August-September 2022 by Aiken Horse Productions

Volume 18 • Number 1

August/September 2022

The Aiken Horse

August-September 2022

SuzyHaslup_TAH_Sept2019.qxp_Layout 1 3/31/22 12:19 PM Page 1

OAKRIDGE FARMS 670 Oak Ridge Club Road $550,000 480 Thrasher Lane $565,000

KATHRYN SIDERS MICHELE HIGGINS Licensed Assistant

Licensed Assistant

An Accredited Land Consultant, Suzy achieved the title of Leading Sales Agent in 2013, 2015, 2016 & 2020. Her achievements include Meybohm “Best of the Best” & President’s Club, as well as 2018, 2019, 2020 & 2021 RLI APEX award for top producing land real estate agents.

FOX HOLLOW LOT

Professional horse farm in Oakridge Farms, suitable for any equestrian discipline. Available separately or combined to consist of 34 A w/multiple established fenced & cross fenced pastures, breezy 20-stall center aisle barn w/tack room, feed room, office, 3 wash racks, hay storage, 120 x 240’ sand arena, and 120’ x 300’ irrigated grass field & ample room to build a cross country course. New 2 BR/2BA hardiplank house built by Nick Tindall has an open floor plan, 9 ft. ceilings, living room w/cathedral ceiling, custom kitchen, screened porch, primary bedroom w/huge walk-in closet, full bath & outdoor shower. Property offers direct access to equestrian easement for trail riding & carriage driving. Easy drive to downtown Aiken & equestrian venues. No HOA.

AIKEN HORSE DISTRICT $1.89 MILLION

STATE PARK ROAD

$325,000

Privately situated on 6+ acres, this 4 BR/2 BA house is a true gem! The 1680 sq. ft. home has an open floor plan, eat-in kitchen, large laundry room, new AC unit, siding (2019), new LVP and carpeting, and high speed internet. Approximately 3 acres are cleared with room for your horses. Great location just 20 minutes from Aiken. More acreage available.

$799,000

REDUCED!

REDUCED! Fox Hollow is a premier gated residential equestrian community situated perfectly for those wanting to be close to both Augusta, GA and Aiken, SC. Fox Hollow covers just under 800 acres including a trail over beautiful Johnson Lake, irrigated show rings, mirrored irrigated 20 x 60 dressage ring, cross country course and over 30 miles of fabulous trails. Available now: Lot 19/12.45 A/$149,400

CHIME BELL STATION

Exceptional offering in the Horse District w/direct access to the Aiken Training Track, clay roads & Bruce’s Field show facility. Property consists of 3 parcels totaling 8.24 A, 2 barns (43 stalls), bunkhouse, breaking pen, 6 stall covered Eurociser, & 6 paddocks on the north & south side of Audubon Drive. Brick house built in 1968, w/2 car attached garage, 4 BR/2.5BA, hardwood floors, fireplace & cathedral ceiling. Property offered in its entirety, but buyers could divide.

22 A horse farm w/1,973 sq. ft. 3BR/2.5BA home, new LVT flooring, stainless steel appliances, granite, Jacuzzi tub, tile shower, walk in closets & partially finished upstairs. 39’X16’ salt water pool,carport, garage/workshop, center aisle barn w/13 stalls (12X13), fans, wash stall, tack & feed room, half bath & laundry. 2 mobiles, 10 paddocks w/water & round pen, run in sheds & low HOA fee.

Priced at $275,000 and $320,000, these lots provide an exceptional opportunity to own a farm bordering the 2200-acre Hitchcock Woods offering 70 miles of riding trails open to the public year round. Lots are cleared and ready for home and barn, paved cul-de-sac, underground utilities with city services and no HOA. Possible owner financing and lots may be combined. Direct access to trails of the Woods.

