Aiken Equestrian Resource

Aiken EQUESTRIAN RESOURCE

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A horse resource for businesses and organizations

Serving Aiken, Augusta, Columbia, and Camden. www.AikenEquestrianResource.com

THE CLOSEST EQUESTRIAN COMMUNITY TO DOWNTOWN AIKEN

Located six miles and ten easy minutes from downtown Aiken, Tod’s Hill presents a new opportunity for those who love land, horses, and Aiken living. You can ride for hours on private scenic trails, yet make it to downtown’s cafes and shops in minutes.

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Justt 10 minutes from downtown Aiken.

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iken nimal

ospital small animals, big hearts

1181 Banks Mill Road / Aiken, SC 29803 / 803-648-4401/ aikenah@gmail.com

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Many Thanks to our Advertisers!

Aiken Animal Hospital ....................................Page 4 Aiken County Farm Supply ...........................Page 49 Aiken Horse Park Foundation .......................Page 52 Aiken Horse Realty / Meybohm Realtors .......Page 60 Aiken Land Conservancy ...............................Page 12 Volume 1 Aiken Luxury Rentals ....................................Page 64 Aiken Pet Fitness and Rehabilitation..............Page 81 Publisher: Aiken Properties ............................................Page 61 Nancy Bruen Smith Aiken Saddlery Inc ..................................Back Cover Aiken Speakeasy and Eats ..............................Page 26 Editor / Designer / Webmaster Art by Susan McCarty ...................................Page 21 Susanne Allen Ashbrooke Equestrian Center ........................Page 39 Banks Mill Farm ............................................Page 32 Contributors: Barnware .......................................................Page 51 Michael Fowler Bespoke Fine Interiors ...................................Page 40 Stephen Delaney Hale Beth Barritt LLC ...........................................Page 25 Diana Hunt Camptown Harness .......................................Page 63 Joanna Dunn Samson Carolina Real Estate Company ......................Page 37 Nancy Bruen Smith Casa Bella Italian Restaurant .........................Page 26 Contributing Photographers: Cat Deegan, Realtor ......................................Page 60 Shelly Marshall Schmidt C’est La Vie Farms.........................................Page 30 Barry A. Bornstein Core - Equus .................................................Page 68 Nancy Bruen Smith Cousyn Dressage ...........................................Page 24 NanC Mark Dietrich Equine Insurance .............................Page 57 Epona ............................................................Page 25 Published By: Equine Divine .................................................Page 5 Equestrian Media, LLC Equine Rescue of Aiken .................................Page 67 Equus Events .................................................Page 54 Reprints and Permissions: Estrella Equine, LLC ....................................Page 53 You must have permission before Fair Play Equestrian .......................................Page 77 reproducing material from Aiken FOTAS ..........................................................Page 65 Equestrian Resource 2016 Fox Nation ....................................................Page 62 GGT-Footing ..................................................Page 3 Letters to the Editor: Aiken Equestrian Resource invites HaleStorm communications ..........................Page 59 Hay Y’all .......................................................Page 35 readers and writers to submit ideas, comments, and suggestions Heritage Equine Equipment ..........................Page 29 through US Mail and Email: Hunt Box B&B .............................................Page 17 info@AikenEquestrianResource.com HuntScene Photography and Editorial ..........Page 25 Jim Wolf Coaching ........................................Page 74 Aiken Equestrian Resource Jumping Branch Farm ...................................Page 76 PO Box 33 Montmorenci, SC 29839 . 4 | Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016

Legacy Farms at Mill Creek ...........................Page 61 Legacy Homes of Aiken, Inc. .........................Page 38 Louise Mellon Artworks ................................Page 21 Magnolia Shadows.........................................Page 19 My Aiken Body .............................................Page 51 New Bridge Polo & Country Club ................Page 81 Oak Manor Saddlery .....................................Page 71 Paradise Farm,LLC ........................................Page 75 PEMF Sporthorse Therapy ............................Page 43 Performance Equine Vets ...............................Page 32 Progressive Show Jumping, Inc ......................Page 54 Radway Eventing at Hopeland Farms ............Page 74 RE/MAX Tattersall Group .............................Page 42 Red Barn Stables............................................Page 34 Roxy’s Place Stable .........................................Page 31 Shelly Marshall Schmidt - Oh Schmidt!Page 9, 18, 41 Southern Horse Farms ...................................Page 13 SouthStar Emergency Medical Service ...........Page 78 SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare ....Page 65 Sporting Days Farm.......................................Page 48 Stable View, LLC ...........................................Page 45 StepnSoak LLC .............................................Page 43 The Carriage House Inn ................................Page 17 The Reilly & Sullivan Team - AFP .................Page 62 The Saddle Doctor.........................................Page 71 The Stable on The Woods ..............................Page 31 The Vista Schooling and Event Center...........Page 72 The Willcox ...................................................Page 16 Three Runs Plantation .....................Inside Back Cover Tod’s Hill Equestrian Community ..Inside Front Cover Tyler’s Sanitiation ..........................................Page 68 United Automotive & Diesel Performance Center, LLC ...........Page 27 Vaughn Equestrian ........................................Page 24 Weeks Farm & Garden ..................................Page 55 Winsome Fence and Builders.........................Page 39 Winsome Stables ...........................................Page 77 Woodstock Eventing / Ryan Wood ................Page 74 World Class Grooming, LLC.........................Page 72 York Cottage Antiques ...................................Page 20

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Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016 | 1

Welcome to theInaugural E

leven years ago, I was lured to Aiken, on my way home to Michigan from showing in Wellington, and was attracted to this charming town, and the incredible history. One ride in Hitchcock Woods convinced me to move here permanently.

Soon, I discovered the variety of equestrian disciplines that intermingle and have a mutual respect for one another’s horse sense. Aiken is a place where a novice amateur rider may be in the warm up ring with an Olympic rider that is starting a young horse. Aiken is a place where previous ten goal polo players call home, and continue to help fellow polo players achieve their goals. Aiken county has over forty official polo fields, and numerous stick and ball fields that are played year round as more international players choose to move to Aiken to train their green horses.

Did I mention if going to the Aiken Training Track in the morning, you may see a future Kentucky Derby contender exercising on the track? Let’s not forget about the carriage drivers that hold annual events that are recognized by the American Driving Society. Aiken is home to many prominent drivers who compete internationally, and have represented the U.S. in numerous competitions. Aiken’s street signs have horse heads on them, and there are buttons to switch traffic lights that are designated for horses to cross the congested Whiskey Road to ride into the 2100 acre Hitchcock Woods. The local paper, called the Aiken Standard actually prints equestrian stories. The Aiken Horse, a bi-monthly equestrian periodical is celebrating its tenth year of publication. The hunter jumper world is growing in leaps and bounds as well as dressage. Oh yes, the Augusta Futurity, the world’s largest cutting competition, takes place across the river each year. There are numerous rodeos and bull riding competitions. The National Barrel Horse Association holds their World Championships nearby. There is an event called “sorting,” that is a timed event that involves sorting cattle from one pen to the other. Some of the foxhunters and hunter jumpers have been having a blast trying this new sport, some use their own fox hunting horses. There are also plenty of organized trail rides. One of the biggest re-enactments of the Civil War is held right here every year, and the Quarter Horse Circuit has competitions not far from here. The list is endless.

Our mission is to provide a high quality, geographic specific, annual equestrian guide, with useful information for both the equestrian and for those who want to learn more about this diverse equestrian community. Our vision is to eventually acquire a current and accurate baseline assessment of this unique, equine community and its economic impact in Aiken and the surrounding area. he Aiken Equestrian Resource, is a book to facilitate locating the well-known and the many hidden talents that provide services associated with the equestrian community, and to keep you in the know of the latest additions.

We are grateful for the warm reception and participants that came on board with such short notice this year. Aiken continues to be an equine playground for many disciplines year round, and is expanding.

We hope you enjoy the 2016 edition and invite you to participate in the 2017 edition. We will start taking listings in late spring, early summer. We are always open to suggestions and comments, and look forward to hearing from you.

You can contact us at info@aikenequestrianresource.com Please be sure to take a look at our sister-site: www.EquestrianCalendarAiken.com to stay in the know of all the equestrian happenings in and around Aiken. Be safe out there, and until next time: Keep Your Girth Tight, Tally Ho, Heels Down, Eyes Up, Happy Trails, Kick On, Yee Ha, and Ride ‘em Cowboy.

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~Nancy Bruen Smith, Publisher

. 6 | Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016

Photo Credit: Portrait: Shelly Marshall Schmidt - Oh Schmidt! | Cars: Photo Credit: Nancy Bruen Smith

Table of Contents

Advertiser List

Thank you to our Valued Customers. å ±ųå čų±ƋåüƚĬ üŅų ƋĘå ŞĬ屟ƚųå Ņü ŸåųƴĜĹč ƼŅƚţ

Event Facility Sponsor

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Welcome Welcome to the Inaugural Aiken Equestrian Resource Ƽ c±ĹÏƼ ųƚåĹ ĵĜƋĘ )ĬåƴåĹ Ƽå±ųŸ ±čŅ F Ƶ±Ÿ ĬƚųåÚ ƋŅ eĜĩåĹţţţ

Hunter Jumper

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Aiken History Aiken - A Premiere Horse Town.

By Stephen Delaney Hale While it’s legend that Aiken was üŅƚĹÚåÚ ŅĹ ƋĘå ĬŅƴå ±ý±Ĝų Ņü ± ŅƚƋĘåųĹ ÆåĬĬå ±ĹÚ ± cŅųƋĘåųĹ åĹčĜĹååųţţţ

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Western Events in the Area. Ƽ c±ĹÏƼ ųƚåĹ ĵĜƋĘ Ęåųå ±ųå ± ƴ±ųĜåƋƼ Ņü ƵåŸƋåųĹ åƴåĹƋŸ ±ųŅƚĹÚ ƋĘå eĜĩåĹ eųå±ţţţ

Eventing

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Foxhunting Foxhunting in and around Aiken. Ƽ IŅ±Ĺű %ƚĹĹ ±ĵŸŅĹ Ęåųå ±ųå üåƵ ƋĘĜĹčŸ ŅĹ å±ųƋĘ ĵŅųå åƻĘĜĬ±ų±ƋĜĹč ƋʱŠƋĘå ŸŞŅųƋ Ņü üŅƻĘƚĹƋĜĹčţţţ

Carriage Driving in Aiken. Ƽ c±ĹÏƼ ųƚåĹ ĵĜƋĘ ±ųųĜ±čå ÚųĜƴĜĹč ĜĹ ±ĜĩåŠʱŸ ÆååĹ ± Ƌų±ÚĜƋĜŅĹ üŅų ĵ±ĹƼ Ƽå±ųŸţţţ

Western

Dressage State of Dressage in Aiken: an Upward Trend. ÆƼ %Ĝ±Ĺ± BƚĹƋ FűÚ Ÿ±Ƽ eĜĩåĹ ĜŸ ƋĘå ŸƵååƋ ŸŞŅƋ üŅų Úų域±čå ĜĹ ŅƚƋĘ ±ųŅĬĜűţţţ

Hunter Jumper Opportunities Expand in Aiken. Ƽ c±ĹÏƼ ųƚåĹ ĵĜƋĘ ĘĜŸ ƵĜĬĬ Æå ƋĘå ĀųŸƋ üƚĬĬ Ƽå±ų üŅų ƋĘå ĹåƵ eĜĩåĹ BŅųŸå {±ųĩØ ± ƅƅě±Ïųå ü±ÏĜĬĜƋƼţţţ

Driving

Aiken Today Aiken’s Equestrian Legacy Continues Today. Ƽ c±ĹÏƼ ųƚåĹ ĵĜƋĘ eĜĩåĹűŸ åŧƚåŸƋųĜ±Ĺ Ĭåč±ÏƼ ÏŅĹƋĜĹƚåŸ ƋŅÚ±Ƽţţţ

Stable View: A Gathering Place. Ƽ a±ųƼ eţ aÏ)±ÏĘåųĹ aƚÏĘ ĜĹ ƋĘå Ÿ±ĵå Ƶ±Ƽ Ƶå ʱƴå ÚåƴåĬŅŞåÚ Ƌ±ÆĬå ĜåƵ ±Ÿ ± ÚåŸƋĜűƋĜŅĹ Ƌų±ĜĹĜĹč ü±ÏĜĬĜƋƼ üŅų åŧƚåŸƋųĜ±ĹŸţţţ

Eventing in Aiken. Ƽ c±ĹÏƼ ųƚåĹ ĵĜƋĘ Ęå ŸŞŅųƋ Ņü åƴåĹƋĜĹčØ ŸŅĵåƋĜĵåŸ ųåüåųųåÚ ƋŅ ±Ÿ ĘŅųŸå ƋųĜ±ĬŸ ±ĹÚ ƋĘå ƋųĜ±ƋĘĬŅĹ Ņü åŧƚåŸƋųĜ±Ĺ åƴåĹƋŸØ ĜŸ ƋĘå ƚĬƋĜĵ±Ƌå ƋåŸƋţţţ

Polo

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Polo in Aiken - The Legacy Continues. Ƽ c±ĹÏƼ ųƚåĹ ĵĜƋĘ Polo in Aiken ʱŸ ± ŸƋųŅĹč ĘĜŸƋŅųƼţţţ Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016 | 7

Contributors

Shelly Marshall Schmidt is a superb

commercial photographer, with a creative eye for the unique and a gift for photographing four legged creatures, resulting in one of a kind graphic designs. We are honored to display her work on the front cover and throughout the book. Shelly’s Aiken studio is at 311 Hayne Ave SW, and website is www.ohschmidt.com and her email address is shelly@ohschmidt.com.

Photo Credit: All Aboard Campaign

Michael Fowler is a professor of Graphic design at

Susanne Allen provided editing, graphic design

the University of South Carolina Aiken and an accomplished Artist. He is intensely interested in art and design history. His own landscape paintings reside in a number of public and private collections nationally.

He graciously designed the Aiken Equestrian Resource logo.

and layout for the Aiken Equestrian Resource Book as well as the website. A published writer, her interests in graphics and journalism first developed while on staff at The Technique, Georgia Tech’s college newspaper, during her years as a Physics student. The mother of five homeschooled children, she worked part-time while teaching as a programmer and webdesigner focusing on helping non-profit organizations. A founder of Sheltie Rescue of Georgia and a member of the American Shetland Sheepdog Association, she is the breeder of multiple champion Shetland Sheepdogs including Register of Merit Dams and National Specialty class winners. A former resident of the CSRA, Susanne recently moved back to the 1840s era Allen family farm south of Atlanta, where she lives with her husband of over twenty-five years. She can be reached at AvalonShelties@gmail.com.

Stephen Delaney Hale is a native of Aiken and author of Aiken and Its Horses, published in 2000.

Stephen contributed excerpts from his book describing the history of Aiken on page 10. He is the owner of HaleStorm communications and can be reached at Haleyes@gforcecable.com

Diana Hunt is a life long rider currently struggling with dressage. She has been writing about equestrian issues and photographing horses for many years. She contributed the article and photography about the discipline dressage on page 23. She can be reached at huntress04@gmail.com. For more information, visit her website at www.DianaHuntPhotos.com

Joanna Dunn Samson has served as joint Master of Foxhounds for Fairfield County Hounds since 2006, and serves on the Board of Directors for FOTAS and the Aiken Land Conservancy. She contributed the section on Foxhunting in Aiken on page 33. She also writes a weekly feature article for the Aiken Standard for FOTAS, concerning the plight of Aiken County’s homeless, abandoned and abused animals. She and her husband David, their two shelter dogs and two ponies are now full time residents of Aiken. . 8 | Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016

Historical Photo Notes: Page 8 Top: Socializing on the porch of the Palmetto Golf Club around 1918.

Page 10 Top: Reprint from a national magazine of about 100 years ago. People exiting train in Aiken and the hordes of locals who wouldmeet southbound trains to get work.

Retail contractors would meet the trains two weeks earlier to get orders for the season from the butlers and other servants sent ahead to prepare household. Early trains often had children of the Winter Colonists who had to start school prior to the beginning of “the season.”

Page 10 Center: Carriages line up in front of The Willcox during lunch. Photo was taken before 1927 when two main sections of the hotel were joined with the construction of the hotel’s current dark wood paneling lobby.

Aaiken Premiere Horse Town The Winter Colony

by Aiken native Stephen Delaney Hale Excerpted from Aiken and Its Horses

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winter in Aiken, SC rather than England’s sporting life. hile it’s legend that Aiken was founded on the The rest is history… Hitchcock realized within a love affair of a Southern belle and a Northern number of days the advantages of living in Aiken. The engineer – there’s no doubt that the town’s golden era mild climate, the sandy and giving soil, the pure water of equestrian sport was spawned by another love story – the union of Southern belle Louise “Lulie” Eustis and combined with the fact that Aiken was only a day’s train ride from the Northeast, solidified the notion that Northern financier Thomas Hitchcock.

Aiken was an ideal place to train young horses. The Lulie lived an amazing life. More than any other couple were soon established in Aiken, and invited their figure, it was she who was responsible for establishing wealthy sporting friends to visit and play for the winter, Aiken’s lavish “Winter Colony,” which has thrived for resulting in The Winter over a century in pursuit Colony. of virtually every other William C Whitney, sport that can be played on horseback, and some the most influential of Hitchcock’s friends to that cannot. settle in Aiken, was a Thomas Hitchcock and Lulie were married in renowned sportsman and former Secretary of 1890, following Louise’s Aunt Celestine presentthe Navy in the Grover Cleveland Administraing her as a debutante in New York. Thomas tion. A notorious Wall Street speculator that Hitchcock had been was widely called the living the Downton Photo Credit: All Aboard Campaign Abbey gentleman’s life in England; fox hunting, racing richest man in America by the end of the century.

In 1892,Whitney purchased the existing polo field horses and playing polo (one of the first 10-goalers in America and a member of America’s original Internaon Mead Ave that hosted its first match in 1882. The Charleston News and Courier described the game as “a tional Polo Squad in 1886) with the sons of England’s privileged class. Tom was obviously impressed and gala affair attended by about 10,000 people.” The field smitten with the rambunctious and accomplished was eventually named Whitney Polo Field, and today is equestrian Lulie, who persuaded Tom to spend their first the oldest polo field in the country that has been . 10 | Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016

Photo Descriptions Page 8

continually played.

Altogether, Whitney and Hitchcock purchased over 8000 acres of land, where they played polo, raced horses, held fox hunts, horse shows and carriage outings as well as a long forgotten event called gymkhanas, which featured trick riding and jousting. They also founded Palmetto Golf Club in 1892, which is among the five oldest golf clubs that is still in play in the country, and one of the first ten members of the U.S. Golf Association.

During the Winter Colony’s heyday of the 1920’s and 1930’s, it is well documented that over 1,000 horses shipped by train to this little sporting town for training and sporting events each fall. Weeks before the yearly migration came trains loaded with butlers and house keepers to open up as many as 100 mansions for their owners. Records from the old Southern Railroad show that as many as 50 extra Pullman cars with another 60 cars for horses were added during the season.

Aiken attracted some of the most prominent people in the country during the half- century that the Hitchcock’s and Whitney’s reigned. Lulie founded the Aiken Preparatory School and taught the children of the growing colony to ride and play polo on bicycle as well as horses. Lulie, a polo player herself, was known as the “Mother of American Polo.” She nurtured many

young riders that eventually became premiere players, including her son Tommy Jr, a 10-goal international marvel which many today consider to be the greatest player of any age. Tommy, an acquaintance of F.Scott Fitzgerald, immortalized Tommy’s lifestyle in the book The Great Gatsby.

