the stretch. There, he made his move, battling Olympia for the lead and then overtaking him. Flying for home, he seemed to be leaving the field far behind. But Ponder, a late closer, swept in from the back of the pack, taking Capot unawares and and galloping home the winner by three lengths. Capot beat the rest of the field by four with Olympia dropping back to sixth. “We’ve got the horse they’ll have to catch the rest of the year,” John Gaver is quoted as

Capot at the Preakness . Photo by Bert Norman

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his first race training with Ross Pearce, an assistant trainer who handled the stable’s babies. A gangly colt, Pleasant Colony was not the easiest to get to the races, but he did manage to win two of his five starts as a 2-year-old, including the Remsen Stakes, where he finished second but was placed first after the winner, Akureyri was disqualified.

Pleasant Colony started his 3-year-old year in Florida under the trainer P. O’Donnell Lee. After three second place finishes (all to Akureyri) in various stakes races, he was fifth with a poor effort in the Florida Derby (also won by Akureyri) after which his owner fired the trainer and hired John Campo instead. Campo, 5’7” and 250 pounds, was known as “The Fat Man” while Pleasant Colony, tall and skinny, had the nickname “Legs.” It was a successful combination. The colt had a convincing win in his next start, the Wood Memorial, making him a legitimate Derby contender.

Although the Kentucky Derby was supposed to be limited to 20 horses, in 1981, there were 21 entered, a huge field. After the break, there was a scramble to gain a good position, resulting in an extremely fast first quarter (21 4/5) and half (45 1/5) both Derby records at the time. Jorge Velasquez, Pleasant Colony’s jockey, had been instructed to “break good”, but instead of making a mad rush for the lead, he took the colt back. With half a mile to go, Pleasant

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Pleasant Colony: Derby winner’s circle, with his trainer John Campo. Jorge Velasquez up.

Colony was still running 15th, but the leaders were tiring, and he still had plenty of gas in the tank. He and another late charging horse, the longshot Woodchopper, rushed forward, and Pleasant Colony galloped under the wire to win by three quarters of a length.

Coming into the Preakness as the favorite two weeks later, Pleasant Colony was still on top of his game. Although the field was smaller (13) and the race a little shorter (one mile and an eighth as opposed to the Derby’s mile and a quarter), Velasquez rode his horse the same way.

They broke cleanly, settled at the back of the pack, and then closed like a missile, passing horses as though they were standing still to win by a length over Bold Ego who had led the field the entire way.

On Belmont day, hopes were high for a Triple Crown winner. At this point, eleven horses had won the crown: the first, Sir Barton in 1919, then three horses in the 1930s and four horses in the 1940s. There was a gap of 25 years before Secretariat took the title in 1973, breaking the first long Triple Crown drought. Secretariat’s victory was followed by Seattle Slew’s (1977) and then Affirmed’s (1978.) With these three recent winners, a Triple Crown seemed eminently attainable, especially with a horse like Pleasant Colony, whose fast closing kick and running style seemed tailor-made for the mile-and-a-half Belmont.

But is was not to be: Pleasant Colony ran the same kind of race as ever on Belmont day, but when Velasquez asked him to accelerate as they turned for home, all of his rockets didn’t fire. Without the same strong kick as he displayed in the first two legs of the crown, he wound up third, beaten by over 12 lengths by a longshot, Summing, with another longshot, Highland Blade, coming in second.

Why did Pleasant Colony falter? Some have blamed the fact that he was acting up going into the gate; others have speculated that he was simply tired from his earlier efforts – the top two finishers in the Belmont had not run in the Derby and Preakness. Another reason is the pace: unlike the Derby and the Preakness, the Belmont had slow early fractions, not a good thing for a horse that likes to come from behind.

Pleasant Colony went on to win the Woodward Stakes and was retired to stud duty after a fourth place finish in the Marlboro Cup Invitational handicap. He won the Eclipse Award for the Outstanding 3-Year-Old Male and became a significant sire, with 73 stakes winners and five Eclipse award winners among his progeny. He has an honored place in the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame.

had a winter training barn on Orangeburg Street near the Aiken Training Track. By this time, Woody no longer spent the winter in Aiken, so Swale’s early training on Aiken’s track was mostly overseen by the assistant trainer, Billy Badgett.

Swale, tall and skinny at 2, had an excellent racing season with four firsts in five starts, setting him up for greatness as a 3-year-old.

That year, after winning his first outing in the Hutcheson Stakes at Gulfstream Park by seven lengths, he was third in the Fountain of Youth Stakes, then won the Florida Derby and was second in the Lexington Stakes. Woody Stephens, who had been hospitalized with pneumonia that spring, entered him in the Kentucky Derby.

Swale was really his second choice for the race: Stephens also trained Devil’s Bag, the undefeated 2-year-old champion, who had been compared to Secretariat and had an enthusiastic following in the racing press. But Devil’s Bag got hurt and could not run, so Swale would carry all Stephens’s and Aiken’s hopes to the 3-year-old classics.

It might not have been such a bad trade. Between 2 and 3, Swale had filled out, blossoming into a gorgeous black horse with an unmistakable presence. On Derby day, he looked every bit the champion when he walked onto the track at Churchill Downs. The favorite was a filly named Althea, who had been the 2-year-old filly champion and had just won the Arkansas Derby by seven lengths. True to her front-running form, Althea broke fast and took the lead. Swale, who came out of the number 10 post position in the auxiliary gate, stalked her in second all the way around the course. At the final turn, his stride opening effortlessly, he passed her by, accelerating to win by 3½ lengths.

Swale: The Tragic One

Swale, a dark brown colt sired by the Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew, is the final Aiken trained horse to win two legs of the Triple Crown, a feat he accomplished in 1984. Swale was bred by Claiborne Farm and owned by Raceland Stable, a partnership of Claiborne’s owners and associates. He was trained by the Hall of Famer Woody Stephens, who

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The Aiken Horse

June-July 2018

Swale had an unfortunate racing pattern. After a good race like the one he ran in Kentucky, he would throw in a bad race. There is no other way to describe his Preakness performance. Although his jockey Lafitt Pincay gave him another perfect trip, tucking him in second behind the early leader Fight Over, when it was time for Swale to shift into fifth gear, it didn’t seem to be there. He finished a fading seventh, well behind the winner Gate Dancer, thus dashing Aiken’s hopes for another Triple Crown contender.

When the Belmont Stakes rolled around, however, the Swale was back in form. Breaking cleanly from post 6, he glided to the lead and never let it go, coming home four lengths ahead of what had been described before the race as a “so-so” field of 11. Despite this, it was the fourth fastest Belmont in history. It was also the third consecutive Belmont Stakes win for Woody Stephens. Stephens’s Belmont winning streak would extend two more years, with victories in 1985 (Crème Fraiche) and 1986 (Danzig), giving him five Belmont titles in a row, all with horses trained in Aiken. It is a record that has not yet been equaled.

There would be no Triple Crown for Swale of course, but with Horse of the Year honors in his sights, Stephens was making high flying plans for the remainder of his colt’s sophomore year. Those plans suddenly crashed to the ground eight days after the Belmont. On Sunday, June 17, Swale, still at Belmont Park, went out for a light 6:30 am gallop. On the way back to his stable, his exercise rider described him as “happy as ever, playing with the pony next to him.” But as his groom prepared to give him a bath shortly afterwards, he suddenly collapsed to the ground. The veterinarian who arrived just four minutes later pronounced him dead.

Why did the great colt die? No one knows. The preliminary autopsy conducted at Belmont Park didn’t reveal anything out of the ordinary.

Toxicology and microscopic examinations were negative. A month later, in a more detailed autopsy conducted at the New Bolton Center at the University of Pennsylvania, pathologists found a small area of fibrosis on his heart, a type of lesion that can lead to fatal arrhythmia. Although no one could definitively say that was what killed him, it seemed the most likely explanation.

Swale’s remains were sent back to his birthplace, Claiborne Farm in Paris, Kentucky and he was buried in the Claiborne Thoroughbred cemetery. Early the following year, he was posthumously awarded the Eclipse Award for the Outstanding 3-Year-Old Male. That March, he was inducted into the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame.

Although the Aiken Training Track is still producing racehorses, these days the big stables are gone. Over the past decade especially, there are fewer big time horses training in Aiken now than there were back in the days of John Gaver or Woody Stephens. Dogwood Stable gave us our most recent Triple Crown race winner with Palace Malice, who took the Belmont in 2013. But Dogwood no longer has a big Aiken operation and Darley, our other well-known name, has consolidated its operations elsewhere.

This does not mean, of course, that Aiken will not produce another Triple Crown contender in the future. Horse racing is an uncertain thing: although prestigious well-established racing operations are statistically more likely to come up with a champion horse, the Thoroughbred bloodline is deep and rich in talent. Greatness can crop up anywhere. One of the most recent near-winners of the Triple Crown, for instance, California Chrome, who won the Derby and the Preakness in 2014, was the son of a mare named Love the Chase who was purchased for $8,000 and bred to Lucky Pulpit, whose stud fee was a mere $2,000. Aiken’s track may well produce many more super horses in the future, even without famous stables or owners with deep pockets.

Only time will tell.

Ten Triple Crown Facts

Swale with Lafitt Pincay and Woody Stephens. Aiken Thoroughbred Hall of Fame.

• The three races that make up the Triple Crown have been around since the 19th century, but the official series wasn’t firmly established until 1930.

• The order of the races in the Triple Crown has not always been the same, and it is has not always been possible to win it. In 1917 and 1922, the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes were held on the same day. In 1890, the Belmont and the Preakness were on the same day. The Preakness was not run between 1891 and 1893, and the Belmont was not run in 1911 and 1912 • Today the Belmont Stakes is held at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. From 1866 to 1890, the race was held at Jerome Park in Westchester County, N.Y. The very first recognized outdoor polo match in the United States was played on the infield of this racetrack in 1876.

• The Triple Crown has not always been open to all 3-year-olds. In fact, from 1919 until 1956, geldings were not allowed to run in the Belmont Stakes.

• Gallant Fox (1930) and Omaha (1935) are the only father and son horses to win the Triple Crown • Eddie Arcaro, who piloted both Gallant Fox and Omaha, is the only jockey with two Triple Crowns to his credit.

• Of the 13 horses that have won the Triple Crown, 10 of them have been owned by their breeders.

• Twenty Aiken-trained horses have won a Triple Crown race • Of the 52 horse that have won two legs of the Triple Crown, four came from Aiken. Just one, Funny Cide (2003) was a gelding. None has been a filly.

• The number one post position, which Justify drew this year, is statistically the best position for the Belmont. Since 1905, more horses have won from post position one than from any other spot. In all, there have been 24 out of 111 winners breaking from the inside post.

The Aiken Horse

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The Aiken Horse

June-July 2018

Why Polo?

By Adam Snow

I

t often feels like an obsession, this sport. At the end of a season, I put away my sticks and boots and turn out my horses – watching them cavort in the newly found freedom of their pasture could be one of life’s greatest pleasures. For a few days, I am happy, content to leave the game behind, but invariably I will begin daydreaming (or staying up at night) considering the prospects for a coming season, or getting excited about imminent green horse chukkas.

You would think it would get old after 30 years. Riding over 1,000 different animals, playing on hundreds of teams, my fair share of wrecks … and still I keep coming back for more.

So what is it about the sport? Looking back, I realize that my

Adam Snow meets Julio Arellano

motivations for playing have changed over the years.

Initially it was because of a healthy dose of family pressure: I was born into a polo family. “Let’s go for a trail ride,” my dad used to say. “When are you going to get out there and join us?” Uncle Donald would ask (I can hear myself uttering similar things to my own kids these days, but somehow I haven’t been as convincing.) I was reluctant, scared... those horses were big. It was often freezing on early morning rides. One time a sapling got caught under my horse’s back legs, released like a bow snapping free, and I got launched onto the cold, hard ground. But I particularly hated being left alone with horses tied in the barn for fear that they would go crazy and start pulling back. Today I am grateful for dad’s persistence, and that I eventually chose to take advantage of the opportunity to start playing polo at a young age.

When the push eventually became a pull, and I couldn’t find enough horses to ride and stick-and-ball, this change was due to playing with my peers. By the time I reached middle school, there were roughly 12 of us, between the ages of 11-16, who played youth polo together at Myopia Polo Club outside of Boston where I grew up. I relished the comradery and competitiveness when I was playing with and against my friends and brothers. I have vivid recollections of our first travel event up to New York to compete against “young Saratoga.” Our team strategized for hours and created our first horse lists. When I was playing with similarly aged kids, I quickly forgot about my fear of the horses and plunged into the pursuit of that little white nugget. This was fun!

June-July 2018

After college, I played polo to travel. To paraphrase Winston Churchill, I used my polo handicap like a passport to the world, enabling me to experience countries that I otherwise would never have visited: Brunei, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Ecuador. And, at least in the case of my first trip there, going to Argentina was as much about learning Spanish and experiencing a new culture, as it was about improving my polo. But it was still the sport that got me there.

At one stage, I may have played for the money. By my second or third season as a professional, I had a five-figure annual salary, some benefits, and I didn’t own a horse. My wife Shelley’s joke – a little too true to be funny – is that this was as much as I ever made, including the years when I was 10-goals. For a very brief period there, I was doing all right in comparison to my college friends who were working in New York, and my “work” involved riding horses in the sunshine, ample travel opportunities, and getting to play a sport that I loved.

One fall, Shelley and I rode two 3 year-olds out of a friend’s barn in south Florida. Kansas and Darwin were ex-racehorses that we had purchased from Mimi Tate in Sheridan, Wyoming, and they were the first horses either of us had ever owned. Incrementally, season by season, I kept buying horses until eventually the ponies themselves became the priority. Finding, training, maintaining the best ponies I could afford became my passion. There was an introduction to natural horsemanship at a friend’s farm in Memphis, Tennessee. Shelley became a veterinarian. When one of our horses, Muffin, won Best Playing Pony of the East Coast Open, it seemed like things were coming together. I realized that the very animal I was scared of as a child could be my biggest asset on the polo field. So in a way, the horses themselves (my consistent “teammates”) became the reason I played polo.

Let’s be clear, going to the barn and riding horses is a joy. (“Honey, I’m off to work,” never invoked much sympathy in our house. Nor should it.) But improving them, particularly the young ones, is a constant challenge. They are good teachers, horses; and humility is one of their lessons. Just when we let ourselves think, “I really know my stuff,” there’s a hiccup – usually a crash or a bad chukka – and it’s back to learning and thinking about things in a different way. It’s one small challenge after another, but with a big reward hanging out there – when that horse improves, and facilitates your making your plays, it all seems worthwhile.

The element of fear has to be named among the reasons I play polo.

It helps me awake. The intense focus that comes with competing in a dangerous team sport can be addictive. The author Annie Proulx describes this sensation well in her story of an itinerant bull rider – “that blazing feeling of real existence.”

Writing this I realize that, even as they have evolved, there are so many reasons I play this game. And one more reason: the mental challenges of finding ways to play my best at my age, 54, are as compelling today as they were a decade ago.

A few years ago, I embarked on a carefully considered plan for backing-off the amount of tournament polo I played. Needless to say, it didn’t go well. To borrow Shelley’s words, “in this sport, the prospects for retirement aren’t good.” She would know.

Adam Snow is professional polo player who attained and held a 10-goal rating while playing in the top polo contests in the world. A member of the United States Polo Association Hall of Fame, he lives in Aiken with his wife Shelley Onderdonk and their family. He and Shelley are authors of the book Polo Life; Horses, Sport 10 and Zen. www.PoloLife.co

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HOMES . HORSES 803.645.3308 803.507.1142 803.221.6831 803.270.6358 803.270.6623 803.341.8787 HISTORY . HOSPITALITY

Courtney Conger Randy Wolcott Alex Tyrteos

Lee Hedlund

Mike Hosang

Frank Starcher

Jack Roth

Suzan McHugh Thomas Bossard Brian Cavanaugh Jane Page Thompson Angela Little

203.249.3071 803.292.8525 803.640.2845 803.624.6072 803.215.8232 803.292.3709

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.648.8660

www CarolinaHorseProperties com . 803

Willow Hill Farm . Historic 1910 farm recently updated features main residence with original woodwork, eat-in kitchen modernized in 2014, 5 bedrooms each with full bath. For guests or grooms, there is a brick 2-story home with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths.

For horses, there are 2 original barns with a total of 18 stalls and hay storage areas; and 8 fenced grassy paddocks, each with run-in shed. Rolling pastures and riding arena complete the 22.81 acre farm. Call Courtney Conger or Jane Page Thompson $1,100,000

The Polo Club . Location, Location, Location! "Polo Club" is an

early century charmer, which was originally built as a clubhouse for Whitney Polo Field. Directly across from Aiken's Training Track in Historic Horse District, the property has easy access to downtown Aiken and south side shopping. Enjoy the wraparound porch with picturesque views. Keep cozy in front of the 5 fireplaces. Beautiful hardwood floors and original details enhance this historic property that also boasts ample paddock space. Call Mike Hosang or Brian Cavanaugh $1,200,000

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Polo Vista Stables at New Bridge This beautifully constructed center aisle barn is in like new condition and offers 18 large, matted stalls on 22.47 acres overlooking polo field. Included are wash stall, spacious tack room/lounge combo, 2 bunk rooms, laundry room and full bath.

There is also an 1800 square foot, insulated equipment shed and 13 four-board fenced paddocks and pastures. Amenities include riding trails, clubhouse and pool. May be purchased in conjunction with charming 4-bedroom residence across the polo field (see below). Call Courtney Conger $850,000

CEDAR

Meadows

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Three Runs Plantation Delightfully decorated residence in Three Runs Plantation equestrian community offers over 3000 square feet with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, great room, formal dining room, kitchen with breakfast bay & island and screened porch overlooking established pastures and center-aisle barn on nearly 6 acres. Community amenities include riding rings, clubhouse, pool & cabana, fitness center, picnic shelter and miles of groomed trails. Call Courtney Conger $659,000

Several equestrian lots available, ranging from 6.14 to 11.97 acres of established coastal Bermuda grass with beautiful views. Equestrian amenities include community riding ring and trails.