Opportunity to own a 45+ acre farm with coastal fields, 20-stall barn & ½ mile training track. Approximately 35 acres are cleared w/Bermuda grass & remainder is wooded. New shedrow barn has 20 stalls, tack room, feed room, large hay storage, stall screens & fans. 5 fenced paddocks by the barn with no-climb wire/Ramm fencing with hot wire & 2 round pens. New 3 bedroom/2 bath mobile home built in 2020 w/back deck & fenced yard. RUD zoning allows for a variety of uses. Prime location just 5 minutes from Three Runs and Bridle Creek.

WOOD’S END LOTS

MASON SPRINGS FARM $700,000

www.AikenHorseRealty.com (803) 215-0153 • suzy.haslup@gmail.com August-September 2022

The Aiken Horse

THE AIKEN MARKET IS HOT THIS SUMMER

LOT 5 FIRE TOWER ROAD

Attractive wooded parcel with direct access to wonderful trail network. Frontage on Fire Tower Road. Additional acreage available. Building and design plans must be approved prior to construction. Oakwood Plantation offers an extensive network of riding trails and gorgeous scenery. HOA is $300 per year once the development is complete. Montmorenci-Couchton water.

OAKWOOD PLANTATION

Scenic lots in Aiken's beautiful Oakwood Plantation equestrian community. Dedicated riding trails under magnificent live oaks. Beautiful acreage in Aiken's premier equestrian community. Close to Aiken, but enjoying a pristine and quiet setting. Extraordinary scenic community riding trails. Some areas are partially cleared. Firm price of $16,500 per acre. Sales subject to approval of final survey by both Buyer and Seller. Seller prefers to sell in lots of 20 acres or more. Buyer responsible for survey. Sections of this land will become part of Oakwood Plantation's wonderful network of community gallops and trails.

We congratulate whiskey road foxhounds On their upcoming season!

your best friend in real estate FINE HOMES

AIKEN TEAM

The Aiken Horse

803-640-0123

phone: 803.640.0123 for aikenhomes@me.com estates, farms, homes & land.

August-September 2022

Sophisticated Gentleman Seeks Full Time Position

Providing personalized services to individuals, couples, and families including: • Driver/Chauﬀeur • Butler/Greeting guests • Errands • Family calendar/appointment scheduling • Meal/drink service • Home/estate management • Security • Able to travel with client(s) for months at a time

Experience: • Multi-tasking • Organizational skills • Ability to adapt • Commitment to service • Attention to detail

Contact Stephen for more information 215-421-0085 stephensbutlerservice@gmail.com References Furnished Upon Request Performs all duties with discretion, professionalism, and a pleasant demeanor.

Exclusive Clothing, Gifts, and Sporting Art

126 Laurens Street SW, Aiken, South Carolina 29801

803.642.9772

equinedivineonline.com

August-September 2022

The Aiken Horse

sold RENOVATED & READY TO GO ON ½+ ACRE

DELIGHTFUL DOWNTOWN HOME

3 Bedroom, 2 Bath home with oPen Floor P,lan, renovated kitchen & Baths, screened Porch, attached GaraGe, detached 1-car GaraGe/workshoP For the hoBByist

renovated home with reFinished heart Pine Floors, hiGh ceilinGs & oPen kitchen/dininG. main Floor Br/Ba; 4 Brs & Ba on 2nd level; convenient to enJoy restaurants, coFFee shoPs, shoPPinG & eveninGs at “the alley!”

138 kemBerly dr nw | $275,000

260 york street ne | $324,900

EASY DOES IT - WELL MAINTAINED HOME

Pristine 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Brick home on nearly 1/2 acre; sunroom, screened Porch with covered walkway to a suPersize GaraGe/workshoP. electric Gates to rear ParkinG & Fenced Backyard

507 laurel drive | $285,000

sold PAWLEYS COTTAGE

3 Bedroom, 2 Bath cottaGe Fully renovated in 2021. wonderFul comBination oF old aiken charm and modern uPdates! convenient to Farmer’s market, social roost, downtown shoPs/restaurants