Aiken’s 16 polo fields became the polo center of the south, attracting prominent players including the Bostwicks, Knoxs, Von Stades, Posts, Gerrys, Alan Corey Jr., Harry Payne Whitney and many more.

A glittering list of celebrities graced the Willcox, including Irene Castle, Doris Duke, Fred Astair, Will Rogers and Bing Crosby. Cosmetics giant Elizabeth Arden was a huge horse racing fan and visited often.

Numerous industrialists, such as Cornelius Vanderbilt, John Jacob Aster, Horace Dodge and Phillip Armour, to name a few, visited Aiken regularly. Evelyn Walsh McClean, owner of the Hope diamond, kept the spectacular jewel in a silk stocking in a drawer in her home on Hayne Ave. Still today, the rhythmic sound of the hoof beat keeps the time of ages. What was civilized and elegant about that time remains – it is that celebration of the sporting horse that continues today and is ever expanding.

Louise Hitchcock would be proud.

Photo Credit: Freudy of NY 1928

Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016 | 11

The value of open space is priceless.

Help us preserve the character of Aiken County. Thanks to generous tax incentives, now is the time to protect sporting lands, forests, fragile ecological sites, watersheds, historic areas and open vistas to ensure their future before we lose them forever. &RQWDFW XV WRGD\ DERXW WKH EHQHÀWV RI SODFLQJ D SHUVRQDOO\ WDLORUHG FRQVHUYDWLRQ easement on your property without affecting your ability to use your land, pass it on to heirs, or sell it in the future.

7KH $LNHQ /DQG &RQVHUYDQF\ LV RQH RI SULYDWH QRQ SURÀW ODQG WUXVW RUJDQL]DWLRQV LQ South Carolina and one of 1,000+ national land trusts.

1-855-ALC-LAND . 12 | Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016

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Aiken’sE questrianLegacy ContinuesToday

by Nancy Bruen Smith

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iken’s Equestrian Legacy continues today, attracting equestrians for the winter season and beyond. Many have decided to call Aiken home year round. The charming downtown area, with its water fountains and roundabouts is bustling, with great restaurants, boutique shops, art galleries and cozy hotels.

The majority of the mansions have been tastefully restored by individuals or turned into landmarks that are open to the public. Hopelands Gardens, a fourteen-acre estate was bequeathed to the City of Aiken in 1970 by Mrs. C. Oliver Islein, at the age of 102. The Islein’s spent their winters in Aiken with their beloved race horses. It seems . 14 | Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016

befitting that the original, charming carriage house has been converted into the Aiken Thoroughbred Hall of Fame and Museum, which houses memorabilia of 40 National Champions that have spent some part of their racing career training in Aiken. The Aiken County His-

torical Museum nestled at the entrance of the Hitchcock Woods at the junction of Laurens Street and South Boundary consists of 32 rooms, 15 bathrooms and a full size ball room, an example of a proper

“Aiken Cottage” of the golden era.

Both are open to the public and worth a visit.

Aiken’s Triple Crown, a tradition that marks the beginning of spring, is held three consecutive week-ends in the month of March, starting with the Aiken Trials as the 1st leg that will take place March 19, 2016.

Spring Steeplechase will be celebrating its 50th renewal of the Imperial Cup on March 26, 2016, and The USCA Polo and Pacers polo match takes place April 2, 2016.

These three festivities attract tens of thousands of spectators, reminiscent of the Golden Era, minus the “thin veneer of prosperity” and are enjoyed by all walks of life.

There are elaborate tailgate parties.

Women don their spring hats and fashionable sun dresses. Gentlemen wear their sportiest attire; many showing off their favorite bow ties.

Alcohol flows freely and friendly wagers are common.

Aiken Training Track, established Continued Photo Credit: Nancy Bruen Smith

in 1941, a privately owned facility took a hit in September of 2015 when one of their biggest clients, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid AlMaktom, ruler of Dubais, and owner of Darley Stables, pulled out and will no longer be sending an average of 75 yearlings for training every year. Darley Stables was in operation in Aiken since 2008, and entered many of their horses every year in The Aiken Horse Trials that started in 1941. he Aiken Trials is a friendly competition that gives the exercise riders that worked so hard all winter in all types of weather the opportunity to jockey their mounts in a competition. The trainers get a chance to see their results in a competitive setting in front of a crowd.

The event attracts an average of 10,000 spectators every year, and became the first leg of the Aiken Triple Crown in 1971.

It was questionable whether the event would be able to take place in 2016. The city of Aiken has stepped up to the plate by assisting the Training Track financially, donating $10,000 from the city’s Economic Reinvestment Fund, a one-time allocation that will be used to attract horses and trainers outside of the area. Out of town trainers will be offered assistance with shipping costs for their

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Photo Credit: Nancy Bruen Smith

horses, meals and lodging for themselves, grooms and riders, with hopes of luring new trainers to call this special place home. iken Steeplechase Association was founded in 1930, by several influential horsemen, including Thomas Hitchcock, who was known as “The dean of American Steeplechasing” among many other titles. The first race was run in the Hitchcock Woods, along the Aiken Hounds draglines, to benefit the newly organized Aiken Steeplechase Association. Today, the Aiken Steeplechase Association organizes the Spring Imperial Cup and the Fall Holiday Cup. As the Golden Age (1866-1932) came to an end, and the Great Depression set in, civic duty and the war took precedence over lavish parties. Steeplechase in Aiken dwindled for 25 years. In 1967, a new generation of sporting men by the names of Charles S Bird III, G.H.Bostwick, Mackenzie Miller, Willard Thompson, Ford Conger and Paul Mellon continued to carry on the tradition of Steeplechasing, carrying on the legacy, that is enjoyed by so many today. he USCA Polo and Pacers polo match that benefits the USC Aiken’s baseball team, is organized by the Aiken Polo Club.

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Continued Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016 | 15

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he Hitchcock Woods is one of the country’s largest urban forests that consist of 2100 acres, and part of the Hitchcock’s and Whitney’s original 8000-acre equestrian playground. This unique gem is coveted by the community, exemplified every year when preparing for the The Aiken Horse Show that will be celebrating its centennial event, April 1-3, 2016.

This is a spectacular horse show like no other that magically converts part of the forest into a fairyland, with a prize list that attracts all levels of riders and a silent auction that rivals none. It is also the biggest

fund raiser for the privately owned Hitchcock Woods Foundation and a great way to support the Woods, as a competitor, spectator, or volunteer. Cars are allowed to drive into the woods on this special occasion. Another “days gone by” experience that is open to the public.

Aiken is a charming town with an equestrian flavor that attracts all walks of life. There is plenty to do for all ages. Golf courses, shooting range, close by rivers and lakes, exquisite dining and the ever expanding performing arts, make it inviting for all.

Photo Credit: Nancy Bruen Smith

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Fox Nation is available for long and short term rentals. Two homes and two - twelve stall barns with equestrian amenities - Visit our website or call (803) 341-8800.

Ad on Page 62

The Inn at Houndslake is a quiet and comfortable, 30-room inn with peaceful golf course views. This unique property is located in the heart of Houndslake. ppenlandgilligan@gmail.com theinnathoundslake.com

www.FoxNationAiken.com

Roxy’s Place Stable

Hunt Box B&B

617-510-9524 251 Cathedral Aisle Aiken, South Carolina 29801

617-510-9524 229 Florence Street NW Aiken, SC 29801

Ten acre equestrian facility located three miles from downtown Aiken, SC. Stalls for rent for short-term. Eventers or fox hunters.

Charming home with two rooms for rent conveniently located in downtown Aiken. We provide breakfast served to you and private parking. Located within walking distance from shops and restaurants.

Ad on Page31

hnaylor@together.net Ad on Page 17

hnaylor@together.net

Sporting Days Farm

Magnolia Shadows Equestrian Resort & B&B

803-648-0100 3549 Charleston Highway Aiken, South Carolina 29801

803-522-1226 595 Engineer Road Ridge Spring, South Carolina 20129

Home of the Oldest Ongoing Horse Trials in Aiken. Our facility is available for clinics. We provide boarding with winter and summer rates, Limited accommodations, and Horse Rehab.

SDAikenHT@aol.com Ad on Page 48 www.SportingDaysFarm.com

Horse Boarding, Bed and Breakfast, Wedding and Event Venue.

Come as our guests, leave as our friend. This 50-acre plantation offers exquisite accommodations for you and your horse. info@magnoliashadows.com www.MagnoliaShadows.com Ad on Page 19

. 18 | Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016

Accommodations

continued

Stable View, LLC 484-356-3173 117 Stable Drive Aiken, South Carolina 29801 A top-notch equestrian training facility that hosts a full spectrum of disciplines at a private, state-of-the-art facility. info@stableviewfarm.com www.stableviewfarm.com

Ad on Page 45

The Carriage House Inn 803-644-5888 139 Laurens St NW / Aiken, SC 29801 Enjoy comfortably elegant accommodations, located in charming downtown Aiken. Our new addition provides 39 luxurious rooms and suites, blended with our Historic Inn, circa 1872. Stroll to the many restaurants, boutiques and galleries Aiken has to offer. info@AikenCarriageHouse.com www.AikenCarriageHouse.com Ad on Page 17

The Willcox 803-648-1898 100 Colleton Avenue SW Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Cloud Soft Beds and Intimate Salon and Spa. One of the South’s Best Restaurants. All in a setting of Easy Going Elegance. info@TheWillcox.com www.TheWillcox.com

Ad on Page 16

Advertising Equestrian Calendar Aiken 803-270-9767 PO Box 33 Montmorenci, South Carolina 29839 “Your on line on time equestrian resource for equestrian events in Aiken and the surrounding area.” info@equestriancalendaraiken.com www.equestriancalendaraiken.com

Shelly Marshall Schmidt Oh Schmidt!

803-474-3094 311 Hayne Avenue SW Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Photography services for commercial and marketing purposes, fine art portraiture, graphic design, custom fine art printing. Aiken studio available by chance or appointment. shelly@ohschmidt.com www.ohschmidt.com Ad on Page 9, 18, 41

Cocktail Napkin Logic: Forget the breed, forget the sportHorsing around of any kind requires tailgating skills.

Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016 | 19

Where European hospitality Meets Southern Charm HORSE BOARDING BED & BREAKFAST WEDDING & EVENT VENUE

We Are Expecting You at Magnolia Shadows Whether you plan to bring yourself and your horse to Magnolia Shadows Equestrian Resort, or just yourself and a special loved one, expect only exceptional service and an exquisite time as our guest.

We are expecting you. You may come as our guest… but we are sure you will leave as our friend.

Magnolia Shadows Equestrian Resort 595 Engineer Road Ridge Spring, South Carolina 29129 Minutes from downtown historic Aiken, SC 9 miles from Exit 22, Interstate I-20 50 minutes from Columbia, SC Andrea Cerofolini OW NER & HOST 803.522.1226 andrea@magnoliashadows.com www.MagnoliaShadows.com

Come Take A Tour Tours Are Available Monday – Friday

A Antiques and Accessories York Cottage Antiques

York Cottage

Apparel Aiken Saddlery Inc

803- 642-9524 803-649-6583 Antiques 409 Hayne Avenue 1044 E Pine Log Road Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Aiken, SC 29803 Now celebrating our 25th year, York Cottage offers an ever changing selection of 18th, 19th & 20th century antiques. Silver, old plate, Everything for The Horse and Rider furniture, art, lighting, garden and more. amy@aikensaddlery.com yorkcottage@att.net www.RubyLane.com/shop/YorkCottage Ad on Back Cover Ad on this Page www.aikensaddlery.com

York Cottage Antiques

Bootmakers LLC 765-412-7243 West Lafayette, Indiana 47906 Custom-fit polo, equestrian and dress boots for men, women and young adults. We blend style and comfort with full grain leather uppers and soles. Hand- crafted. info.bootmakers@gmail.com www.bootmakers.us

Epona 803-262-5102 137 Laurens Street SW Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Unique and artistic clothing, accessories and gifts, including equine inspired collections.

Happy Hunting!

Antiques & Accessories Sterling Silver & Old Plate 409 Hayne Avenue Aiken, SC 29801 (803) 642.9524 yorkcottage@att.net www.rubylane.com/shop/yorkcottage

Arenas

Ad on Page 25

www.EponaonLaurens.com

Equine Divine 803-642-9772 126 Laurens Street SW Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Gifts and Clothing for Equestrians and Horse Lovers.

Ad on Page 5

info@equinedivineonline.com www.EquineDivineOnline.com

GGT-Footing

Oak Manor Saddlery

864-804-0011 851 Simuel Road Spartanburg, South Carolina 29301

803-641-7070 2677 Wagener Road Aiken, South Carolina 29801

World Class Products at a price you can afford. Arena Consultants, Pre-Blended Material, Arena Maintenance, Groomers

Fox Hunt, Event, Horse Show or ride for fun.... we have the clothing and equipment you need.

Ad on Page 3

Sales.East@Polysols.com www.ggt-footing.com/ggtproducts.html Ad on Page 71

. 20 | Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016

OakManorSaddlery@live.com www.OakManorSaddlery.com

Photo Credit: Nancy Bruen Smith

Art Center

A

Aiken Center For the Arts 803-641-9094 122 Laurens Street SW Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Our mission is to inspire and educate by providing unique visual and performing art experiences for all ages. We offer a gallery store, art education, and rental facility. acaac@bellsouth.net www.AikenCenterfortheArts.org

Artists Art by Susan McCarty 706-595-3601 Aiken, South Carolina An award-winning artist and an accomplished equestrian, specializing in Equestrian Fine Art, Portraiture, Commission Animal Art, Sporting Art, Oil Painting, and Fine Prints.

Studio@SusanMcCarty-Art.com www.SusanMcCarty-Art.com Ad on this Page

Barry A. Bornstein Photography 201-321-3311 Aiken, South Carolina Photographing the “irony” in life. Presently, equine related, leaning toward the race track.

Louise Mellon Artworks “Having Fun With Fine Art”

Barrycjf@aol.com www.barryabornsteinphotography.com

Equine Divine 803-642-9772 126 Laurens Street SW Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Gifts and Clothing for Equestrians and Horse Lovers.

Ad on Page 5

info@equinedivineonline.com www.EquineDivineOnline.com

Forge Hill Sculpture 561-452-6526 P.O. Box 102 Montmorenci, South Carolina 29839 Since 1991 fine equine sculpture in bronze, original stoneware, and jewelry designs. Commissioned work from tabletop to life-size. Site specific installations. stonepony66@aol.com www.forgehillsculpture.com

louisemellon.com Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016 | 21

A

Artists

continued

Associations and Clubs

HuntScene Photography and Editorial

Aiken Land Conservancy

803-295-2222 Aiken, South Carolina 29803

855-ALC-LAND PO Box 3096 Aiken, South Carolina 29802

continued

and,

Diana Hunt, Huntscene Photography and Editorial specializes in equine, pet and wildlife photography; writes equestrian & travel articles, creates promotional materials. huntress04@gmail.com Ad on Page 25 DianaHuntPhotos.com

Aiken Land Conservancy is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to preserving natural and historic resources through land conservation. mail@conserveaiken.org www.ConserveAiken.org Ad on Page 12

Louise Mellon Artworks

Aiken Polo Club

803-644-3335 550 Mead Avenue, SE Aiken, South Carolina 29801

803-643-3611 PO Box 3021 Aiken, South Carolina 29802 Louise’s paintings and assemblages are typical of her personality and Aiken Polo Club hosts four to twelve Goal tournaments, including the popular 3pm matches at Whitney Field on Sundays in the zest for everyday life: colorful, quirky, whimsical and illustrative of Spring and Fall. the way she chooses to view the world. lwmellon@gmail.com aikenpoloclub@gmail.com www.louisemellon.com Ad on Page 21 www.AikenPoloClub.org

Shelly Marshall Schmidt Oh Schmidt!

Aiken Steeplechase Association

Woodside Whimzzies

Friends of the Gaston Livery Stable

(803) 644-7730 582 John Scott Road Aiken, South Carolina 29803

803-648-4123 433 Newberry Street SW Aiken, South Carolina 29801

803-648-9641 538 Two Notch Road 803-474-3094 Aiken, South Carolina 29801 311 Hayne Avenue SW Aiken, South Carolina 29801 A semi-nonprofit organization that hosts two steeple chase racing Photography services for commercial and marketing purposes, fine events sanctioned by the National Steeplechase Association: The art portraiture, graphic design, custom fine art printing. Aiken Imperial Cup in March and the Holiday Cup in October. studio available by chance or appointment. shelly@ohschmidt.com info@aikensteeplechase.com www.ohschmidt.com Ad on Page 9, 18, 41 www.AikenSteepleChase.com

Hand painted furniture, signs and posters.

The Friends of Gaston Livery Stable is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the circa 1893 historic Barn sherrylukens@bellsouth.net located at 1315 Richland Avenue East.

Associations and Clubs Aiken County Pony Club 803-646-0462 Aiken, South Carolina 29801

Georgia Dressage and Combined Training Association 770-713-4025 6370 Spinnaker Lane / Alpharetta, GA 30005

Aiken County Pony Club Serving equestrian youth in the CSRA and GDCTA is a 501(c)3 non-profit educational organization beyond. Twice monthly meetings, rallies and more. Contact us to dedicated to promoting the equestrian sports of dressage and learn more about how Pony Club can benefit your child. combined training (eventing). www.gdcta.org

aikencountyponyclub@gmail.com

Aiken Driving Club

Hitchcock Woods Foundation

803-642-0528 PO Box 1702 Aiken, South Carolina 29802 Aiken Driving Club for drivers and non-drivers. Many exciting Privately owned, 2100 acre urban forest, funded by the Hitchcock events year round. Volunteers welcome!

Woods Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, welcomes visitors free of Katydid CDE, Monster Mini, Audubon Drive and many more. charge 365 days/year. info@hitchcockwoods.org jassector@gmail.com www.hitchcockwoods.org aikendrivingclub.com Aiken, South Carolina 29801

. 22 | Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016

Statein of Dressage iken: A an pward rend U

T

by Diana Hunt

“I’d say Aiken is the sweet spot for dressage in South Carolina,” said Lisa Hinkle, South Carolina Dressage and Combined Training Association (SCDCTA) Secretary and newsletter/ website editor.

But truth be told, dressage is still small potatoes in Aiken compared to more horse-centric places where everything is much bigger, much wealthier and where four rings running for two days would be considered a small show.

An even bigger difference, Lisa noted, between Aiken and larger population centers is the number of big name trainers and judges who pass through.

She moved to South Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016 | 23 .

Carolina from northern Virginia, where the area was great for resources.

“I could go for a weekend of lessons with Linda Zang (FEI “O” judge, technical delegate, international clinician), for instance,” Lisa smiled.

“I see South Carolina, and especially Aiken, as a handy stopping point for trainers and riders coming from the north down the east coast to Florida and back. I’m surprised this isn’t exploited more than it is.”

In the past Lisa feels there was a lack of cohesiveness between the dressage association and the individual

. 24 | Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016

farm owners who held clinics; many were not involved in their own GMO (USDF affiliated local Group Member Association). There always has been a blurring of the lines between competing in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Riders are free to qualify in Region 1 or Region 3 and as a result some competitors or owners do not belong to any local association.

The Board of Directors for SCDCTA aim to change that. ow, for the first time, we have board members who are willing to do the leg work to see what is plausible,” Lisa explained. “Justine Wilson is working on the eventing side to get more clinics and cooperation and Amanda Persons is reaching out to the dressage community.”

