What’s New from the Crew at Stable View - October Edition Rider Spotlight: Shannon Riley
Stable View Partnerships:
James R. Stainbrook
In this edition you will find:
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Did You Know? Barry's October Letter...............................................3 Rider Spotlight: Shannon Riley.....................................5 Stable View Partnerships: James R. Stainbrook......8 Stable View Spotlight: Russell Kirkland..................11 November Bluegrass @ Stable View........................13 New Year’s Eve @ Stable View..................................14
Did You Know? The Fall Aiken Trailblazer at Stable View is coming up on October 23rd.
Barry’s October Letter
A very fulfilling but tough month. Record numbers of athletes using Stable View…..and a Hurricane! Between Oktoberfest, the TIP Championships, The American Trakehner Association’s Annual Meeting and Breed Inspection, an Eventing Academy and a Schooling Dressage Show, the last 30 days have been a challenge. I have to single out the Grounds Crew for successfully pulling off a very tight schedule….nice job!
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We’re in for a quieter period now, but in a few weeks we’ll be back in the thick of it with Combined Driving National Championships, Prize Awards at the Year End Eventing Academy and the return of the Hunters and Jumpers.
The biggest event of the month is however going to be the Aiken Trailblazer at Stable View trail races. Launched in November 2023 with approximately 75 participants to run either a 10k or 5k, the races quickly grew into Spring and Fall races that included a Half Marathon. At this year’s races on October 24, the fourth and final distance makes its debut: The Marathon. And to top it off, entries are also at record numbers!
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This level of activity is great. It’s good for Stable View and it’s great for Aiken!! Happy Holidays! With best wishes The Stable View Team.
Rider Spotlight: Shannon Riley
Q. What hooked you into riding, and what age did you start?
A. I began riding in Hunter/Jumper park district lessons. After I read a book about Eventing, I was immediately hooked and I knew that is what I wanted to do. I’ve been obsessed with horses since I was a tiny human watching My Little Ponies!
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Q. What is your favorite memory from competing at Stable View? A. I had a fantastic finish in the YH 7 yr old Championships in the 3* division with my self-produced American-bred Trakehner Gelding, Ingress! 1. Q. What is your favorite part about the facility? A. The attention paid to every single level, from the greenest grass riders to the 4* level, every rider feels important and seen. I’m so grateful for Stable View providing so many opportunities for us riders in every discipline, it’s been instrumental in producing every one of my upper-level horses as well as my sale horses.
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Q. Outside of the equestrian world, what do you enjoy doing in your free time? A. Outside of horses, I love to read, travel, and watch murder mysteries! I also have three dogs that I enjoy trail running around the farm with. If you attend a Stable View event, it is common to see Shannon Riley’s black and gold star helmet cover out on Cross Country. Shannon attends most of Stable View’s Eventing shows as well as some Hunter/Jumper and Dressage shows!
Stable View Partnerships: James R. Stainbrook
Upon graduating from Ohio State University, an ambitious professional named James R. Stainbrook, commonly known as J.R., was recruited by Price Waterhouse & Co. He was relocated to the Atlanta office, where he became known as the token “Yankee.” Over the next three years, he pursued further education, earning a master’s degree in Tax (MTX) from Georgia State University and passing the Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Financial Advisor (CFA), and Certified Financial Planner (CFP) exams.
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J.R.'s career path took a significant turn when he was recruited by PrudentialBache Securities in New York to serve as the Southeast Regional Director of Wealth Management, based in Atlanta. At that time, he was also President of the Atlanta Polo Club and a member of two foxhunting clubs. He negotiated a work schedule that allowed him to spend only a few days each month in New York City. Following the Market Crash of 1987, J.R. returned to public accounting as the Regional Director of Wealth Management for Arthur Andersen & Co. He navigated his career with foresight and eventually established his own wealth management firm. This proactive decision proved beneficial, allowing him to sidestep the firm’s dissolution in 2002, which occurred after the Enron scandal. After selling his firm, he embraced early retirement and set off to explore the world, with his travels culminating in a visit to Tunisia in July, marking his 140th country. In October 2017, J.R. moved to Aiken, South Carolina, and immediately sensed that he had found a home. Shortly after relocating, he began his philanthropic efforts within the community. With over 35 years of experience as a steeplechase owner and having participated in races in Aiken, he initiated contributions toward the construction of an official’s tower now known as the “Stainbrook Overlook” at the new Aiken Steeplechase course. His philanthropy next extended to The Aiken Horse Park and The Aiken Hounds Foundation, and he became a benefactor of both The Aiken Symphony and Aiken Philharmonic Orchestra. His charitable impact also includes support for The Friends of the Aiken Public Library and the Eudora Farms Educational Fund.
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J.R. was introduced to Stable View six years ago while attending Horses and Harmony, a biannual fundraiser for the Aiken Symphony held in Stable View's Covered Arena. His positive impressions were solidified after he attended two CCI 4-Star Eventing competitions, leading him to support The Olliff's vision for Stable View. When Barry shared plans to enhance the water obstacle at The Pavilion to accommodate the National Championships for Combined Carriage Driving this November, J.R. agreed to become a sponsor. The water complex is now known as the Stainbrook Splash. Now, J.R. looks forward to enjoying the benefits of his sponsorship at Stable View by enjoying VIP access to equine events, the scenic hiking and riding trails, and the Healing Arts, as his journey in Aiken continues.
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Stable View Spotlight: Russell Kirkland
Q. How long have you been with Stable View, and how has your role developed? A. I started with doing entry-level tasks that helped familiarize me with stable view processes and now my role consists of show prep and day of show needs.
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Q. What is the most challenging part within your role, and how do you overcome it?
A. The most challenging task is definitely preparing for shows, and we over come that by working together as a team. A team that pays attention to detail makes a world of difference. Q. What career path were you on before Stable View? A. Before Stable View I was in the U.S. Army for about 6 years where I served two tours.
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New Year’s Eve @ Stable View Dave - could you replace this picture with an image of the disco saddle from your unboxing reel
After the unforgettable New Year’s Eve party last year, it’s time to gear up for an even more spectacular celebration to ring in 2027 at Stable View! Get ready to dance the night away to the high energy tunes of Lola Grace and the Night, all under the dazzling disco saddle. This year promises to be packed with even more fun, featuring more bubble guns and a delectable full dinner catered by The Bistro @ Stable View. So, gather your friends and prepare for a night filled with laughter, music, and unforgettable memories as we welcome the new year in style! For more information or to purchas your tickets, click HERE.