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Kings Ridge Private gated equestrian estate with sweeping views of 5 verdant acres, lakes and gleaming pool artfully situated to capture vibrant sunsets. Multiple outdoor living spaces, elegant kitchen and cozy den overlooking the lake. With 5100 square feet under roof, the exterior living spaces have been designed with as much attention to detail as the interior living spaces. Studio apartment above garage with workshop, fenced yard for pets. Call Jane Page Thompson $836,000

Call Courtney Conger ~ pricing starts at just

$105,000

Polo Vista Cottage . Comfort and crafts-

manship are the hallmarks of this delightful cottage with 2929 square feet. Features include open floor plan with 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, cathedral ceilings, stone fireplace, wood floors and window walls overlooking one of New Bridge Polo’s beautifully maintained polo fields. Call Courtney Conger $499,000

NEW BRIDGE

Acreage

C’est La Vie Farm . Located on over 60 acres of

fenced fields & woods, this fully developed horse farm includes brick 3 bedroom home, 2-car garage, center aisle barn, dressage arena, 6 large paddocks, 2 run-in sheds, round pen and dog run. The custom barn has 8-10 stalls with rubber pavers, tack room/lounge with Mexican tile floors, half bath, feed room, wash stall, fly spray system, and large unfinished apartment with enclosed stairs to loft. Call Courtney Conger or Randy Wolcott $550,000

Woolworth House . Historic Winter Colony cottage with stables in downtown Olde Aiken just steps from Hitchcock Woods! Delightful 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath home, updated in recent years, features high ceilings, wood floors, fireplace, and wall of windows overlooking patio & paddocks. For horses, there is a 3stall shed row barn. Call Courtney Conger $790,000

Beautiful 27.82 acre parcel close to town and equestrian venues. Perfect for horses, with cleared pasture space plus timber.

Level to gently rolling land with lovely home sites may be subdivided.

Bass Pond Farm . This 38.49 acre farm located in Aiken’s Equestrian Corridor offers it all! The 3 bedroom, 2 bath residence overlooks 3-acre spring-fed pond. Property includes guest house, groom's cottage, 20-stall barn with tack & feed rooms, apartment, Grand prix or stick-and-ball field, exercise track, fenced sand arena and fenced paddocks. Call Alex Tyrteos $635,000

$165,000 Call MIKE HOSANG

NEW BRIDGE

Polo Club

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Three Runs Plantation Encompassing over 5 acres with 3 stall barn, this home is over 3,240 square feet including the master suite on the main floor. There are a total of 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, family room, gourmet chef’s kitchen and den/office. Natural gas and hi-speed fiber optic internet available, access to nearby schooling areas, mirrored dressage ring, jump ring and fitness center. Call Frank Starcher or Jack Roth $699,000

Exquisite 11.35 acre building site in a prime location at New Bridge Polo Club. Direct access to polo fields, clubhouse, tennis and swimming pool. Complete with plenty of fencing and 3HP well!

$217,000

Call JACK ROTH

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Oak Tree Farm . Country contemporary with 3 bed-

rooms and 3 full baths is nestled among live oaks on over 48 acres of board fenced pastures. Sunlit great room and master bedroom feature cathedral ceilings and window walls with sweeping views of coastal fields. Inground pool with new liner. Center aisle barn has 3 stalls with room for more, tack/feed room, run-in and storage space. Call Courtney Conger $699,000

EQUESTRIAN

Meadow

Gardens

Call COURTNEY CONGER

Bridle Creek! Lots range from 5 acres to 11.77 acres.

Community amenities include miles of trails, gallop, stadium jumps, cross-country jump field, and dressage ring. New community green space added at the entrance of Phase II. Call Frank Starcher or Jack Roth $18,000 per acre

SOLSTICE

TIMSHEL Level, partially cleared lots in developing equestrian area with easy access to Aiken, Edgefield and I-20. Riding rings and trails are underway, and homeowners with interests in eventing, hunter jumpers, driving and trail riding are in residence. Best of all, lots from 12.25 to over 14 acres are available for only $4,500 per acre!

Bridle Creek . New Phase II now open at

Three Runs Plantation .

Turn key horse farm in Aiken’s premier equestrian community has 3 bedroom, 3 bath home with custom details, mud room/laundry and 2-bay garage. Barn has 2 stalls with room for more, tack room and feed storage. Includes separate equipment building, fenced paddocks with established grass.

Call Frank Starcher or Jack Roth $539,000

Two partly cleared tracts ready for you to have horses at home! Direct access to trail system with miles of dedicated trails, including the 61 acre Freeman preserve, which has a wonderful pond. Ask about owner financing! These 5-acre parcels offered at just

$85,000 PER PARCEL Call RANDY WOLCOTT

The Aiken Horse

Corridor

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Greener Pastures Located in the Highway 302 east side Horse Corridor, this turn key equestrian property offers over 41 acres of board fenced pasture & woods. Custom brick residence with 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths, 3-stall center aisle barn with hay storage and tack room, 8-acre pasture with 4 feeding pens and run-in shed, 4 paddocks, 2 more run-in sheds, and 40x50 Hoover work shop. Miles of riding on groomed trails and adjoining dirt roads! Call Courtney Conger $599,000

In the heart of Aiken’s east side Highway 302 horse country is this beautiful parcel with 34 acres of gently rolling pasture planted in well established grass, complete with fencing and gate. Adjoins Shellhouse Lake Farm (see right)

Call MIKE HOSANG

ONLY $340,000

June-July 2018

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Calvary Training Center . Picture-perfect property with a host of potential uses in Bluffton, SC includes 43+ acres, beautiful lake, Low Country home with 7 bedrooms and 4.5 baths, education center with offices and classrooms, and extensive infrastructure that could handle a 100-unit development. The world class equestrian facility includes 25 stalls, tack rooms, grooms’ lounge and baths, wash stalls, storage and 42,000 square foot covered arena. Call Mike Hosang or Brian Cavanaugh $4,900,000

Red Top Estate . Historic Aiken estate with grand rooms for

.

Windsor Oaks Stunning private country estate on 30 lovely acres with beautiful live oaks! Custom home features 5 bedrooms & 4 baths, wellappointed kitchen with granite counters, high ceilings and wood flooring throughout. Attached 4 car garage plus finished basement space. Property has 2 large enclosed metal buildings with 6420 & 4860 sq ft, with separate electrical service, plumbing & septic. Call Mike Hosang or Brian Cavanaugh $1,300,000

entertaining, 5 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, and classic original architectural elements throughout. This Gilded Age residence with modern updates includes an apartment, formal gardens, carport on 1.22 acres. Additional parcels offered: 3 bedroom guest house for $295,000, and adjoining Carriage House parcel for $625,000. Call Jane Page Thompson $1,150,000

WEXFORD

Mill

Beautiful lakefront lot in quiet neighborhood! Set on the side of a small inlet, this property offers stunning views of the lake on a gently rolling slope.

Great for fishing, water activities, or just relaxing!

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Three Runs Plantation Located on over 8 acres in Aiken’s premier equestrian community, this stately 10-stall barn awaits completion to make it a show place. Features include hand-crafted cupolas, gabled entrance, pine paneled breezeway, large tack room, office/apartment with 2 rooms and full bath. The entry area opens to a t-shape with 5 stalls on either side, plus wash stall and feed room. Large loft accessed by outside stairs can be finished as living space. Call Courtney Conger $390,000

Call MIKE HOSANG or BRIAN CAVANAUGH JUST

$110,000

Old Buckland Barn . Historic training facility in

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Indigo Cottage Amazing new custom home on an acre in New Bridge Polo features 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, large kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, luxurious main level master suite, fireplace, finished bonus room with bath, with oak & tile flooring throughout. Entertain outdoors with wrap-around porches and deck overlooking polo field. Call Jack Roth $489,000

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 countertops and all appliances. There are 2 converted race barns with 15 expanded stalls total, board fenced paddocks, grooms’ apartment, dressage arena with mirror. Call Courtney Conger $1, 425,000

GOODSPRINGS

Plantation

Three Runs Plantation . Beautiful new Three Runs Plantation . Adorable Donnie Shaffer Construction home on a great lot in Phase 7A in

Hunt Box with 2 full bedrooms, open kitchen with natural gas cooktop, family room with tall vaulted ceilings and triple sliding door to covered patio, full bath and 1/3 bath, stalls for 2 or 3 horses, on 4.1 fenced acres with circular driveway. Natural gas heat and water heater. Call Jack Roth or Frank Starcher $325,000

Three Runs Plantation! Comfortable floor plan with 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths on main floor, upstairs bedroom/bonus room with full bath. Property has 5.12 acres, two car garage. Entire house is either reclaimed pine wood floors, ceramic tile or carpet in bedrooms. Call Frank Starcher or Jack Roth $569,000

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Black Sheep Farm Dine al fresco in the breezeway of this classic European courtyard farmhouse, overlooking koi pond and heated pool. Perfect for the Aiken lifestyle, this beautiful property melds outdoor & indoor living with 3 en suite bedrooms, 2 wood-burning stoves, huge kitchen & greatroom with hardwood floors. Adjoining office, family room, laundry, workshop, 4 stalls, tack & feed room with paddocks beyond. Over 8 acres with 3-bay garage. Call Mike Hosang or Brian Cavanaugh $689,000

Nearby Farm . Comfortable

home with 3 bedrooms and 3 full baths near Stable View Farm and other equestrian venues. The 24 acre farm includes pasture and paddocks, and new multi-purpose building for workshop, garage, barn or storage. Call Mike Hosang or Brian Cavanaugh $240,000

BLUFFWOOD

Call RANDY WOLCOTT JUST $3,200 per acre!

Shellhouse Lake Farm .

LOT 13 $41,000 3.41 acres

Sportsman's retreat located in Aiken’s east side equestrian corridor less than 10 miles from downtown! Drive through the gated entrance and past grassy fenced pasture to the sparkling 11 acre lake. Parcel Two offers approximately 43 acres mostly cleared and grassed with Shaw's Creek at the back border. The brick 2 bedroom, 1 bath country cabin has spacious kitchen/family room, fireplace and full length porch, with wonderful views overlooking lake. Call Mike Hosang $595,000

LOT 22 $57,000 4.68 acres Call MIKE HOSANG or BRIAN CAVANAUGH

.

Downtown Cottage Classic Colonial home has direct access to Hitchcock Woods, and offers spacious living areas, large family room/kitchen combination and screened porch. Master suite and 3 additional bedrooms upstairs have magnificent views of landscaped yard in one of Aiken's most desirable neighborhoods! Call Alex Tyrteos or Jane Page Thompson $199,000

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Open Range Exquisite farm on almost 7 acres, conveniently close to Aiken and equestrian communities. Amenities include 3 bedroom, 2 bath farmhouse with open plan interior, high ceilings and quality finishes. The 6-stall center-aisle barn has tack room and horse wash. Other amenities include riding ring and paddocks with 3-board fencing. Call Alex Tyrteos $357,000

NEW BRIDGE

CHIME BELL

Large lot (8.71 acres) complete with fencing, well & septic across from endline of Field 2. World class polo community with polo fields, clubhouse, tennis & swimming pool.

Beautiful 16.31 acre lot, already cleared, in a wonderful equestrian community that offers top notch amenities, including a dressage ring, hunter/jumper ring, and cross-country course.

Polo Club

East

Large trees abound on these TWO adjoining level lots approximately 16 acres each, with plenty of road frontage and beautiful home sites. Many horse farms and large estates surround this east side horse country community.

Build the home of your dreams! Two lots available in small, private, gated equestrian community that's close to Stable View with easy access to the interstate, downtown Aiken and Augusta

Three Runs Plantation . Beautiful

Phase 1 lot offered with NEW hunt box combo to be constructed

by Farmfield Builders. Includes 700 square foot apartment, 3 stalls, tack room, feed room and wash stall. Close to community amenities including clubhouse, riding arenas, pool, and direct access to the 30-mile trail system! Call Alex Tyrteos $320,000

Courtney Conger Randy Wolcott

$99,900 Call MIKE HOSANG

Lee Hedlund

Mike Hosang

Chase

.

Winter Place Ideal turnkey property for snowbirds ! This 3-bedroom home sits on 5.39 private, partially cleared acres in grass with great potential to add fencing and create a horse farm. The 30' x 36' steel building set up as workshop easily converts to barn. The comfortable, well-maintained home is offered FULLY FURNISHED, and has eat-in kitchen, large family room, master suite and 2 additional bedrooms. Fenced back yard. Call Alex Tyrteos $135,000 Frank Starcher

Call MIKE HOSANG

$158,200

Jack Roth

803.645.3308 803.507.1142 803.221.6831 803.270.6358 803.270.6623 803.341.8787 Alex Tyrteos

Suzan McHugh Thomas Bossard Brian Cavanaugh Jane Page Thompson Angela Little

203.249.3071 803.292.8525 803.640.2845 803.624.6072 803.215.8232 803.292.3709

.

.

.648.8660

www CarolinaHorseProperties com . 803

June-July 2018

The Aiken Horse

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The Aiken Horse

June-July 2018

June-July 2018

The Aiken Horse

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Grand Prix at the Aiken Charity Horse Show II

Photography by Pam Gleason

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The Aiken Horse

June-July 2018

PERFORMANCE

CARBCARE

SHOW & PLEASURE SENIOR BALANCER PELLET

HORSE FEED. DEFINED.

Legends® feeds are fortified by Kentucky Equine Research to meet your horse’s individual needs. For feeding advice or to create a custom ration, visit microsteed.com/legends. Visit ker.com/legends to read the latest in equine nutrition and health and subscribe to the Equinews® newsletter presented by Legends® Feeds.

southernstates.com/legends Questions or Comments: Southern_States_Feed_Questions@cargill.com Legends , Fresh From the Heart, Fresh From the Farm and CarbCare® are registered trademarks of Cargill, Incorporated. Southern States® is a registered trademark of Southern States Cooperative, Incorporated. Kentucky Equine Research®, Equinews® and MicroSteedTM are trademarks of Kentucky Equine Research, Incorporated. ®

®

©2018 Cargill, Incorporated. All rights reserved.

June-July 2018

The Aiken Horse

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WHY FEED CHIA SEED TO HORSES? CHIA PROVIDES THE SUBSTANCE ESSENTIAL TO CELL LIFE: A BALANCED PROPERTY OF GIVING OUT (NUTRIENTS) AND READILY TAKING UP (DEBRIS)

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Locally produced.

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Beautifully DeSigneD 3579Sf Home w/BonuS room | many uPgraDeS 3 BeDroomS | 3 BatHS | 3-Bay garage | ScreeneD PorcH | 5+ acreS cloSe to 3runS amenitieS | mlS 98288 | $579,000

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7+ gorgeouS acreS, Perfect layout for eQuine BuSineSS or Private farm | 2 BarnS | 10 PaDDockS | low maintenance 4 BeDroom, 3 1/2 BatH Home | mlS 98555 | now $479,000

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June-July 2018

Bringing Back Pie

Senior “Stray” Horse at Equine Rescue

By Pam Gleason

I

t was early in the second week of May that a very thin bay gelding wandered up to a home on Wire Road, about five miles north of the Aiken County Animal Shelter. The man who lived there showed the horse to people at farms in the neighborhood, but no one knew whose horse he was or where he belonged. It was obvious, however, that he needed care. He was old, with a shaggy coat despite the warm spring weather, long-neglected hooves, mats in his mane and tail, and almost no body fat. Despite all this, he was friendly and relatively cheerful. He seemed to be looking for help.

So the gelding was sent down the road to the county shelter. There, he was examined by a vet, and his teeth were tended to, and before long, his owner was found. That owner was an older man who had his own health problems that made it difficult for him to give his 29-year-old horse the care that he needed. Although the owner said he had been feeding the horse, named Pie, it was clear that the animal had not been getting enough to eat for quite some time. He had escaped his pasture, and the owner had been looking for him and wanted to take him back. Despite the gelding’s poor condition, the shelter was planning to return him.

But then, Equine Rescue of Aiken got involved. The rescue, located on a 90-acre farm on Aiken’s Southside, specializes in rehoming rideable horses, especially off the track Thoroughbreds, but when there is a local horse that is struggling, they get involved whenever they can. Initially, they were called to come over to the shelter with their horse trailer to transport Pie a few miles home. But Jim Rhodes, the president and CEO of the rescue, got on the phone with the owner, and convinced him to surrender the horse. And so when Caroline Mulstay, the rescue manager, drove up to the Aiken County Animal Shelter on May 16, it was to bring Pie back with her.

“When I got there, I didn’t know if he was going to get on the trailer or not, and at first he was like ‘no, I’m not getting on, no way,’” said Caroline. “He really didn’t want to go on, so I was just quietly making him step back and forth near the entrance, and then all of a sudden, he took this big deep breath and literally launched himself into the trailer.

It was like he had been saying, ‘No, everything in my life has been bad, I’m not doing it,’ but then, after a little encouragement, he changed his mind and said ‘Okay I’m going to trust you.’ And then he jumped on, as if to say ‘Let’s do this.’”

Back at the rescue, Pie was immediately started on a slow and careful refeeding program that the rescue has followed with all the starved horse that it gets in. The program starts off with small amounts of high quality alfalfa hay, fed every few hours. As the horse adjusts to the ration, the amount of hay fed at one time is increased while the number of feedings per day is decreased.

June-July 2018

Refeeding malnourished horses can be tricky for several reasons. One reason is that much of the horse’s digestion occurs with the help of beneficial flora in his gut. When a horse has been starved, his intestinal flora decreases and its composition changes so that he is physically incapable of digesting concentrated feed. Introducing it too soon can lead to colic, laminitis and death. Another hazard is re-feeding syndrome, which refers to a potentially fatal electrolyte imbalance and dysfunction of the metabolic system triggered by the sudden release of insulin in the horse’s body. Refeeding syndrome can cause heart, kidney and respiratory problems that are often fatal. This is why caretakers of starved horses need to be diligent and disciplined, resisting the impulse to feed a thin hungry horse as much as he will eat.

“We just give them alfalfa for as long as it takes until their poop comes out soft and green,” Caroline said. “With these starved horses, at first, the manure is hard and dark. The alfalfa has a lot of sodium in it, which

Caity Brady and Caroline Mulstay with Pie

gets them drinking, and a lot of fiber. You want to flush their system with alfalfa, and only then can you start giving them small amounts of grain.”

Pie, who is a Paso Fino, impressed everyone right away with his sweet and friendly personality, as well as with his spirit and will to live.

“Even when we brought him in and he was in awful, awful shape and you would think he wouldn’t be able to do anything besides just stand there, he was running around the paddock. He was excited to be here and was nickering to the other horses,” said Caroline. “Some horses truly do give up, but he had not. He had so much fight in him, and he is so sweet. He has just been a sweet little angel from the beginning and he loves everyone and everyone loves him.”

In his first weeks at the rescue, Pie gained a significant amount of weight with no apparent problems and was soon eating a soaked senior

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feed in addition to his alfalfa. He was also showered with attention and affection from rescue workers and volunteers who are universally charmed by his personality. His mane and tail were trimmed and detangled, his feet were done, and according to Caroline, he has probably been groomed three times a day since he arrived. Although Pie gets around well, he does have some physical problems, including severely dropped hind pasterns caused by degeneration of the suspensory ligaments (DSLD), a common malady among older horses of his breed. To help him with his mobility, he has started undergoing Hanna somatic therapy, a type of movement therapy that focuses on sensory motor training.

