What’s New from the Crew at Stable View - February Edition
Get to Know
Alexis Shrum
FEBRUARY WELCOME LETTER
At last, we're coming out of what's been for us at Stable View a tough couple of months.
Entries are good. Our diversification plans are going well, it's just the weather that’s been tough. We've had a lot of rain, some sleet, and even a little snow!
We've had a few trees come down, some pipes burst, and heater and hot water malfunctions.
Spring, however, is just around the corner, and that's when we really get busy!
It's odd, we say goodbye to the Winter Boarders just as the warmer weather arrives and the leaves start to shoot from the deciduous trees. Some goodbyes are shorter-lived than others, as some of the Winter Boarders, including Boyd, will be back for the 4* in April.
You've probably heard that Stable View is building an "Experience" course for Land Rovers.
Land Rover Columbia will be the first to use it on 4 April during the VIP event on 4th. Boyd will be the first Driver on the course. th
Hopefully we'll see you soon,
The Stable View Team
HARRELL'S STABLE VIEW
After being dormant for four months, the two Stable View Cross Country Courses are coming alive again.
Having been put to bed for the winter during November, there will be signs of life - early growth - around the middle of March. To really get going, the soil temperature needs to be in the 70's, but there will be some early signs of growth particularly if we have some warm days during Spring.
The first fertilizer spread has been applied by Harrell's. As usual, this was an application of pre-emergent with Nitrogen and Potassium. Normally, there would be four additional applications during the year, but, as a result of irrigation last summer, the grass
was so thick in the Fall, that I'm hopeful that we can drop one of the mid-summer spreads - the cost of the Stable View Harrell's Turf Management Program would otherwise be over $100,000 this year.
Getting a thick canopy of Bermuda has been a long process.
Apart from fertilizer, irrigation plays a major part. In addition, weekly cutting - with the clippings going back into the soil - makes a significant difference.
Over the years, the top one inch of sand has become soil. As soil, we're dealing with an organic substance that can receive and retain water.
Apart from regular cutting of the grass, the most significant area of improvement has been our aeration program.
As a result of potentially exposing grass roots to the sun and dry conditions, we must be very careful when we use the aeration equipment. It's timely use has however become a game changer. Normally applied in May and September - during the growing season - the Aerator loosens the soil.
As long as this is followed by rain or irrigation, the loosened soil allows water to penetrate, retains fertilizer, and encourages root growth. This is a high risk strategy - no water, no grass.
It's the development of this process over the past three years that's created the canopy that's in place at present.
Four years ago, and by January, the dormant grass used to be patchy with many weeds.
Between Winter Burn, Broad Leaf Grasses and Weeds, Fire Ants and Army Worms, on sand, were working in a very hostile environment.
Over the past few years, we've gradually developed a softer growing base with a thicker canopy. While we're continuing to break some of the accepted rules of grass management - 3" Bermuda and twice a year aeration - with irrigation and an aggressive fertilization regimen, we can customize our program to deal with the extremes of SC soil and the weather.
Constant improvement is what we're about!!
RIDER SPOTLIGHT: ALEXIS SHRUM
Alexis Shrum is a Winter Boarder at Stable View, and like any equestrian, her journey has been unique. An adult amateur working remotely, Alexis says that she’s working to find a balance between “climbing the corporate ladder and moving up the levels in Eventing”. Most recently, Alexis says her journey has “evolved into something more serious after I bought my current horse”, which made her realize that she has bigger dreams than she “ ever could have imagined”. Now, Alexis states that her and her horse are focused on “being in a consistent training program to continue to learn and grow together”.
However, Alexis’s journey hasn’t been without its obstacles. In 2022, Alexis’s horse suffered an injury, and it was “ one of the most difficult times of her life”. Yet, as Alexis’s horse recovered, their bond only grew — “He’s truly my best friend and I feel as though we connect on a deeper level than I have with previous horses because of that process”. Still, it comes in waves. Some days you feel as though you’re on top of the world, while other days yo
If you’re in the beginning phases of your equestrian journey, Alexis tells us the best thing you can do is to “Get your way. But that’s a part of the beauty of being an equestrian. While at times it is difficult, it is also immensely rewarding to practice, improve, and build an unparalleled connection with a horse.