134 horry street ne | $269,000

HUNT BOX IN CEDAR MEADOWS

two stall Barn with tack room and wash stall; Fenced Pasture with run-in shed; access to cedar meadows community ridinG trails and arena one Bedroom, one Bath livinG quarters with oPen kitchen / livinG sPace with exPansive covered Porch

267 cedar ridGe drive | $335,000

SUNSET COTTAGE, CIRCA 1910

rare oPPortunity to steward one oF aiken’s historic Gems. willis irvin tudor home retains its oriGinal details and oFFers Generously ProPortioned livinG and dininG rooms, 3 Bedrooms, 4 Baths and ultimate Privacy in a suPerB locale walkinG distance to downtown & aiken GolF cluB

557 hiGhland Park drive

sold 11 ACRES - THE MEADOW ON COOKS BRIDGE

Great oPPortunity to invest in this BeautiFul Parcel contiGuous to mccarty meadows, oFFerinG Gently rollinG estaBlished coastal Bermuda lovely home site on a knoll where you can enJoy Pastoral views

cooks BridGe road | $155,000

ENJOY THE GOOD LIFE AT CEDAR CREEK

custom-Built, one-level Brick home with suPerB Floor Plan on the siGnature 2nd hole. hiGh ceilinGs, hardwood Floors, excePtional millwork, quality Finishes & Gracious livinG indoors & out! 3 Br, 2.5 Bath, 3563 sF home

1112 earlmont drive | $550,000

UNDER CONTRACT STATELY GEORGIAN HOME ON 7+ ACRES

insPired to evoke the Feel and Presence oF an old virGinia manor home. eleGant entry with soarinG ceilinGs and curved staircase sets the staGe. Features hardwood Floors, tall ceilinGs & lovely millwork. 4 Br, 3.5 Baths, 5 FirePlaces, 4258 sF.

55 sunnyside lane | $1,300,000

Becky

Cissie

Marie

Tracey

UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY IN FOXCHASE

Build your dream home, hoBBy Farm or seasonal retreat in Foxchase on 5.2+ acres alonG a Private & Gated, shared drive. access to trails in Foxchase which connect to the more than 60 miles oF hitchcock woods trails.

1798 huntsman drive

UNDER CONTRACT POND MEADOW AT LEWIS LANE

one oF 2 remaininG Parcels at lewis lane association oFFerinG 2 Ponds and.a lovely ridinG trail easement. the Pond meadow Parcel has a BeautiFul home site on a knoll overlookinG the lower Pond. ProPerty is ideal For Private estate, country retreat or hoBBy Farm. Private & serene, Just minutes to shoPPinG & town

13.68 acres at lewis lane | $250,000

Jenn

133+ ACRES WITH PONDS & HAY FIELDS

GorGeous, irriGated tiFton 85 Bermuda hay Fields, 2 larGe Ponds & Fenced FrontaGe enhanced By Planted Palm trees. ideal For equestrian or aGricultural Pursuits dream BiG & create your own Paradise!

moores road in edGeField, sc | $750,000

Leader in Luxury Sales

#1 Team in Aiken MLS 2020 and 2021 803-998-0198 | SullivanTurnerTeam.com 6

The Aiken Horse

August-September 2022

UNDER CONTRACT

327 CHESTNUT BROWN COURT IN KINGS RIDGE 2014 Custom, 5000 sf+ Residence - 5 BRs, 4 Baths, 2 Half Baths, Pool, Pond Frontage on 5.7+ Acres

Beautifully appointed, custom home on 5.77 acres with all the elements to enjoy casually elegant southern living! located in Kings ridge, a premier gated community on aiKen, south carolina’s southside, you will love the privacy and convenience this property offers. BricK columns flanK the peBBle drive which leads to the inviting BricK residence with a wide, front porch and around to the attached 3-Bay garage. the spacious entry foyer with herringBone wood floors offers views through to the douBle height great room, covered porch and saltwater pool Beyond. the main level of living space includes Both primary and guest Bedroom suites; home office, dining/piano room, and a faBulous Kitchen. the home’s second level includes 2 Bedrooms, 2 full Baths, aBundant walK-in storage, a fitness room and superB media room, ideal for movie nights. separate worKshop, fenced yard with no-climB wire & irrigated vegetaBle garden, too. Kings ridge is located just a short drive to shopping, golf, tennis, equestrian venues, augusta, georgia and aiKen, south carolina’s charming downtown.