Pie currently lives in a small paddock with a runin shed next door to another long term resident of the rescue, Shadow, an older, special needs (he can’t eat hay) gaited gelding. Pie bonded with Shadow right away, and gets very upset when he can’t see him, so much so that Pie’s hay needs to be placed in the back corner of his paddock, where he can see Shadow no matter where Shadow wanders in his own private paddock. Once Pie has regained his body condition, he will likely be moved to a larger communal pasture where he can make friends with other senior horses, and he will probably live out his life at the rescue.

“He could be adoptable, but it would have to be to the absolutely perfect home,” said Caroline. “We want to make sure that he never finds himself in trouble again.”

Some people might question why the rescue should expend so many resources to rehabilitate a 29-year-old horse who might not have too much time left even in the best of circumstances. For Caroline, and for others at the rescue, the answer is simple. It is because it is the right thing to do.

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“We’re not always able to take in horses like this, which is really hard for us,” said Caroline. “But when we do have that ability, and especially when it is a horse as special as him, we will.

Even if it turns out that we need to put him down, or even if he dies tomorrow, at least we will know that he had some time where he was loved, he wasn’t hungry, he was getting a lot of attention and he felt good and had some confidence and some friends. Hopefully we will have a few years with him – we don’t really know. But at least we know that we gave him something good in his life. Every horse deserves that. Whether it is for five minutes or five years, they all deserve that.

“People tend to take senior horses for granted,” she continued. “But they are my favorites. They are so appreciative of everything and they are so sweet and to me they deserve all the respect in the world. Not many domesticated animals live potentially into their 30s and that is a long time for an animal to live. A lot of these horses have grown up in a home, and because they are old they get passed along or sent down the road, and they end up in bad places.

They don’t deserve that. Horses give so much of themselves to humans – they are so trusting and so forgiving. We need to step up and take care of these old horses because if anyone deserves it, it’s them.”

Make a donation to help support Pie and other horses in need at aikenequinerescue.org. Pie and his herdmates are happy to entertain visitors and admirers at the farm. Contact the rescue for more information.

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News and Notes What’s Going On

By Pam Gleason

Campbell Honored

This May, the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, New York announced that it will induct 12 new members into its hall of fame in the “Pillars of the Turf ” category. Among them are several horsemen with Aiken connections, including the city’s own Cot Campbell, the founder and president of Dogwood Stable, a pioneer in racehorse partnerships. The Pillars of the Turf, established in 2013, was designed to “honor individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to thoroughbred racing in a leadership or pioneering capacity at the highest national level.”

The museum’s other categories of inductees are horses, jockeys and trainers.

Cot Campbell, 90, who is now mostly retired, says that he never would have expected his induction.

“I am flabbergasted and honored to be included in such an august roster of inductees,” he said in a phone interview. “If I have brought something to racing, and I think I have, then I have certainly been amply rewarded and recognized. The names that are in this group are staggering and it boggles my mind that I am one of them, and I am very proud to be.”

Cot Campbell, born in New Orleans, began syndicating racehorses in 1969 and soon afterward created Dogwood Stable as a partnership venture. At the time, racehorse partnerships were almost unheard of, but Dogwood paved the way, enabling people who might otherwise never have had the chance, to enjoy the thrill of Thoroughbred ownership. Dogwood had its first stakes winner, Mrs. Cornwallis in 1971, and the stable grew rapidly after that, eventually establishing a home base in Aiken.

During the next four decades, Dogwood’s partnerships owned more than 80 stakes winners as well as seven horses that won a million dollars or more. Dogwood has had two horses that have won Triple Crown races (Summer Squall won the Preakness in 1990 and Palace Malice won the Belmont in 2013) and two horses have won Eclipse Awards (Storm Song and Inlander.) Over the years, more than 1,200 people have owned horses through Dogwood partnerships.

Campbell has also received many other awards. He is a member of the Jockey Club and he won the Eclipse Award of Merit in 2012. He was the Thoroughbred Club of America’s Honored Guest in 2004 and he has been recognized on Saratoga’s Walk of Fame. Closer to home, he has been the recipient of the Mayor of Aiken’s Aiken Award and he has been named the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame Sportsman

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of the Year and the Aiken Chamber of Commerce’s Man of the Year, among other accolades and honors.

This year’s other inductees with Aiken connections are William Collins Whitney, Harry Payne Whitney and Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney. The Whitney family had an immense impact on the development of Aiken as a sporting community in the late 19th and early 20th century, not just with their racing endeavors, but also in polo. W.C. Whitney, who was President Grover Cleveland’s Secretary of the Navy, developed Aiken’s Whitney Polo Field and the racetrack around it and, in 1900, put it into a trust to be used “for sport.” Harry Payne Whitney, a 10-goal polo player, was instrumental in bringing the sport to its highest levels in Aiken and in the United States. The family built Joy Cottage on Easy Street, one the city’s most iconic “Winter Cottages.”

Other well-known names on this year’s roster of inductees include Penny Chenery, the owner of Secretariat, and Paul Mellon, the owner of Rokeby Stables.

“It is interesting to me that of the present people who are counted among the Pillars of the Turf, and of the people that are going in this year, I am the only one that is alive,” said Campbell wryly. “I hope it stays that way.”

USC Aiken Eventing Team

The University of South Carolina Aiken “Pacers” eventing team placed third in the 2018 U.S. Eventing Association’s Intercollegiate Eventing Championship at the Virginia Horse Trials in Lexington, Virginia on May 24-27.

The competition included 18 institutions, 87 collegiate riders and 23 collegiate teams, a record number. Started in 2016, the championships have grown every year, attracting riders and teams who come for the event itself as well as for the camaraderie it provides. The intercollegiate riders are all stabled together in a designated “College Town” barn, and there is a special Friday night dinner for them, all of which encourages networking opportunities and the development of new friendships.

The winner of the competition this year was the Auburn University Eventing Team, which had finished third in both 2016 and 2017. Last year’s champion, Clemson University, brought three separate teams to try to defend the title. One of those teams, the Clemson Tigers, won the reserve championship. Some of the other schools that participated were North Carolina State, Texas A&M, the University of Kentucky, the University of Maryland, Texas Christian, Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia.

Brooke Webb, a business major from Fort Mill, S.C. is the president of the USC Aiken team. She was thrilled with their performance.

“These girls have absolutely blown me away,” she said, according to a press release from the college. “In my first year as president,

The Aiken Horse

June-July 2018

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all I wanted to do was make sure everyone at the intercollegiate championships knew USC Aiken was there. I have to say we did more than that, landing in the top three.”

Grace Fulton, Kirsten LaVassar and Keileigh McMurray joined Brooke Webb on the team.

“The intercollegiate championships at VHT provided a great team experience and a clear goal [which we trained for] throughout the spring,” said Grace Fulton, who is a business major from Finksburg, Md. “Every member worked to come together as a team, to watch, and support each other at the show, and it made a huge difference. Every member of the team worked to contribute, and hopefully the trend will continue next year. Personally, I was thrilled with my horse’s go in his first prelim, and I think everyone else was equally as excited for their own rounds.”

The team’s advisor, Michelle Hodge, was also very proud of the accomplishment.

“The girls and their horses have trained hard all year,” she said.

“They have competed and done well together at collegiate events and individually at area trials. Placing third at the VHT collegiate championships is the icing on the cake. Our Pacers will continue to work over the summer, keeping themselves and their horses fit and ready for competition this fall,” she added.

Don’t Bake Your Helmet

Did you know that exposing your riding helmet to excessive heat can ruin it? If you make a habit of storing your helmet in the trunk or the back seat of your car, you could be compromising its effectiveness. This is particularly likely to happen in our hot summer climate.

Riding helmet manufacturers use various different types of technology to ensure that helmets will actually protect your head.

Helmets are designed to do two things: one, keep sharp objects from penetrating them; and two, absorb some of the force of a fall. Protection from penetrating objects is generally provided by a hard protective shell, while shock absorption, or cushion, comes from foam inside the shell.

For most helmets, this foam is designed to take a single serious impact, so if you have a hard fall, you probably need a new helmet.

Although there may soon be newer, higher tech shock absorbing materials used in safety helmets, most still use some sort of expanded polystyrene foam for the cushion layer. Extreme heat will break this layer down, making it less shock absorbent. Heat will also start to degrade the glues, resins and other materials that hold your helmet together.

In fact, although many riders hold onto their helmets for much longer, the useful life of a helmet, even if you have never had a fall and you store it in a climate controlled closet, is only about five years. The Snell Foundation, which has been a leader in helmet safety research for over 50 years, says that all safety helmets (riding, bike, skiing, etc.) should be replaced every five years for two reasons. One is that the

material in a helmet wears out over time. The other is that technology is rapidly advancing, and a new helmet is likely to be safer, lighter, more comfortable and more stylish than one that is half a decade old.

WEG Tickets

If you haven’t already gotten your tickets to the World Equestrian Games, coming to the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, N.C. this September, it is time to get busy. The WEG are the international championships for the eight Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) sports, and this is the second time that they will be held on the North American Continent – the first time was 2010 when they were at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.

Tryon is a bit over a two-hour drive from Aiken, so this year’s WEG, essentially in our back yard, will offer an unparalleled opportunity for horse people in our area to attend a major international competition.

You can choose from dressage, show jumping, eventing, four-in-hand driving, vaulting, reining, endurance and para-equestrian dressage.

There will also be also opening and closing ceremonies, equestrian focused displays, a massive vendor village and various different kinds of horse exhibitions.

Opening ceremonies are scheduled to start on Tuesday, September 11, 2018, followed by 12 days of competition, wrapping up with closing ceremonies on Sunday, September 23.

You can still buy tickets on the Tryon 2018 website, using the handy “Quick Link” menu on the left side of the home page. An “All Sessions Full Games Pass” giving you access to all the competitions will run you $1,380 per person. You can opt to buy an “all sessions” pass for each individual week ($750 for the first week or $675 for the second) or select individual sports or individual competitions. The more popular disciplines, no surprise, are more expensive, while you can get quite a bargain for some of the less sought-after ones. Do you want to watch the individual compulsory vaulting competition? That session will run you a mere $20. The individual jumping final and qualifier is quite a bit more at $225. (Prices quoted do not include service fees and taxes.)

There is certainly still time to purchase tickets to most things, although many if not all of the “all sessions” single day passes are already sold out. Organizers expect to attract about a half million people over the course of the games. There have been many infrastructure improvements in the area of the Tryon International Equestrian Center, including new roads and new signage to accommodate the expected influx.

Want to go but think the prices are a bit steep? There are still volunteer opportunities available. Organizers have identified the need for approximately 9,000 volunteer positions and expect to recruit about 4,000 volunteers. To apply, you will have to go on the website to submit an application. Once that is done, you will be able to access the website’s volunteer portal.

For more information about the World Equestrian Games, visit www. tryon2018.com or follow Tryon2018 on Facebook.

We offer a wide range of fencing, including equestrian properties and residential privacy fencing.

Run in and storage sheds are also available.

Free estimates and design assistance Contact John at (803) 292-5161 30

The Aiken Horse

June-July 2018

June-July 2018

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Your Camden Showgrounds

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June-July 2018

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Presents

Indigo Cottage

New Bridge is an 850-acre gated equestrian community nestled among rolling pasture lands just 15 minutes from downtown Aiken. Born from the excitement, intensity and tradition of polo, New Bridge is the home of New Bridge Polo and Country Club but also embraces equestrians of all disciplines as well as those who simply love the outdoors, with all sharing the essential joys of a life that celebrates horses, people and land – in a place that connects them.

Residents enjoy an array of equestrian amenities including five meticulously groomed polo fields, stick and ball areas, an exercise track, riding trails, all weather GGT dressage and jumping arenas (dressage arena to open Summer 2018), 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 in-season 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.

The New Bridge world is one where all can revel in the luxury of leisure, the excitement of sport, the abiding beauty of horse-country, and the deep connections of a close-knit community. New Bridge: room to play, room to ride, room to live, all in a place you will want to call home.

Custom home on a spectacular location overlooking Polo Field #3. Indigo Cottage is the perfect setting for entertaining family and friends with a large lower deck providing a bird’s eye view of the polo action. Almost 1,000 square feet of covered porches wrap around three sides of the home.

Indigo Cottage has an open floor plan with a large eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances, formal dining room and great room with a wood burning fireplace and a wall of glass that opens directly to the screened porch. The main floor is either 3-inch solid oak or tile flooring. All countertops are either marble or granite. The master bedroom, also overlooking the polo field, has a very large closet with tons of shelving for storage and the master bath has a spacious shower, soaking tub and two vanities. In a separate wing of the house are two more bedrooms that share a full bath. A laundry/mud room and another half bath are also on the main floor.

The upstairs suite has a large room with a closet and full bath ideal as a fourth bedroom, an office or a bonus room.

Jack Roth, Your Aiken Realtor

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The Aiken Horse

Indigo Cottage features exterior siding of long-lasting Hardy Board, a 30-year roof and double pane windows. The home is well insulated with R-19 in floors, R-30 in ceilings, and a very efficient 14 SEER heating/cooling system. The landscaped yard has a sprinkler system and individual septic and well.

Price of $489,000 includes a membership certificate in New Bridge Polo and Country Club and access to all the amenities that New Bridge offers.

June-July 2018

June-July 2018

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June-July 2018

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FVF Sailor Man

A horse with charisma

Story & Photography By Pam Gleason

W

herever FVF Sailor Man goes, he gains new admirers. A 16.1 hand Dutch Warmblood foaled in 2006, Sailor Man (who goes by the barn name Oliver) is a Grand Prix jumper based in Southern Pines, N.C. He has competed successfully at shows from Florida to Virginia and Kentucky, and seems to have a particular affinity for the arenas at Bruce’s Field in the Aiken Horse Park. He has always jumped well there, with wins and top finishes in many of the toughest classes, including the featured $25,000 City of Aiken Grand Prix at the Aiken Charity Classic I on May 2 this year.

Piloted by his trainer, Maryann Charles, Oliver also won the Grand Prix at the horse park at the Aiken Fall Festival in September 2017, at last year’s Aiken Charity Horse Show in May 2017, and at the Aiken Fall Festival in 2016. This spring, he narrowly missed a fifth Aiken Grand Prix title at the Aiken Charity Horse Show II on May 9. One of nine horses in the jump off, he fairly flew around the course, leaping clean and fast until the very last fence. Unfortunately, he came to the final oxer a little bit flat and tipped a rail with his left hind leg. If that rail had stayed up, he would have won the class by over three seconds.

(It came down and he was fourth.)

“He does seem to like it there,” says Maryann. “Or maybe it’s that I like it, I’m not sure.”

With so many wins and top placings, Maryann and FVF Sailor Man have become quite well known in Aiken, where they are instantly recognizable. “Oliver” is a bay horse with four white socks, a star and a snip, and he is a horse that you notice. Beautifully conditioned and turned out, he has an expressive face, ears that are almost always pricked forward, and a joyful way of going that shows how much he really loves to jump. He is not a tall horse, but Maryann is petite and he tackles immense fences with such a stylish, consistent and effortless jump, he seems to be much bigger than he is. Another striking thing about him is that he and Maryann seem to be so perfectly in tune to one another. To watch them compete is to see a true partnership in action.

FVF Sailor Man was born and bred at Fox View Farm in Durham County, N.C. Fox View, which offers boarding and training, is owned

by John and Shirley Gaither. The Gaithers, who met while foxhunting with the Goldens Bridge Hounds in New York in the 1980s, have been conducting a highly successful breeding operation at their farm for over a quarter of a century. Shirley makes detailed studies of Dutch Warmblood pedigrees and of stallion testing scores and is careful only to breed her mares to stallions that have received high marks for jumping, movement, and, most of all, temperament and trainability.

“I breed for temperament because I am doing this myself in the back yard and I would like to be able to sell to an average person,” says Shirley.

“I always intended to breed jumpers, but I kept getting these top show hunters instead. People would come to me and say ‘How do you do it?

You’re so good at breeding,’ and I would say ‘No I’m not! I’m terrible!’”

FVF Sailor Man is by a Canadian-bred stallion called Popeye K and out of Shirley’s homebred mare Baby Grande. Twenty years old, Baby Grande, who has had six foals (including a full sister to FVF Sailor Man, now 5) spent many years as Shirley’s field hunter, hunting first flight with the Moore County Hounds in Southern Pines until she retired last year. Popeye K, by the great jumper and dressage sire Voltaire, had immense success as a show hunter, including Horse of the Year and Reserve Horse of the Year titles from the USEF in green and regular conformation hunters. He was also a nationally ranked hunter sire for many years, and in 2008 he was ranked number one.

“I had been using a lot of cooled and frozen semen in my breeding program, and when you do that you end up with a lot of fillies,” continues Shirley. “So when he was born, I was so happy that I finally

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had a colt. But then, I don’t know what was wrong with me that year, because I forgot to have him gelded. When he was 2, one of my boarders came knocking at my door saying that she had just led her mare past the gelding field, and ‘that 2-year-old stallion jumped out and followed me to the barn.’ I said ‘I don’t have a stallion,’ and she said ‘Yes you do!’ And so we went out, and there he was, and right away I called the vet and the next day he was a gelding.”

Like all of the horses bred at Fox View Farm, Oliver had his first lessons under saddle with the two Gaither daughters, Laura and Christina. Then, a few years later, it was off to the horse shows. With his sire’s record and with the Gaithers’ history of producing show hunters, it is not a surprise that Oliver’s first horse show outings were in the hunter ring. In the beginning he was ridden by Laura Gaither, the Gaither’s younger daughter, as well as the by professional rider Keith Hastings. Christina (now Webb) also took him to some shows.

At one early show when he was about 6, he won the hopeful hunter championship. That was where he first caught Maryann Charles’s eye.

As Shirley remembers it, Maryann, who had ridden for the Gaither family for many years, came to her at the show and said “I’m coming to your house tomorrow.”

So the next day, Maryann drove up to Fox View Farm.

“She got there, and she said ‘Where is he?’ and I told her he was turned out in the back field, and then we had to hike all the way out there, and she looked at him and said ‘Look at the way he is built. This horse is a jumper. I’m going to take him and I’m going to show you!’

And she was right,” says Shirley.

When Maryann first started working with Oliver, she says the most important thing she had to do was earn his trust and gain his confidence. The second most important thing was to improve his steering, because at the time he could be hard to turn. But it wasn’t long before the pair had clicked, and within a few years, they were showing and winning at the Grand Prix level, any trust or steering issues long forgotten.

Today, FVF Sailor Man lives with Maryann at her Skyline Farm in Southern Pines, where he is treated like a king. Between shows, he spends his time turned out and going on long trail rides, but does very little, if any, jumping. To keep him fit, Maryann takes him the Hassinger Equine Clinic in Aberdeen, N.C., where he works out in an Aquapacer once or twice a week. An Aquapacer is an underwater treadmill designed to improve athletic performance in horses without unduly stressing their joints, tendons and ligaments.