Justine has been an energizer bunny in trying to create more events and get more people involved in the sport, as well as luring better and more clinicians to the area.

“Guess you could say I am in charge of Event Planning,” she smiled.

Specifically, Justine is working to organize several spring and fall upper level schooling shows aimed at eventers – one day for dressage and one day for jumping. The committee is looking at several venues around the state.

“April and October are the most beautiful months here,” she said. “The dressage aspect has been fairly weak, but I see it gaining momentum to where we can connect as a community. We have a lot of trainers here but there is not the community environment where people want to jump in, keeping an open mind. We want to create that trusting environment.”

Justine sees eventers doing more cross-over to study dressage and, as a positive by-product, enlarging the dressage community.

“We have the upper level event riders starting to do that, then their students follow and want to be more competitive in the dressage arena. They may not like dressage any better, but they are seeing that good dressage makes the difference between winning and losing,” she said with a laugh.

Lia Hinkle’s day job as an equine massage therapist gives her a unique perspective on horses of every kind.

“As a positive note for dressage riders, they are very aware of glitches and hitches in their horses and are willing to provide the maintenance needed, whether chiropractic, massage, acupuncture or whatever. Aiken is rich in well educated, very knowledgeable people in supportive therapies,” Lisa noted. “What I also find tremendously positive is the inclusiveness. Dressage has

“N

a reputation for being snooty – the ‘Dressage Queen’ stereotype -- but I notice at shows everyone is cheered on, and that is nice to see.” hat do they see as the future of dressage in Aiken?

I would love to see the scene grow,” said Lisa. “While Aiken dressage is large for the state it could be a major income stream for the county, and I think it will be.

There are a lot of nice, well-run Horse Trials that are well established. We need to see the same with dressage.

Maybe some of those same venues could host three-day clinics, each day with a different clinician – one day dressage, one day stadium, one day cross country; a rider could attend one day or all three.”

Justine agrees. “I hope so, I think the future holds more emphasis in dressage for Aiken. Let’s face it -Dressage is for all disciplines.”

W

Beth Barritt LLC 301-974-1 1006 bethbarriitt1@att.net

Lisa Hinkle of Elgin, SC is owner of Equinox Equine Massage Therapy and has served on the Board of Directors of SCDCTA for six years of her eight years in South Carolina. Currently she is secretary, newsletter and website editor. She has been riding dressage since the 1990s, switching from Hunter/Jumpers and Eventing. Her massage business takes her all over the state and beyond.

Justine Wilson of Breezy Hill South in Aiken, SC is serving her first year as an SCDCTA Board Member at Large. New to dressage from the Hunter/Jumper and Equitation arenas, Justine already has earned her Silver Medal and is closing in on her Gold and her Bronze Medal!

Makin ng a Difference with your Dressage score FEI compet tit tor and ins ns str ructor USEF F “R” Dressage Judge / Ava aila able for Clin nics

Unique and artistic clothing, accessories and gifts, including equine inspired collections.

137 Laurens Street SW Aiken, SC 29801 Phone: 803-262-5102

Hours Open: M-F: 10:00 am to 5:30 pm Sat: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

www.EponaonLaurens.com

Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016 | 25

126 Laurens St NW /Aiken, SC 29801

Phone: 803-226-0260

Signature Dishes and Mixed Drinks from the Period. Fine Dining in a Fun, Casual Atmosphere. Weekly Entertainment and Jazz.

Casa Bella

Italian Restaurant ϭϮϬ ŚĞƐƚĞƌĮĞůĚ ^ƚƌĞĞƚ͕ ^t ŝŬĞŶ͕ ^ŽƵƚŚ ĂƌŽůŝŶĂ ϮϵϴϬϭ WŚŽŶĞ͗ ϴϬϯͲϲϰϭͲϯϭϬϳ &Ădž͗ ϴϬϯͲϲϰϭͲϯϭϬϵ ĂƐĂ ĞůůĂ/ƚĂůŝĂŶZĞƐƚĂƵƌĂŶƚ͘ĐŽŵ ZĞƐĞƌǀĂƟŽŶƐ ^ƵŐŐĞƐƚĞĚ ĂƚĞƌŝŶŐ ǀĂŝůĂďůĞ . Ɩƅ | Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016

Associations and Clubs

continued

New Bridge Polo & Country Club

South Carolina Quarter Horse Association 843-753-7497/803-669-4414 2109 North Main Street Sumter, South Carolina 29153

A

803-648-3699 862 New Bridge Road An AQHA affiliate and a nonprofit organization founded in 1962, Aiken, South Carolina 29805 to promote, develop and provide beneficial services to all disciplines.

Gated Equestrian Community, Spring & Fall Tournment Polo, Full scqhonline@gmail.com Service Boarding at the Stables, Dining at The Polo Grille, Clubwww.scqhonline.com house Event Rentals, Social Memberships, Real Estate. info@newbridgepolo.com Wagener Polo Club LLC. www.NewBridgePolo.com 561-719-3318 Ad on Page 81 5720 Wagener Road SCDCTA Wagener, South Carolina 29164 South Carolina Well organized, geared toward competitive but fun, polo for everyAn organization supporting the growth of equestrian dressage and one with a family atmosphere. combined training in the state of South Carolina through competitions, training, and continuing education. wagenerpolo@aol.com editor@scdcta.com www.scdcta.com

South Carolina Horsemen’s Council

Auto/Truck Sales/Maintenance

668 Burns Road Smyrna, South Carolina 29743

B&E Trucks, LLC

The SC Horsemen’s Council promotes the common interests of the equine community and the industry it creates.

The SCHC mission is to connect, communicate, and educate.

803-794-4747 2018 Charleston Hwy Cayce, South Carolina 29033

info@schorsemenscouncil.org Specializing in new and used farm trucks, utility trucks, work trucks Jim@BeTrucks.com www.schorsecouncil.org and utility trailers. www.BeTrucks.com

UNITED AUTOMOTIVE & DIESEL

PERFORMANCE CENTER LLC Vernon Summer Beau Owens

1036 Toolebeck Road • Aiken, SC 29803 (803) 643-7278 • Fax (803) 642-7278 Your One Stop Automotive Shop: Foreign & Domestic Vehicles to Tractor Trailers DOT Inspections Specializing in Air & Electric Brakes, Ford Powerstroke Diesels, Dodge Cummins, Chevrolet Duramax Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016 | 27

A B

Auto/Truck Sales/Maintenance

Barn Accessories Aiken County Farm Supply 803-649-2987 / Fax: 803-649-2130 1933 Park Avenue Aiken, South Carolina 29801

United Automotive & Diesel Performance Center, LLC 803-643-7278 1036 Toolebeck Road Aiken, South Carolina 29803

Serving Aiken County for Over 30 Years.

Specializing in Ford Powerstroke Diesels, Dodge Cummins, Chevrolet Duramax, air and electric brakes. Service Horse Trailers.

Ad on Page 49

uadllc@gmail.com

Ad on Page 27

Bedding Aiken County Farm Supply 803-649-2987 / Fax: 803-649-2130 1933 Park Avenue Aiken, South Carolina 29801

aikencountyfarm@bellsouth.net www.AikenCountyFarmSupply.com

Aiken Saddlery Inc 803-649-6583 1044 E Pine Log Road Aiken, SC 29803

Everything for The Horse and Rider amy@aikensaddlery.com www.aikensaddlery.com

Ad on Back Cover

Serving Aiken County for Over 30 Years.

Barnware aikencountyfarm@bellsouth.net 910-944-8110 www.AikenCountyFarmSupply.com 461 Carolina Road Ad on Page 49 Aberdeen, North Carolina 28315 Aiken Saddlery Inc Quality Workmanship of custom gates, barn doors, windows, grills 803-649-6583 & stall systems. No one builds safer, heavier, stronger Equine Prod1044 E Pine Log Road ucts! We don’t build barns, we make them better!

Aiken, SC 29803 Barbara@barnware.com www.barnware.com Ad on Page 51

Everything for The Horse and Rider Ad on Back Cover

South Carolina Shavings

Equine Divine

amy@aikensaddlery.com 803-642-9772 www.aikensaddlery.com 126 Laurens Street SW Aiken, South Carolina 29801

803 641-4014 150 Warehouse Road Aiken, South Carolina 29801

Gifts and Clothing for Equestrians and Horse Lovers.

Eco friendly soft wood pine shavings from managed, sustainable forests in Aiken South Carolina.

Ad on Page 5

info@equinedivineonline.com www.EquineDivineOnline.com

Heritage Equine Equipment

tiger@southcarolinashavings.com Mark Hopkins: 803-920-3681 www.SouthCarolinaShavings.com Marybeth Hopkins: 706-575-5153

Blanket Cleaning and Repair Sullivan Saddlery 803-226-0664 2142 University Parkway Aiken, South Carolina 29801

Ad on Page 29

Aiken’s premier equestrian consignment store offering a large selection of saddles, tack, stable equipment and apparel. Also offering tack repair, blanket washing and repair. sullivansaddlery@gmail.com

. 28 | Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016

Locations in GA and SC. Heritage Equine is your local source for horse stalls, barn end doors, dutch doors & windows, entrance gates and more. We ship throughout the US & Canada. marybeth@heritageequineequip.com www.HeritageEquineEquip.com

Braided, Clipped and polished hooves- are not just for Opening Meet but the Hunt Ball, too.

Boarding Banks Mill Farm

Chasin’ Farm

646-415-7574 / 803-270-9767 2052 Banks Mill Road Aiken, South Carolina 29803 Full Service Boarding, includes feed 2x/day, hay as needed. Turn out in spacious paddocks, blanketing included. Seasonal and year round rates. 140’ x 200’ arena, plenty of parking space, conveniently located two miles outside of Aiken City Limits. cwarren@mi2e.com Ad on Page 32

803-648-6277 4030 Chasin’ Way Aiken, South Carolina 29803

Black Forest Equestrian Center, Inc

Fair Lane Farm

803-644-6644 4343 Banks Mill Road Aiken, South Carolina 29803 Black Forest Equestrian Center, Inc., one of the South’s foremost equestrian centers, provides horse boarding and other services at our 500 acre location on Banks Mill Rd in Aiken blkfrst@aol.com www.facebook.com/BlackForestEquestrianCenter/

803-648-8910 733 Old Dibble Road Aiken, South Carolina 29803

C’est La Vie Farms

Fair Play Equestrian

808-264-3627 803 Williston Way Williston, SC 29353

2014 Gray Mare Hollow Road Aiken, South Carolina 29803

Specializing in Retraining Thoroughbreds for the Show Ring. jillanimal@gmail.com Ad on Page 30

B

Sales, Boarding, Covered Arena, Trails, Training for Horse and Rider. a_puzzle@att.net

Quiet, adult dressage barn with mirrored GGT arena offers instruction/training by Amy McElroy, hacking trails, and quality care for your horse. hollymacspencer@aol.com

A boarding/training/sales facility available to eventers, ffoxhunters, h dressage, H/J, or anyone with a love for horses. Horse-sale marketing. A laid back, enjoyable atmosphere to ride and train.

Ad on Page 77

jschultz45@yahoo.com www.FairPlayAiken.com

Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016 | 29

Boarding Jane McDonald Training and Sales

B 803-617-8045 531 John Scott Road Aiken, South Carolina 29803 Specializing in selling imported European Horses, Training, Boarding, Lay ups and retired horses welcome janem1262@aol.com

Magnolia Shadows Equestrian Resort & B&B 803-522-1226 595 Engineer Road Ridge Spring, South Carolina 20129 Horse Boarding, Bed and Breakfast, Wedding and Event Venue.

Come as our guests, leave as our friend. This 50-acre plantation offers exquisite accommodations for you and your horse. info@magnoliashadows.com www.MagnoliaShadows.com Ad on Page 19

New Bridge Polo & Country Club

Elite Training & Boarding Reserve one of our select boarding stalls now available at C’est La Vie Farms ŝŶ tŝůůŝƐƚŽŶ͘ tĞ ŽīĞƌ ƉƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂů͕ individualized care for your horse and ƚƌĂŝŶŝŶŐ ƉĂĐŬĂŐĞƐ ƵŶĚĞƌ ůŽŶŐͲƟŵĞ ƌŝĚĞƌ ĂŶĚ ƉƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂů :ŝůů ĂǀŝĞƐ͘ dŚĞ ĨĂƌŵ͕ ůŽĐĂƚĞĚ ũƵƐƚ ŽƵƚƐŝĚĞ ŽĨ ŝŬĞŶ͕ sits on sixty rolling acres with six large ƉĂĚĚŽĐŬƐ ĨŽƌ ƚƵƌŶŽƵƚ͕ Ă ůĂƌŐĞ ƐĂŶĚͬ ĮďĞƌ ƚƌĂŝŶŝŶŐ ĂƌĞŶĂ͕ ĂŶĚ Ă ƐŽŽŶͲƚŽͲďĞͲ ĐŽŵƉůĞƚĞĚ ϯϬͲĂĐƌĞ ŚƵŶƚ ĐŽƵƌƐĞ͘ dŚĞ ƐƚĂƚĞͲŽĨͲƚŚĞͲĂƌƚ ďĂƌŶ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞƐ ƚĞŶ ϭϮ͛ dž ϭϮ͛ ŵĂƩĞĚ ƐƚĂůůƐ͕ ĐĞŶƚĞƌ ĂŝƐůĞ ǁŝƚŚ ƌƵďďĞƌ ƉĂǀĞƌƐ͕ ŝŶĚŽŽƌ ǁĂƐŚ ƌĂĐŬ͕ ƚĂĐŬ ƌŽŽŵͬůŽƵŶŐĞ͕ ĂƵƚŽ ŇLJ ƐƉƌĂLJ ƐLJƐƚĞŵ ĂŶĚ ŵŽƌĞ͘ KǁŶĞƌ :ŝůů ĂǀŝĞƐ ŝƐ Ă ǁĞůů ƌĞƐƉĞĐƚĞĚ ĞƋƵĞƐƚƌŝĂŶ ǁŝƚŚ ŵŽƌĞ ƚŚĂŶ ĨŽƌƚLJ LJĞĂƌƐ ŽĨ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚŽƵƚ ƚŚĞ ĞĂƐƚ ĐŽĂƐƚ ŚƵŶƚĞƌͬ ũƵŵƉĞƌ ĐŝƌĐƵŝƚ͘ ^ŚĞ ƉĞƌƐŽŶĂůůLJ ƐƵƉĞƌǀŝƐĞƐ ŚĞƌ ďĂƌŶ ĂŶĚ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƐ ŝŶĚŝǀŝĚƵĂůŝnjĞĚ ĂƩĞŶƟŽŶ ƚŽ ĞĂĐŚ ĂŶĚ ĞǀĞƌLJ ĐůŝĞŶƚ͘

803-648-3699 862 New Bridge Road Aiken, South Carolina 29805 Gated Equestrian Community, Spring & Fall Tournment Polo, Full Service Boarding at the Stables, Dining at The Polo Grille, Clubhouse Event Rentals, Social Memberships, Real Estate. info@newbridgepolo.com www.NewBridgePolo.com Ad on Page 81

Call for rates & availability ϴϬϯ tŝůůŝƐƚŽŶ tĂLJ tŝůůŝƐƚŽŶ͕ ^ Ϯϵϴϱϯ

808-264-3627

Palmetto Training / Tummekki Farm

Progressive Show Jumping, Inc

706-394-9737 4201 Shiloh Church Road / Aiken, South Carolina 29801

803 649-3505 Highfields 147 Warehouse Road Aiken, South Carolina 29801

Boarding available. Great place to ride and train. Retire your horse for $350/month all inclusive(veterinarian work excluded). Expertise in lay-up, reconditioning and retraining. tummekki4201@hotmail.com www.palmettotrainingcenter.com

USEF and Schooling Shows, Jump and Portable Stall Rentals, Dry Stall Rental, RV Camping.

Ad on Page54

Paradise Farm, LLC

Roxy’s Place Stable

803-640-4918 4069 Wagener Road Aiken, South Carolina 29805 110 acre complete training facility and USEF/USEA Competition site. Ten minutes from downtown Aiken, SC. Forty years experience teaching, training,selling National and International level horses.

ParadiseFarmAiken@gmail.com www.ParadiseFarmAiken.com Ad on Page 77

617-510-9524 251 Cathedral Aisle Aiken, South Carolina 29801

Performance Equine Vets

Sporting Days Farm

803-641-0644 3827 Charleston Highway Aiken, South Carolina 29801

803-648-0100 3549 Charleston Highway Aiken, South Carolina 29801

Performance Equine Vets

Full Service Equine Veterinry Clinic. 24 Hour Critical Care Hospital, Embryo Transfers, Surgical and Lameness Center.

Discount Vet Supply. office@PerformanceEquineVets.com www.PerformanceEquineVets.com Ad on Page 32 . 30 | Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016

psjshows87@gmail.com www.PSJshows.com

Ten acre equestrian facility located three miles from downtown Aiken, SC. Stalls for rent for short-term. Eventers or fox hunters.

Ad on Page 31

hnaylor@together.net

Home of the Oldest Ongoing Horse Trials in Aiken. Our facility is available for clinics. We provide boarding with winter and summer rates, Limited accommodations, and Horse Rehab.

SDAikenHT@aol.com Ad on Page 48 www.SportingDaysFarm.com

Boarding continued

Sunny Hill 803-641-6242 548 West Road Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Share house/rooms. Kitchen and laundry privileges. Short term/ long term. Not far from town. Near all equestrian venues. Room for horses. azouck@bellsouth.net

The Stable on The Woods 603-785-0435 292 Rubins Cottage Lane Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Aiken’s elite boarding/training facility. Direct access to Hitchcock Woods, full size dressage arena with mirrors, show jumping arena and high-quality grass pastures.

TheStableontheWoods@gmail.com www.StableontheWoods.com Ad on Page 31

Vaughn Equestrian 603-785-0435 1613 Banks Mill Rd Aiken, South Carolina 29803 Vaughn Equestrian offers top-level training & care in private setting. Importing top-quality European horses for the Amateur rider.

Characterized by right attitude, rideability & correct conformation.

Vaughn.eq@gmail.com www.VaughnEquestrian.com Ad on Page 24

Wheeler Equestrian 410-353-6877 6180 Pony Trail Aiken, SC 29803 Instruction for eventers and hunter/jumpers. Available for coaching at events. Full and Pasture Board Available. wheelerequestrian@gmail.com www.WheelerEquestrian.com

Whitney Barns Group 803-295-7686 P.O. Box 3550 Aiken, South Carolina 29802 Preserving history in Aiken’s Horse District. Rental Stalls available. hiddenstables@aol.com

Winsome Stables 803-270-6214 1080 Archie Ware Road Trenton, South Carolina 29847 An Eventing facility that offers training, instruction and boarding. winsomehorses@yahoo.com www.WinsomeHorses.com Ad on Page 77

Woodside Farm (803) 644-7730 582 John Scott Road Aiken, South Carolina 29803 Woodside Farm is a quiet retirement and lay-up facility catering to each individual’s needs. Owner has 50+ years of experience ranging from race horses to “A” circuit show horses. sherrylukens@bellsouth.net

Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016 | 31

Breeding

Full Service Boarding

Great Blazes Farm B Paso Finos 1003 Dasher Circle 667 State Park Road / Windsor, South Carolina 29856 Breeding fine American Paso Fino Horses since 1978. Sharing with you the quality versatile riding companions we all dream to own!