offered for $1,465,000 SOUTHERN AMBIANCE at BLUE SKIES 4.5+ ACRES NEAR BRUCE’S FIELD

142+ ACRE RANCH / COMPOUND EDGEFIELD, SOUTH CAROLINA

LA FOLIE - HISTORIC PROPERTY DOWNTOWN AIKEN LIFESTYLE

under contract renovated & well maintained 5+ Br, 7+ Bath home with elevator, guest apartment, fitness room, 3-Bay garage & amazing views across Bruce’s field. home features a wide veranda, pine floors, high ceilings & expansive great room with full Bar. level land is ideal for addition of sport & equestrian amenities.

3 custom homes each 3Br/2Ba for owner, guests & farm manager - all with gorgeous views. owner’s home has separate guest apartment & 1500 sf entertainment/hospitality area, ideal for parties, games & gatheriings. 9-stall morton staBle, equipment shed, natural pond, dog pond, perimeter fencing & 125+/- acres in tifton 85 Bermuda.

928 two notch road se | $2,200,000

cielo dorato – 25 moores road | $1,600,000

Cissie Sullivan

superBly renovated and expanded historic home & guest house, just steps

to the willcox and shops & restaurants in charming downtown aiKen. you will love the quality handsome finishes & details, restored heart pine

floors & high ceilings. home offers 3 Bedrooms, 2 1/2 Baths, 3505 sf; guest house is fully equipped & flexiBle as rental/airBnB.

320 newBerry street sw | $1,325,000

Tracey Turner

803-998-0198 | SullivanTurnerTeam.com August-September 2022

The Aiken Horse

SECTION 10 16 20 26

News & Notes Only In America Dressage Stableview Aiken Dry Goods

Section One

Melissa Vaughn and Labirinto, Prix St. Georges; Only in America Dressage at Stableview. Labirinto is owned by Janet Hawkins. Photography by Pam Gleason

SECTION 36 39 40 46 50 52

Taylor Bradish Aiken Saddlery Ask the Judge Region 3 Championships Secret Lives: Bernie Janice Holmes

Section Two

Jenny Caras on Newmarket Caro. Region Three Eventing Championships at Stableview. Photography by Gary Knoll

Section Three

Peggie Elgin on Sophie Dressage at The Vista.

SECTION 64 66 68 69 70 71 73

Julie Robins Biosecurity Directory of Services Classifieds Index of Advertisers The Vista CT & Dressage Calendar of Events

Photography by Gary Knoll

The Aiken Horse

August-September 2022

Aiken

The

Horse

Aiken’s Horse Publication P.O. Box 332 • Montmorenci, SC 29839-0332 • 803.643.9960 • TheAikenHorse.com • TheAikenHorse@gmail.com Time Dated Material • Periodicals • Volume 18 • Number 1

f you are a horse person who spent the summer in Aiken over the past five or six years, you might not have noticed anything particularly different about it here this year. But if you had not experienced an Aiken summer in a long time, you would probably be astounded by how much things have changed. Yes, it has still been hot and humid, and the shops and restaurants downtown are nowhere near as busy as they will be in February and March when the whole world seems to descend on our little city. But the horse world, which used to grind to a virtual halt in June, no longer goes on much of a summer hiatus. In fact, it looks like what we have been predicting has finally happened: Aiken is no longer just a winter destination. It has become a year-round horse town. This fact became especially apparent to me when I looked at our calendar and saw a local horse event virtually every weekend all summer long. These include hunter jumper shows at Highfields, the Aiken Horse Park and Stableview. There are dressage shows, combined tests and horse trails at Stableview, Sporting Days, Full Gallop, the Vista, Radway Eventing and Dancing Horses Equestrian. There have been clinics with top trainers; polo practice; and even the Region Three USEF/USEA Eventing Championships at Stableview (see our pictures in Section 2.) The expansion of our summer calendar reflects the fact that many more horse people have made Aiken their year round home, looking past the area’s reputation for being too hot to ride in the summer months. As many transplants have remarked, it can be