“It’s very good for his muscles,” says Maryann. “I think it makes him strong and gives him a lot of lift in his shoulders.”

Maryann, who was recently inducted into the Carolinas Show Hunter Hall of Fame and has been showing professionally for over 40 years, says that Oliver is the best horse she has ever ridden. “I love everything about him,” she says. “He gives it his all whenever we go to a show and he has a wonderful personality. He’s just a joy.”

Shirley Gaither is very proud of him, too. She and the rest of family always come to watch him compete, and Shirley, who lives at her second farm in Southern Pines, visits him at Maryann’s between shows, too, although she jokes that Maryann won’t let her near him.

“He has that spark,” Shirley says. “He ended up being a jumper because he wants to be a jumper, and you can see that when Maryann gets on him. She really loves him. It’s all because of her that he is what he is. I say that over and over again. She made him what he is.”

Maryann says that she and Oliver will likely be back in Aiken for the Aiken Fall Festival in September, giving them the chance to show their Aiken fans another thrilling Grand Prix ride.

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Cool Clothes for Summer New fabrics, technologies, can help

By Ragan Morehouse

It is already hot and we know that it is going to get a lot hotter. So how do we keep riding without wilting away? Even if we wake before the early bird or ride under lights in the evening, we still miss the comfort of our air conditioning. But we can’t take it with us on our rides….or can we? Advances in fabric-cooling technology have come a long way, and new clothing choices, some specifically for horsemen, might help all of us ride in comfort through the sweltering months ahead.

Why do we sweat?

Almost all of the advances in clothing technology are based on the most efficient cooling system found in nature: the evaporation of sweat.

Therefore, to understand the technology used in hot weather clothing, it is important to understand the process of sweating. Sweating does not cool us simply by getting us wet. It is evaporation that actually cools us. Evaporation is the process of turning a liquid into gas; in this case, turning sweat into water vapor. It takes energy to make this transformation. When we get hot and sweat, the excess heat from our bodies provides the energy to turn our sweat into vapor. When our body heat gets “used up” evaporating sweat, we feel cooler. Additionally, as not every drop of sweat contains the same amount of energy, the hottest drops evaporate first, leaving us with the coolest ones against our skin, another way evaporation makes us feel cooler.

Evaporation occurs at a faster rate in dry versus humid conditions and on windy rather than still days. When sweat is turned into water vapor, it mixes with the air around us. If that air already has a lot of water vapor in it, as is the case with high-humidity conditions, the evaporation rate slows. This is because the water that is already in the air puts additional pressure on sweat molecules that would normally have enough energy to transform into vapor. This pressure keeps them in liquid form. Air movement (wind or a fan) moves the water-saturated air away from our skin, taking the sweat molecules to drier air where they can more easily turn into water vapor.

How does fabric sweat?

So how do fabric manufacturers incorporate all of this science? They try to make their fabrics act like super fit people’s skin on a windy, lowhumidity day. One of the first and best advances in fabric technology is advertised as ‘moisture wicking.’ Moisture wicking fabrics pull sweat away from the body and onto the outside of the fabric. On the fabric’s surface, hydrophilic (water-loving) fibers absorb the moisture, enabling it to evaporate into the drier, less-humid air away from the skin. The best moisture-wicking yarns absorb all but a thin layer of sweat, allowing both the skin and the fabric to take maximum advantage of the power of evaporation.

‘Breathability’ is another marketing term associated with summer clothing. Breathable fabrics allow moisture vapor to escape through the material. Most moisture-wicking fabrics are also breathable. Mesh is about as breathable as it gets; latex is not breathable at all. Cotton, while a great absorber, is not breathable when it is wet. It traps both moisture and body heat inside.

Another technological advance in summer clothing is referred to as ‘moisture distribution’ or ‘moisture management.’ Just like fit people sweat all over their bodies rather than in concentrated areas, the best cooling fabrics distribute moisture all over the fabric. To accomplish this, manufacturers weave both hydrophilic and hydrophobic (waterfearing) fibers into their material. The hydrophobic yarns repel the water, directing it toward unsaturated hydrophilic yarns, thus moving moisture away from concentrated sites (pits, chest, back) to drier sites (sides, shoulders, stomach) and enabling more evaporation to take place.

What are the coolest fabrics?

Scientists who studied how people’s bodies stay cool discovered that fit people cool themselves more efficiently than people who are out of shape. People who exercise regularly demonstrate two ways of “sweating better.” First, their brains signal their bodies to begin sweating at a lower body core temperature than less fit people. This kick-starts the cooling process. Second, fitter people tend to sweat over larger portions of

Cool-tech fabrics are most often composed of man-made microfibers such as polyester and polypropylene blends. To improve the feel of the fabric, some of the blends incorporate natural fibers, such as cotton, tencel (made from wood pulp) and wool. Wool, believe it or not, is a good wicker and distributor of moisture. Some sports enthusiasts are turning to high-quality, small diameter Merino wool sportswear for their hot-weather wardrobe. This type of wool is softer to the touch and more comfortable to wear than most man-made fabrics. It is also naturally UV and odor resistant. The downsides to wool are that it does tend to be heavier weight and it is typically much more expensive than microfiber.

their body. Less fit people tend to sweat centrally, meaning they sweat mostly on their chests and backs. We have between two to four million sweat glands located all over our bodies. Fit people activate more of these glands than less fit people. This increases both the areas in which the evaporative cooling can take place and the overall amount of heat released.

To enhance fabric performance, some textile producers have started to spray chemical agents on their fabrics during the last stages of production. These treatments can augment wickability, add antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that reduce odors, increase UV protection, and induce a ‘sensory cooling effect’ that causes the material to feel cool to the touch. Treatments that actually bind to the fabric fibers are referred to as a ‘nanofabrics.’

Other treatments can eventually wash off during the life of the garment.

IceFil ® technology; found in Dover, Tailored Sportsman, Ariat, Kerritts, and Irideon shirts and breeches, uses fabric treated with xylitol sugar alcohol. According to the manufacturer, the fabric “reacts with sweat to produce an added cooling effect,” and the treatment is “still about 70% effective after 25 washes.” Other fabric finishing agents incorporate mentholated compounds, witch hazel, and non-sugar alcohols to induce a cooling sensation.

Who sweats best?

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Menthol fabric? Really?

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Does an AC shirt exist?

If none of the above keeps you cool enough, there are alternatives.

Termed ‘extreme cooling wear,’ this category is divided into active or passive cooling systems. Active cooling was pioneered by NASA for astronauts and later adapted for use by the military.

Now you can buy it, too. It is the most effective option and utilizes a motor to circulate chilled water through a system of tubes outfitted into a vest or jumpsuit. Unfortunately for riders, active cooling systems need to be connected to both a power source and a cooler, rendering them very impractical to use when mounted. Passive cooling, however, can be used by riders who can choose water activated evaporative or pack-based cooling systems.

Evaporative clothing is water activated. You soak item in water for a few minutes, wring out excess water, and then wear it damp.

Using the same evaporative process as sweating, water-activated products can keep you cool for two to three hours and can then be reactivated by re-dunking. Evaporative vests have become quite popular with riders; some equestrian organizations even allow vests to be worn at recognized shows when ‘jackets off ’ has been posted. Water-activated evaporative scarves and towels provide relief when worn around the neck, forehead, or wrist. Evaporative hats or loose hoods are also available. The pros for evaporative clothing are its ease of use, reusability, relatively low price, and variety of choices. Cons are the short duration of its effectiveness, that it must be worn damp, and that doesn't work as well in humid environments.

Cooling packs can be sewn into just about any article of clothing. Vests are the most common garment for using packs and can be found in many weights, styles, and colors. There are three main types of cooling packs: ice, gel, and phase-change. Phasechange packs contain a gel-like oil that has a higher freezing point than water. They are generally the safest and easiest packs to use because they do not cause frostbite if left in direct contact with skin and they can freeze in cold water or a refrigerator rather than a freezer. Unfortunately, almost all pack-cooled garments are bulky and not easily concealed under other clothing. Although they can keep wearers cool for up to four hours, packs must be cooled for several hours before they can be reused.

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The future of cool clothes

In 2016, Stanford University scientists developed an entirely new type of cooling fabric. Like other cool textiles, the revolutionary fabric allows both air and water vapor to pass through the material. Unlike other fabrics, the Stanford fabric also allows heat that the body emits as infrared radiation to pass through.

Ordinary fabrics block the infrared radiation, trapping the heat next to the body. Initial tests show that the Stanford fabric keeps users four degrees cooler than traditional fabrics.

What else can we do?

As we have learned, evaporation is the best way to stay cool. To maximize evaporation, you need airflow and lots of sweat. For air flow, loose fitting clothing allows air to circulate much more freely than tight, form fitting garments. Features such as vents or mesh inserts also promote airflow. To produce lots of sweat, you need to drink lots of water. An average person loses roughly one liter per hour while exercising. If you exercise intensely or longer than an hour, remember to replenish electrolytes too.

Contrary to popular belief, there is no difference in the temperature beneath a white versus black shirt. Research shows that the increased absorption of heat on the exterior of a dark colored shirt is roughly equal to the body heat reflected off the interior of a light colored shirt, which keeps heat in rather than allowing it to escape. So bottom line, choose whatever color you like in a loose fitting, air-flowy style made from moisture managing fabric. If the heat gets really intense, or you are especially sensitive, seek out clothing with some type of extra cooling system. Ride in the early morning, which is cooler in Aiken than the evening. If all else fails, give your horse a break and go to the lake. There are two (Lake Murray and Lake Thurmond) within an hour of Aiken. It’s going to be a long summer.

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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 shows and events 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 was recently competing at a dressage show. During my test I realized that I forgot to start my shoulder-in at the designated letter.

So I quickly circled around, brought myself back to the letter, did the shoulder-in and continued with my test. I was surprised to see an error listed on my test sheet and a low score for the movement.

I did not expect to see an error because the judge never rang the bell, and I was surprised that in addition to the error I also got a low score for the shoulder-in, which I think I performed well. Can you explain what might have happened?

-Unexpected Error Dear Error, Unfortunately, going off course and receiving errors does happen, even to the best of us. I have even seen this happen to riders with a caller (someone reading the test to the rider aloud to keep her on course.)

To answer your question about the bell: it is permissible for the judge to give you an error without ringing the bell. There are two types of errors. One is called an “error of course,” and the other is called an “error of test.” Although these errors have the same point deduction, there are some differences.

An “error of course” occurs when a competitor loses his or her way in the test and can no longer continue on the correct path. For example, the rider takes a wrong turn, or goes left instead of right, or gets lost in the test and doesn’t know where to go. In this case, the judge must sound the bell and give the rider directions to continue the test properly. The judge will request that the rider restart the entire movement where the error began. That movement will receive an error, and the entire scoring box will be reconsidered starting with the second attempt. It is still possible to earn a high score for the movement with the error if you do it correctly the second time around, although of course you will still incur deduction points from the error.

An “error of test” occurs when a competitor stays basically on course, but doesn’t do a movement entirely the way it is called for.

For example, if the rider posts to the trot when the test calls for a sitting trot, or when she tries to repeat a movement, this would be an error of test. In this case, the judge might not ring the bell to avoid further disrupting the flow of the ride.

In your specific case, you realized your mistake and corrected it on your own, so there was no need for the judge to sound the bell.

But, you added a circle, which automatically warrants an error. In addition, you got a low score for the shoulder-in because if a rider has started the execution of a movement and attempts to redo it, the judge must take the first attempt into consideration in the score.

(This is according to USEF DR 122.5a and g.)

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In all national level tests, every error that is recorded, whether the bell was rung or not, will be taken into account in your final score.

Errors in all the national level tests (Training through Fourth level) will incur a two point deduction for the first error, a four point deduction for the second error, and the third error will result in elimination. The point deductions will be taken off your test’s raw score. Error rules for national level tests have not changed. However, there was a rule change recently at the FEI levels: in these tests, the second error now means elimination.

There are some interesting exceptions to the rules about errors.

For example, if you are performing your test and there is a movement with a mirror image (say, a 10-meter circle to the left and a 10-meter circle to the right) and the judge gives you an error in the first movement but does not ring the bell, she cannot give you an error in the mirror image movement, even if you do the same thing.

So if you make a 20-meter circle instead of a 10-meter circle, and the judge does not ring the bell to remind you of the size of the circle, you cannot receive a second error if you also make the mirror image circle 20 meters instead of 10. However, if the judge does ring the bell when you perform the first movement, you certainly can get a second error if you perform the mirror image movement incorrectly too.

Other details of note: For errors of test, the judge has some discretion about whether to assess an error or not. So in the 10-meter versus 20-meter example above, the judge might give you a low mark for the circle being too large, rather than marking it as an error. It also is possible you would see an error on your test if a transition should have been done at V but it was done at K. In most cases like this, your judge would just give you a low score with a comment that the transition was done way too early, or way too late.

However, if there is more than one judge, all the judges will have to match the judge at C. If she gives you an error, all the judges will.

Use of voice, or sound, is not considered an error, although you will get a deduction for that movement.

To avoid future errors, keep memorizing your tests, and practice them on and off the horse so that they are imprinted in your mind.

Many of us have some show nerves that might make us forget tests we know well: for this reason, until you are completely confident, you might want to try using a caller, which is legal up through Fourth level, and which will not have any effect on your score.

If you are performing a test and you realize that you have made a mistake, try to correct it as quickly as possible to save your score, without adding extra movements such as circles. If you are supposed to be doing a shoulder-in on the long side, and you forget to start the movement until you are several meters past the letter of the transition, start the movement right away. You might get a low score, but you will not get an error.

Although you certainly want to avoid them, errors are not the end of the world. It is possible to earn a high score, and even still win a class with one. Good luck!

June-July 2018

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Just another day at Paradise . . . . Paradise Farm May Horse Trial

Photography by Gary Knoll

SCQHA

South Carolina Quarter Horse Association scqhaonline.com

2018 SHOW DATES

June 22-24 • SC Equine Park, Camden, SC July 26-29 • T. Ed Garrison Arena, Clemson, SC October 26-28 • SC Equine Park, Camden, SC

“The Fun and Friendly Horse Show Association” For More Information contact Show Manager: Billy Prather (803) 669-1325 or Email Billy at bpquarterhorses@bellsouth.net

Forthcoming Events First Wednesday of Each Month Hunters & Jumpers June 13 - USEF/USDF “Summer Solstice” Dressage June 14 - Natalie Lamping “Fix A Test” Clinic June 23 & 24 - USEA Summer Horse Trials July 11 - Schooling Dressage Show July 21 - Eventing Academy Schooling Day July 22 - Eventing Academy Schooling HT Aug 8 - USEF/USDF “Too Hot To Trot” Dressage 117 Stable Drive, Aiken SC 29801 484.356.3173 info@stableviewfarm.com www.StableViewFarm.com

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Aug 11 - Eventing Academy Schooling Day Aug 12 - Eventing Academy Schooling HT

The Aiken Horse

June-July 2018

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The Aiken Horse

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Secret Lives of Horses CH Bernie’s Spirit

By Ragan Morehouse, photography by Gary Knoll

I

n the Saddlebred world, horses that win at USEF rated shows can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Most amateur riders who show at this level train with a professional who finds them a horse and then keeps it tuned for them. Kim Williams-Griffin and her now 23-year-old Saddlebred mare, CH Bernie’s Spirit, did not begin their partnership in this standard way.

Kim, a native of Bishopville, South Carolina, has ridden her whole life. She started out on a Shetland-Hackney cross pony named Kim’s Jim with whom she did saddleseat, hunt seat and jumping shows.

Graduating to horses in her early teens, Kim began showing her parents’ Tennessee Walking Horses. “I won three equitation world championships in saddle seat equitation when I was 14, 15, and 16,” says Kim. “Then, when I was out of high school, we transitioned over to Saddlebreds. My mom and my sister and I showed in the threegaited saddlebred classes but I was the only one who stuck with it.”

After Kim completed college and graduate school, she and her mother began searching for her next show horse. “I saw Bernie for the first time as a 3-year-old,” recalls Kim. “She was not really broke and not really ready to show but I fell in love with her. There was something about the way that she moved. In Saddlebreds, you want a very powerful, meaningful trot. She had it. When I saw her, I told my mama, “That’s the horse that we need to buy. She’s the one.” I kept nagging my mom about her until she finally agreed to get her.”

Bernie’s Spirit was foaled in 1995 by Arthur May in Indiana. In 2000, Mr. May entered her at the Tattersalls sale at the illustrious Red Mile in Lexington, Kentucky, where she was purchased by the Tennessee trainer Gab Chrisman. Gab broke her to saddle and took her to her first couple of shows. In the summer of 2001, Kim brought the mare to her home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

“At home, I had a guy named Clemmy who was helping me and we decided that we were going to show her,” explains Kim. “We took her to a couple of shows that fall and I would get to the canter and she would freeze up like she didn’t know what she was supposed to do. I would turn her around and she would get really bright and be gorgeous like she could be and people would be like, ‘Somebody needs to get that horse from that girl because she is going to ruin her.”’

For the next year, with Clemmy’s help, Kim worked with Bernie, galloping in pastures and practicing picking up and holding both leads. “I was so determined,” recalls Kim. “Saddlebreds have very animated canters. She had so much motion that it was like she would get all tangled up.” By the following summer, Bernie and Kim had mastered the canter and were ready to try showing once again. In July, at the Blue Ridge Classic in Asheville, North Carolina, Kim and Bernie won three gaited open novice, the class with the stiffest competition. “That got everyone talking,” says Kim with a big smile.

Kim and Bernie finished out 2002 with strong placings at most of the rated shows in the Carolinas. The following spring, the pair continued to place well, beating many of the top horses in the area.

“At one of the spring shows, my mom heard from a few people that the judges weren’t going to let us win anymore unless we took Bernie to a professional,” says Kim. “I was beating horses that people had paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for and that wasn’t supposed to happen. It’s just politics. My mom was like, ‘We do this for fun.

This is our hobby. We think this mare is really nice and we want her to go as far as she can, so let’s go ahead and put her with a trainer and then you will have that political connection that apparently you need to have.’”

Kim and her mother chose Lewis Eckard, a well-known trainer whose farm, Drowning Creek, is in Hickory, North Carolina. With top three placings at every show in the 2003 season, Kim and Lewis decided to enter Bernie in the World Grand Championship at the

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Kentucky State Fairgrounds in Louisville, held in August of 2004.

“The Worlds were amazing,” remembers Kim. “I showed Bernie Monday night in the ladies three gaited amateur class and we were sixth out of 18 horses. Then, in the open amateur class, we were seventh. I was thrilled to get a ribbon because those are some of the best Saddlebreds in the country.”