If you’re a more experienced rider, Alexis offers some advice for overcoming challenging phases with your horse based off her own experiences. According to Alexis, what’s been most helpful for her is involved in a program, take a working student position, ride all the horses you can and be a sponge!”.
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getting advice from mentors and top professionals”, and, more importantly, “not being afraid to ask for help”. Ultimately, Alexis says “the challenges will make you a better rider and horseman to achieve your goals”.
When
asked what key life lessons she’s learned throughout her experiences
in the riding community, Alexis exclaims “Gosh so many!”, going on to say, “I’ve learned more from horses about life than I have humans!” — a sentiment I think we can all understand. But, Alexis says, “At the end of the day, whether you’re a professional or an adult amateur, we do what we do because of the horses; so enjoy all the ups and downs this sport inherently brings, and constantly remind yourself why you started”.
STABLE VIEW SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: HALLWAY FEEDS
Located in the heart of the Bluegrass region of Kentucky, Hallway Feeds is the only remaining family-owned and locally operated fullservice feed company dedicated to the equine industry . Being in the equine industry for nearly 100 years, I asked Hallway Feeds “what’s the biggest factor that drives your work every day?”. According to Hallway Feeds, it’s their vision for the future of the equine nutrition industry— 1
“We Fuel Excellence.”
Hallway Feeds goes on to say “After nearly a century in this business, excellence isn’t just about performance—it’s about consistency, trust, and responsibility. Every decision we make is rooted in fueling horses, riders, and programs to be the best
version of themselves, whether that means supporting elite athletes, or ensuring long-term health and soundness.” To Hallway Feeds and the Hall Family, ensuring the legacy of the brand is of the utmost importance, stating, “We carry the weight of our legacy while constantly pushing ourselves to do better, because excellence is not something you reach — it’s something you commit to every day.”
For Hallway Feeds, excellence takes many shapes, such as with sustainability initiatives. Stable View and Hallway Feeds share this passion, which is why Stable View understands the hard work and dedication that goes into implementing sustainability initiatives.
According to Hallway Feeds, “Sustainability for us is about building a business that can serve horses and horsemen for the next 100 years”.
When asked about the sustainability projects currently underway, Hallway Feeds states that their solar project, which was completed in 2024, has allowed Hallway Feeds to achieve “close to 50% selfsustainability from an energy standpoint”.
However, Hallway Feeds sustainability projects don’t stop there. Instead of using poly bags for their products, Hallway Feeds opts for paper bags, "not only because they help maintain product quality, but because they’re recyclable and better aligned with responsible manufacturing”.
Moreover, as a participant in the Sustainability Forestry Initiative, Hallway Feeds prioritizes “ a net zero process by planting equal or more trees than are harvested to manufacture paper used bags for Hallway Feeds”.
While many companies in recent years have been accused of “misleading the public to believe that a company or other entity is doing more to protect the environment than it is” , a marketing 2
https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/science/climate-issues/greenwashing
tactic known as greenwashing, Hallway Feeds proves their efforts are about much more than a positive headline. “Our goal isn’t a single headline achievement, but steady, meaningful improvements that reduce our footprint while protecting the integrity of the feed inside every bag”.
In a consistently changing industry, Hallway Feeds also understands the need to strive for continuous improvement. As a result, over the years Hallway Feeds has spearheaded extensive research into equine nutrition. According to Hallway Feeds,“One of the most important things we’ve learned is that you will never know everything — and that’s a good thing. Science is evolving every day, and equine nutrition should evolve with it”.