August-September 2022

hot anywhere in the summer, and there are many places that are as hot or hotter than Aiken that don’t have the same reputation. Plus, for a warm climate like this, Aiken is remarkably free of annoying insects that can make summer horse care a real nightmare. This is one of the reasons why, long before Aiken became a winter colony for Northerners, it was a summer getaway for rice farmers from the South Carolina coast: fewer mosquitoes meant no malaria, so Aiken was considered a safer and healthier place to be. We hope you enjoy this issue. We have an article about Taylor Bradish, a young combined driving competitor on her way to France to compete in the FEI Driving World Championship for Singles as part of the United States Team – with a locally bred Aiken horse, no less! Read her story in Section 2 and learn how you can support her trip. We caught up with Amy Hebert and CP Doremus, who recently moved their store, Aiken Saddlery, to a vastly expanded new space. We talked to Holly Biddle-Ledoux, the new owner of Aiken Dry Goods downtown; found out what the future plans are at Stableview, and met the Aiken professional Janice Holmes who moved here last year from Ohio. We also visited some of our summer equestrian events and you will see our images, as ever, in the center spreads of our sections. Were you out competing? Maybe you will see yourself ! We are heading into our 18th year of publishing this paper (hard to believe!) and we owe our longevity and success to our readers and especially to our advertisers who make this paper possible. Please support them and our unique and diverse Aiken Horse world. As ever, if there is something going on that we should know about, or someone interesting we should meet, drop us an email. We want to remain your horse newspaper!

The Aiken Horse EDITOR & PUBLISHER Pam Gleason

ART DIRECTOR Gary Knoll

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Jean Berko Gleason

LAYOUT & DESIGN Gary Knoll

PHOTOGRAPHERS Pam Gleason Gary Knoll

ADVERTISING

803.643.9960 theaikenhorse@gmail.com

Going Out Of Town? Don’t miss future issues of The Aiken Horse. We will send you a one year subscription (6 issues) for $36. Send check or CC # & your mailing address: P.O. Box 332, Montmorenci, SC 29839 Or sign up on the web at TheAikenHorse.com

Aiken

The

Horse

Aiken’s Horse Publication

Pam Gleason Editor & Publisher

The Aiken Horse Policies: The opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers, editors, or the policies of The Aiken Horse, LLC. The Aiken Horse is owned by The Aiken Horse, LLC.