After taking a bit of time off in the beginning of the next year, Kim and Bernie attended three shows in 2005: the Blue Ridge Classic, where they won the adult amateur class; the Worlds, where they placed seventh; and the Southeastern Charity Show in Conyers, Georgia, where they won both the preliminary and the championship classes. “I decided that was the last time Bernie and I would go to the Worlds,” says Kim. “it wasn’t as much fun as the first time because she got really nervous. It’s gotta be fun.”

So after the show season was over, Kim brought Bernie to Tom Lee’s Valley Hill Farm in Keysville, Georgia. Kim was in the process of moving to Aiken, and she needed Bernie closer by.

“The unusual thing about this mare is that every trainer that I had her with, she would just be terrible. I would come to the barn and they would be like, ‘Okay. She hasn’t been very good but you go ahead and get on.’ Then I would ride her and she would be great and they would be mad,” Kim says with a laugh. “When I took her to Tom Lee, he said he wasn’t going to ride her. He would just jog her.”

Many Saddlebreds are put to cart for exercise. This is referred to as ‘jogging.’ “It gets us off their backs and out of their mouths,” explains Kim. “We ride with a full bridle with double reins; we use both a snaffle and a curb. Jogging just gives them a break while still keeping them in shape.”

In 2006, Kim drove an hour to Keysville every weekend to ride Bernie and Tom jogged her during the week. The system proved effective as the pair garnered outstanding placings and multiple wins in the 2006, 2007, and 2008 show seasons. In 2007, Bernie won her CH (Champion) designation, an honor that Saddlebreds earn by accruing points for first and second place ribbons at USEF rated shows.

Shortly after Bernie was officially named a champion, Kim decided to breed her. In order to keep showing, Kim decided to use embryo transfer to produce Bernie’s first foal. Her daughter, The Fire Diamond, was born in 2008 and is Kim’s current show mount.

During this period, Kim and her mother had also invested in a few other young horses and Kim was juggling training, working, and showing. After wins at Blowing Rock and Conyers at the end of 2008 season, Kim decided to retire Bernie and “let her have babies.”

Bernie came home to Kim and her husband Mike’s farm, Trotalota Saddlebreds on Banks Mill Road in Aiken. Unfortunately, Bernie was not thrilled with her new job. “Bernie had a foal in early 2010 but she didn’t want to be a mama. We had to bucket feed that foal.

When the baby was weaned, there were no whinnies or nickers from Bernie. It was like she left that baby at Walmart and went and got in the car.”

In June of 2010, Kim and Bernie entered the ring once again at the Roanoke show in Virginia. The pair did not enjoy their former success in their first three return shows but hit their stride with the win at the Southeastern Charity show that fall. “I decided to retire her on a high note,” says Kim. “She went out the three gaited amateur champion.”

Today, Bernie reigns over her farm. “She’s the queen,” Kim says as Mike leads her in from her paddock, letting her stop to eat grass every few feet. “She gets everything first. She does not go out in the rain. Her limit is about four hours outside and then she will demand to come in by whinnying at me. She is very spoiled.”

Bernie has definitely figured out how to retire in style.

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Making Well Rounded Horses At Just Hope Farm

By Ragan Morehouse

the center of her life. “My mom used to tell stories that when I was really little, I would go out into the field with a lunge whip to move the horses around,” Heather says with a laugh. “She said that it was like I passion while working with the young horses bred on her family’s farm was conducting an orchestra. I was such a horse kid. I just love horses.” in Indiana. In October of 2015, Heather and her mother, Marty, moved Heather’s love for horses is plain to see. Photos of the ponies and their breeding and training operation to Aiken where they established horses that made her the horseman she is today line the aisleways, the Just Hope Farm in the Allwin Farms equestrian development. Three tack room, and the living room. In fact, Just Hope Farm was named by years later, Heather is firmly settled. She has a few boarders, teaches a taking letters from the names of four of the most influential horses in few lessons, and to her delight, spends the majority of her time doing her life: JUlianna, STreak, HOpper, and PEnrod. what she loves: training young horses.

“My grandparents, my mom and my dad all foxhunted; that’s how I Heather is passionate about developing a young horse’s potential, no got started riding,” Heather explains. “I had a little POA pony named matter which direction that potential may lie. “I love showing,” explains Streak that I hunted until I was about 12. My mom used to take me out Heather, “but there is more to riding than the four walls of the ring. You of school early on Wednesday so I could hunt. I would get dressed in the learn so much when you are out and about. I like to take the young ones school bathroom and she would pull the horse trailer up in front of the to school cross country, to ride in Hitchcock Woods; to find out what school. I got my colors on him when I was only 10. Those were some of it is that they really like. I find out more about their particular talents my favorite years.”

In addition to foxhunting, Heather and Streak were very active in the Traders Point Pony Club. Heather’s mother, Marty, was the District Commissioner of the club and most of the activities took place at their property, Foxlair Farm. “There were a bunch of us girls and we would have sleepovers in the hayloft, play in the pond with the horses, ride bareback in the fields, and run around barrels,” recalls Heather. “It was really fun growing up. I had a great childhood.”

When Heather was 12, she outgrew Streak and started riding one of her mother’s homebred mares, Hopper, a Clydesdale-Thoroughbred cross. “I really started to develop my riding on Hopper,” says Heather. “She and I went to proper lessons and I started going to horse shows on her.” Heather started out taking lessons with a local dressage trainer and then moved on to jumping lessons with her aunt, Debbie Danner. Although Heather’s mother was a consummate horsewoman who had competed on the ‘A’ circuit as a junior, she never acted as her daughter’s Heather Absalom and Mind The Gap. A&S Photography trainer. “She just knew that was not going to work,” explains Heather with a laugh. when we do a lot of different things.”

Heather continued in Pony Club with Hopper, earning her C3 With year-round riding and a myriad of multi-disciplinary rating, and competing in a few nearby shows. “The Traders Point Hunt opportunities, Aiken is a perfect fit for Heather. “We kind of lucked put on a big charity horse show in my hometown. It had a pretty big into finding Aiken,” says Heather. Several years ago, on the way to Grand Prix and a lot of big time riders would come show there,” recalls vacation on the coast, Heather’s mom mentioned that she had read Heather. “I would watch that and really want to be a part of it.” She about Aiken in a few magazines and suggested that they visit while on and Hopper competed in the jumpers at a few ‘A’ shows and although their travels. “We stopped in for lunch and people were eating in their Hopper was not always in the top ribbons, Heather was hooked. breeches and talking about horses. There were horses on all the signs. I When Heather was 14, her mother and her aunt Debbie bought immediately felt like I could fit in here, being from small-town Indiana, Heather a more qualified horse for her to show on the ‘A’ circuit. and was so excited by the horse stuff everywhere,” remembers Heather.

Julianna, an imported Dutch Warmblood with an extensive show “As we were driving back, we just kept thinking about it and the next record, was in foal when she arrived at Foxlair. Her foal, Up’N At’Em, year, we came and started to look for places.” was born the following spring and after he was weaned that fall, Heather Heather grew up on a 100-acre farm in Whitestown, a small town began riding Julianna. “She was amazing,” says Heather. “She was my near Zionsville, Indiana.

Yoda; my sensei. She taught me so much.”

A self-proclaimed ‘horse-crazy kid,’ Heather’s horses have always been Heather Absalom has competed and working at the Although highest levels of the hunter-jumper world, she discovered her true

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“That summer, I got to visit Wellington with a friend. Back home, while I was getting measured for new boots at the tack shop, I kept talking about how much I wanted to show and how amazing Wellington was,” says Heather. Lucky for her, the person measuring her was Mary Lou Klein, Stacia Madden’s mother. Stacia and Frank Madden ran one of the biggest ‘A’ show barns in the country, Beacon Hill. Mary Lou connected Heather with Stacia and that winter, Heather shipped down to Wellington, Florida for the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) with Hopper and Julianna for three months of intensive training and showing.

“So I went down there, and talk about a small town farm girl! It was a big eye opener,” Heather says. “They worked me hard and I learned so much. It was like boot camp. Going to all the vet appointments, getting there at 5 a.m., seeing how they ran everything; it was just amazing.”

Heather continued showing with Beacon Hill for the next two seasons. After WEF, Heather met them at Devon, Lake Placid, and the indoor shows (the Capital Challenge Horse Show, the Washington International Horse Show, the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, and the National Horse Show).

“Those two years were unreal. I was 16 and 17. Even though I missed out on high school, I would do it again in a heartbeat,” she says. When not showing, Heather returned to Foxlair to catch up on homeschooling and to help her mother train young horses.

During the off-season of her first year of showing, Heather attended a month-long clinic given by Greg Best, the 1988 Olympic Silver Medalist showjumper, on one of the young horses, Penrod. “He was the first horse that I started training from the beginning,” says Heather. “I was having a lot of trouble with him and Greg was just amazing. He just gets horses. We started barely doing crossrails and by the end of the month, we were jumping in the children’s jumpers.”

That summer, Heather learned that Greg was looking for a working student to accompany him to New Zealand for nine months. She leapt at the opportunity “It was the hardest work I have ever done. I learned a ton but it was really tough!”

Catching up on her schooling upon her return, Heather graduated from the local public school in 2005. In 2006, Heather enrolled in Purdue University . Up’N At’Em, Julianna’s baby, went off to college with her. For the next several years, Heather showed on the Purdue Intercollegiate Equestrian team, studied hospitality and tourism, and worked with Foxlair’s young horses whenever she could.

After graduation, Heather competed on Up’N At’Em as an amateur in the adult jumpers. “We won everything,” says Heather.. “We won the big jumper classic at Traders Point, the big AA show in my town. To win at the home show had been my dream for a long time. My grandparents were there and all the people who I had foxhunted with were watching; so many people that I knew. That was definitely one of the highlights of my life.”

For the next five years, Heather continued working with the family

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horses, training and showing the babies and then selling them. “That’s the really tough thing about this business and raising them. They are like family but you have to make money and so they have to be sold,” says Heather. “I really started developing my identity within this period. I figured out that I definitely wanted to work with young ones.”

During this time, 500 houses were built on the land across from Foxlair. As developments took over the countryside, show venues closed down. “We were having to travel farther and farther to shows. The Traders Point show had been cancelled and there just wasn’t much horse stuff around,” says Heather sadly. “When my grandmother passed, we knew it was time to find a new horse area.”

The transition to Aiken took 16 trailer trips (for furniture, not the horses — they traveled in box stalls with a professional shipper) and a full year. “We were so nervous about this transition. But now I think, ‘Why didn’t I do this sooner? It is amazing down here!’” Heather says.

Heather has definitely found her niche. Up’N At’Em, now 17, is the old man on the property, watching over several youngsters and a few

Heather with AJ, a 2018 Thorougbred/Oldenburg homebred.

mares.

“Training these horses, you see them when they are a baby and then as they grow up. Then they become someone else’s heart horse and that is just so cool. I love thinking that I had a pretty big part in that. That horse is going to be in their lives. Their pictures will be everywhere and they will be talked about the way I talk about Julianna. That’s probably my biggest accomplishment when I can do that for somebody; when I can make them good, well-rounded horses and their owners feel like they can do anything with them and have fun and really enjoy riding because that’s why we do it. We do it because we love to ride.”

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Kim Barteau Comes to Aiken Equestrian Theater in the Future?

by Diana Hunt

T

he only thing missing from Aiken’s equestrian community is an equine theater, according to Julie Robins who is both owner and trainer at Aiken Horsemanship Academy based at her Dragonfly Farm in Aiken. She said she plans to do something about that, and Kim Barteau is ready to help.

“I love entertaining and educating,” Julie explained. “An equine theater appeals to a cross section of disciplines. This could be a venue where we can all play together. Who knows what will come out of it; we just want to have fun.”

that horse. All my influence will be erased in two or three sessions and replaced by what you do. It doesn’t matter what I did, it is not important to what you are doing. It only matters if the horse understands. You have to work to get your horse to understand what you are signaling. It is quite intimate. It is like someone getting on your Grand Prix horse and riding the test really well. Maybe. Once. They can’t really ride a good high level test – there has to be such intimacy between the rider and the horse. Liberty is the same way, it is so intimate.”

Julie, who specializes in natural horsemanship training, is now at the stage in her career where she has decided that she needs another professional to help her and her students move up to the next level.

Samantha Charles Spitler, another Aiken resident, has been studying liberty work with Julie for about a year and a half and this year, through a mutual friend, the two women connected with Kim Barteau. Kim is the former head trainer at Arabian Nights Dinner Theater near Orlando, Florida where his wife, Yvonne, was the principal trainer and director of entertainment operations. In 1998, after a number of years at Arabian Nights (11 for him; 5 for her) the couple struck out on their own, establishing a competition dressage barn, KYB Dressage, now located in Bell, Florida, near Gainesville. Collectively, the Barteaus trained a dozen horses to the Grand Prix level.

Samantha and Julie contacted Kim at just the right time. He was in the midst of a transition, cutting back on the number of horses he had in training and hoping to establish a network of clients within a day’s drive of the farm. About five and a half hours away, Aiken fit the bill.

Kim gave his first three-day clinic here in April, returned in May and will be back in June ( June 14-17). After a summer break, he comes to Aiken again in September with the goal of giving monthly clinics in town.

“The idea is to have a horseman, a master with all the years of experience Kim has from theater and the performance world as well as competitive dressage through the FEI levels to come to Aiken on a regular basis so we can become students of his,” said Julie. “Kim would be our coach for Aiken Equine Theater. Whoever wants to join and participate can; we could have an afternoon show with food, cocktails and music, showcasing liberty work, musical freestyle, bridle-less riding, pas de deux jumping, among the possibilities. Instead of competition, I am looking to create a performance opportunity.”

Watching Kim work is watching a true master, whether it is liberty work or under saddle training. Kim is one of those gifted people who can tune in to the horse’s mind – he understands what they are thinking and why they are doing what they are doing before they even do it – and he knows what their potential is. The clinic in April, held at Samantha’s farm in the Hatchaway Bridge Farm equestrian community, attracted a half dozen enthusiastic students eager to absorb whatever he could teach them.

“It is great to be able to take advice from a trainer like myself,” he explained,” but all that liberty work, believe me, is between you and

In his lessons under saddle, Kim explained the “why” of what he asked the rider to do and the consequences. He especially emphasized letting go of the rein – both inside and outside rein.

“Get in and get out,” he stated. “Don’t hold onto the reins. I train by contrast, meaning do nothing, be quiet; then do something. That nagging, constant chatter we give our horses, is only confusing. Leave your horse alone. Horses like peace, thank goodness, so they make the connection to do the right thing so that they can stop and have peace.

Break things down into small pieces, make it simple.”

Most people were tentative around their horses, trying to be so quiet and kind. It was clear everyone needed to act with more confidence.

“Don’t butter his bread for him,” he said irreverently to one student.

“Come here you little monkey,” he said to her horse. “Turn your hip.

Don’t sneak up on him: walk up to him like you mean it. Don’t beg him; he does it right or he does it again. Don’t let him be comfortable hanging out doing nothing. Get him moving.”

Kim considers teaching these clinics a form of play.

“I am ready to play and might get other people to enjoy playing with me. That is even better,” he laughed.

“This is a fun bunch. What I mean by a fun bunch is people who are really interested in learning rather than getting away with shortcuts….

I’ve done clinics where people just wanted me to teach them how to get a few more points in a dressage show. That is not exciting to me. I can teach them how to get a whole lot more points. I am not into tricks.

What excites me about dressage is it is a very well-organized and wellthought-out training strategy. It takes years; it has been described by masters over and over again. It is our job to interpret and stick to the rules of the game in order to be successful. But it is difficult for me to help people who are not on that page because I really don’t know what to tell them. Dressage is the whole package.”

As for Aiken’s Equine Theater, Julie is planning to hold an organizational meeting in the fall to schedule when the first performance will be. Sign up for Kim Barteau clinics or find out more on the Aiken Horsemanship Academy web page: AikenHorsemanshipAcademy.com Among those participating in the ongoing clinics, in addition to Julie and Samantha, are Sherri Dolan working at liberty with her matched pair of driving ponies, Liz Turnquist riding her Lusitano, Maria Glinksi riding her Quarter Horse along with her Lusitano as a liberty horse and Anna Lewis with her Swedish Warmblood.

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Mysteries by Sasscer Hill Foals of 2018 Classifieds Directory Polo in Pictures Calendar of Events Index

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Mysteries by Sasscer Hill What Happens Next?

By Pam Gleason, Photo by Isabel J. Kurik

O

n April 19, 2018, Sasscer Hill’s mystery novel, Flamingo Road, won the 12th annual Dr. Tony Ryan Book award. Dr. Ryan, who died in 2008, was a billionaire Irish businessman, sportsman and philanthropist who loved horse racing and literature. The owner of Castleton Lyons stud farm in Lexington, Kentucky, he established the award to encourage excellence in writing about the racing world. It comes with prestige, as well as with a generous $10,000 cash prize, bestowed each year at a reception and ceremony inside the stallion barn at Castleton Lyons farm.

Sasscer, who has lived in Aiken with her husband for five years, says that she was honored to have been one of three finalists for the Ryan award, but that she never expected to win. One of the other finalists was Heather Henson, a Kentucky-based author whose young adult book The Whole Sky centers on a 12-year-old horse whisperer who discovers the cause of a mysterious sickness that kills Thoroughbred foals. The other was Felix Francis, son of the immortal horse racing mystery writer Dick Francis. Felix, who collaborated with his famous father on the author’s last books, picked up where his father left off when he died in 2010. He writes fast-paced New York Times bestsellers, including the award-nominee Pulse, a murder mystery set on the racetrack with an emergency room doctor as its protagonist. Former winners of the award include Jaimy Gordon, whose book, Lord of Misrule, won both the Tony Ryan award and the National Book Award for fiction in 2010.

The awards ceremony itself, which was filmed by TVG (an online racing network) was attended by about 100 people and included speeches given by the three finalists at a raised podium under bright klieg lights.

“After I gave my little speech, which was last, I came down off the podium and Shane Ryan [Dr. Ryan’s son] went up to the microphone and he had an envelope, just like in the Academy Awards, and he opened it to announce the winner,” remembers Sasscer. “I was trying to steel myself for the disappointment of not winning, and I was sure that Felix Francis would win, so I kept thinking to myself that he was about to say ‘Pulse, of course, Pulse, Pulse.’ But when he read what was in the envelope he said Flamingo Road by Sasscer Hill, and I was so stunned I just burst into tears. I couldn’t believe it.”

Flamingo Road is the first of a two book series that recounts the adventures of Fia McKee, a 32-year-old police officer and former Thoroughbred professional.