GreatBlazesFarm@gmail.com GreatBlazes.com

conveniently located oca ocated cat ated d two miles outside side of Aiken City Limits. mit mits. its.

Green Acres Paso Finos 1003 Dasher Circle Aiken, South Carolina 29803 Green Acres is a private owner Paso Fino Ranch located in Three Runs Plantation. debbiedbartlett@outlook.com

Performance Equine Vets 803-641-0644 3827 Charleston Highway Aiken, South Carolina 29801

Performance Equine Vets

Full Service Equine Veterinry Clinic. 24 Hour Critical Care Hospital, Embryo Transfers, Surgical and Lameness Center.

Discount Vet Supply. office@PerformanceEquineVets.com www.PerformanceEquineVets.com Ad on Page 32

. 32 | Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016

Seasonal and Full Time Rates 2052 Banks Mill Road / Aiken, SC 29803 646-415-7574 / 803-270-9767 / cwarren@mi2e.com

Foxhunting in and around Aiken

by Joanna Dunn Samson

There are few things on earth more exhilarating than the sport of foxhunting.

The pure physicality of foxhunting, combined with the mental concentration, the exceptional beauty of a natural setting, the thrill of watching the hounds do what they were born to do, and the partnership with 1200 pounds of equine muscle and spirit make fox hunting unique among all the riding disciplines. I can think of no other equestrian activity in which the participants share the experience of an unscripted, unpredictable drama each and every hunt. That shared experience creates an enduring camaraderie and bond with fellow foxhunters it is a unique fellowship shaped by tradition, adrenaline and laughter.

Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016 | 33

A

iken is a veritable haven for foxhunters. Whether new to the sport or an old hand, foxhunter enthusiasts have an unparalleled opportunity to hunt in all kinds of terrain and under all types of circumstances in and around Aiken. Moreover, the expansive fellowship of Aiken foxhunters extends beyond the hunt field. The hunt season is filled with all sorts of social and riding events – tailgate parties, lavish hunt breakfasts, formal hunt balls, trail rides and hunter paces.

And here’s the thing: during the hunting season, which typically runs from October through March, die-hard hunters can hunt virtually every day of the week with one of the 6 MFHA-recognized hunts in the area. These hunt clubs are accessible and welcoming to visitors and provide a range of adventures for foxhunters with all levels of experience.

If you are new to the sport, know this: foxhunting is not for the feint of heart. At a minimum, a rider and her horse must be able to walk, trot, canter and in a large group over all types of terrain.

Foxhunting is a sport governed by tradition.

The following basic protocols are universal for all local hunting.

1. Make arrangements to hunt in advance with the Hunt Secretary. You will be required to sign a release and pay a capping fee before you can ride with the hunt. Be sure to ask about appropriate attire.

2. Arrive early at the designated fixture. Give the Hunt Secretary your executed release and a check for the capping fee before you mount your horse.

3. Greet the Masters upon arrival, introduce yourself, and thank them at the end of the day.

4. Be properly attired. . 34 | Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016

5. It is bad form to ride in the front of the field without invitation. It is very bad form to pass the Field Master and very, very bad form to pass the Huntsman. Don’t do it. If you are unable to control your horse, move immediately to the back of the field.

The Aiken Hounds The second oldest drag hunt in the country, nothing beats riding with the historic Aiken Hounds for tradition, sociability and accommodation of all riding levels. Twice a week, hounds and riders follow 2-3 predetermined “drag lines” – trails created by dragging a cloth saturated with fox scent over the ground – in the 2100-acre Hitchcock Woods, the largest urban forest in the country located in the heart of Aiken.

Belle Meade Hunt Only an easy hour’s drive from Aiken in Thomson, Georgia, Belle Meade hunts grey fox, coyote, bobcat and the occasional wild hog in thousands of acres of wild northeast Georgia territory ranging from rolling fields to challenging hilly terrain and deep woodlands.

Belle Meade hosts its own Hunt Week in the middle

Gina Salatino

THE RED BARN

STABLES

1104 S. Boundary Ave Aiken, SC 29801

803-648-8184 803-641-6680

redbarnstables@bellsouth.net Photo Credit Previous and Top: Shelly Marshall Schmidt - Oh Schmidt!

of February that provides 7 days of hunting, trail riding and a joint meet with Aiken Hounds, along with a variety of hunt breakfasts, cocktail parties and the Belle Meade Hunt Ball. In 2016, the Belle Meade Hunt Week will run from February 14 -20. The Hunt Ball will be held on Saturday night, February 20.

The Camden Hunt The second oldest hunt in South Carolina and an easy 1½ hour ride from Aiken on I-20, the Camden Hunt hunts red and gray fox and coyote in gracious country around historic Camden that is a mixture of lush swamps, hardwood forests and pine woods.

The Edisto River Hounds The Edisto River Hounds hunts fox and coyote 3 days a week in fixtures in Aiken County and on the Fort Gordon Military Reservation in Augusta Georgia. Edisto River Hounds welcomes newcomers and all levels of riders.

hunts and a variety of social functions, including gourmet breakfasts, tailgates and a formal Hunt Ball. The 2016 Hunt Week will be held February 3rd – 7th. The Whiskey Road Hunt Ball will be held on Friday, February 5th.

Why Worry Hounds Originally a farmer’s pack, Why Worry Hounds hunts in fixtures in Aiken and Allendale Counties, SC and Burke County, GA. The well-trained pack of Why Worry Crossbred hounds hunt grey fox, coyote and bobcat 3 days a week during the season. Why Worry welcomes children, beginner foxhunters and horses with no or limited experience in the hunt field, providing an excellent opportunity for novices to learn the foxhunting ropes in a more casual setting.

Hay Y’all! Give us a call We Deliver!

Whiskey Road Foxhounds Hunt Whiskey Road Foxhounds hunts coyote, red fox, gray fox and bobcat twice a week on large tracts of land in Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Lexington, Saluda and Hampton Counties.

Whiskey Road also hosts the celebrated Aiken Hunt Week, a festival of hunting that attracts visitors from all over the country as well as Canada. Starting with a Wednesday evening reception, Hunt Week includes five

The Blessing of the Hounds at Aiken Hounds

|

Photo Credit: Barry A. Bornstein

HAY Y’ALL 2052 Banks Mill Road / Aiken, SC 29803 646-415-7574 / cwarren@mi2e.com

Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016 | 35

I

n SC and GA, foxhunting requires a hunting license for small game, which can be obtained online at the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (www.dnr.sc.gov) and the Wildlife Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (www.georgiawildlife.com).

Aiken Hounds (Drag) Masters: Ms. Linda Knox McLean, Mr. Larry E. Byers, Mrs. Joann Peace.

Hitchcock Woods. Tuesday @2pm and Saturday @9am Dr. Linda Hickey, Hon. Secretary (803) 507-7478 / lchickey63@gmail.com

Belle Meade Hunt (Live) Masters: Mr. Edgar S. Wilson, Mr. Charles W. Lewis, Dr. Gary Wilkes.

Wednesday, Saturday, and some Sundays @ 3pm from Kennels Hunt Week: February 14th – 20th Ms. Angela Smith, Hon. Secretary (706) 833-3104 / ke4nnr@classicsouth.net Hunt Office: (706) 595-2525 www.BelleMeadeHounds.com

The Camden Hunt (Live) Masters: Ms. Joanne Schwartz, Ms. Susan Sensor, Ms. Nancy Tans.

Wednesday and Saturday at 9am at designated fixture Mrs. Jody McLean, Hon. Secretary (803) 425-9033 / jj_mclean2001@yahoo.com www.CamdenHunt.com

Edisto River Hounds (Live) Masters: Mrs. Donna Cheatham Newell, Mr. Walter B. Cheatham, III. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday @ 9am at designated fixture Mrs. Elaine Fent, Hon. Secretary (803) 270-9026 / fent@gforcecable.com

Whiskey Road Foxhounds (Live) Masters: Mr. David Smith, Mrs. Lynn Smith, Ms. Barbara Nelson.

Thursday and Sunday @9am at designated fixture 2016 Hunt Week: February 3rd – 7th Ms. Cornelia Henderson, Hon. Secretary (561) 309-6636 / corneliacorfax@earthlink.net www.WhiskeyRoadFoxHounds.com

Why Worry Hounds (Live) Masters: Mr. George H. Thomas, III, MFH, Mrs. Jeanie K. Thomas, MFH. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday @ 9am at designated fixture Contact: (803) 641-0471 / whyworry1@live.com . 36 | Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016

Why Worry Hounds

Photo Credit Previous and Top: Shelly Marshall Schmidt

Construction

Res. Bld. Licensed #16921

C

Bonded

Bespoke Fine Interiors 803-226-0169 413 Hayne Ave. SW Aiken, South Carolina 29801

6 2 Home Remodeling, Repairs, Barns and Run-In Sheds.

Russ Hayes

240 Archdale Drive Aiken, SC 29803

Mobile: 803-215-0179

rhayes2010@hotmail.com

Camps Ashbrooke Equestrian Center 803-439-2494 5644 White Pond Road Aiken, South Carolina 29803

Bespoke Fine Interiors is a full service interior design firm. We specialize in both new construction and renovation projects; From space planning to full decorating.

BespokeInteriors@gmail.com www.BespokeInteriors.com Ad on Page 40

GGT-Footing 864-804-0011 851 Simuel Road Spartanburg, South Carolina 29301 World Class Products at a price you can afford. Arena Consultants, Pre-Blended Material, Arena Maintenance, Groomers

Ashbrooke

Ad on Page 3

Sales.East@Polysols.com www.ggt-footing.com/ggtproducts.html

Larlee Construction

Instruction for Children and Adults on schooled horses and ponies.

Summer camp available for children. www.facebook.com/Ashbrooke-Equestrian-Center-201264726579128

Ad on Page 39

Devonwood Farms / Aiken Riding Academy 803-502-1000 215 Woodward Drive Aiken, South Carolina 29803

803-642-9006 1096 Toolebeck Rd Aiken, South Carolina 29803 Specializing in historic renovations, new custom homes and fine equestrian facilities in beautiful Aiken, South Carolina. www.LarleeConstruction.com

Christmas and Summer Camps available for children.

Riding lessons for adults and children.

Legacy Homes of Aiken, Inc. Russ Hayes

6 2

803-215-0179 dvonwood@att.net 240 Archdale Drive www.devonwoodfarms.com Aiken, South Carolina 29803

Radway Eventing at Hopeland Farms 803-220-5619 377 Tom Cat Lane Aiken, South Carolina 29803 Radway is a training program for horse and riders in Eventing Dressage Jumpers and field hunter. We also offer clinics and camps that includes stable management and care of your horse. radwayeventing@yahoo.com www.radwayeventing.com Ad on Page 74

Catering The Willcox 803-648-1898 100 Colleton Avenue SW Aiken, South Carolina 29801

Home Remodeling, Repairs, Barns and Run-In Sheds.

Russ Hayes - Residential Builder - Licensed and Bonded. rhayes2010@hotmail.com

Ad on Page 38

Striking Horse LLC 803-292-9430 537 Linler Lane Aiken, South Carolina 29805 Three Board Fencing $5.50 per linear foot. Four Board Fencing $6.50 per linear foot. Run-In Sheds starting at $1800. Four Stall Barns starting at $9000.

StrikingHorseSC@aol.com

Winsome Fence and Builders

803-270-6216 1080 Archie Ware Road Cloud Soft Beds and Intimate Salon and Spa. One of the South’s Trenton, South Carolina 29847 Best Restaurants. All in a setting of Easy Going Elegance.

We build all types of outdoor fences and equine enclosures. Can set info@TheWillcox.com more than 800ft of post/day. Over a decade of experience building www.TheWillcox.com barns and fence.

Ad on Page 16 winsomefence@yahoo.com www.WinsomeFences.com Ad on Page 39 . 38 | Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016

C

Ashbrooke Equestrian Center 5644 White Pond Road / Aiken, SC 29803 803-439-2494 / Find us on Facebook!

www.facebook.com/Ashbrooke-Equestrian-Center-201264726579128

B.J. Kemp

803-270-6216

www.WinsomeFences.com / WinsomeFence@yahoo.com

Creative Services Art by Susan McCarty

HuntScene Photography and Editorial

706-595-3601 Aiken, South Carolina

803-295-2222 Aiken, South Carolina 29803

An award-winning artist and an accomplished equestrian, specialDiana Hunt, Huntscene Photography and Editorial specializes in izing in Equestrian Fine Art, Portraiture, Commission Animal Art, equine, pet and wildlife photography; writes equestrian & travel Sporting Art, Oil Painting, and Fine Prints. articles, creates promotional materials.

Studio@SusanMcCarty-Art.com huntress04@gmail.com www.SusanMcCarty-Art.com Ad on Page 25 DianaHuntPhotos.com Ad on Page 21

Barry Koster Photography

Louisa Davidson Art and Photography

803 646 7972 204 Gadwall Lane / Aiken, South Carolina 29803

970-274-0658 566 Newberry Street SW Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Accomplished Equine Photographer also available for weddings and private photo shoots. My work reflects my deep understanding of the Louisa Davidson Fine Art and Photography. Renowned animal portraits in oil or pastel and photographer for sales, events and special equine spirit as well as an appreciation for the bond between horse memories. Internationally collected with numerous awards. and rider. bkoster@atlanticbb.net louisa@louisadavidson.com www.BarryKosterPhotography.com www.LouisaDavidson.com

Equus Events

Louise Mellon Artworks

803-643-5698 1410 Alpine Drive Aiken, South Carolina 29803 A USHJA award winning horse show management company based out of Aiken, SC. We are committed to producing unique exhibitor friendly events that excel in the highest level of competition and quality. info@equusevents.com www.equusevents.com Ad on Page 54

803-644-3335 550 Mead Avenue, SE Aiken, South Carolina 29801

HaleStorm communications

M.Timmerman Photography

803-514-0923 53 Troon Way Aiken, South Carolina 29803

803-944-1412 1150 Legacy Lane Aiken, South Carolina 29803

Hale is known in Aiken as a free lance writer, publicist, public relations, and marketing consultant.

Ad on Page 59

Haleyes@gforcecable.com

Louise’s paintings and assemblages are typical of her personality and zest for everyday life: colorful, quirky, whimsical and illustrative of the way she chooses to view the world. lwmellon@gmail.com www.louisemellon.com Ad on Page 21

M.Timmerman Photograpghy documenting every thing you love.

Portraiture on the farm or professional heads shots in the studio.

Specializing in fine art photography. qsmum@aol.com mtimmermanphotography.com

Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016 | 39

Creative Services continued

Merry Design 603-834-3067 1003 Colleton Avenue, SE Aiken, South Carolina 29801

C D

Websites/Branding/Logos/Advertising. Award winning, custom design for the equestrian community. merryonedesign@aol.com www.MerryOneDesign.com

Polly Kummel LLC 803-641-6831 624 Boardman Road / Aiken, South Carolina 29803 Everyone Needs an Editor! Whether you’re writing a business letter, ad copy, how-to article, or book, let me ensure it has forward impulsion, perfect braids, and great big dapples. pollyk1@msn.com www.amazinphrasin.com

Shelly Marshall Schmidt Oh Schmidt!

Having the right Interior Designer on your project is like having the USTOM

803-474-3094 311 Hayne Avenue SW Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Photography services for commercial and marketing purposes, fine art portraiture, graphic design, custom fine art printing. Aiken studio available by chance or appointment. shelly@ohschmidt.com www.ohschmidt.com Ad on Page 9 , 18, 41

The Aiken Creative Company 803-944-1412 1150 Legacy Lane Aiken, South Carolina 29803

BY

right Equine partner in the ring...

DEFINITION

Catherine Hersacher MA LEED AP

Interior Designer and President M O B I L E : 912.660.8882 O F F I C E : 803.226.0169 catherine@bespokefineinteriors.com

It makes all the difference.

Let us make a difference for you.

413 Hayne Avenue SW, Aiken, SC :: www.bespokefineinteriors.com

Design Bespoke Fine Interiors

Custom products based on fine art photography. Based on our stock 803-226-0169 or something we shoot for you. Virtually anything from couture high 413 Hayne Ave. SW end home accents (pillows, porcelain and china).

Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Bespoke Fine Interiors is a full service interior design firm. We mtimmermanphoto@aol.com specialize in both new construction and renovation projects; From www.facebook.com/theaikencreativecompany space planning to full decorating.

BespokeInteriors@gmail.com WindInMane Photography www.BespokeInteriors.com Ad on Page 40 440-708-8316 108 Highway 11 HuntScene Photography and Editorial Landrum, South Carolina 29356 803-295-2222 Aiken, South Carolina 29803 Giving the Artistic Touch to Equine Portraits and Events.

Diana Hunt, Huntscene Photography and Editorial specializes in WindinManePhotography@gmail.com equine, pet and wildlife photography; writes equestrian & travel www.WindinManePhotography.weebly.com articles, creates promotional materials. huntress04@gmail.com Ad on Page 25 DianaHuntPhotos.com

Dog Breeders Trinity Farms

Shelly Marshall Schmidt Oh Schmidt!

803-648-3137 Aiken, South Carolina

803-474-3094 311 Hayne Avenue SW Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Photography services for commercial and marketing purposes, fine art portraiture, graphic design, custom fine art printing. Aiken dmsfitz@bellsouth.net studio available by chance or appointment. shelly@ohschmidt.com www.TrinityFarmsTerriers.com www.ohschmidt.com Ad on Page 9 , 18, 41

Our philosophy is simple.... start with Old World Legends.... and build from there.....

Breeders of Legendary 100 yr old Irish JRT bloodlines for 50 yrs.

. 40 | Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016

Entertainment Aiken County Farmers Market

Stable View, LLC

803-293-2214 115 Williamsburg Street Aiken, South Carolina 29801

484-356-3173 117 Stable Drive Aiken, South Carolina 29801

Open Tues, Thurs, Saturday from 8am-12pm throughout the year, A top-notch equestrian training facility that hosts a full spectrum of the Aiken County Farmers Market is the place to find the freshest disciplines at a private, state-of-the-art facility. fruits and veggies, wholesome meats and cheeses,and one of a kind info@stableviewfarm.com arts and crafts. www.VisitAikenSC.com Ad on Page 45 www.stableviewfarm.com

New Bridge Polo & Country Club

Willow Creek Petting Zoo/Pony Rides

803-648-3699 862 New Bridge Road Aiken, South Carolina 29805 Gated Equestrian Community, Spring & Fall Tournment Polo, Full Service Boarding at the Stables, Dining at The Polo Grille, Clubhouse Event Rentals, Social Memberships, Real Estate. info@newbridgepolo.com www.NewBridgePolo.com Ad on Page 81

862-268-0161 Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Willow Creek offers traveling petting zoos and pony rides for all occasions including but not limited to: Birthday Parties, Grand Openings, Company Picnics, Township Events, etc. willowcreekweims@hotmail.com willowcreekfarm.homestead.com

Palmetto Package & Fine Wine Shop 803-649-6961 230 Park Avenue SW Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Purveyors of Liquor, Fine Wines, Ports, Sherries & Unique Liquers.

We offer expert event & reception planning. missieb15@hotmail.com

Cocktail Napkin Logic: Horses are like ex-wives; they rule the roost and drain the checkbook.

E

THIS WAY TO THE

PERFECT

EQUESTRIAN PROPERTY.