Over the past 25 years, equine nutrition research has greatly improved our knowledge of equid digestive physiology and diet formulation for horses . Despite this, Hallway Feeds notes that it’s important to avoid “feeding based on trends, isolated numbers, or outdated assumptions”. Hallway Feeds states that like people, “Horses are individuals”, and require nutrition that is tailored to each individual horse. When operating under the assumption that equine nutrition can be treated broadly, Hallway Feeds states that this may cause equestrians to “miss the bigger picture”. To avoid this, Hallway Feeds states, “The best outcomes come from staying curious, asking questions, and adapting as new research emerges.
Thoughtful nutrition, paired with good horsemanship and a willingness to keep learning, is what truly supports long-term health, performance, and soundness”. 3 We look forward to seeing what Hallway Feeds has in store for the future.
Moore-Colyer M, Westacott A, Rousson L, Harris P, Daniels S. Where Are We Now? Feeds, Feeding Systems and Current Knowledge of UK Horse Owners When Feeding Haylage to Their Horses. Animals (Basel). 2023 Apr 7;13(8):1280
THE AIKEN TRAILBLAZER
HALF MARTHON/15K/5K
Since its formation in November 2023, the Aiken Trailblazer has quickly established itself as an anticipated running event in the CSRA. What began as a single race has evolved into a biannual event, welcoming runners each Spring and Fall to experience the distinctive terrain and natural beauty of Stable View’s trail system. In fact, as a result of the Aiken Trailblazer, Stable View decided to form The Aiken Trails Club, which allows members to train on the trails throughout the year.
Set along the fall line between the Piedmont and Coastal Plain, the course offers rolling hills, a mix of sand and soil, and
towering longleaf pines. As participation continues to grow, so has the event’s reach with many regional runners now adding the Trailblazer to their must-run list. In April 2025, participant Jessica Archer traveled from Boca Raton, Florida to compete in the Half Marathon. Reflecting on her experience, she shared, “I ran the Aiken Half Marathon this morning and truly had an amazing experience. The course through the forest was one of the most stunning trail routes I’ve ever done — both challenging and breathtaking.”
Her sentiments echo the feedback of many runners who praise both the course and the supportive race atmosphere. The Aiken Trailblazer is produced
by Stable View in partnership with Victoria Seahorn, a race director, coach, and founder of the ING (now Publix) Georgia Marathon. Her background in endurance events has helped guide the Trailblazer from a concept to an event that will expand again in Fall 2026 . Thoughtful course design, attention to runner safety, and a welcoming, runner-first environment are central to the event’s continued growth and success. The Spring edition of the Aiken Trailblazer highlights the season’s natural beauty, and the courses run through the Main Barn before hitting the trails. With race distances that include a Half Marathon, 15K, 5K, and a Kids Fun Run, the event is intended to be family friendly.
Competitive runners, first-time trail participants, youth athletes, and walkers alike are encouraged to take part. As the Aiken Trailblazer continues to grow it remains rooted in its original mission: to create a challenging, scenic, and community-centered trail running experience.
SPRING INTERNATIONAL & H.T.
Aiken, South Carolina, long known as the equestrian capital of the South, is preparing to host one of the most prestigious events on the spring Eventing calendar. From April 3–5, 2026, Stable View will welcome top-tier athletes for the Stable View Spring International and H.T., an event that has quickly become a cornerstone for high-performance riders and local enthusiasts alike.
With $60,000 of prize money on the line, the competition is expected to draw a world-class field to Aiken’s “Gathering Place" facility.
A HIGH-STAKES COMPETITION
The 2026 Spring International is pulling out all the stops for its competitors. The prize money is distributed across the FEI levels to reward excellence at every stage of the international ladder:
CCI4-S:* $40,000
CCI3-S:* $10,000
CCI2-S:* $6,000
CCI1-S:* $4,000
In addition to the International FEI divisions, the event will host national divisions ranging from Training through Advanced, providing a comprehensive platform for horses and riders at various stages of their development.
