July 2026 WNFTC at Stable View (2)

Volume 3 Issue 12

What’s New from the Crew at Stable View - July Edition Stable View Spotlight: Norman Graichen

Stable View Partnerships: Banks Mill Feed

In this edition you will find:

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Did You Know?

Barry's June Letter...........................................................3 Rider Spotlight: Taylor Berlin ......................................7 Stable View Partnerships: Banks Mill Feeds............5 Stable View Spotlight: Norman Graichen..................9 August Bluegrass @ Stable View..............................14

Did You Know?

In 2024, the red cockaded woodpecker was downlisted from the endangered to threatened list.

Barry’s June Letter

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In a similar manner to Stable View developing its equestrian activities over the past 15 years, the Stable View Trails Club is following the same formula.

In the same way that Stable View started with little infrastructure and just Eventing, the Stable View Trails Club just started with some Trails.

While Stable View added Jumpers, Dressage and Hunters, followed by Driving and Working Equitation, the Trails Club has added Group Runs, a Yeti, Battle of the Run Clubs, Trailblazers, Middle and High School Meets, Regional Qualifiers and Camp-Run-A-Muck.

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Camp-Run-A-Muck is the most ambitious project to date with lectures, advisers and collaborates, using Stable View’s accommodations for a retreat.

In terms of profile, consider the Yeti as similar in running terms to Oktoberfest.

Approximately 180 Runners taking advantage of Stable View’s Trails for 48 hours. The winner ran nearly 184 miles.

In summary, Stable View has developed a Trails business slowly and sustainably. We’ve gone where the Client’s have taken us - that’s the formula.

Rider Spotlight: Taylor Berlin

Q. Was there a defining moment—on cross-country, in the dressage ring, or show jumping—when you knew eventing was “your” sport?

A. At my first event, I set out on my horse Mio and my amazing trainer at the time, Vita Taormina, was standing near the start box cheering me out of the box and over the first fence. I cruised around the course, probably a little too fast, with a huge smile on my face - I couldn't stop after that if I wanted to!

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Q. Cross-country reveals everything about a partnership—can you share a moment when trust between you and your horse truly showed up?

A. My first Training and Preliminary events were also my horse's first. We struggled with the water complex, but on our final attempt, I simply asked him to give it his best. He answered, and we successfully finished both courses. That horse always trusted me, even when he wasn't sure of himself, and he taught me how to share my confidence with every horse I ride so we can succeed together.

Q Eventing is often described as a test of resilience—what has it taught you about handling pressure and unpredictability?

A. Eventing is as much a mental sport as a physical one. When things don't go to plan, I focus on what I can control, what I can improve, and what I need to let go. Setting realistic goals and having a strong support system has been key. I've been fortunate to have Kelli Temple and many others in my corner. A little pressure is motivating, but too much can lead to mistakes and burnout.

Q. What’s the most underrated skill a successful eventer needs to develop early on?

A. Common sense and independence. Seems simple but to me it's 80% of horses, you can usually pick out the riders that are going to go further by their basic problem-solving skills around the barn. If they can see a problem, assess it, come up with a solution and apply it, it will benefit them in and out of the saddle their entire career.

Q. What keeps you coming back after the inevitable highs and lows of eventing?

A. Teaching riders and producing young horses, the most rewarding moments are when something finally clicks. Whether it's a horse or a student, seeing that breakthrough makes it all worthwhile. Even if my own day doesn't go as planned, their success is a win. This sport is never easy, so it's important to celebrate the positives.

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Stable View Partnerships: Banks Mill Feeds

For more than 30 years, Banks Mill Feeds has been a trusted name in equine nutrition throughout Aiken and the surrounding horse community. Established in 1994, the company was built on a simple philosophy: provide horse owners with high-quality feed, knowledgeable service, and practical nutritional guidance tailored to the needs of real horses.

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Today, Banks Mill Feeds enters an exciting new chapter under the ownership of Holly Bateman, an equine professional whose passion for horses and nutrition has shaped her career for more than 20 years.

Unlike many feed retailers, Banks Mill Feeds manufactures its horse feeds locally right here in Aiken. The mill continues to produce the proven formulas that customers have relied upon for decades, serving horses across a wide range of disciplines—from pleasure and trail horses to breeding stock and competitive performance athletes. In addition to its locally milled horse feeds, Banks Mill also offers a selection of livestock and poultry feeds sourced from trusted regional manufacturing partners, allowing the company to support both horse owners and the growing homestead community.

For Holly, purchasing Banks Mill Feeds was a natural extension of a lifelong commitment to horses. As a professional trainer, barn manager, and horse owner, she understands firsthand the challenges owners face when developing feeding programs that balance performance, health, and affordability. That practical experience influences every aspect of the business, from product selection to customer support.

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"My goal is to continue the legacy of Banks Mill Feed & Hay while bringing a fresh perspective and a hands-on approach to customer service," Holly says. "Nutrition is one of the most important investments we make in our horses, and I want every customer to feel confident that they're feeding the right program for their individual horse."

One of Holly's priorities is making nutritional guidance more accessible to horse owners throughout the area. In addition to assisting customers in the store, she offers on-farm nutritional consultations, helping owners evaluate body condition, feeding programs, forage quality, and management practices. These personalized visits allow horse owners to develop practical feeding plans tailored to their horses' unique needs and goals.

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As one of the nation's premier horse communities, Aiken is home to an incredible variety of horses, disciplines, and management styles. Holly believes that local feed manufacturing, personalized service, and a genuine understanding of horses are what set Banks Mill Feeds apart.

As the business moves forward under new ownership, Banks Mill Feeds remains committed to the values that built its reputation: quality nutrition, local service, and a dedication to the horses and horse people who make Aiken such a special place.

Banks Mill Feeds is the sponsor of six divisions in all 2026 H/J In & Out Series shows by providing gift certificates throughout the year!

For more information about their products, visit Banks Mill Feeds’ website HERE.

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Stable View Spotlight: Norman Graichen

Norman Graichen is a member of Stable View Grounds Crew who is not seen by most competitors and visitors at Stable View, but his work is certainly noticed during a show weekend. His career was comprised of operating heavy machinery, moving sand and gravel, and, before marriage, driving a tractor-trailer around the country. Norman and his wife began visiting Aiken after his daughter and her young family relocated from the Northeast. His granddaughter is a 3-day eventer, so Norman's first time at Stable View was to watch his granddaughter compete during a trip to visit his family. Norman and his wife eventually followed and moved to Aiken to be closer to their family in their retirement.

Having owned horses for over 30 years, Norman spent his first year of "retirement" in Aiken, caring for their horses and mowing the grass, he then quickly realized he wanted more activities in life. He heard Stable View was hiring and dropped by the Workshop on a Monday morning, met Barry, and started working at Stable View the next day.

Nearly four years later, Norman's responsibilities include working with the irrigation systems that water the grounds, especially the cross country-course, and maintaining the roads and paths throughout Stable View. This summer, his big project is excavating the new massive water feature on the cross-country course - which will feature two 3-foot drops and an island.

Norman enjoys working at Stable View because he is assigned a project and then entrusted from start to finish. Other highlights are that he comes to work in a beautiful setting with a great work culture. The full circle moment is that "Papa" has turned out to be pretty "cool" in retirement to his now young adult granddaughter since he is an integral part of the maintenance and development of Stable View's crosscountry courses.

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