Local experts with a global network, the RE/MAX Tattersall group has the knowledge and resources to help you realize your dreams, from an historic horse district estate to an

120 Laurens St NW, Aiken, SC 29801 803.226.0036 www.tattersallgroup.com

equestrian community home. With years of buying, selling, and riding experience, our team is highly skilled at matching equestrian properties with riders of all disciplines.

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy www.RaceHorseTherapy.com

(803) 443-5758

Equine Health Equus-Soma Equine Bodywork 207-542-6132 1165 Shaws Fork Road Aiken, South Carolina 29805 Release tension and rebalance the equine athlete’s body with an integrative program including Myofascial Acupoints, Craniosacral Therapy and Masterson Method®. info@equus-soma.com www.Equus-Soma.com

PEMF Sporthorse Therapy (803) 443-5758 Aiken, South Carolina PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy) A Viable Alternative to Drugs, Stimulates Cellular Repair,improves circulation, increases blood oxygen, decreases inflammation, relieves pain, and speeds healing. Seeing is believing. livetruth@live.com Ad on Page 43 www.racehorsetherapy.com

Performance Equine Vets 803-641-0644 3827 Charleston Highway Aiken, South Carolina 29801

www.StepnSoak.com Our NEW Fetlock Wrap

has the ability to “lightly” turn out a horse who is either in treatment or who has a hoof or leg wound that needs to be protected from the elements.

Prevents horse from being stall bound during treatment.

Got a Hoof?

Then you need

Performance Equine Vets

Full Service Equine Veterinry Clinic. 24 Hour Crirical Care Hospital, Embryo Transfers, Surgical and Lameness Center.

Discount Vet Supply. office@PerformanceEquineVets.com www.PerformanceEquineVets.com Ad on Page 32

StepnSoak 911

StepnSoak LLC 1-888-STPNSOK (787-6765) P.O. Box 7276 Aiken, South Carolina 29804 Got a HOOF? You need StepnSoak-911 Hoof Soaking, Icing, Rx and Wound Protection Boots Ad on Page 43

stepnsoak@gmail.com www.StepnSoak.com

Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016 | 43

Event Facilities Aiken Horse Park Foundation

Gilcrest Farm

PO Box 1951 Aiken, South Carolina 29802

803-648-4500 4492 Charleston Highway Windsor, South Carolina 29856

The Mission of the Aiken Horse Park is to promote Aiken’s k ’ Equestrian Way of Life, and to Encourage the Community’s Civic, Educational and Charitable Endeavors.

A private farm offering an incredible venue for carriage driving, including dressage, marathon and cones courses.

Gilcrestfarm@gmail.com www.GilcrestFarm.com

www.AikenHorsePark.org

Ad on Page 52

Braxton Training Center

Jumping Branch Farm

1 Recoleta Road Edgefield, South Carolina 29824

803-642-3484 179 Fox Pond Road Aiken, South Carolina 29801

E 805-496-6716

Lessons, Training, Clinics, Sales, and Cross Country Courses (Prelim through tadpole). Year round pasture board, and winter self-care board available. zapapasj@bellsouth.net www.braxtontrainingcenter.com Ad on Page 76 www.JBFarm.com

Event Facility for Cutting and Sorting Events, and Cutting Horse Training Facility.

Bridle Creek Farm, LLC

Katydid Farm

202-494-7683 1051 Clear Creek Court / Aiken, South Carolina 29803

803-292-3064 359 State Park Road Windsor, South Carolina 29856 280 acre premiere, private horse farm specializing in carriage driving. Home of Matheson Driving Team, that hosts clinics, derbys and CDE’s. jennifermatheson@bellsouth.net www.KatyDidFarm.com

XC Schooling: water and bank complexes, sunken road, ditches many portables, suitable for novice to advanced. Show and dressage arenas. Great footing. Call for days/times. iboorman@wilkesartis.com bridlecreekfarm.com

BSC Arena

Magnolia Shadows Equestrian Resort & B&B

706-551-2190/706-840-3971 3976 Ga Highway 24 South Waynesboro, Georgia 30830

803-522-1226 595 Engineer Road Ridge Spring, South Carolina 20129 Horse Boarding, Bed and Breakfast, Wedding and Event Venue.

Come as our guests, leave as our friend. This 50-acre plantation offers exquisite accommodations for you and your horse. info@magnoliashadows.com www.MagnoliaShadows.com Ad on Page 19

Family oriented event facility with covered arena, hosting sorting events and more.

Dancing Horses Equestrian Center

New Bridge Polo & Country Club

803-648-3699 862 New Bridge Road Aiken, South Carolina 29805 Gated Equestrian Community, Spring & Fall Tournment Polo, Full Specializing in Schooling Shows for all disciplines. Training and Service Boarding at the Stables, Dining at The Polo Grille, ClubBoarding Available house Event Rentals, Social Memberships, Real Estate.

DancingHorses@rocketmail.com info@newbridgepolo.com www.facebook.com/dancinghorses Ad on Page 81 www.NewBridgePolo.com 803-266-3721 149 Mosely Rd Williston, South Carolina 29853

Full Gallop Farm

Paradise Farm, LLC

803-640-4918 4069 Wagener Road Aiken, South Carolina 29805 110 acre complete training facility and USEF/USEA Competition Eventing Facility that hosts USEF recognized events, Tadpole thru site. Ten minutes from downtown Aiken, SC. Forty years expeIntermediate, and Schooling Events. Cross Country Schooling, rience teaching, training,selling National and International level Boarding and Horse Sales.

ParadiseFarmAiken@gmail.com FullGallopFarm@yahoo.com horses. www.ParadiseFarmAiken.com Ad on Page 75 www.FullGallopFarm.com 803-644-6789/803-215-6590 3828 Wagener Road Aiken, South Carolina 29805

. 44 | Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016

Welcome to Stable View, where dreams happen.

Located on almost 1,000 acres of gently rolling countryside, this top notch facility boasts a 75,000 square foot covered arena, an equally large outdoor and dedicated dressage arena as well as a cross-country course designed by the internationally acclaimed Captain Mark Phillips.

Come to Stable View to ride, compete, train or audit your favorite clinician. Enjoy our state-of-the-art facilities and luxurious accommodations situated in the heart of South Carolina horse country.

www.stableviewfarm.com m | 117 Stable Drive, Aiken, SC SC 29801 | 484.356.3173 www.stableviewfarm.com | 117 Stable Drive, Aiken, 29801 | 484.356.3173

StableView

A Gathering Place

by Mary A. McEachern

M

uch in the same way as we have developed Stable View as a destination training facility for equestrians, we are now intending to develop significantly further the concept of Stable View as a “Gathering Place”.

In terms of time frame, as with the development of the equestrian activities, this will be a work in progress that will probably take at least five years. The approach will be in gradual steps as this probably implies less risk; also the danger of over-promising is reduced. Never wanting to have all of our eggs in one basket - progress will be incremental.

In an attempt to define the scope of our Gathering Place ambitions, we need to look back to where we have come from.

The original 160 acres, now known as Stable View, were purchased five years ago. Since that time, the farm has grown to just under 1,000 acres of gently rolling countryside. It’s sandy soil drains well and lends itself to many hospitality activities.

In its early days, Stable View composed a Main Barn, Kennels, two Bungalows and a very large Work Shed. It now comprises accommodation for 25 humans and 55 horses. In terms of facilities there are now three Attwood Equestrian Surfaces’ Arenas; a 25,000 square foot covered, a 25,000 square foot outdoor and a full sized dressage arena. In addition there is a very large grass area that can accommodate 15 grass dressage arenas. he biggest work in progress remains the Cross Country Course that is in the process of being lengthened so that it can accommodate an advanced track. We will be offering for the first time advanced level at our Horse Trials on October 1st and 2nd, 2016.

To place our progress in a context, the actual development thus far has taken four years and the principal advisors who have helped us, Mark Phillips, Eric Bull and Richard Jeffery, whilst all being world renowned, have become a very supportive team as we have travelled this journey. We believe that over the past four years we have created one of the finest equestrian training facilities on the East Coast.

If you have come to Stable View to ride, compete, train or audit, you will see that we started small. First a schooling three phase, then a recognized event (we now have three a year and are hoping for four). We have

T

. 46 | Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016

Photo Credit: Nancy Bruen Smith

worked steadily at expanding our Eventing program with an eye toward developing a presence in the Dressage and Hunter Jumper disciplines. We have also just hosted the second Southeast area Hunter Trials.

Clinics are also a focus of Stable View. In 2015 we had William Fox-Pitt and this year Silva Martin will be conducting two clinics.

Also for 2016, the US High Performance Event Team will be returning to Stable View for their third winter. o, back to a “Gathering Place”.

A gathering place means different things to different people. It could be a pub, a restaurant, a village hall, a town square, or a home. In our plans our “Gathering Place” could be any of these.

At the core of our ambitions is the refurbishment / rebuilding of the upstairs of the Main Barn.

This space is over 6,000 square feet and will be reconstructed into three rooms. These three rooms will have access to a very large balcony that will run the length of the back of the Main Barn.

Events that this accommodation could allow will include conferences, weddings, corporate retreats, family reunions, yoga and other eclectic retreats.

Facilities will include video conferencing, variable lighting an advanced sound system and capacity to Stream data (pictures) from anywhere on the property when there are equestrian activities. Our belief is that the use of technology will continue to develop within equestrian activities thus it will be critical to apply it flexibly.

Separately from the three rooms referenced earlier there will be an air-conditioned communication center where the control functions for all of the above technology will reside. This will be linked to the Stable View sound and ultimately video system.

In addition to the uses referenced above the upstairs of the Main Barn will also house the Stable View Club Room. This will be designed to both accommodate our VIP’s whilst enabling them to have a 180 degree panoramic view of the property.

As with Stable View’s equestrian activities we are not intending to recirculate what is already in Aiken. The thrust of both the development and our profile has been to welcome not only locals, but everyone who travels to Aiken. We are also intending that this Gathering Place approach will yield similar results with regard to Augusta, Charlotte and Augusta.

In conclusion, the development of Stable View as a destination venue remains a work in progress.

S

Photo Credit: Nancy Bruen Smith

Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016 | 47

Event Facilities continued

Progressive Show Jumping, Inc 803 649-3505 Highfields 147 Warehouse Road Aiken, South Carolina 29801 USEF and Schooling Shows, Jump and Portable Stall Rentals, Dry Stall Rental, RV Camping.

Ad on Page 54

psjshows87@gmail.com www.PSJshows.com

Sandy Hills Farm

E

803-295-7065 1195 Sizemore Road Aiken, South Carolina 29803

Aiken’s Oldest “Neigh---borly” Horse Trials 3549 Charleston Hwy, Aiken, SC 29801 O: 803-649-7075 H: 803-648-0100 Fax: 803-648-0701 SDAikenHT@aol.com

Schooling available sandyhillsfarm@netscape.com www.SandyHillsFarm.net

Sporting Days Farm 803-648-0100 3549 Charleston Highway Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Home of the Oldest Ongoing Horse Trials in Aiken. Our facility is available for clinics. We provide boarding with winter and summer rates, Limited accommodations, and Horse Rehab.

SDAikenHT@aol.com Ad on Page 48 www.SportingDaysFarm.com

Stable View, LLC 484-356-3173 117 Stable Drive Aiken, South Carolina 29801 A top-notch equestrian training facility that hosts a full spectrum of disciplines at a private, state-of-the-art facility.

Ad on Page 45

Sporting Days Farm hosts Three Nationally recognized USEF/ USEA Horse Trials in Aiken, SC on the 140 acre Farm just 6.5 miles E of downtown Aiken on US Hwy 78. The farm also hosts Schooling Shows, Trail Rides, Clinics, Pony Club activities and is available for rent to approved activities. SDF contributes a portion of each Horse Trials’ entry to our local Montmorenci Volunteer Fire Company. The farm was developed in 1990 for a training and competition site especially for winter visitors.

Campers are welcome with their horses and a 28 stall barn has dry stalls for rent. Special boarding for horses with special needs is available May through October. New last year was the Cross Border Young Rider Team Challenge at our March Horse Trials and it returns this year in March with a new Competitor Party and Benefit Sunday Brunch overlooking the Cross Country Course as well as Stadium Jumping.

For Details & Dates Visit ::: 63257,1*'$<6)$50 &20

info@stableviewfarm.com www.stableviewfarm.com

The Vista Schooling and Event Center 262-5263 215-9845 859 Old Tory Trail Aiken, SC 29801 Beginner/Novice thru Upper Level Cross Country Schooling; Derby and Stadium Jumping areas; Large and Small Dressage Arenas, 150 acres of hacking, Open 6 days/week. One flat rate for all venues. vistaschooling@gmail.com www.SchooltheVista.com Ad on Page 72

Event Medical SouthStar Emergency Medical Service 803-643-9113 681 Silver Bluff Road, Ste 104 Aiken, South Carolina 29801 EVENT MEDICS - USEF Member SouthStar Emergency Medical Services- Equine Ad on Page 78 . 48 | Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016

jla1016@aol.com www.southstarems.com

Joannah Hall Glass, Proprietor & Organizer is a Medal/Maclay Finalist in the ribbons for 7 years, on the ‘B’ Event Team in Pony Club. Thb Breeder, Owner, Trainer and Rider of ‘A’ Circuit Hunters/Jumpers. She developed horses to Intermediate Level Eventing and Reserve horse for team member as well as Fox Hunters for herself and clients. Former USEF R Judge H/J & Eq, Former Co-DC of Middletown, DE & Aiken PC. Former Technical Delegate. Originated Bryn Lea Farm & H. T. in Malvern, PA for 20 years with Successful students in Eventing, Jr. National Champs, Horse Shows & Fox Hunting. In a 5 year span retired Side Saddle Trophies in National Horse Show at Madison Square Garden plus ribbons at Royal Winter Fair, Washington, Harrisburg and Devon.

Farm Supply 1933 Park Avenue Ext Aiken, SC 29801

aikencountyfarmsupply.com Business Hours: Mon-Fri: 7 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sat: 7:30 a.m.-noon Sun: Closed Phone: 803-649-2987 Fax: 803-649-2130 aikencountyfarm@bellsouth.net Professional

and Reliable We Deliver

Feed Farm Supplies Hay Lime Spreading Straw Shaving ordable Aff

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We offer delivery services and work with a variety of brands, including: Equine Feed: Seminole Triple Crown/ Southern States Nutrena/Pennfield Cavalor Buckeye

Dog Food: Diamond Pride Taste of the Wild Victor Blackwood Rainbow Fertilizer

Event Organizers

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Farm Supply and Services

Equus Events

Aiken County Farm Supply

803-643-5698 1410 Alpine Drive Aiken, South Carolina 29803 A USHJA award winning horse show management company based out of Aiken, SC. We are committed to producing unique exhibitor friendly events that excel in the highest level of competition and quality. info@equusevents.com www.equusevents.com Ad on Page 54

803-649-2987 / Fax: 803-649-2130 1933 Park Avenue Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Serving Aiken County for Over 30 Years.

Ad on Page 49

aikencountyfarm@bellsouth.net www.AikenCountyFarmSupply.com

Progressive Show Jumping, Inc

Aiken Saddlery Inc

803 649-3505 Highfields 147 Warehouse Road Aiken, South Carolina 29801

803-649-6583 1044 E Pine Log Road Aiken, SC 29803

USEF and Schooling Shows, Jump and Portable Stall Rentals, Dry Stall Rental, RV Camping.

Everything for The Horse and Rider

psjshows87@gmail.com www.PSJshows.com

Ad on Page 54

Starworks Events LLC Marilyn Theesfeld

amy@aikensaddlery.com www.aikensaddlery.com

Ad on Back Cover

Barnware

910-944-8110 461 Carolina Road 803-257-7374 Aberdeen, North Carolina 28315 228 Richland Avenue NW - Suite Quality Workmanship of custom gates, barn doors, windows, grills Aiken, South Carolina 29803 & stall systems. No one builds safer, heavier, stronger Equine ProdPersonalized event planning and management services. ucts! We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t build barns, we make them better!

Barbara@barnware.com marilyn@starworkseventsllc.com www.barnware.com starworkseventsllc.com Ad on Page 51 Farm Supply and Services continued

Holley Tractor and Equipment

Carolina Outdoors

803-648-8306 1721 Richland Avenue Aiken, South Carolina 29801

803-642-5200 3980 Richland Avenue Aiken, South Carolina 29801

Specialing in tractors, implements, commercial zee-turns and small engines.

Providing Quality Equipment, Services and Care. william@gocarolinaoutdoors.com www.GoCarolinaOutdoors.com

www.HolleyTractor.com.com

Johnsons Farm & Garden LLC 803-266-7333 4814 West Street Williston, South Carolina 29853

Derrick Equipment 803-648-7884 146 Old Wagener Rd Aiken, South Carolina John Deere Says It All!

Most trusted feed and seed store, bee keeping equipment, and much more. Knowledgeable staff. www.DerrickEqpt.com JohnsonsFarmGarden@gmail.com

Weeks Farm and Garden 803-649-9683 1718 Richland Avenue Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Great Prices, Knowledgeable Staff.

Ad on Page 55 . 50 | Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016

Heritage Equine Equipment Mark Hopkins: 803-920-3681 Marybeth Hopkins: 706-575-5153 Locations in GA and SC. Heritage Equine is your local source for horse stalls, barn end doors, dutch doors & windows, entrance gates and more. We ship throughout the US & Canada.

weeksfeedandseed57@gmail.com www.weeksfarmandgarden.com Ad on Page 29

marybeth@heritageequineequip.com www.HeritageEquineEquip.com

Farriers Casey & Son Horseshoeing School 706-397-8909 14013 East Highway 136 La Fayette, Georgia 30728 Georgia’s Horseshoeing School is #1 in the World! Why? Technology, integrative hoof care & professional farrier courses. Short courses will compliment any other equine career. rcaseysch@aol.com www.caseyhorseshoeingschool.com

LOOK AS GOOD AS YOU FEEL WHEN YOU RIDE

My Aiken Body helps your body restore itself through Theraputic massage so that you ccan enjoy your life’s passions. My Aiken Body Restorative Massage.

Dreamcatcher Ranch LLC 803-646-7919 Aiken, South Carolina 29805 Certified Farrier, Horse training, Instruction. dreamcatcherranchllc@yahoo.com

Fox Run Farrier Chris McElyea 803 645-2774 Aiken, South Carolina Specializing in corrective shoeing for all disciplines.

On time and will return phone calls!

FoxRunFarrier@yahoo.com

We Don’t Build Barns, tĞ DĂŬĞ dŚĞŵ ĞƩĞƌ

910-944-8110 www.BARNWARE.com Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016 | 51

RSE PA

AIKEN

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SCHOOLING DAYS AT BRUCE’S FIELD

Every Tuesday beginning January 5th through March 1st Ring Opens 8:30am at 2’3” & Last Height Will Be 3’9” at Approximatively 4pm

$

25 per round

(all riders will be asked to sign a release and leave an open check with the ingate)

EMT on site tara@aikenhorsepark.org www.aikenhorsepark.org

unterJumper Hopportunities expand in Aiken

by Nancy Bruen Smith

The Aiken Horse Park

Es ella Equine, LLC S ah Thompson, DVM Personalized Care for Your “STAR” Athlete • • • • • • • • • • •

Sports Medicine Diagnostics Advanced Lameness Exams Joint Injections Internal Medicine Preventative Care Digital Radiography Digital Ultrasound Dentistry Reproductive Services Endoscopy Emergency Care 24/7

803-295-8509 (cell) sarahtthompson71@gmail.com

Photo Credit: Nancy Bruen Smith

T

his will also be the first full year for the new Aiken Horse Park, a 66-acre facility. The park was purchased by an avid equestrian, the late R. Bruce Duchossois in 2000, to prevent construction of a housing development that would have destroyed a premiere equestrian location that had hosted the spring and fall steeplechase for years.