WORLD-CLASS DESIGN AND FOOTING
Competitors can expect elite-level technicality across all three phases. The Cross-Country courses are designed by Helen West (GBR), utilizing Stable View’s famous irrigated and aerated turf. Known for its rolling, sand-based terrain, the course offers "true representations" at each level, ensuring a fair but rigorous test of stamina and bravery.
Dressage and Show Jumping phases will take place on Attwood All-Weather footing, ensuring consistent conditions regardless of the spring weather. Show Jumping courses will be designed by Chris Barnard (USA), a name synonymous with technical precision in the arena.
AFTER THE COMPETITION: GAZE AND GRAZE
Stable View is as much about community as it is about competition. On both Friday and Saturday night from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the facility will host its signature "Gaze and Graze" at Ollie’s Inn. This social gathering allows riders, trainers, grooms, owners families, and spectators to mingle while enjoying the high-energy atmosphere of the event. Riders will recieve two Gaze & Graze wristbands per entry within their welcome packet, along with 4 drink tickets for riders over the age of 21. Additional wristbands will be available for purchase at the show office over the weekend for $20, which includes 2 drink tickets in the price. Individual drink tickets will also be available at the show office for $5 per ticket.
THE SPECTATOR EXPERIENCE: VIP’S
For those looking for the ultimate view, Saturday VIP tickets are available for $75. These tickets include food, alcohol, and access to the upstairs Pavilion, which offers a stunning 360-degree view of the upper-level cross-country course and stadium jumping.
VIP TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE
A sneak peek of the portable VIP Gourmet Picnic Lunch from the Stable View Bistro, featuring Stable View's signature Charcuterie Board (Antipasto Skewers, Southern Pickled Shrimp, & Crab Dip Stuffed Peppadew Peppers). An additional selection of gourmet Dessert Bites to come.
STABLE VIEW SPOTLIGHT: SOPHIA GREEN
Sophia Green is the newest of Stable View’s show secretaries.
Beginning in September of 2025, Sophia, or “Sophie” as she’s called in the office, brings several years of experience conducting daily bookkeeping, strategizing, and organizing to the Stable View Team.
Originally from Upstate New York, Sophie spent her childhood singing in her school’s choir and competing on the school bowling team. From there, Sophie went onto college, where she studied photography and marketing before entering the workforce.
Sophie states that she was drawn to Stable View because of the emphasis placed on community — Stable View is “A Gathering Place”, after all.
When working in the Stable View office, collaboration is a skill that cannot be overstated. I asked Sophie what she believes is the key to fostering effective collaboration and communication within Stable View’s Team; according to Sophie, “Strong collaboration comes from mutual respect, open communication, and taking the time to listen to one another. When employees feel valued and Despite having no prior experience working in the equestrian industry, Sophie states, “I’ve steadily learned how to adapt to this “new-to-me” equine environment, and I’m amazed by the amount of moving parts there are to run a show”. Sophie proceeds to say, “Logistically, there is so much that goes into running a successful show and ensuring that exhibitors have a positive experience.”
According to Sophie, “Being a part of a team that organizes shows for different disciplines has taught me how to stay flexible, as well as push me to think on my feet in order to self-resolve, which has helped me grow in and out of the office”.
understand how their role fits in the overall vision of the company, it creates a team that is more appreciative of oneanother, which in-turn helps support healthy communication”.
It’s hard work at times, says Sophie, “but seeing the Team’s hard work come alive on show day makes it all worth it”, states Sophie, “After the 3 or 4 days of behind the scenes doing show prep, it is comforting knowing that the show is enjoyed by exhibitors, spectators, and volunteers”.
When asked to describe her work at Stable View is 10 words or less, Sophie chose: “people-centered, fast-paced, and meaningful.”
Sophie goes on to say, “The work I do allows me the opportunity to get involved in the equine community which Aiken is most known for. Each day presents new opportunities and I hope that it has a lasting, meaningful impact on the Central Savannah River Area.”