Fia is put on leave from her job as a Baltimore cop after she shoots a man who is apparently about to murder a woman in an alley. After a plea from her brother, whose wife has just left him, she drives down to Florida to help straighten out her 15-year-old niece, Jilly, a horse crazy girl with a distinctly wild side. There, she discovers that a grisly crime ring is prowling around at night, butchering horses in their stalls to sell their meat on the black market.

After a particularly devastating incident, Fia’s instinct is to get involved, but she is quickly called back north to start training for a new job with the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau (TRPB.) That job then sends her back to Florida, where she works undercover as an exercise rider at Gulfstream Park, trying to discover why a few particularly shady horse trainers have been having such sudden and overwhelming success with formerly middling horses.

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Staying with her brother, she is able to keep acting as a mentor to Jilly, as well as to continue her own investigations of the horse meat ring. Along the way, she meets some memorable characters, including Zanin, an animal lover who runs an organization called the Protect the Animals League, a villain named Valera, and a filly, Last Call for Love, who has particular ideas about racing and about the proper configuration of her stall.

The novel, which is fast moving and an easy read, has an air of authenticity, which comes from the author’s familiarity with the racing

world, as well as with her extensive research on various subjects. Sasscer, who owned and bred racehorses in Maryland for decades, has been an amateur steeplechase rider and has also been intimately involved in flat racing. In addition to raising, breaking and galloping her horses on the farm, she has also had her owner’s license at myriad mid-Atlantic

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racetracks and has been on the backside of tracks from Florida to California.

“I saw it from every angle,” she says. “I had a hotwalker’s pass to Gulfstream Park years ago, so I knew it well, and that made it more fun to write about.”

Her inspiration for the plot came from real life events, which she thinks makes the story more interesting.

“First, a news story about Richard Couto, a Floridian whose mission is to protect abused animals, especially horses slaughtered for black market horse meat.

Second, an article in the Blood Horse about the illegal use of Demorphin in race horses. I was stunned to discover this drug, made from the excretions on the skin of rare South American tree frogs, provides a pain killer up to 100 times stronger than morphine. The possibilities for crime, the worst kind of thugs, and illegal activity, as well as the desperate need to protect horses from this kind of abuse were my inspiration.”

The second Fia McKee book, The Dark Side of Town, was recently released by Minotaur books, an imprint of St. Martin’s press. In this book, Fia, still working for the TRPB, is sent to Saratoga to investigate an especially successful trainer, who is suspected of using illegal drugs. Once in Saratoga, Fia discovers that the situation is more complicated and ominous: Jockeys are committing suicide, people are getting death threats, and much more.

Fia McKee is Sasscer Hill’s second horse racing heroine. She has also published a series of four books whose heroine, Nikki Latrelle, is a jockey. Currently she is working on a murder mystery centered on the travellers who live in Murphy Village in Aiken. Although this book does

not involve racing, there are Gypsy Vanner horses. Sasscer has also done research for a third book in the Fia McKee series, in which Fia is sent to California to investigate the goings-on at a racetrack movie set.

Sasscer Hill’s books have earned rave reviews and she is slowly gaining a following of devoted readers. Her writing has been compared to Dick Francis, to the mystery writer Sue Grafton, and to the comedic mystery writer Janet Evanovich. Her female heroines are tough and bold and her plots unfold quickly. Sasscer says, however, that the reality of the book publishing world today is that most publishing houses only want to promote and spend money on “big” books written by wellknown authors, and that newer or less well-known writers rarely get the kind of publicity that is needed to spread the word about them. This makes it exceedingly hard for the average author to make a decent living with her novels.

“If I had some advice for a young writer, it would be to follow your heart and give it your best shot.

Try to get a decent agent, and don’t expect to make too much money. Do it because you have something driving you to do it. Try to have another source of income too. Marry someone rich if you have to!” she jokes.

Sasscer says that she writes primarily because she loves horses and that her own dreams of becoming a novelist were born in the fifth grade. That was when her teacher assigned the class to write a story. Most of her classmates, not creatively inclined, wrote about what they had for breakfast. Sasscer wrote an actual story inspired by her favorite author, Walter Farley, who wrote the Black Stallion books.

“The teacher made me read it out loud to the class, and when I got to the end, all these little kids in the class started raising their hands, and they all started asking, ‘What happens next?’ There are no more wonderful words you can hear from an audience than that: What happens next?”

Find out more or buy Sasscer Hill’s books through her website: www.sasscerhill.com

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Foals of 2018

Stars of Tomorrow

By Pam Gleason, Photography by Pam Gleason & Gary Knoll

W

ith a growing population of year round horsemen and an abundance of excellent veterinarians, Aiken is becoming a place to breed horses. Although the area does not have a reputation for mineral rich soil and lush grass like Virginia or Kentucky, it does have many advantages. For one thing, it has decent weather all year round.

For another, compared to a place like Kentucky or Virginia, it has fewer biting horse flies and other annoying pests. For a third, the cost of living and the price of land is generally less. Finally, it is the place where a lot of horse people already live. If you were attracted to Aiken for its competitions and its equestrian atmosphere and you have a hankering to breed your mare, what better place than in your own back yard?

Last year we introduced you to four foals in the “Class of 2017.”

Those foals (a Quarter Horse, a sport pony, a polo pony and a Belgian Warmblood) are now yearlings, and, with the exception of Scorz (an AQHA halter horse owned by Ina Ginsberg who already has a long show career and many ribbons,) they are all currently still at the kindergarten stage: growing up, learning their first lessons, and getting ready for athletic careers in the future. We will catch up with a few of them later in the year.

Meet five new foals born in Aiken this spring: a polo pony, a German Riding Pony, an American Dutch Registry Harness Horse and two European Sport Horses. There is also a sixth, SSF Williams, who graces the cover of this section. SSF Williams is a future polo pony colt owned

by Tom Thayer and Deb Walsh of Silver Stone Farms. Born on April 24, he is out of an American Thoroughbred mare named Gringa, who played in the U.S. Open under the former 8-goaler Tommy Biddle; and he is by the Silver Stone stallion Mantarraya. Deb and Tom have high hopes for the colt, whose half sister, SSF Kate, won two Best Playing Pony blankets

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with Tomas Garcia del Rio in the 20 goal in Wellington, Florida this winter – quite an accomplishment for a mare that is not yet 7.

All of the foals in this section, some of them bred right here, some brought here in utero, have excellent bloodlines and the potential to go on to be superstars in their own disciplines. But the thing with breeding is that you never really know what you are going to get: one foal can be a champion and his full sister can be a dud. Breeding is tricky. The only thing you can do, as the old adage goes, is breed the best to the best and hope for the best.

From time to time, we will update our readers on these horses’ progress.

If one day one of them makes it to the big time, you can have the satisfaction of saying you knew the horse from foalhood.

SSF Candy

Polo Pony (Argentine & American Thoroughbred) May 12, 2018 Filly

By Mantarray out of Gringa Owned by Deb Walsh and Tom Thayer of Silver Stone Farm Deb Walsh and Tom Thayer are thrilled with their filly SSF Candy, born at Silver Stone Farm in Ridge Spring on May 12. The little bay is bright, bold and personable. What’s more, she is the spitting image of her mother, which is an excellent thing. Her dam, Candileja, is a 16-year-old Argentine Thoroughbred with an exceptional record on the polo field.

Candileja was originally owned by Tincho (Agustin) Merlos, a 9-goaler who played her in the Argentine Open every year from 2008 to 2011 and in the U.S. Open every year from 2008 to 2015.

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“Candileja is an awesome mare with speed and a mouth that are unbelievable,” says Deb Walsh. “She’s also just really sweet and kind.

This filly is her carbon copy. That’s why we named her Candy, which is what we call her mother. It’s the weirdest thing. Their mannerisms are the same, their movement, their personality. Tincho is really excited about her, and so are we.”

Although this is the first foal that Candileja has carried herself, she did have one genetic foal several years ago through embryo transfer, which is exceedingly popular in the Argentine polo world, since it allows exceptional mares to be bred while continuing their athletic careers. That foal is currently part of Tincho’s playing string.

Candy’s sire, Mantarraya, was bred at Silver Stone Farm. He is also of royal polo blood, out of Seras Buena, an Argentine mare played by the 10-goaler Hilario Ulloa. His sire is Muffin Man. Muffin Man is the son of River, owned by Owen Rinehart, a former 10-goal player, and an Aiken resident with a strong reputation as a polo pony breeder. Muffin Man’s dam is Muffin, a mare played by Adam Snow (another former 10-goaler who resides in Aiken) and she won numerous Best Playing Pony Awards in various high goal competitions.

Deb says that Silver Stone is expecting to have six foals on the ground this year, and that the mares and foals will slowly graduate to living together in a field where they can run and play to their hearts’ content.

When Candy is 2 years old, before she has started her under saddle training, Tincho, who provided the mare for the Silver Stone breeding program, will have the option to buy her. If he doesn’t, Candy will enter the Silver Stone training program, and if all goes well, will be playing high goal polo under one of the top poloists in the world by the time she hits her prime.

“The broodmares we have here are some of the top mares in the sport and we are breeding for the elite athlete,” says Deb. “We hope Candy goes on to play the Argentine Open. We are very passionate about what we are doing and we put our heart and soul into it.”

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Nouveau Bijou (April)

American Dutch Registry Harness Horse (ADRHH) April 24, 2018 Filly

By NIA Gusto (KWPN) out of Jewel (ADRHH and American Saddlebred) Owned by Rebecca Gutierrez Rebecca Gutierrez, an Aiken realtor who is also a successful FEI level combined driving competitor, says she was looking for her next driving project last fall when she came across an interesting Facebook page.

It turns out that Amish communities across the country, which still use the horse and carriage as their primary means of transportation, have grown enamored of fancy imported Dutch Warmblood harness horses.

Quite a number of excellent stallions have been brought over from Europe over the last decade and are currently breeding mares in various Amish communities to bolster and improve the relatively new American Dutch Registry Harness Horse Association breed. Since the Amish shun modern technology, however, horses from these communities that might be for sale are often difficult to find. One friend of Amish horsemen in Wisconsin set up a Facebook page to help market sales of the horses to the outside community. And that is how Rebecca ended up with her foal, Nouveau Bijou, barn name April.

“I bought the mare nine months pregnant off a 13-second video on Facebook,” says Rebecca with a laugh. “It’s not a good story.”

Rebecca was actually most interested in the mare, Jewel, a young 15-hand ADRHH and American Saddlebred cross who was used by an Amish couple in Wisconsin as their “going to town” horse. Since the couple that owned her was older and the wife was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, the mare was only taken to town once a week or once every other week, so she had relative low mileage.

“She was a phenomenal mover, and I also liked that she would stand

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very still in the carriage which allowed the wife to get in – they aren’t all like that! She was touted as the kind of horse that a lady can drive,” says Rebecca, who was immediately attracted to her eye-catching coloring – she is a chestnut with high white stockings and a splash of white on her belly. “I bought her to be my project to turn into a driving competition horse, and once the baby is weaned, I will start working with her. The Amish, of course, would hook the mare up and work her with the baby trotting along by her side, but I am not sure that I am game enough to do that.”

Nouveau Bijou (April) was born at Rebecca’s farm in Windsor on April 25, and she came out looking much more like her father than her mother. The sire, NIA Gusto, is a big black Dutch Warmblood (KWPN). April is a big black filly, with just a little more chrome on her than her father. Rebecca says that she does not know how tall Gusto is, but judging from April’s size at just six weeks, he is probably a giant, in the 17-hand range.

“She’s humungous! Really huge. She’s already 11.1 hands. That’s just three and three quarter hands smaller than her dam. I think she is going to outgrow all of my equipment in another six months.”

April is an independent filly who enjoys playing with Rebecca’s mini horses (she towers over them) and she has a big, airy, fancy trot that will make her a standout for dressage or for driving. If she gets too big, however, she will not fit into Rebecca’s program.

“I’d like her to stay in the 15-16 hand range,” she says. “That’s a reasonable single size for me. That would give me a long term project in addition to her mom as my ‘now’ project.”

If April does get too big, she will probably move on to be someone else’s riding or driving horse. “She’s a fancy mover and these horses are known for having down-to-earth minds. She has been very accepting of everything I have asked her to do so far. I think she definitely has the potential for dressage.”

At six weeks, she certainly looks like the kind of horse that will excel in any athletic endeavor; as to what she will ultimately become, only time will tell.

Diamonds Rock PWR (Oscar) German Riding Pony May 21, 2018 Colt

by Dimension AT by Crystal Rock Owned by Carina Crawford, Patchwork Ranch

Diamonds Rock PWR (Oscar) came to the United States in utero last fall. His dam, Crystal Rock, was bred and raised in Germany, although she was owned by Patchwork Ranch in Windsor, S.C. for a few years before she was imported. Oscar’s sire, Dimension AT, is a famous stallion in Germany, a spectacular light chestnut known for his success in the dressage ring.

Oscar was born at the Patchwork Ranch on May 21, and right away he impressed his owner, Carina Crawford, with his looks and personality.

“He is super Mr. Personality,” says Carina. “He cuddled with us when he was just born. His mom is very easy going, and she will teach him whatever he needs to know – that is why you always want to pick mares that are good and good moms because you don’t want to create a little devil.”

Young as he is, Oscar will be inspected at the end of June by the breed association to evaluate his conformation. “If he is developing well, he might even be a stallion prospect, which is a cool,” says Carina. “But it has to be correctly done,” she continues, explaining that stallions need to be shown and submitted to many more rigorous inspections before they can be accepted for breeding, so that possibility is a long way in the future.

The Patchwork Ranch specializes in breeding German Riding Ponies that meet the standards of the German association and its rules. German Riding Ponies are sport ponies that resemble scaled down European

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warmbloods, and, like warmblood horses, they are renowned for their abilities in the dressage, jumping and driving disciplines. Carina says that their entire breeding stock was imported from Germany, including their stallion Nuno who won the German championships for jumping as a 5 and 6 year old and now shows successfully in the U.S. According to Carina, German Riding Ponies are exceptional mounts for anyone who is looking for a small horse. “They are good for an adult amateur or professional, or a child, or anyone who fits on a small-sized horse. The market is quite good for them.”

Paisley Willow

Westphalian March 23, 2018 Filly

by Coronet d’Honneur out of Pikkadilly HU

Nikko

Dutch Warmblood March 24, 2018 Colt

By C Quito out of Baelidin CHF Owned by Susan Novotny and George Hokenson, Paisley Acres Paisley Willow and Nikko were bred to be performance horses, specifically to be the kind of horses that will compete and be successful in the hunter derby ring. Hunter derbies have high fences like jumper

classes, but they are judged on style and form like hunter classes. A derby horse must be bold and athletic, yet stylish and tractable.

The foals, who are best of friends, were born at Susan Novotny and George Hokenson’s Paisley Acres in Aiken. Paisley Willow, a filly, was born on March 23, while Nikko, a colt was born a day later. Willow has never let Nikko forget that she is older than he is.

“She bosses him around,” says Susan with a laugh. “She is like a little

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princess. Her attitude is ‘it’s my way or the highway.’ Nikko’s the court jester. He’s goofy and playful and just super sweet. This spring, they have both been enjoying the beautiful Aiken weather and the grass, and now they are getting used to the heat.”

Susan, who relocated to Aiken almost a year ago, is a former professional rider who had a breeding program in Maryland back in the 1990s. At that time, she stood a stallion that proved especially popular because of his temperament. “I could get on him in the pasture bareback and ride him with a halter and lead rope,” she says. For her new “retirement” breeding program here in Aiken, she is hoping to have another stallion with the same kind of laid back attitude, and she would love it if Nikko could grow up to be that horse. “But as you know, that is a long way off.”

Nikko, who was brought to Aiken in utero from California, is the son of C Quito, an imported Belgian Warmblood stallion with jumping scope and a wonderful attitude. His dam, Baelidin (“Bailey”) is a Dutch Warmblood mare imported from Germany who competed in the hunter and jumper rings. Willow’s dam (Pikkidilly, aka Maya) is a former Grand Prix dressage horse and her sire, Coronet d’Honneur is an imported Bavarian Warmblood who currently stands in Arizona.

“One of my big things is temperament,” says Susan Novotny. “A friend who is a judge went out and saw Coronet d’Honneur, and he said ‘Susan, this horse is just amazing. A little kid could ride him.’ That’s how I chose to breed to him.”

Susan says that both foals will be going to the Westphalian inspection that will be held at Maplewood Farm in Johnston, S.C. at the end of

July. Both will also be offered for sale when they are weanlings, but if Susan doesn’t find them the perfect homes then, she has a training program in place for them for the future.

“Our goal is to breed quality European Sport Horses, specifically hunter derby horses,” says Susan. “I really like the derbies and I’d love to see the hunter classes go back to the way they used to be, where the horses were super athletic and jumped big fences. I think it all starts with having the right horses for it.”

The Aiken Horse

June-July 2018

Classifieds Stalls Available at Small Private Farm. Quiet, well maintained farm

located 5 minutes from Full Gallop, 15 minutes from Hitchcock woods and downtown Aiken. Large pastures with 3-board no climb fencing and run-ins.

12x12 matted stalls with ceiling fans, air-conditioned tack room with fridge.

Sand riding ring, access to miles of trails, outdoor wash stall. Self-care, partial or full care available.

StayABitFarm@gmail.com; 202-285-9540

Land For Sale

10 ac off 78 in Aiken.

Fenced, in grass and horse shelter.

Karenphillis@yahoo.com 803 646-8606

1890’s Auto Surrey

Amish refurbished Padded Patent leather fenders and dash, convertible top and rubberized wheels. Paint and seat refurbished by antique auto restorer.

Single and double shafts included.

Mill Race Farm, Aiken, SC. Warm weather luxury horse retirement, breaking, training, layups. 803-640-1818

$9,995.00

803-599-6605 BOARDING/TURNOUT Chime Ridge Stables. Stalls available, full, partial or self care. Fun, friendly, adult atmosphere. Convenient to town, South Aiken 803-508-3760.

BUILDING/REPAIRS/ PAINT Building & Repair: Carpentry, Doors, Windows, Decks, Cabinets, Trim, Stairs, Railings, Gates, Wood Siding, Floors, Framing, Repairs.

Licensed, bonded, insured. Contact Paul Dyches. paul.t.dyches@gmail. com. 803-645-6645.

HAY 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 803827-0864. email garymcelmurray@ glmconstruction.net 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 state-wide. Fully enclosed truck. Satisfaction guaranteed. Jim McClain. 803.247.4803.

Mill Race Farm, Aiken, SC. 2 six stall barns & turnout.

3 BR. living quarters. Show ring & riding trails. 803-6401818

PETS&SERVICES Trinity Farms Terriers: Norfolk Terriers & Russell Terriers. Quality family dogs with proven calmer dispositions. Generations of great temperaments. Health/dispositions guaranteed. Breeder of terriers for 30+ years. Donna Fitzpatrick.