When Bruce was diagnosed with cancer, which ultimately took his life on July 2, 2014, his dream of creating the very best horse park in South Carolina became a reality. Carefully preserving Aiken’s unique equestrian traditions, Bruce formed the Aiken Horse Park Foundation in 2013 and donated the land to the foundation, a 501(c) (3) Charity. The ground breaking ceremony took place on November 8, 2014, the start of construction for the premiere facility did not interfere with the 49th Renewal of Aiken’s Spring Steeplechase that took place on March 21, 2015.

The first charity horse show took place in the summer of 2015 followed by Aiken’s Fall Steeplechase. The Spring and Fall Steeplechase combined attracts close to 50,000 spectators, with hundreds of rail side parking spots that host tail gate parties that rival 5 ***** restaurants.

Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016 | 53

The main field has been named “Bruce’s Field,” in honor of Bruce’s dedication and commitment to horse sports.

The vision of the Aiken Horse Park’s Foundation is to promote Aiken’s equestrian way of life and to encourage the community’s civic and charitable endeavors. The mission is to create and operate South Carolina’s premier equestrian park offering an unrivaled horse show experience for amateur, recreational and professional talent from around the world as well as providing an exceptional venue for Aiken’s civic, educational and charitable endeavors.

Highfields Event Center The Highfields Event Center continues to be a popular venue for the PSJ circuit and and “A” rated shows, as well as schooling shows that are well attended.

Equestrian Event Management and Consulting Services For 2016 event schedule, please log on to www.equusevents.com ph: 803-643-5698 • fax: 803-644-8509 www.equusevents.com • info@equusevents.com

Stable View This local facility has been hosting “Under the Stars” jumper nights on Wednesdays with great community participation.

The Tryon International Equestrian Center Less than a three hour drive from Aiken, this 1400 acre, $100M dollar development opened their doors this summer in the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The venue hosts international level competitions.

. 54 | Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016

Photo Credit: Nancy Bruen Smith

Feed and Hay Aiken County Farm Supply 803-649-2987 / Fax: 803-649-2130 1933 Park Avenue Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Serving Aiken County for Over 30 Years.

Ad on Page 49

aikencountyfarm@bellsouth.net www.AikenCountyFarmSupply.com

Aiken Saddlery Inc 803-649-6583 1044 E Pine Log Road Aiken, SC 29803

Weeks Farm and Garden Supply F

Everything for The Horse and Rider amy@aikensaddlery.com www.aikensaddlery.com

Ad on Back Cover

Feed, Hay, Equine Health, and Supplies Great Prices, Knowledgeable Staff Feed: Southern States, Triple Crown, Blue Seal, Pennfield, Nutrena, and Cavalor

Banks Mill Feeds 803-507-6001 1270 Banks Mill Rd Aiken, South Carolina 29801

Hay: Bermuda, Coastal, Alfalfa, Alfalfa/Orchard, Timothy Orchard, Stray, and Shavings

Mon-Fri 8:00-5:00 Sat 8:00-12:00 803-649-9683

Convienient to Highfields Event Center and Bruce’s Field

Horse Feed Made by Horse People

Deliveries Available banksmillfeeds@aol.com www.BanksMillFeeds.com

Hay Y’all

www.WeeksFarmandGarden.com 1718 Richland Ave East / Aiken, SC 29801

HAY

646-415-7574 2052 Banks Mill Road Aiken, South Carolina 29803

Fencing

Y’ALL Aiken County Farm Supply

803-649-2987 / Fax: 803-649-2130 Focusing on equestrian professionals and multiple horse owners, our 1933 Park Avenue mission is to deliver best-possible value on northern and local hay Aiken, South Carolina 29801 and to work with each client based on their needs.

cwarren@mi2e.com Serving Aiken County for Over 30 Years.

Ad on Page 35

Weeks Farm and Garden 803-649-9683 1718 Richland Avenue Aiken, South Carolina 29801

Ad on Page 49

aikencountyfarm@bellsouth.net www.AikenCountyFarmSupply.com

Winsome Fence and Builders 803-270-6216 1080 Archie Ware Road weeksfeedandseed57@gmail.com Trenton, South Carolina 29847 www.weeksfarmandgarden.com We build all types of outdoor fences and equine enclosures. Can set more than 800ft of post/day. Over a decade of experience building barns and fence. winsomefence@yahoo.com www.WinsomeFences.com Ad on Page 37

Great Prices, Knowledgeable Staff.

Ad on Page 55

Cocktail Napkin Logic: Never reign in the fun... it may leave you chomping on the bit.

Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016 | 55

Gifts

Horse Sales

Epona

Câ&#x20AC;&#x2122;est La Vie Farms

803-262-5102 137 Laurens Street SW Aiken, South Carolina 29801

808-264-3627 803 Williston Way Williston, SC 29353

Unique and artistic clothing, accessories and gifts, including equine inspired collections.

Specializing in Retraining Thoroughbreds for the Show Ring. jillanimal@gmail.com

www.EponaonLaurens.com Ad on Page 30

Ad on Page 25

Equine Divine

Fair Play Equestrian

803-642-9772 126 Laurens Street SW Aiken, South Carolina 29801

2014 Gray Mare Hollow Road Aiken, South Carolina 29803 A boarding/training/sales facility available to eventers, ffoxhunters, h dressage, H/J, or anyone with a love for horses. Horse-sale info@equinedivineonline.com marketing. A laid back, enjoyable atmosphere to ride and train. www.EquineDivineOnline.com jschultz45@yahoo.com www.FairPlayAiken.com Ad on Page 77

Gifts and Clothing for Equestrians and Horse Lovers.

G

Ad on Page 5

Health and Wellness

Jane McDonald Training and Sales

Yoga H Aiken 803-514-8833

803-617-8045 531 John Scott Road Aiken, South Carolina 29803

116 Pendleton Street Aiken, South Carolina 29801

Specializing in selling imported European Horses, Training, Boarding, Lay ups and retired horses welcome

Yoga for everybody. Open 7 days a week.

Yoga for equestrians every Monday at noon. sarah@aikenyoga.com www.AikenYoga.com

My Aiken Body 803-761-1127 623 Richland Avenue, West Aiken, South Carolina 29801

janem1262@aol.com

Jumping Branch Farm 803-642-3484 179 Fox Pond Road Aiken, South Carolina 29801

Lessons, Training, Clinics, Sales, and Cross Country Courses (PreMassage Therapy for Physical Wellness. lim through tadpole). Year round pasture board, and winter What every Aiken body needs. self-care board available. zapapasj@bellsouth.net MyAikenBody@gmail.com www.JBFarm.com MyAikenBody.com Ad on Page 76 Ad on Page 51

Aiken Pain Management Plus Valerie Rose CMS-CHt 803-508-6148 127 Trafalgar Street SW Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Certified Medical Support - Clinical Hypnotherapy. Pain Management and Accelerated Healing. Improved Sports Performance.

Valerie@AikenPainManagementPlus.com Horse Sales continued

Vaughn Equestrian 603-785-0435 1613 Banks Mill Rd Aiken, South Carolina 29803 Vaughn Equestrian offers top-level training & care in private setting. Importing top-quality European horses for the Amateur rider.

Characterized by right attitude, rideability & correct conformation.

Vaughn.eq@gmail.com www.VaughnEquestrian.com Ad on Page 24

. 56 | Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016

Phillip Dutton Eventing at Red Oak Farm 544 Bridle Creek Trail Aiken, South Carolina 29803 We are a family-run and family-involved barn and take pride in our success in the sport of Eventing. We invite you to learn what we do and follow our program phillipduttoneventing@gmail.com www.PhillipDutton.com

Red Barn Stables 803-648-8184 / 803-641-6680 1104 S. Boundary Avenue Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Gina Salatino, Aiken Hounds Staff Member, hunts with Belle Mead Hunt, Whiskey Road Foxhounds and Why Worry Hunt. Specializes in pairing horse and rider for foxhunting, and will find what you are looking for. redbarnstables@bellsouth.net Ad on Page 34

Hospitality City of Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum 803-293-7846 406 Park Avenue Aiken, South Carolina 29801 We are here to assist with any Aiken question you have, or get you signed up for the Aiken Trolley Tour. Upstairs youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find the Train Museum with a model train depicting life along the rail as it was in 1916. Open Tues-Sat. www.visitaikensc.com

Magnolia Shadows Equestrian Resort & B&B 803-522-1226 595 Engineer Road Ridge Spring, South Carolina 20129 Horse Boarding, Bed and Breakfast, Wedding and Event Venue.

Come as our guests, leave as our friend. This 50-acre plantation offers exquisite accommodations for you and your horse. info@magnoliashadows.com www.MagnoliaShadows.com Ad on Page19

Insurance Dietrich Equine Insurance

H

800-942-4258 Louisville, Kentucky / Aiken, South Carolina

We are a national sport horse insurance agency offering numerous equine related insurance products thru a variety of quality carriers.

Our agent representatives are uniquely qualified to represent your specific insurance needs because we all own horses!

Ad on this page

I

sdietrich@dietrich-insurance.com www.dietrich-insurance.com

Lisa Seger Insurance Pagan Gilman 770-283-7344 4025 Devereux Chase Roswell, Georgia 30075 Equine Mortality, Liability and Farm insurance provider pagan@lisasegerinsurance.com lisasegerinsurance.com

Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016 | 57

Jewelry Epona

Marketing Dress Media Kathy Dress

803-262-5102 137 Laurens Street SW Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Unique and artistic clothing, accessories and gifts, including equine inspired collections. www.EponaonLaurens.com

Ad on Page 25

610-420-9964 99 Troon Way Aiken, South Carolina 29803 Sponsorship and Ad Sales. Dressage at Devon Progressive Show Jumping. HIPICO Santa Fe. Elite Equestrian Covertside. kathy@dressmedia.us

Equine Divine

HaleStorm communications

803-642-9772 126 Laurens Street SW Aiken, South Carolina 29801

803-514-0923 53 Troon Way Aiken, South Carolina 29803

Gifts and Clothing for Equestrians and Horse Lovers.

Hale is known in Aiken as a free lance writer, publicist, public relations, and marketing consultant.

info@equinedivineonline.com www.EquineDivineOnline.com Ad on Page 59

Ad on Page 5

Landscape Ground Force Landscaping

L

Complete lawn care.

groundforce64@yahoo.com

Legal Professionals Equine Law Group, LLC

M 561-753-5996

Shelly Marshall Schmidt Oh Schmidt!

803-474-3094 311 Hayne Avenue SW Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Photography services for commercial and marketing purposes, fine art portraiture, graphic design, custom fine art printing. Aiken studio available by chance or appointment. shelly@ohschmidt.com www.ohschmidt.com Ad on Page 9 , 18, 41

803-480-2447 Edgefield, South Carolina

J

Haleyes@gforcecable.com

Museums Aiken County Historical Museum 803-642-2015 433 Newberry Street SW Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Located in Banksia, a Winter Colony home, the exhibits chronicle the amazing history of Aiken County: Pottery, Savannah River Site, Winter Colony, Hamburg, and more. FREE. www.AikenCountyHistoricalMuseum.org

12008 South Shore Blvd. Suite 107 Wellington, Florida 33414 Practicing equine law nationally and internationally, we work diligently with our clients to develop strategies and solutions for equine-related matters. asc@chapmanlawgroup.net Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame www.equinelawgroup.com 803-642-7631 / 803-643-2121 135 Dupree Place Carroll Law Offices, P.A. Aiken, South Carolina 29801 803-514-2557 Located in Hopelands Gardens at Whiskey Road and Dupree Place, 135 Chesterfield Street S celebrating Aikenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contributions to equestrian sports, including 40 Aiken, SC 29801 champion race horses that were trained in Aiken.

We are a full service law firm focusing on Native-American, Equine, halloffame@cityofaikensc.gov Environmental, Private Wealth Services, Construction, and www.aikenracinghalloffame.com Commercial Litigation located in downtown Aiken info@carroll-law-offices.com City of Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum www.carroll-law-offices.com 803-293-7846 406 Park Avenue Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Cocktail Napkin Logic: We are here to assist with any Aiken question you have, or get you Chestnut Mare beware- watch out signed up for the Aiken Trolley Tour. Upstairs youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find the Train Museum with a model train depicting life along the rail as it was in your Ginger could snap.

1916. Open Tues-Sat. www.visitaikensc.com . 58 | Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016

News and Events Aiken County Visitors Center 803-642-7557 113 Laurens Street SW Suite 103 Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Visitors Center with free brochures and information on things to do in Aiken County. Gift Shop featuring locally made items and Aiken County related souvenirs. www.DiscoverAikenCounty.com

Aiken Horse Park Foundation PO Box 1951 Aiken, South Carolina 29802 The Mission of the Aiken Horse Park is to promote Aiken’s Equestrian Way of Life, and to Encourage the Community’s Civic, Educational and Charitable Endeavors. www.AikenHorsePark.org

Ad on Page 52

Publicity U Public Relations Freelance Writing HaleStorm communications will get you the positive publicity your business needs, write your speech for you or advise you on your image and how to boost it.

Having your own publicist, by the job or on demand, gives you the power and confidence to compete with business rivals on your own terms.

Equestrian Calendar Aiken 803-270-9767 PO Box 33 Montmorenci, South Carolina 29839 “Your on line on time equestrian resource for equestrian events in Aiken and the surrounding area.” info@equestriancalendaraiken.com www.equestriancalendaraiken.com

Personal Services

Stephen Delaney Hale Haleyes@gforcecable.com

53 Troon Way, Aiken, SC 29803

(803) 514-0923 U (803) 649-6710

Pet Sitting Angela Pet Care

Curtiss Announcing

774-232-0797 35 Purgatory Road Aiken, South Carolina 29801

301-814-2766 Aiken, South Carolina 29164 Horse Show, Horse Trial, Dressage, Hunter/Jumper, Carriages/Driving , AQHA Organizers Communication is Key to Success! Curtiss Announcing: Clear, Effective, Pleasant , Complete!

Angela Pet Care specializes in the professional care of all farm animals (horses, dogs, cats, chickens, sheep, goats, etc.) at owner’s home. Available for the month of March. akazanovicz@gmail.com curtissannouncing@gmail.com www.CurtissAnnouncing.com Horses and Hounds Aiken

Pest Control Aiken County Farm Supply 803-649-2987 / Fax: 803-649-2130 1933 Park Avenue Aiken, South Carolina 29801

803-443-8303 or 803-643-9972 Aiken, South Carolina 29803

N P

Pet/horse/farm sitting in Aiken County. Daily visits or overnight stays. Bonded. Insured. Veterinary Assistant. horsesandhoundsaiken@gmail.com HorsesandHoundsAiken.com

Serving Aiken County for Over 30 Years.

Ad on Page 49

aikencountyfarm@bellsouth.net www.AikenCountyFarmSupply.com

Publications Aiken Sporting Life A book by Jane Page Thompson and Linda Knox McLean.

Images of America series. Proceeds to benefit Hitchcock Woods.

Available at local retail stores and on www.Amazon.com. janepagethompson@gmail.com www.Amazon.com Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016 | 59

Publications Equestrian Calendar Aiken

Real Estate Aiken Horse Realty

803-270-9767 PO Box 33 Montmorenci, South Carolina 29839

803-215-0153 Meybohm Realtors 142 Laurens St NW / Aiken, SC 29801 Equestrian Realtor and professional horse person will help you find â&#x20AC;&#x153;Your on line on time equestrian resource for equestrian events in the perfect property in the Aiken area. Over 13 years of experience Aiken and the surrounding area.â&#x20AC;? and leading sales agent for multiple years with exceptional customer info@equestriancalendaraiken.com service. suzy.haslup@gmail.com www.equestriancalendaraiken.com Ad on Page 60 www.aikenhorserealty.com

HaleStorm communications

Aiken Properties

803-514-0923 53 Troon Way Aiken, South Carolina 29803

803-215-8232 211 Silverbluff Road Aiken, South Carolina 29803

Hale is known in Aiken as a free lance writer, publicist, public relations, and marketing consultant.

Haleyes@gforcecable.com Ad on Page 61

Ad on Page 59

Sasscer Hill Aiken, South Carolina 29803

P

Sasscer Hill. Author of Agatha, Macavity, & Claymore nominated horse racing mysteries. Books at Equine Divine, Laurens Street, Aiken. Ebooks at Amazon.com.

Hillerroo@gmail.com Sasscerhill.com

R World Class Grooming, LLC

716-863-0442 40 Date Palm Circle / Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Offering Clinics, mini-clinics and personal barn training for professionals and amateurs alike. Learn how to care for your horses the way the top riders do!

Ad on Page 72

worldclassgrooming@gmail.com www.worldclassgrooming.com

Cocktail Napkin Logic: Never let someone else twist your curb chain! . 60 | Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016

Your Hometown Team working for you! Buying, Selling or need property advice, Aiken Properties Realtors are here for you. janepagethompson@gmail.com www.aikenproperties.com

Real Estate Carolina Real Estate Company 803-648-8660 333 Park Avenue SW Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Entrusted to sell Aiken’s finest estates, homes & horse properties ~ combining excellent internet marketing with a tradition of top-notch service. carolinacompany@carolinacompany.com www.CarolinaHorseProperties.com Ad on Page 37

Cat Deegan, Realtor 803-646-0699 1070 Silver Bluff Road Aiken, SC 29803 Concierge-style real estate services for fast-paced professionals, busy families, and for those who expect more. Seller and Buyer Services offered.

CatDeeganProperties@gmail.com Ad on Page 60 www.CatDeegan.com

Legacy Farms at Mill Creek 864-391-9416 Mill Creek Lane McCormick, South Carolina 29835 Secluded home sites - 1.4 to 9.1 acres. Nestled on Strom Thurmond Lake, surrounded by National Forest. Paradise for wildlife enthusiasts with the convenience of fiber optic phone and internet service.

RichardBCross@gmail.com www.LegacyFarmsMC.com Ad on Page 61

Legacy Farms at Mill Creek It’s about more than the land.

It’s about home, heritage, family and the future. www.LegacyFarmsMC.com Mill Creek Lane / McCormick, SC 29835 / 864-391-9416

New Bridge Polo & Country Club 803-648-3699 862 New Bridge Road Aiken, South Carolina 29805 Gated Equestrian Community, Spring & Fall Tournment Polo, Full Service Boarding at the Stables, Dining at The Polo Grille, Clubhouse Event Rentals, Social Memberships, Real Estate. info@newbridgepolo.com www.NewBridgePolo.com Ad on Page 81

Rebecca Gutierrez, Realtor 803-646-0462 Meybohm / 142 Laurens St., NW / Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Serving equestrian buyers and sellers in the Aiken County area with special interest in properties for carriage drivers. Qualified in farm, land and residential properties. rebeccag@meybohm.com www.meybohm.com Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/rebecca.aiken.realtor

RE/MAX Tattersall Group 803-226-0036 120 Laurens Street NW Aiken, South Carolina 29801 One of only a dozen RE/MAX Collection branded offices worldwide, the RE/MAX Tattersall Group has the local knowledge and global network to help you buy or sell equestrian property.

KarlMcMillan@remax.net www.TattersallGroup.com Ad on Page 42 Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016 | 61

Real Estate continued

Tracey K Turner/Meybohm 803-215-4734 142 Laurens St NW / Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Specializing in Land, Farms, & Downtown Cottages. A driven realtor with an equine savvy background to assist you with your horse farm search. 15+ years of market knowledge and professionalism.