803.648.3137. www.easyjacks.com & www.trinityfarmskennel.com & trinitynorfolkterriers.com.

REAL ESTATE & RENTALS Aiken Luxury Rentals. Distinctive accommodations for horse & rider in beautiful Aiken, SC. Downtown fully furnished cottages, historic stables. Executive relocation; corporate housing. Short & long term. www. aikenluxuryrentals. com; info@aikenluxuryrentals.com.

803.648.2804.

Black Sheep Farm. Unfurnished 3 bed/ 2 bath cottages for long term rental and small furnished

loft apartment, small guest house for short term 2 night to seasonal rental, charming pastoral setting yet proximate to downtown Aiken, and Hitchcock Woods. Horses and pets welcome. www.blacksheepfarmaiken. com. 904-234-9596 Aiken Fine Homes and Land.

Specializing in selling or renting homes, farms, land & barns for short or long term leases. 28 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.

SHAVINGS Shaving Saver: Delivering you bulk shavings the economical & convenient way! Large, durable bags (950 lbs.) of pine shavings delivered to your stable. Reusable, eco-friendly bags make storage neat and simple; bulk pricing makes your bedding affordable. Quality blended easy sift & large flake shavings that your horse will love! Call or text Claudia White 410-303-4617 or email scshavingsaver@gmail.com

Advertising in The Aiken Horse

CLASSIFIED ADS are $25 for the first 30 DIRECTORY LISTING ADS: $25 per issue words & 40 cents for every word or $90 for the year (6 issues.) thereafter.

BUSINESS CARDS: $60 per issue or $240 PHOTO CLASSIFIEDS for horses: $35; for the year (6 issues.)

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 www.TheAikenHorse.com

June-July 2018

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: www.TheAikenHorse.com or call us: 803.643.9960

Advertise in the August/September issue!

Deadline: July 21, 2018 Publication date: August 3, 2018

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Directory of Services BARNS,CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING Cooper Home and Stable. For Equestrians by Equestrians. A unique design and build general contractor specializing in equestrian construction and farm development, architecturally designed custom homes, historic renovations, remodeling and additions. Contact J. D. Cooper, cell 502417-2307, office 803-335-3527, www.cooperhs.com.

Joshua Jackson Builders. Building custom homes, barns, and estates in and around the Aiken area. Acreage available for sale. www.

JoshuaJacksonBuilders.com 803-642-2790 Larlee Construction, LLC. Fine Equestrian Facilities. 1096 Toolebeck Road, Aiken SC 29803. 803.642.9096. www.larleeconstruction.com.

BLANKET CLEANING & REPAIR Introducing Aiken Horse Blanket Couture! Welcome one, welcome all!

Finally, you can have your favorite equine creation designed and made just for you and your horse. Fine material, fine sewing, fine products. For your consultation and initial fitting, contact Elisa at 803-640-3211. On the other side of things; washing, waterproofing and repairing blankets, sheets and fly sheets still exists. Same cell number as above. Email: elisa@ aikenhorseblanket.com BOARDING/TURNOUT/TRAINING/SALES Chime Ridge Stables. Stalls available, full, partial or self care. Fun, friendly, adult atmosphere. Convenient to town, South Aiken 803-508-3760.

Du Lop Acres. Retirement/Rehab. The farm is based in one of the quietest areas of South Carolina and is ideal for any horse to retire or rehabilitate.

A peaceful farm for horses offering personalized full care for your horse. www.dulopacres.com. 858-208-6027 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 high-quality 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. www.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. www.vaughnequestrian.com (603)-7850435 COMPANION ANIMALS, CARE & SERVICES Palmetto Dog Club. Training classes, puppy socialization, obedience, rally & agility. 803-262-9686. www.palmettodogclub.org.

Trinity Farms Terriers: Norfolk Terriers & Russell Terriers. Quality family dogs with proven calmer dispositions. Generations of great temperaments. Health/dispositions guaranteed. Breeder of terriers for 30+ years. Donna Fitzpatrick. 803.648.3137. www.easyjacks.com & www. trinityfarmskennel.com & trinitynorfolkterriers.com.

FEED, SUPPLEMENTS & SUPPLIES Aiken County Farm Supply. 1933 Park Ave., Aiken. 803.649.2987.

Aiken Saddlery & Supply. Full service tack & feed store. 1044 E. Pine Log Rd., Aiken. 803.649.6583. www.aikensaddlery.com 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 state-wide. Fully enclosed truck. Satisfaction guaranteed. Jim McClain. 803.247.4803.

HOME & FARM SERVICES Be Fly Free. Automatic fly systems for barns and sheds. No unpleasant odor, no synthetic insecticides, no petroleum distillates. Call Carlos: 803-6450361. www.beflyfree.com; carlos@beflyfree.com.

INSURANCE Betsy Minton, Dietrich Insurance Company, 803. 617. 8353. Providing competitive comprehensive insurance for horses and farms. Excellent professional and personal service always delivered with a smile. www. betsyminton.com. 800 942 4258

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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! 803-6495141 INSTRUCTION/LESSONS Amy McElroy. USDF Gold Medalist and USEF S judge. Instruction and training at all levels. Visit www.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. www.JulieRobins.com 803-641-4715.

Hunter/Jumper Trainer with winners at WEF, Indoors and Big Eq Finals.

Will come to you. Cindy Purcell. 803-649-0990.

Jodi Hemry Eventing. Three-Star Eventer offering professional training, sales, boarding, instruction, horse shows, located in the heart of Aiken, SC. 803-640-6691 JodiHemryEventing@gmail.com www.

JodiHemryEventing.com Riding With Reason. Want to improve your riding position, balance & confidence and work in sync with your horse? Try a lesson on the Equisimulator in our purpose built classroom here in Aiken or bring your own horse for a ridden lesson. Agent for Heather Moffett Soft tree saddles.

Yvonne Brookes: info@ridingwithreason.com; www.ridingwithreason. com. 803 842 3114 PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN SERVICES Gary Knoll Photography.com. Commercial, portrait, weddings, advertising.

Pet portraits. Complete wide-format video service. 803.643.9960 410.812.4037. www.garyknollphotography.com REAL ESTATE/ RENTALS Aiken Fine Homes and Land. Specializing in selling or renting homes, farms, land & barns for short or long term leases. 28 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.

Aiken Luxury Rentals. Distinctive accommodations for horse & rider in beautiful Aiken, SC. Downtown fully furnished cottages, historic stables.

Executive relocation; corporate housing. Short & long term. www. aikenluxuryrentals.com; info@aikenluxuryrentals.com. 803.648.2804.

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! www.carolinahorseproperties.com. (803) 648-8660 Black Sheep Farm. Unfurnished 3 Bed/ 2 bath cottages for long term rental and small furnished loft apartment, small guest house for short term 2 night to seasonal rental, charming pastoral setting yet proximate to downtown Aiken, and Hitchcock Woods. Horses and pets welcome. www.blacksheepfarmaiken.com. 904-234-9596 Sharer Dale, RE/MAX, Tattersall Group. “Where town meets country.” sharerdale@gmail.com. www.sharerdale.remax-carolina.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. www.southernhorsefarms. com. 803-215-4734.

TACK & TACK CLEANING/REPAIR The Saddle Doctor. Saddlery and harness repair. 538 Two Notch Rd. HollyMacSpencer@aol.com. 803.642.5166.

YOGA/FITNESS Aiken Yoga. At Aiken Yoga we are passionate about sharing the benefits that regular Yoga practice has on one’s wellbeing, energy level and state of mind. In addition to Yoga classes, including Yoga for Equestrians, we offer Pilates, Barre and Teacher Certification. Sarah Acord, RN, 116B Pendleton St. Aiken. 803-524-8833, sarah@aikenyoga.com; www. aikenyoga.com for schedule.

The Aiken Horse

June-July 2018

ADOPTIONS. VOLUNTEERING. VET CARE CENTER. THRIFT STORES. DOG PARK. EVENTS. LETLOVELIVE.ORG 199 Willow Run Road, Aiken SC (803) 648-6863 | LetLoveLive.org | SPCAvetcare.org

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OPEN JUNE 1st!

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Spring \ polo in Aiken 2018.

Photography by Pam Gleason & Gary Knoll

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Aiken Area Calendar of Events 3

JUNE

May 30-Jun 5 Tryon Spring V - USEF AA/CSI 3*. TIEC, 4066 Pea Ridge Rd, Mill Spring, NC. www.tryon.coth.com May 30-Jun 10 Polo Museum Cup 2 Goal Tournament. Aiken Polo Club, Aiken. Info line: 803.643.3611, www.aikenpolo.org 1-2 Blythewood Rodeo. Blythewood Community Center Park, exit 27 off I-77, Blythewood, SC. www.ipra-rodeo.com 1-3 Foothills HJ Show. South Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden. Janet Black, threesprings@ windstream.net. 803.486.4938, scequinepark.com 1-3 Tryon Spring 5 – CSI 3*/Hunter AA/Level 6. TIEC, 25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1000, info@ tryon.com, tryon.coth.com 2 Derby Cross. The Vista Schooling & Event Center. 859 Old Tory Trail, Aiken. 803.262.5263, schoolthevista.com 2 Saturday Night Lights – $132,000 U.S. Trust & Bank of

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America Merrill Lynch Grand Prix CSI 3*. 5-10pm. TIEC, 25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1000, info@ tryon.com, tryon.coth.com GQHA Novice Show Series. Charles Walker Arena, Georgia International Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway Conyers, GA. Debbie Lisabeth: 678.478.7071, dl7693@aol. com. www.gqha.com Atlanta Youth Dressage Challenge. Arenas 8-10, Georgia International Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway Conyers, GA. missliz@taramiaridingschool.com.

770.860.4190, www.georgiahorsepark.com Tommy Hitchcock Memorial 12-Goal Tournament: 5pm FINAL. New Bridge Polo Club, 862 New Bridge Road, Aiken.

Info line: 803.644.7706, www.newbridgepolo.com June CT. Full Gallop Farm, 3828 Wagener Rd, Aiken. Lara Anderson: 803. 215.6590, fullgallopfarm@yahoo.com. fullgallopfarm.com

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Connemara Celebration. Georgia International Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway Conyers, GA. Kim Gates: gatesbythecreek@hotmail.com, www.acps.org​. 770.860.4190, www.georgiahorsepark.com Lucinda Green Clinic. Full Gallop Farm, 3828 Wagener Rd, Aiken. Lara Anderson: 803. 215.6590, fullgallopfarm@yahoo. com. fullgallopfarm.com Tryon Spring 6 – 90th TR&HC Charity Horse Show – CSI 4*/Hunter AA/Level 6. TIEC, 25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1000, info@tryon.com, tryon.coth.com Yappy Hour. 6-8pm. SPCA Albrecht Center, 199 Willow Run Road Aiken. 803.648.6863, www.letlovelive.org HJ Show. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken.

484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, www.stableviewfarm. com Carolinas Show Hunter Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. $25pp. 6-8pm. Legends Club, TIEC, 25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1000, info@tryon.com, tryon.coth. com Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show – Saddlebred Division.

L.M. Tate Showgrounds at the Broyhill Equestrian Preserve, 1500 Laurel Lane, Blowing Rock, NC. brchs.org Palmetto Sport Horse Spring Classic (Arabian and HalfArabians). T. Ed Garrison Arena, 1101 W Queen Street, Pendleton, SC. 864.646.2717, www.clemson.edu/public/ garrison Gladiator Polo™ Battle for SC- Greenville vs. Spartanburg.

6-11pm. TIEC, 25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1000, info@tryon.com, tryon.coth.com Ralph Hill Eventing Camp Sponsored by Aiken County Pony Club. The Vista Schooling & Event Center. 859 Old Tory Trail, Aiken. 803.262.5263, schoolthevista.com Dressage Show. South Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden, SC. Janet Hennessey, softwindsfarm@gmail.com. 803.486.4938, scequinepark.com CEC HJ Show at Pine Tree. Pine Tree Stables, 1265 Sanders Creek Road, Camden, SC. Lynn Conto: 803.424.1952, conto@bellsouth.net. www.camdenequinecircuit.com CT Schooling Show. Chattahoochee Hills Eventing - Hosted at the Bouckaert Farm, 9445 Browns Lake Road, Chattahoochee Hills, GA. 770.892.2117, info@ chatthillseventing.com, Chatthillseventing.com Dog Wash. 10am-2pm. SPCA Albrecht Center, 199 Willow Run Road Aiken. 803.648.6863, www.letlovelive.org Aiken Driving Club Summer BBQ. Equine Rescue of Aiken, 520 Glenwood Drive, Aiken SC 29803. 803-295-6785 CT Schooling Show. Poplar Place Farm, 8191 US Hwy 27, Hamilton, GA. 706.681.8748, www.poplarplacefarm.com Saturday Night Lights: $204,000 Coca-Cola® Grand Prix CSI 4*. 5-10pm. TIEC, 25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1000, info@tryon.com, tryon.coth.com Rolling Hills Saddle Club Show. Wills Park Equestrian Center, 11925 Wills Rd, Alpharetta, GA. 770.338.0143, www. willspark.com Latigo Farms Barrel Horse Show. Latigo Farms, 3470 Hwy. 414, Landrum, SC. Robin: 864.505.2846. www.nbha.com PSJ Series HJ Show. Mullet Hall, Johns Island, SC. 803.649.3505, www.psjshows.com Ride Better Clinic. Paradise Farm, 4069 Wagener Road, Aiken.

Lellie Ward: 803.640.4918, paradisefarmaiken@gmail.com, www.paradisefarmaiken.com

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GHF/Massey Ferguson Annual Dressage Show. Georgia International Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway Conyers, GA. Ann Genovese, www.goodhorseman.org.

770.860.4190, www.georgiahorsepark.com Save the Horses Charity Horse Show. Wills Park Equestrian Center, 11925 Wills Rd, Alpharetta, GA. Mellisa Cotton: 404.557.6158, www.willspark.com USEF/USDF “Summer Solstice” Dressage. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm. com, www.stableviewfarm.com Twilight Jumpers. Chattahoochee Hills Eventing - Hosted at the Bouckaert Farm, 9445 Browns Lake Road, Chattahoochee Hills, GA. 770.892.2117, info@chatthillseventing.com, Chatthillseventing.com Atlanta Summer Classic I. Georgia International Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway Conyers, GA. www. classiccompany.com. 770.860.4190, www.georgiahorsepark. com Fix-A-Test with Natalie Lamping. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, www.stableviewfarm.com NSBA Boot Camp. South Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden, SC. 803.486.4938, scequinepark.com Tryon Summer I - HJ ‘B.’ TIEC, 4066 Pea Ridge Rd, Mill Spring, NC. www.tryon.coth.com Harmon Classics Derby Mania. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center, 3381 Hunting Country Road, Tryon, NC. 828-8599021, horseshow@fence.org, fence.org Carl Black Classic IPRA Rodeo. Jim Miller Park, Marietta, GA. www.ipra-rodeo.com Summer Dressage Show. TIEC, 4066 Pea Ridge Rd, Mill Spring, NC. www.tryon.coth.com War Horse Event Series Schooling Day. Carolina Horse Park, 2814 Montrose Road, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2074, carolinahorsepark.com Gladiator Polo™ Battle for NC- Asheville VS. Charlotte.

6-11pm. TIEC, 25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1000, info@tryon.com, tryon.coth.com Good Old Summertime Horse Show (H, J). Wills Park Equestrian Center, 11925 Wills Rd, Alpharetta, GA. Cheryl Sims: 404.518.9198, www.willspark.com June USEF/USEA Horse Trials. Full Gallop Farm, 3828 Wagener Rd, Aiken. Lara Anderson: 803. 215.6590, fullgallopfarm@yahoo.com. fullgallopfarm.com Open Show. South Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden, SC. 803.486.4938, scequinepark.com War Horse Event Series June Horse Trials. Carolina Horse Park, 2814 Montrose Road, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2074, carolinahorsepark.com Area III Young Riders Camp. Chattahoochee Hills Eventing - Hosted at the Bouckaert Farm, 9445 Browns Lake Road, Chattahoochee Hills, GA. 770.892.2117, info@ chatthillseventing.com, Chatthillseventing.com Fjord and Friends Fest. L.M. Tate Showgrounds at the Broyhill Equestrian Preserve, 1500 Laurel Lane, Blowing Rock, NC. brchs.org SC 4-H Horse Show. T. Ed Garrison Arena, 1101 W Queen Street, Pendleton, SC. 864.646.2717, www.clemson.edu/ public/garrison Atlanta Summer Classic II. Georgia International Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway Conyers, GA. www. classiccompany.com. 770.860.4190, www.georgiahorsepark. com

21-24 SCQHA Show. South Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden, SC. Billy Prather: 803.669.1325, bpquarterhorse@bellsouth.net. 803.486.4938, scequinepark.com 21-24 Tryon Summer II - B. TIEC, 4066 Pea Ridge Rd, Mill Spring, NC. www.tryon.coth.com 23 Gladiator Polo™ FINAL. 6-11pm. TIEC, 25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1000, info@tryon.com, tryon. coth.com 23-24 PSJ Series HJ Show. Highfields Event Center, 147 Warehouse Road, Aiken. 803.649.3505, www.psjshows.com 23-24 USEA “Summer” Horse Trials. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, www. stableviewfarm.com 23-24 Dressage Show. Chattahoochee Hills Eventing - Hosted at the Bouckaert Farm, 9445 Browns Lake Road, Chattahoochee Hills, GA. 770.892.2117, info@chatthillseventing.com, Chatthillseventing.com 23-24 Elite Showjumping Horse Show. Wills Park Equestrian Center, 11925 Wills Rd, Alpharetta, GA. Vic Russell: 678-8587192, www.willspark.com 27 Twilight Jumpers. Chattahoochee Hills Eventing - Hosted at the Bouckaert Farm, 9445 Browns Lake Road, Chattahoochee Hills, GA. 770.892.2117, info@chatthillseventing.com, Chatthillseventing.com 27-Jul 1 Tryon Summer III - USEF AA/CSI 2*. TIEC, 4066 Pea Ridge Rd, Mill Spring, NC. www.tryon.coth.com 28-Jul 1 Stars & Stripes Circuit. Georgia International Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway Conyers, GA. www.gqha. com. 770.860.4190, www.georgiahorsepark.com 29-30 FENCE Rodeo. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center, 3381 Hunting Country Road, Tryon, NC. 828-859-9021, horseshow@fence.org, fence.org, www.ipra-rodeo.org 29-Jul 1 Feathered Horse Summer Classic- Gypsy Vanner Breed Show Series. T. Ed Garrison Arena, 1101 W Queen Street, Pendleton, SC. 864.646.2717, www.clemson.edu/public/garrison 30 TallBoots H/J Schooling Day & Derby Cross. Carolina Horse Park, 2814 Montrose Road, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2074, carolinahorsepark.com 30-Jul 1 Chatt Hills Horse Trials. Chattahoochee Hills Eventing - Hosted at the Bouckaert Farm, 9445 Browns Lake Road, Chattahoochee Hills, GA. 770.892.2117, info@ chatthillseventing.com, Chatthillseventing.com 30-Jul 1 Cheryl & Co (H,J). Wills Park Equestrian Center, 11925 Wills Rd, Alpharetta, GA. Cheryl Sims: 404-518-9198, www. willspark.com

JULY 1

1-5 2-8 4 4

The Aiken Horse

TallBoots H/J Series July Show. Carolina Horse Park, 2814 Montrose Road, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2074, carolinahorsepark.com SC 4-H Horse Camp. T. Ed Garrison Arena, 1101 W Queen Street, Pendleton, SC. 864.646.2717, www.clemson.edu/ public/garrison GQHA Big A Circuit. Georgia International Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway Conyers, GA. www.gqha.com.

770.860.4190, www.georgiahorsepark.com HJ Show. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken.

484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, www.stableviewfarm. com Twilight Jumpers. Chattahoochee Hills Eventing - Hosted at the Bouckaert Farm, 9445 Browns Lake Road, Chattahoochee Hills, GA. 770.892.2117, info@chatthillseventing.com, Chatthillseventing.com

June-July 2018

4-8 5-7 6-8

7-8 7-8 8 10-15 11 11 11-15 11-15 13-14

14 14 14 14-15 14-15

15 15 16 18

18-21

Tryon Summer IV - USEF AA/CSI 3*. TIEC, 4066 Pea Ridge Rd, Mill Spring, NC. www.tryon.coth.com NCQHA District One AQHA Horse Show. T. Ed Garrison Arena, 1101 W Queen Street, Pendleton, SC. 864.646.2717, www.clemson.edu/public/garrison Area III Eventing Championships. Chattahoochee Hills Eventing - Hosted at the Bouckaert Farm, 9445 Browns Lake Road, Chattahoochee Hills, GA. 770.892.2117, info@ chatthillseventing.com, Chatthillseventing.com PSJ Series HJ Show. South Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden, SC. 803.486.4938, www. psjshows.com Ticket to Ride Benefit (H,J). Wills Park Equestrian Center, 11925 Wills Rd, Alpharetta, GA. 706.429.8776, www. willspark.com July Schooling Horse Trials. Full Gallop Farm, 3828 Wagener Rd, Aiken. Lara Anderson: 803. 215.6590, fullgallopfarm@ yahoo.com. fullgallopfarm.com Region 12 Youth Jamboree. T. Ed Garrison Arena, 1101 W Queen Street, Pendleton, SC. 864.646.2717, www.clemson. edu/public/garrison Yappy Hour. 6-8pm. SPCA Albrecht Center, 199 Willow Run Road Aiken. 803.648.6863, www.letlovelive.org Schooling Dressage Show. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, www. stableviewfarm.com Tryon Summer V - Hunter B/CSI 2*. TIEC, 4066 Pea Ridge Rd, Mill Spring, NC. www.tryon.coth.com Elite Showjumping Horse Show. Wills Park Equestrian Center, 11925 Wills Rd, Alpharetta, GA. Vic Russell: 678-8587192, www.willspark.com Palmetto Paint Horse Show. South Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden, SC. Anne Louise Miller: 803.900.1253, millawayranch@windstream.net.

803.486.4938, scequinepark.com Dog Wash. 10am-2pm. SPCA Albrecht Center, 199 Willow Run Road Aiken. 803.648.6863, www.letlovelive.org CEC HJ Show at Voxton Farm. Voxton Farm, 226 Cleveland School Road, Camden, SC. Linda Klein: 803.425.4795, voxtonfarm@aol.com. www.camdenequinecircuit.com War Horse Event Series Schooling Day. Carolina Horse Park, 2814 Montrose Road, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2074, carolinahorsepark.com PSJ Series HJ Show. Highfields Event Center, 147 Warehouse Road, Aiken. 803.649.3505, www.psjshows.com H. J. Fox “Wounded Warrior” Classics I & II. Georgia International Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway Conyers, GA. Vickie Bryans: 706.342.3029, malonefarmseq@ aol.com, www.HJFoxClassics.com. 770.860.4190, www. georgiahorsepark.com July CT. Full Gallop Farm, 3828 Wagener Rd, Aiken. Lara Anderson: 803. 215.6590, fullgallopfarm@yahoo.com. fullgallopfarm.com War Horse Event Series July Horse Trials. Carolina Horse Park, 2814 Montrose Road, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2074, carolinahorsepark.com Schooling CT & Dressage Show. Paradise Farm, 4069 Wagener Road, Aiken. Lellie Ward: 803.640.4918, paradisefarmaiken@gmail.com, www.paradisefarmaiken.com Twilight Jumpers. Chattahoochee Hills Eventing - Hosted at the Bouckaert Farm, 9445 Browns Lake Road, Chattahoochee Hills, GA. 770.892.2117, info@chatthillseventing.com, Chatthillseventing.com Tryon Summer VI - Hunter B/CSI 2*. TIEC, 4066 Pea Ridge Rd, Mill Spring, NC. www.tryon.coth.com

June-July 2018

18-22 Elite Showjumping Horse Show. Wills Park Equestrian Center, 11925 Wills Rd, Alpharetta, GA. Vic Russell: 678-8587192, www.willspark.com 21 Eventing Academy Schooling Day. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, www.stableviewfarm.com 21 GQHA Novice Show Series. Charles Walker Arena, Georgia International Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway Conyers, GA. Debbie Lisabeth: 678.478.7071, dl7693@aol. com. www.gqha.com 21 Brookwood VI All Breed Schooling Show. Charles Walker Arena, Georgia International Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway Conyers, GA. 770.860.4190, www. georgiahorsepark.com 22 July Schooling Horse Trials II. Full Gallop Farm, 3828 Wagener Rd, Aiken. Lara Anderson: 803. 215.6590, fullgallopfarm@yahoo.com. fullgallopfarm.com 22 Eventing Academy Schooling Horse Trials. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm. com, www.stableviewfarm.com 24-29 Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show – HUNTER / JUMPER Division Week #1. L.M. Tate Showgrounds at the Broyhill Equestrian Preserve, 1500 Laurel Lane, Blowing Rock, NC. brchs.org 25 HJ Show. Paradise Farm, 4069 Wagener Road, Aiken. Lellie Ward: 803.640.4918, paradisefarmaiken@gmail.com, www. paradisefarmaiken.com 26-29 USPC Championships East. TIEC, 4066 Pea Ridge Rd, Mill Spring, NC. www.tryon.coth.com 26-29 Yippy Yi Yea Summer Sizzler. T. Ed Garrison Arena, 1101 W Queen Street, Pendleton, SC. 864.646.2717, www.scqhaonline. com/events 27-29 Camden Summer Classic HJ Show. South Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden, SC. Janet Black: 828.606.0708, threesprings@windstream.net.

803.486.4938, scequinepark.com 28 CT Schooling Show. Poplar Place Farm, 8191 US Hwy 27, Hamilton, GA. 706.681.8748, www.poplarplacefarm.com 28-29 Elite Showjumping Horse Show. Wills Park Equestrian Center, 11925 Wills Rd, Alpharetta, GA. Vic Russell: 678-8587192, www.willspark.com 28-29 GHF/Massey Ferguson Summer Dressage Show (USEF/ USDF). Chattahoochee Hills Eventing - Hosted at the Bouckaert Farm, 9445 Browns Lake Road, Chattahoochee Hills, GA. 404.289.9328, www.goodhorseman.org 29 July CT II. Full Gallop Farm, 3828 Wagener Rd, Aiken.

Lara Anderson: 803. 215.6590, fullgallopfarm@yahoo.com. fullgallopfarm.com

AUGUST 1 1

1 1-5

3-4

HJ Show. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken.

484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, www.stableviewfarm. com Twilight Jumpers. Chattahoochee Hills Eventing - Hosted at the Bouckaert Farm, 9445 Browns Lake Road, Chattahoochee Hills, GA. 770.892.2117, info@chatthillseventing.com, Chatthillseventing.com Yappy Hour. 6-8pm. SPCA Albrecht Center, 199 Willow Run Road Aiken. 803.648.6863, www.letlovelive.org Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show – HUNTER / JUMPER Division Week #1. L.M. Tate Showgrounds at the Broyhill Equestrian Preserve, 1500 Laurel Lane, Blowing Rock, NC. brchs.org Ed Brown’s 50th Annual IPRA Championship Rodeo. 633 S. Charleston Street, Blacksburg, SC. www.ipra-rodeo.org

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3-5 4

4-5 4-5

4-5 5

PSJ Back to School HJ Show. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center, 3381 Hunting Country Road, Tryon, NC. 828-8599021, horseshow@fence.org, fence.org CT Schooling Show. Chattahoochee Hills Eventing - Hosted at the Bouckaert Farm, 9445 Browns Lake Road, Chattahoochee Hills, GA. 770.892.2117, info@chatthillseventing.com, Chatthillseventing.com PSJ Series HJ Show. Highfields Event Center, 147 Warehouse Road, Aiken. 803.649.3505, www.psjshows.com Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo. Charles Walker Arena, Georgia International Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway Conyers, GA. Ronnie Cunningham: 323.348.4676, ronnieham@billpickettrodeo.com. 770.860.4190, www. georgiahorsepark.com GDCTA Show. Wills Park Equestrian Center, 11925 Wills Rd, Alpharetta, GA. Karen Caverly: 770-713-4025, www.willspark. com August Schooling Horse Trials. Full Gallop Farm, 3828 Wagener Rd, Aiken. Lara Anderson: 803. 215.6590,

fullgallopfarm@yahoo.com. fullgallopfarm.com 8 USEF/USDF “Too Hot To Trot� Dressage Show. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@ stableviewfarm.com, www.stableviewfarm.com 11 Eventing Academy Schooling Day. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, www. stableviewfarm.com 11 CEC HJ Show at Pine Tree. Pine Tree Stables, 1265 Sanders Creek Road, Camden, SC. Lynn Conto: 803.424.1952, conto@ bellsouth.net. www.camdenequinecircuit.com 11 TallBoots H/J Schooling Day & Derby Cross. Carolina Horse Park, 2814 Montrose Road, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2074, carolinahorsepark.com 11 Dog Wash. 10am-2pm. SPCA Albrecht Center, 199 Willow Run Road Aiken. 803.648.6863, www.letlovelive.org 11 Georgia State Championship Extreme Cowboy Race. Chicopee Wood Agricultural Center, 1855 Calvary Church Road, Gainesville, GA. 352.217.2448, southernobstaclechallenges@gmail.com, www. extremecowboyassociation.com 11 Rolling Hills Saddle Club Show. Wills Park Equestrian Center, 11925 Wills Rd, Alpharetta, GA. 770.338.0143, www.willspark. com 9 Aiken Driving Club Summer BBQ. Joyce Egge. Aiken. 603440-8510.

9-12 Atlanta Summerfest I. Bouckaert Farm, Chattahoochee Hills.

9445 Browns Lake Rd., Fairburn GA. JP Godard: 803-6435698; info@equusevents.com; www.equusevents.com 11-12 Ride Better Clinic. Paradise Farm, 4069 Wagener Road, Aiken.

Lellie Ward: 803.640.4918, paradisefarmaiken@gmail.com, www.paradisefarmaiken.com

80

11-12 H. J. Fox Summer Classics I & II. Georgia International Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway Conyers, GA. Vickie Bryans: 706.342.3029, malonefarmseq@aol.com, www.

HJFoxClassics.com. 770.860.4190, www.georgiahorsepark.com 12 Eventing Academy Schooling Horse Trials. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm. com, www.stableviewfarm.com 12 TallBoots H/J Series July Show. Carolina Horse Park, 2814 Montrose Road, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2074, carolinahorsepark. com 16-19 Atlanta Summerfest II. Bouckaert Farm, Chattahoochee Hills.

9445 Browns Lake Rd., Fairburn GA. JP Godard: 803-6435698; info@equusevents.com; www.equusevents.com 17 Dressage Tests of Choice. Full Gallop Farm, 3828 Wagener Rd, Aiken. Lara Anderson: 803. 215.6590, fullgallopfarm@yahoo. com. fullgallopfarm.com 18 Just for Fun Show. Highfields Event Center, 147 Warehouse Road, Aiken. 803.649.3505, www.psjshows.com 18 GQHA Novice Show Series. Charles Walker Arena, Georgia International Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway Conyers, GA. Debbie Lisabeth: 678.478.7071, dl7693@aol. com. www.gqha.com 18 CT Schooling Show. Poplar Place Farm, 8191 US Hwy 27, Hamilton, GA. 706.681.8748, www.poplarplacefarm.com 18-19 August USEF/USEA Horse Trials. Full Gallop Farm, 3828 Wagener Rd, Aiken. Lara Anderson: 803. 215.6590, fullgallopfarm@yahoo.com. fullgallopfarm.com 18-19 The Jump Ahead Benefit Show (H,J). Wills Park Equestrian Center, 11925 Wills Rd, Alpharetta, GA. www.willspark.com 23-26 Atlanta Summerfest III. Bouckaert Farm, Chattahoochee Hills.

9445 Browns Lake Rd., Fairburn GA. JP Godard: 803-6435698; info@equusevents.com; www.equusevents.com 24-25 13th Annual Sandy Oaks IPRA Pro Rodeo presented by Helios Equine Rehabilitation. Lazy J Arena, HWY 3, Edgefield, SC. 8 PM. Call Wesley/Sandy Quarles: 803-637-5369; 803-489-0045; 803-480-1944. Tickets $12 in advance, 415 at the gate. Children $5; Seniors $10/$13. www.sandyoaksprorodeo.org 24-25 Carl Black Classic IPRA Rodeo. Jim Miller Park, Marietta, GA. www.ipra-rodeo.com 24-26 Palmetto Paint Horse Show. South Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden, SC. Anne Louise Miller: 803.900.1253, millawayranch@windstream.net.

803.486.4938, scequinepark.com 25 Brookwood VII All Breed Schooling Show. Georgia International Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway Conyers, GA. 770.860.4190, www.georgiahorsepark.com 25-26 PSJ Series HJ Show. Highfields Event Center, 147 Warehouse Road, Aiken. 803.649.3505, www.psjshows.com 25-26 Southern Classic (Appaloosa Show). Charles Walker Arena, Georgia International Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway Conyers, GA. Dawn Lovern: 404.406.7055, dawn. lovern@hotmail.com, www.georgia-appaloosa.com 25-26 Brownwood Farms (H,J). Wills Park Equestrian Center, 11925 Wills Rd, Alpharetta, GA. Roger Brown: 770.312.4473. www. willspark.com 26 Hunter Pace at Greenspace. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center, 3381 Hunting Country Road, Tryon, NC. 828-8599021, horseshow@fence.org, fence.org 26 August CT. Full Gallop Farm, 3828 Wagener Rd, Aiken.

Lara Anderson: 803. 215.6590, fullgallopfarm@yahoo.com. fullgallopfarm.com 31-Sept 2 Harmon Classics September Spectacular. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center, 3381 Hunting Country Road, Tryon, NC. 828-859-9021, horseshow@fence.org, fence.org

The Aiken Horse

June-July 2018

Business Cards

June-July 2018

The Aiken Horse

81

Monetta Farrier Specialties

Now with Two Great Locations

SAME GREAT SERVICE AND BROAD RANGE OF QUALITY FARRIER SUPPLIES

Aiken, SC WE HAVED! 803.685.5101 E V O M

Columbus, NC

828.894.0280

www.monettafarrier.com

Serving Aiken year round

EAST COAST EQUINE DENTISTRY Lou Heffner

Quality work at an affordable price.

20+ years experience

82

803.649.9343 home 610.960.2405 for immediate response

The Aiken Horse

June-July 2018

Mortality FarM liability Care/Custody/Control shawna dietriCh

800-942-4258

Louisville, KY

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Aiken, SC

betsy Minton

803-617-8353

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June-July 2018

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83

84

The Aiken Horse

June-July 2018

MalvernFederal.com

June-July 2018

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Index of Advertisers Advertiser

Section Page

Advertiser

Section Page

Advertiser

Section Page

Adams Horse and Pet Supplies

2

47

Estancia La Victoria

3

65

Progressive Show Jumping, Inc

2

51

Aiken County Farm Supply

2

45

Estrella Equine

2

50

RE/Max (Hauck)

1

17

Aiken Fine Homes and Land

1

32

Fencing Solutions

1

30

Red Horse Stable

2

57

Aiken Horsemanship Academy

1

28

FOTAS Aiken

2

59

ReMax -S.Dale

1

16

Aiken Luxury Rentals

1

20

Foy Insurance

1

27

Retired Racehorse Project

2

58

Aiken Pet Fitness & Rehab

2

57

Ina Ginsberg

1

35

SCQHA

2

50

Aiken Polo Club

3

87

Julia Kubicek

1

31

South Carolina Equine Park

1

32

Aiken Saddlery, Inc.

3

88

Larlee Construction

1

5

Southern Equine Service

1

12

Aiken Tack Exchange

1

27

Lightning Protection Systems

1

30

Southern States Cooperative, Inc.

1

21

Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue

1

29

Marrinson Stables

2

46

SPCA Albrecht Center

3

73

Auto Tech

1

26

Meybohm RE Haslup

1

3

Stable View Farm, LLC

2

50

Banks Mill Feeds

1

22

Meybohm RE Vaillancourt

1

2

Sweet PDZ

2

57

Barnware

2

46

Meybohm Realtors (Turner)

1

23

The Tack Room

1

29

Be Fly Free

2

47

Meybohm Realtors Stinson

1

4

Three Runs Plantation

1

36

Carolina Real Estate Company

1

14

Morton Buildings

2

57

Tod’s Hill/ReMax

2

60

Carolina Real Estate Company

1

15

New Bridge Polo Club

1

34

UGA Veterinary Hospital

2

57

Deceased Pet Care, inc.

2

46

Oak Manor Saddlery

2

43

Warhorse Photography

3

76

DFG Stables

2

39

Optimum Equine LLC

1

29

Warneke Cleaners

1

31

Epona

1

20

Palmetto Feed Exchange

2

46

Windsor Court

1

27

Equine Divine

1

20

Paradise Farm

2

43

Wolf Construction

2

38

Equine Rescue of Aiken

1

33

Patty Merli Saddles

2

47

Wally. 2006?-2018

86

The Aiken Horse

June-July 2018

June-July 2018

The Aiken Horse

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WISHING ALL OF OUR GREAT CUSTOMERS A WONDERFUL SUMMER!!!

www.aikensaddlery.com | 803-649-6583 1044 East Pine Log Road, Aiken, SC 29803