Tracey@SouthernHorseFarms.com Ad on Page 13 www.SouthernHorseFarms.com

The Reilly & Sullivan Team Aiken Fine Properties AIKEN FINE PROPERTIES 803-998-1177 142 Laurens Street NW Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Premier real estate firm specializing in equestrian property throughout the Aiken, South Carolina area.

AikenFineProperties@gmail.com AikenFineProperties.com Ad on Page 62

Three Runs Plantation 888-297-8881 125 Three Runs Plantation Drive Aiken, South Carolina 29803 Equestrian oriented residential community. 2400 acres. 30 miles of trails. Homesites from 5+ acres. Clubhouse, pool/cabana, jump/ dressage arenas, X-Country. Developer Financing.

Ad on Inside Back Cover

www.threerunsplantation.com

Todâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hill Equestrian Community 843-693-6115 Six miles from Downtown Aiken, SC The closest equestrian community to downtown Aiken. This gated development features estate and waterfront property with rolling hills, endless views, and miles of community trails.

KarlMcMillan@remax.net www.TodsHill.com Ad on Inside of Front Cover

Rehabilitation PEMF Sporthorse Therapy (803) 443-5758 Aiken, South Carolina PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy) A Viable Alternative to Drugs, Stimulates Cellular Repair,improves circulation, increases blood oxygen, decreases inflammation, relieves pain, and speeds healing. Seeing is believing. livetruth@live.com Ad on Page 43 www.racehorsetherapy.com

Performance Equine Vets

R

803-641-0644 3827 Charleston Highway Aiken, South Carolina 29801

Performance Equine Vets

Full Service Equine Veterinry Clinic. 24 Hour Crirical Care Hospital, Embryo Transfers, Surgical and Lameness Center.

Discount Vet Supply. office@PerformanceEquineVets.com www.PerformanceEquineVets.com Ad on Page 32

Sporting Days Farm 803-648-0100 3549 Charleston Highway Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Home of the Oldest Ongoing Horse Trials in Aiken. Our facility is available for clinics. We provide boarding with winter and summer rates, Limited accommodations, and Horse Rehab.

SDAikenHT@aol.com Ad on Page 48 www.SportingDaysFarm.com . 62 | Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016

C

Carriage Driving inAiken

arriage Driving in Aiken has been a tradition for many years. Today, Windsor, South Carolina, located a few miles east of Aiken has become THE location for many drivers and driving event facilities. The flat terrain and the

by Nancy Bruen Smith

200, and welcomes new members. The club organizes many social events, including carriage drives through many dirt roads have attracted many, so many that the the Audubon Reserve, through town, and the horse district. The carriage parade during both the spring county of Aiken and the state of South Carolina, felt and fall steeplechase is a huge crowd pleaser, attracting that the growth in population deserved the privilege many drivers, including four-in hands which is a site to of paving some of the dirt roads an advent which the behold. driving community continues to battle. arriage Driving in Aiken, another equestrian Competitively speaking, Katydid Farm and Windsor discipline enjoyed by many.

Trace host two events per year that are recognized by the American Driving Society. Katydid also hosts a Derby Â&#x2122; Driving series. Gilcrest Farm hosts many schooling competitions and clinics. Many prominent drivers that have represented the U.S. in World Championships have chosen to make Aiken their home base.

The Aiken Driving Club has a healthy membership of

C

A Leader in Quality and Innovation 228 Saddlejump Place / Aiken, SC 29801 / 803-649-1401 marjean@camptownharness.com / www.CamptownHarness.com

Photo Credit: Nancy Bruen Smith

Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016 | 63 .

Rentals Fox Nation

Aiken Luxury Rentals Distinctive Rentals “Not just a place to stay, but an extraordinary experience”

Exceptional Accomodations for Horse and Rider Aiken, South Carolina 803-648-2804

803-341-8800 735 Cedar Branch Rd Windsor, South Carolina 29856 Fox Nation is available for long and short term rentals. Two homes and two - twelve stall barns with equestrian amenities - Visit our website or call (803) 341-8800.

Ad on Page 62

www.FoxNationAiken.com

New Bridge Polo & Country Club 803-648-3699 862 New Bridge Road Aiken, South Carolina 29805 Gated Equestrian Community, Spring & Fall Tournment Polo, Full Service Boarding at the Stables, Dining at The Polo Grille, Clubhouse Event Rentals, Social Memberships, Real Estate. info@newbridgepolo.com www.NewBridgePolo.com Ad on Page 81

Progressive Show Jumping, Inc 803 649-3505 Highfields 147 Warehouse Road Aiken, South Carolina 29801 USEF and Schooling Shows, Jump and Portable Stall Rentals, Dry Stall Rental, RV Camping.

Rentals

psjshows87@gmail.com www.PSJshows.com

Aiken Horse Realty

Tracey K Turner/Meybohm

803-215-0153 Meybohm Realtors 142 Laurens St NW / Aiken, SC 29801 Equestrian Realtor and professional horse person will help you find the perfect property in the Aiken area. Over 13 years of experience and leading sales agent for multiple years with exceptional customer service. suzy.haslup@gmail.com www.aikenhorserealty.com Ad on Page 60

803-215-4734 142 Laurens St NW / Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Specializing in Land, Farms, & Downtown Cottages. A driven realtor with an equine savvy background to assist you with your horse farm search. 15+ years of market knowledge and professionalism.

Tracey@SouthernHorseFarms.com Ad on Page 13 www.SouthernHorseFarms.com

Aiken Luxury Rentals

The Carriage House Inn

803-648-2804 215 Grace Ave SE / Aiken, South Carolina 29801

R

Ad on Page 54

803-644-5888 139 Laurens St NW / Aiken, SC 29801 Enjoy comfortably elegant accommodations, located in charming Award winning rental houses in beautiful downtown Aiken, SC. downtown Aiken. Our new addition provides 39 luxurious rooms Spectacular, fully-furnished historic Cottages, Lofts, Studios and and suites, blended with our Historic Inn, circa 1872. Stroll to the Carriage houses. All-inclusive packages. many restaurants, boutiques and galleries Aiken has to offer. info@aikenluxuryrentals.com info@AikenCarriageHouse.com Ad on Page 64 www.aikenluxuryrentals.com Ad on Page 17 www.AikenCarriageHouse.com

Carolina Real Estate Company 803-648-8660 333 Park Avenue SW Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Entrusted to sell Aiken’s finest estates, homes and horse properties.

Let us find you a home for horses ~ call our office for information on seasonal equestrian rentals. carolinacompany@carolinacompany.com www.CarolinaHorseProperties.com Ad on Page 37 . 64 | Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016

The Reilly & Sullivan Team Aiken Fine Properties AIKEN FINE PROPERTIES 803-998-1177 142 Laurens Street NW Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Premier real estate firm specializing in equestrian property throughout the Aiken, South Carolina area.

AikenFineProperties@gmail.com AikenFineProperties.com Ad on Page 62

Rescues Equine Rescue of Aiken 803-643-1850 532 Glenwood Dr Aiken, SC 29803 Helping Horses Find Homes Since 2006. Our mission is i to t rescue unwanted horses who have suffered from abuse and neglect and to re-purpose Off-the-track-thoroughbreds info@AikenEquineRescue.org Ad on Page 67 www.Aikenequinerescue.org

FOTAS 803-514-4313 P.O. Box 2207, Aiken, SC 29802 501c3 non-profit wholly funded by private donations that supplements the resources of the Aiken County Animal Shelter in the case of 4800 homeless & abandoned animals each year. To adopt, please visit the Aiken County Animal Shelter at 333 Wire Road, Aiken. info@fotasaiken.org www.FOTASAiken.org Ad on this Page

PAWS, Inc. 803-634-1272 P.O. Box 392 Aiken, South Carolina 29802 Make spay/neuter, Heartworm Prevention & Pet Wellness irresistible! Save every forsaken dog or cat we can! Affirm the blessing of and responsibility for our pets! joya523@gmail.com

AdoptionsÂ&#x2122;WellnessÂ&#x2122;Training

www.LetLoveLive.org 803-648-6863 / 199 Willow Run Road / Aiken, SC 29801

Rescues continued

Restaurants

SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare

Aiken Speakeasy and Eats

803-648-6863 199 Willow Run Road / Aiken, South Carolina 29801

803-226-0260 126 Laurens Street NW Aiken, South Carolina 29801

Offers pet adoptions, training, a full-service veterinary clinic and a wide range of pet products.

Signature Dishes and Mixed Drinks from the Period. Fine Dining in info@letlovelive.org a Fun, Casual Atmosphere. Weekly Entertainment and Jazz. www.letlovelive.org Ad on Page 65 arlenego@aol.com aikenspeakeasy.com Ad on Page 26

Resources

Aiken Land Conservancy

and,

Casa Bella Italian Restaurant

803-641-3107 120 Chesterfield Street Aiken, South Carolina 29801 A family operated business with authentic Italian recipes presented Aiken Land Conservancy is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to preserving natural and historic resources through land in a fine dining experience in an 1896 Victorian mansion with crisp conservation. mail@conserveaiken.org clean surroundings and inviting cooking aromas. www.ConserveAiken.org Ad on Page 12 www.casabellaitalianrestaurant.com Ad on Page 26 855-ALC-LAND PO Box 3096 Aiken, South Carolina 29802

Equestrian Calendar Aiken

803-270-9767 PO Box 33 Montmorenci, South Carolina 29839 “Your on line on time equestrian resource for equestrian events in Aiken and the surrounding area.” info@equestriancalendaraiken.com www.equestriancalendaraiken.com

Rose Hill Estate & Stables Restaurant 803-648-1181 221 Greenville Street NW Aiken, South Carolina 29801 The Stables Restaurant at Rose Hill is located in a repurposed turn of the century horse stable. Cuisine consists of a variety of house made dishes with local ingredients. kena@rosehillestate.com

Stolen Horse International, Inc. The Dinner Bell

704-484-2165 PO Box 1341 Shelby, North Carolina 28151

803-648-5000 2411 Richland Ave SE Aiken, South Carolina

The 501c3 nonprofit organization for all things missing, stolen, or found in the horse industry.

Food Concession For Equestrian Events

debi@netposse.com

Salon and Spa My Aiken Body

R S

803-761-1127 623 Richland Avenue, West Aiken, South Carolina 29801

The Willcox 803-648-1898 100 Colleton Avenue, SW Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Cloud Soft Beds and Intimate Salon and Spa. One of the South’s Best Restaurants. All in a setting of Easy Going Elegance.

Massage Therapy for Physical Wellness.

Ad on Page 16 What every Aiken body needs.

MyAikenBody@gmail.com MyAikenBody.com Ad on Page 51

info@TheWillcox.com www.TheWillcox.com

Saddle Makers and Fitters

The Willcox

CWD Sellier

678-446-4249 1000 W Oak Street Burbank, California 91506 True performance delivered from a quality hand made French Cloud Soft Beds and Intimate Salon and Spa. One of the South’s Custom saddle offering comfort, close contact and the peace of mind Best Restaurants. All in a setting of Easy Going Elegance. that your horse can perform optimally. Free fittings. mnel@cwdsellier.com info@TheWillcox.com www.CWDSellier.com www.TheWillcox.com Ad on Page 16 803-648-1898 100 Colleton Avenue, SW Aiken, South Carolina 29801

. 66 | Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016

. 17 | Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016

Photo Ph Pho P ho hoto to Credit: Cre edi ed dit: Nancy Nancy Na y B. B. Smith Sm S mit itth ith h

Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016 | 17

Services continued Core - Equus

Core Equus

803-439-3949 Aiken, South Carolina

Pilates for Riders & Horses

As a veterinarian and classical dressage rider, Dr. Glinski is passionate about helping horses move in harmony. Pilates for riders achieves this goal through enhanced core stability.

Ad on this Page

DrMaria@Core-Equus.com www.Core-Equus.com

Legacy Homes of Aiken, Inc. Russ Hayes

6 2

803-215-0179 240 Archdale Drive Aiken, South Carolina 29803 Home Remodeling, Repairs, Barns and Run-In Sheds.

Russ Hayes - Residential Builder - Licensed and Bonded.

Ad on Page 38

rhayes2010@hotmail.com

Progressive Show Jumping, Inc 803 649-3505 Highfields 147 Warehouse Road Aiken, South Carolina 29801 USEF and Schooling Shows, Jump and Portable Stall Rentals, Dry Stall Rental, RV Camping.

Ad on Page 54

Services

Rebel Ranch Horse Tours 803-640-2765 75 OBannion Court Warrenville, South Carolina 29851

Aiken Saddlery Inc 803-649-6583 1044 E Pine Log Road Aiken, SC 29803

Offering guided trail rides thru Hitchcock Woods on user friendly mounts. Excursions are tailored to the experience level of the rider.

Everything for The Horse and Rider amy@aikensaddlery.com www.aikensaddlery.com

Ad on Back Cover

City Stables | Polo Farms | Country Estates Seasonal â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Yearly â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Special Events

Manure Removal

Garbage Service

10, 20, 30 Yard Containers

Carts, 2, 4, 6, 8 Yard Containers

Roll-offs for construction, property maintenance or spring cleaning

Since 1946 803-648-6714 | www.tylerssanitation.com . 68 | Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016

psjshows87@gmail.com www.PSJshows.com

AHBRider1@yahoo.com

T

vents Western E in the Area

here are regular scheduled AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association) and APHA (American Paint Horse Association), sanctioned shows in Camden and Clemson. These shows cover the bases from halter and pleasure, to ranch riding, reining and cutting classes throughout the year.

SCQHA kicks off their first show in Camden in March. SC Equine Park in Camden has added a second covered arena, so staying out of inclement weather is much easier.

by Nancy B. Smith

The Hippodrome also hosts team sorting events during the year. BSC Arena in Waynesboro, GA is the newest facility in the area. They host team sorting events every month. Check their FB page to get the latest updates.

BSC’s schedule includes RSNC sanctioned events as well as round robins that are jackpotted. BSC is a covered arena with amenities. Another option for team sorting is Braxton Training Center in Edgefield.

There are always numerous practice days and events such as team roping, competitive trail, throughout the area, as well as sanctioned IPR rodeos.

The James Brown Arena located in downtown Augusta holds the Augusta Cutting Futurity every year in January attracting competitors from 23 states as well as Canada. The event is kicked off with a Professional Barrel racing enthusiasts have numerous schooling shows as well as NBHA sanctioned shows at the Hippo- Bull Riding event to benefit The Pacers, USC Aiken’s drome in North Augusta, SC. This facility has a covered baseball team. Check www.EquestrianCalendarAiken for updates. and indoor arena, as well as permanent stalls.

Photo Credit: Top: Nancy Mark | Bottom: Nancy Bruen Smith

Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016 | ƅĿ .

Services continued

Tack

Right Side Eventing LLC

Aiken Saddlery Inc

803-571-1757 143 Melrose Road Aiken, South Carolina 29801

803-649-6583 1044 E Pine Log Road Aiken, SC 29803

RSE LLC offers boarding, lessons, training, sales and grooming including body clipping, and mane pulling.

Everything for The Horse and Rider amy@aikensaddlery.com www.aikensaddlery.com

therese.grittner@gmail.com Ad on Back Cover

Tylerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sanitation

Camptown Harness

803-648-6714 132 Hedge Road Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Manure Removal - 10,20,30 yd containers. Certified Farm & Landfill for composting. Rural garbage. Service carts or 2, 4, 6, 8 yd containers. Roll-offs for all your construction needs.

803-649-1401 228 Saddlejump Place Aiken, South Carolina 29801

A leader in quality and innovation. Competition Harness and Innovative riding equipment. marjean@camptownharness.com www.camptownharness.com www.TylersSanitation.com Ad on Page 63

Ad on Page 68

Supplements

Finally Found It Tack Shack 803-640-2339 3914 Wagener Road Aiken, South Carolina 29805

Aiken Saddlery Inc 803-649-6583 1044 E Pine Log Road Aiken, SC 29803

New and Used Equine Apparel and Equipment.

Consignments Now Being Taken.

FFIF@aol.com www.finallyfounditequestrian.com

Everything for The Horse and Rider Ad on Back Cover

amy@aikensaddlery.com www.aikensaddlery.com

803-641-7070 2677 Wagener Road Aiken, South Carolina 29801

Performance Equine Vets 803-641-0644 3827 Charleston Highway Aiken, South Carolina 29801

Oak Manor Saddlery

Performance Equine Vets

Fox Hunt, Event, Horse Show or ride for fun.... we have the clothing and equipment you need.

Full Service Equine Veterinry Clinic. 24 Hour Critical Care Hospital, Embryo Transfers, Surgical and Lameness Center.

Ad on Page 71 Discount Vet Supply. office@PerformanceEquineVets.com www.PerformanceEquineVets.com Sullivan Saddlery Ad on Page 32 803-226-0664 2142 University Parkway Aiken, South Carolina 29801

OakManorSaddlery@live.com www.OakManorSaddlery.com

Tack Repair

The Saddle Doctor

S

803-642-5166/txt 803-270-0457 538 Two Notch Rd Aiken, South Carolina 29801

and Harness Repair, Boot Zipper Repair and more.

T Saddlery Conveniently Located Next To The Training Track in Aiken.

Ad on Page 71

. 70 | Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016

Aikenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier equestrian consignment store offering a large selection of saddles, tack, stable equipment and apparel. Also offering tack repair, blanket washing and repair. sullivansaddlery@gmail.com

SADDLERY AND HARNESS REPAIR

538 Two Notch Road Aiken, SC 29801 (803) 642-5186

Holly M. Spencer

Trailers Georgia Carolina Shadow Horse Trailers 803-262-5112 1565 Columbia Hwy Aiken, South Carolina 29801 All Aluminum Horse Trailer Construction, Setting the Standard for Innovation. sales@georgiacarolinashadow.com www.GeorgiaCarolinaShadow.com

Riverhill Farm Trailers 864-243-2214 1543 McKelvey Rd Fountain Inn, South Carolina 29644 An authorized dealer of Adam Trailers that are built to last with one of the best supported warranties in the industry. Enjoy your trailer today and tomorrow. riverhillfarmt@aol.com RiverHillFarmTrailers.com

United Automotive & Diesel Performance Center, LLC 803-643-7278 1036 Toolebeck Road Aiken, South Carolina 29803 Specializing in Ford Powerstroke Diesels, Dodge Cummins, Chevrolet Duramax, air and electric brakes. Service Horse Trailers. uadllc@gmail.com

Ad on Page 27

Training and Instruction Aiken Horsemanship Academy

Aiken Training Track

803-761-4342 Aiken, South Carolina 29803

803-648-4631 538 Two Notch Road Aiken, South Carolina 29801

Julie Robinsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Aiken Horsemanship Academy. Our mission is to develop confident riders and well behaved horses ready to excel in Thoroughbred Racing Facility any discipline. Offering Clinics, Lessons, Training and More! julie@julierobins.com www.JulieRobins.com

T

AikenTT@Bellsouth.net www.AikenTrainingTrack.com Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016 | 71

Training and Instruction continued

Amy McElroy 803-640-4207 Aiken, South Carolina Dressage Instruction specializing in teaching Adult/Amateurs.

USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medalist. 2016 USEF S Judge Candidate mcelroydrm@aol.com www.amymcelroy.com

Apple Tree Farm South 603-345-0382 1530 Oak Ridge Club Road Windsor, South Carolina 29856 Apple Tree Farm South is an eventing farm that offers training, lessons, boarding, week long eventing programs, and weekly 2-phase competitions. apltrefarm@aol.com www.appletreefarm.org

Ashbrooke Equestrian Center 803-439-2494 5644 White Pond Road Aiken, South Carolina 29803

Ashbrooke

Instruction for Children and Adults on schooled horses and ponies.

Summer camp available for children. www.facebook.com/Ashbrooke-Equestrian-Center-201264726579128

Ad on Page 39

Beth Barritt LLC

Beth Barritt

301-974-1006 152 SW Mandiba Drive Lake City, Florida 32024

)HHG \RXU DGGLFWLRQ 5LGH WKH 9LVWD %HJLQQHU QRYLFH WKUX XSSHU OHYHO &URVV FRXQWU\ 6FKRROLQJ 'HUE\ DQG 6WDGLXP -XPSLQJ $UHDV /DUJH DQG 6PDOO 'UHVVDJH $UHQDV /DUJH DQG 6PDOO *DOORS 7UDFNV $FUHV RI +DFNLQJ 2SHQ 'D\V D :HHN 2QH IODW UDWH IRU DOO YHQXHV

6FKRROWKHYLVWD FRP 859 Old Tory Trail Aiken, SC 803-262-5263 . 72 | Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016

Tom Caniglia Managing partner 803-215-9845 vistaschooling@gmail.com

Making a Difference with your Dressage score.

USEF “R” Dressage judge, FEI competitor and instructor.

Clinics in Aiken from November - April.

Ad on Page 25 bethbarritt1@att.net

C’est La Vie Farms 808-264-3627 803 Williston Way Williston, SC 29353 Specializing in Retraining Thoroughbreds for the Show Ring. jillanimal@gmail.com Ad on Page 30

Core - Equus 803-439-3949 Aiken, South Carolina

Core Equus Pilates for Riders & Horses

As a veterinarian and classical dressage rider, Dr. Glinski is passionate about helping horses move in harmony. Pilates for riders achieves this goal through enhanced core stability.

Ad on Page 68

DrMaria@Core-Equus.com www.Core-Equus.com

E venting inAiken

by Nancy B. Smith

The sport of eventing, sometimes referred

to as the triathlon of equestrian events or horse trials, is the ultimate test of a single horse and riderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s partnership as they compete in three phases; dressage, cross country jumping, and stadium jumping.

Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016 | 73

T

he sport derived from the cavalry test requiring mastery of several types of riding.

To compete in the upper levels, a horse must be unbelievably fit, and the rider must have incredible skill and finesse to harness that energy into a polished and powerful performance.

Aiken attracts eventers of all levels. Men and women compete as equals. The age of the rider does not seem to be a factor. It is not unheard of to see 60 plus year olds competing at the advanced level.

Many of Aiken’s winter residents are internationally prominent riders.

Again, Aiken proves to be a perfect place to bring along green horses.

There are four facilities in Aiken that host USEA recognized events; Sporting Days Farm, Paradise Farm, Full Gallop and most recently, Stable View International Event Facility that is also home to Aiken’s High Performance Training Sessions, for an elite group of athletes invited to train with the U.S. Eventing Team Coaches. Stable View will be hosting a “Masters Class,” demonstrated by U.S. Olympians Phillip Dutton and Boyd Martin. This event will take place on March 3rd, to benefit the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team’s Road to Rio. Pine Top that is less than an hour away hosts advanced classes.

The newly built Vista Schooling & Event Center, 187 acres of rolling hills and level terrain, opened its’ doors in the fall of 2015. This state of the art schooling facility accommodates horse and rider abilities from beginners to international level competitors.

Phillip Dutton and Boyd Martin, two winter residents of Aiken, representing the U.S. Eventing Team in 2015 at the Pan Am Games, were members of the U.S. Eventing Team that brought home the Gold Medal.

Aiken’s equestrian community proudly supports their efforts, and appreciates their community participation. t is a dream come true for the amateur eventer that can benefit from instruction from some of the world’s top competitors. It is not unusual to see an Olympic rider, bringing along a green horse, in the warm-up area with an amateur competing in novice or training class. The support and camaraderie these horsemen give each other, at all levels, is exceptional. The public is welcome at these competitions and are encouraged to get involved as a volunteer at any of these events.

I

. 74 | Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016

Photo Credit: Nancy Bruen Smith

Jim Wolf Coaching

Clinics, Lessons, Training, Coaching 803-641-0685 / 603-496-3725 (cell) jmwolf2@gmail.com Aiken, South Carolina

Woodstock Eventing 610-836-1011 www.WoodstockEventing.com

Lellie Ward

International Three Day Event Rider Paradise Farm is 110 acre complete training facility and USEF /USEA Competition site.

Ten minutes from downtown Aiken, SC. Forty years experience teaching, training, selling National and International level horses.

Resume, Competition Schedule, Sales horses visit www.paradisefarmaiken.com 4069 Wagener Road / Aiken, Aiken South Carolina C 29805 / ParadiseFarmAiken@gmail.com

www.ParadiseFarmAiken.com

Training and Instruction continued

Jumping Branch Farm

• Lessons: Thru Intermediate 3 Day Intermediare I-1

• Boarding: Full Care Pasture Self Care Winter

• Training: Partial or Full

Julie Zapapas

(803)642-3484

• Horse Trials: Preliminary thru Tadpole

jbfarm.com zapapasj@bellsouth.net

803-642-3484 179 Fox Pond Road Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Lessons, Training, Clinics, Sales, and Cross Country Courses (Prelim through tadpole). Year round pasture board, and winter self-care board available. zapapasj@bellsouth.net www.JBFarm.com Ad on Page 76

Katelin Halvorsen 608-320-1819 Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Katelin trains horses and riders in the disciplines of Hunter and Jumper, specializing in young horses.

Cousyn Dressage 904-613-5464 Aiken, South Carolina 29804

katelinphalvorsen@gmail.com

International Grand Prix Dressage Trainer in Aiken Moon Indigo Farm Combining Modern Dressage with Classical Principles.

412-860-3375 Training Level up to Grand Prix at your facility. All disciplines.

Williston, South Carolina 29853 pcousyn@gmail.com Amy is Trainer/Instructor/Owner of Moon Indigo Farm. She has Ad on Page24 CousynDressage.com over 30 years experience in Dressage, eventing & starting young horses. Will travel to teach and train.

Fair Play Equestrian 2014 Gray Mare Hollow Road a.hoffield@gmail.com Aiken, South Carolina 29803 www.moonindigofarm.com A boarding/training/sales facility available to eventers, ffoxhunters, h dressage, H/J, or anyone with a love for horses. Horse-sale marketing. A laid back, enjoyable atmosphere to ride and train.

Ad on Page 77

334-399-3810 jschultz45@yahoo.com 186 Beck Road www.FairPlayAiken.com White Pond, South Carolina 29853

Jane McDonald Training and Sales 803-617-8045 531 John Scott Road Aiken, South Carolina 29803

803-641-0685 603-496-3725 (cell) Aiken, South Carolina

T

Phillip Dutton Eventing at Red Oak Farm jmwolf2@gmail.com

Cocktail Napkin Logic: When in doubt add a stride, finish your own flask first and end your day with a clean round. . 76 | Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016

Paradise Farm, LLC

803-640-4918 4069 Wagener Road Aiken, South Carolina 29805 janem1262@aol.com 110 acre complete training facility and USEF/USEA Competition site. Ten minutes from downtown Aiken, SC. Forty years experience teaching, training,selling National and International level horses.

ParadiseFarmAiken@gmail.com www.ParadiseFarmAiken.com Ad on Page 75

Clinics, Lessons, Training, Coaching Ad on Page 74

Training ponies 14.2 hh and under (including minis) for your driving pleasure. ponydriver186@aol.com

Specializing in selling imported European Horses, Training, Boarding, Lay ups and retired horses welcome

Jim Wolf Coaching

New Horizon Farm Anna B. Shaw

544 Bridle Creek Trail Aiken, South Carolina 29803 We are a family-run and family-involved barn and take pride in our success in the sport of Eventing. We invite you to learn what we do and follow our program phillipduttoneventing@gmail.com www.PhillipDutton.com

Training and Instruction continued

Radway Eventing at Hopeland Farms 803-220-5619 377 Tom Cat Lane Aiken, South Carolina 29803 Radway is a training program for horse and riders in Eventing Dressage Jumpers and field hunter. We also offer clinics and camps that includes stable management and care of your horse. radwayeventing@yahoo.com www.radwayeventing.com Ad on Page 74

Riding Out Of The Circle 1080 Archie Ware Road Trenton, SC 29847 803-270-6214 WinsomeHorses@yahoo.com

www.WinsomeHorses.com

Winsome Stables An eventing facility offering Training - Boarding - Lessons beginner to advanced

Owned and Operated by Teresa Kemp

Richard Lamb 828-817-1163 937 Oleander Drive, SE Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Teaching - Training - Multiple Disciplines All Ages / Levels of Riders and Horses USEA Level III (ICP) richard.b.lamb9@gmail.com www.ridinginbalance.com

Ron Duren Horsemanship 803-646-7800 Aiken, South Carolina Training: Private and group lessons, clinics, show preparation for horse and rider, Limited mobile training sessions. Call for availabilty.

“Making horses and riders confident and competitive”

rduren1@gmail.com

Shawna Harding Dressage 803-295-6613 Aiken, South Carolina 29801

International rider and trainer. Training and Sales.

shawnahardingdressage@gmail.com

The Stable on The Woods 603-785-0435 292 Rubins Cottage Lane Aiken, South Carolina 29801 Aiken’s elite boarding/training facility. Direct access to Hitchcock Woods, full size dressage arena with mirrors, show jumping arena and high-quality grass pastures.

TheStableontheWoods@gmail.com www.StableontheWoods.com Ad on Page 31

Todd Ready Performance Horses 803-640-5226 1193 Shaws Fork Road Aiken, South Carolina 29805

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25 yrs experience fitting, training and showing AQHA/PHBA halter, Western Pleasure, Hunter Under Saddle and All Around.

Lessons also available. trperformhorses@gmail.com Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016 | 77

Training and Instruction continued

Vaughn Equestrian 603-785-0435 1613 Banks Mill Rd Aiken, South Carolina 29803 Vaughn Equestrian offers top-level training & care in private setting. Importing top-quality European horses for the Amateur rider.

Characterized by right attitude, rideability & correct conformation.

Vaughn.eq@gmail.com www.VaughnEquestrian.com Ad on Page 24

Woodstock Eventing Ryan Wood 610-836-1011 Victoria Farms Aiken, South Carolina 4**** International Eventer, winters at Victoria Farm, Aiken. Available for training, lessons, clinics. Always has quality horses for sale. woodstockeventing@hotmail.com Ad on Page 74 www.WoodstockEventing.com

Wheeler Equestrian

World Class Grooming, LLC

410-353-6877 6180 Pony Trail Aiken, SC 29803

716-863-0442 40 Date Palm Circle / Aiken, South Carolina 29801

Instruction for eventers and hunter/jumpers. Available for coaching at events. Full and Pasture Board Available. wheelerequestrian@gmail.com www.WheelerEquestrian.com

Winsome Stables

Event Medical SouthStar Emergency Medical Service

803-270-6214 1080 Archie Ware Road Trenton, South Carolina 29847

803-643-9113 681 Silver Bluff Road, Ste 104 Aiken, South Carolina 29801

An Eventing facility that offers training, instruction and boarding.

Ad on Page 77

Offering Clinics, mini-clinics and personal barn training for professionals and amateurs alike. Learn how to care for your horses the way the top riders do! worldclassgrooming@gmail.com www.worldclassgrooming.com Ad on Page 72

winsomehorses@yahoo.com www.WinsomeHorses.com

EVENT MEDICS - USEF Member SouthStar Emergency Medical Services- Equine Ad on this page

803-643-9113 www.SouthStarEMS.com

jla1016@aol.com www.southstarems.com

Polo inAiken The Legacy Lives On

by Nancy Bruen Smith

P

olo in Aiken has a strong history. Polo players from around the world began arriving in Aiken after the first recorded game, in 1882, on the historic Whitney Field. By the 1940’s, Aiken boasted 17 polo fields.

Today Aiken County has over 40 polo fields; about 20 of those are used for tournament polo. A regulation polo field is 9.5 times as big as a football field. Aiken’s polo community is a tight international group that is extremely supportive of each other.

Polo is a team sport that is played by male and female amateurs and professionals. A polo match lasts about an hour and a half and is divided into 6 seven-minute time periods called chukkers. There are four players on a team. Tournaments are played with a specific goal rating. The USPA has a handicap system that rates players from minus-2 to 10 goals. The players’ handicap determines their value to their team. There are less than a dozen 10 goal players in the world. The majority of USPA rated players carry a rating of two goals or less.

So, if a game is identified as a 12 goal match, each team’s four players’ handicaps add up to 12.

Skilled polo professionals market themselves to amateurs. An amateur who hires a professional for a team is called a patron. Patrons can pay their professionals anywhere from $1000 to $150,000 plus per game.

Close to 20 full time professional players, as high as eight goals, call Aiken and the surrounding area home.

It has a lot to do with the lower cost of living for horses and their people, the reasonable cost for land, the large number of quality fields, the incredible year round riding climate and sandy soil. Professionals own many horses including their playing strings, spares and green ponies. Many of the horses are OTTB’s (off the track Thoroughbreds). This combination creates competitive polo in an atmosphere that has been unique to Aiken for generations. Perhaps the propensity for prominent polo players to gather in Aiken is simply tradition. The combination of professional players and trainers with access to year round grass practice and playing fields along with the plethora of young and green horses available continues to make Aiken an exciting environment for the sport of polo.

The camaraderie is obvious. Adam Snow and Owen Rinehart, both previous 10 goal players have chosen Aiken as their home base. Adam, now a six goal player and Owen a five goal player can be seen playing in local tournaments, and sharing their knowledge and expertise with Team USPA. iken is the best kept polo secret according to Barb Uskup, owner of Meadow Hill Farm and patron for Barrington Polo. She has organized and played on

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Your Pet’s Other Vet! tĞ dƌĞĂƚ WŚLJƐŝĐĂů WƌŽďůĞŵƐ͗ Pain >ĂŵĞŶĞƐƐ Weakness Post-op Recovery Neurological Issues Our Services Include: Acupuncture ZĞŚĂď dƌĞĂƚŵĞŶƚƐ ƋƵĂƟĐ dŚĞƌĂƉLJ ŚŝƌŽƉƌĂĐƟĐ Rehab Boarding

(803) 226-0012

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307 Willow Run Road / Aiken, SC 29801 ŝŶĨŽΛƉĞƞŝƚŶĞƐƐĂŶĚƌĞŚĂď͘ĐŽŵ

teams sponsored by Taylor BMW and most recently Kenny Ray Physical Fitness. “There are many high rated professionals that are economical to hire here.

Compared to Wellington, hay is half the price, vets are a third of the price, land is reasonable, and the players agree that Aiken has some of the nicest fields in the U.S.” she explains.

According to the United States Polo Association, there are nine active polo clubs in Aiken County. Spring and fall polo combined advertise an average of 27 tournaments a year, which comes out to 189 games. Each game requires a minimum of 50 horses.

Being a part of Aiken’s polo community is like turning the clock back to an earlier time. A time where everyone knew their neighbors and had a nourishing social circle.

The Aiken polo community continues to support young people who share a growing passion for the sport. Junior polo has blossomed in Aiken thanks to the support of the polo community. Tiger Kneece, once a seven goal professional who owns South Carolina Shavings, spends time teaching Junior polo at the Aiken Polo Club.

There are many family teams that play tournament polo together.

For more information on when and where you can watch polo call the following hotlines: Aiken Polo Club: 803-643-3611. New Bridge Polo & Country Club: 803-644-7706. Wagener Polo: 803-566-8610.

Equestrians Play Here & Live Here Gated Equestrian Community Spring and Fall Tournament Polo Full Service Boarding at The Stables Dining at The Polo Grille Clubhouse Event Rentals Social Memberships Real Estate

803-648-3699 newbridgepolo.com

Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016 | 81

Veterinarians Aiken Animal Hospital

iken 803-648-4401 s nimal After hours: 803-221-7371 small animals, big hearts 1181 Banks Mill Road Aiken, South Carolina 29803 Providing you and your pet quality, affordable care. Our family-oriented staff is committed to proviciding state of the art veterinary care. aikenah@gmail.com www.aikenanimalhospital.com Ad on Page 4

ospital

Performance Equine Vets 803-641-0644 3827 Charleston Highway Aiken, South Carolina 29801

Performance Equine Vets

Full Service Equine Veterinry Clinic. 24 Hour Crirical Care Hospital, Embryo Transfers, Surgical and Lameness Center.

Discount Vet Supply. office@PerformanceEquineVets.com www.PerformanceEquineVets.com Ad on Page 32

Southern Equine Service

Aiken Equine Associates 803-648-0430 1231 Toolebeck Road Aiken, South Carolina 29803

803-644-1544 1258 Banks Mill Rd Aiken, South Carolina 29803

Full Service Equine Veterinarian offering affordable quality care.

Pre- purchase exams, on site gastroscopy & endoscopy

High Quality Equestrian Care contact@southernequineservice.com www.southernequineservice.com

AikenClinic@bellsouth.net www.AikenEquineVet.com

Aiken Pet Fitness and Rehabilitation 803-226-0012 307 Willow Run Rd Aiken, South Carolina 29801

(803) 226-0012

SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare 803-648-6863 199 Willow Run Road / Aiken, South Carolina 29801

Offers pet adoptions, training, a full-service veterinary clinic and a wide range of pet products. info@letlovelive.org sdavis@petfitnessandrehab.com Ad on Page 65 www.letlovelive.org www.petfitnessandrehab.com

Veterinary rehabilitation, acupuncture and chiropractic for dogs and cats. Senior & athletic dog conditioning. Fitness classes.

Ad on Page 81

Website Design and Services

Carolina Equine Clinic Lisa H. Handy VMD

Mid-Atlantic Equestrian Services

803-642-9195 951 Powderhouse Road SE Aiken, South Carolina 29803

Lisa Thomas 1312 Brandywine Creek Rd Coatesville, Pennsylvania 19320

We are a full medical and surgical facility (est. 1988) servicing South Carolina and Georgia for routine and emergency care.

Website & Graphic Design, PR, Sponsorship Management, Social Media, Journalism, Equestrian Consulting

www.CarolinaEquineClinic.com

lisa@midatlanticeqservices.com midatlanticeqservices.com

Estrella Equine, LLC Sarah Thompson, DVM

Red Mare Design

803-295-8509 3725 Lone Oak Drive Aiken, South Carolina 29803

404-457-4629 16660 Hopewell Road Alpharetta, Georgia 30004

Personalized Care for your â&#x20AC;&#x153;STARâ&#x20AC;? athlete. Emergency care 24/7.

Websites, Logos, Photography, Videography, Image Editing, Content Developmentand More!?

Ad on Page 53

sarahtthompson71@gmail.com

Catherine@CatherineRespess.com www.CatherineRespess.com

Gene Beaulieu, DVM 803-649-5098 63 Implement Road Aiken, South Carolina 29803

Web Design and Marketing 858-208-6027 Aiken, South Carolina 29842 Your website is the first impression representing your business online. It should be the best representation of drgenebeaulieu@yahoo.com your professional image. I offer a variety of marketing services.

Gene Beaulieu, DVM Equine Dentistry

W . 82 | Aiken Equestrian Resource 2016

info@fraulein-design.com fraulein-design.com