The Aiken Horse

News and Notes

By Pam Gleason, Nancy Johnson and Lauren Allen

Aiken Happenings

It’s only August, and Aiken is already hopping with activity, with several new events on the calendar, and more to come as summer turns to fall. One event that people have been talking about is the Aiken Dummy Roping competition, which will be held on Newberry Street downtown on the afternoon of August 20. Dummy roping does not involve either cattle or horses. Contestants will use authentic ropes, but they will be on foot, and they will be roping plastic cow dummies, with heads and horns and (in some cases) legs, but not much more. There will be two basic categories. First there is beginner, which is divided into age divisions and will use a stationary dummy. Each contestant will have the chance to throw a rope at the dummy’s head from a specified distance. All the people who make a legal catch will then have the opportunity to try again from further away while those who fail are eliminated. The rounds will continue until there is just one winner left. Age divisions start at 12 and under, progress to 13-17, and culminate in 18 and up. Prizes include buckles and ropes. The second category includes both a Pro-Am and an Open Division. This will be a timed event run just like an actual roping competition with a mobile dummy on an automatic “powershot.” This category is for people who have had some experience with roping and will be for teams of two. The first person must rope the dummy’s head (the header) and the other must rope the hind legs (the heeler.) In the Pro-Am division, amateurs will “head” while professionals can only “heel.” In the Open division, anything goes. Contestants will pay $5 for each run. There will be a 70% payout, and the Pro-Am and Open divisions will also have $300 and $400 cash added, in addition to prize buckles. It will be just like real roping – except without animals, held on pavement in a city and requiring the contestants to run rather than ride. Aiken’s first dummy roping competition is the brainchild of D.J. Dillon, better known as the proprietor of Southland Farms and a supplier of quality hay. D. J. is also a roping enthusiast, and he’s out practicing whenever he has the chance. How did he get the idea to do this? “Nothing like this has ever been done in Aiken before,” he said. “I wanted to bring awareness to roping, give people a taste of it. So far, there has been a lot of interest. We think we might end up with a lot more people than we are expecting. We hope so!” There is no required attire, and ropes will be available to use and to buy – an excellent plan since it is likely that some significant percentage of novice participants will find themselves craving more after the event is over. Cowgirls and cowboys 12 and under can also vie for the “best dressed” award, winning buckles as well as bragging rights. Sign up starts

The Aiken Horse

Inspector Spoon, above, will be at the Best of the West sale at 3 p.m. and roping starts at 4. It will be over when it’s over! Keep up with the event on the Southland Stables Facebook page.

Best of the West

Downtown roping will lead into another equestrian event with a Western theme some six weeks later: the Best of the West horse sale is returning to town. Everyone was talking about the sale last year when it made its maiden appearance at the Aiken Training Track in Aiken’s historic district, and the buzz for this year has already started. Consignors will bring highly trained, broke, gentle Western-style horses, and, if this year anything like last year, they will attract a curious and enthusiastic crowd, as well as a significant cash investment. Last year, 50 horses changed hands, with an average price of over $42,000 (that’s a total of about $2.1 million, for those who are counting.) The top seller went for $190,000, or a little more than a Porsche Panamera Turbo S, but not quite as much as a Ferrari, even the Portofino, which is Enzo Ferrari’s most economical model. The Best of the West auction is scheduled for Saturday, October 1 at 3 p.m., and will once again be held at the infield of the Aiken Training

August-September 2022

Track. Horses will begin arriving at the track during the week, and will be available for inspection or for trial by serious buyers. There will be a soft preview and a buyer social on Friday, September 30, with the official preview starting at 10 a.m. Saturday morning. Horses that have been consigned to the sale are starting to show up on the auction’s website (bestofthewesthorses.com), and anyone thinking of taking one home is encouraged to contact the consignor ahead of time, and even fly out to try him before the sale. Best of the West is one of three high end auctions put on by the Western-based company Horse Resource Sales. The other two are in Arizona (Cowgirl Cadillacs) and Wyoming (Bots Sots Remount.) The Cowgirl Cadillacs sale, held on Valentines Day and featuring horses trained and consigned by women, tends to be the most successful – the top seller this year fetched a cool $500,000. The Bots Sots sale, held in Sheridan cowboy country where broke horses might be a little more plentiful, is usually the most economical. And yet, at this year’s sale in June, the top seller fetched $130,000, which is $50,000 more than the 2021 high seller. Given this trend, we can probably expect to see some big numbers again in Aiken, along with some pretty spectacular horses. In addition to the horse sale, Best of the West will also include vendors and there is a distinct party atmosphere. Didn’t make it last year? Check it out! Buy something.

Finals,” says Tegan. “I’ve been to watch a couple of times and that’s what I was planning to do this year, too.” Between the sale ponies at his family’s Three T Pony Farm and catch rides from other local professionals, finding ponies to show is not an issue for Tegan; the problem is financing a weeklong trip to the Kentucky Horse Park. Penny Brooks, who is the USHJA Development Director, notes that 34 applications were completed and submitted this year – this is less than half the number of riders (87) who started the process. There is quite a bit to the application, as Tegan will attest. “Cathy Cram [who runs Highfields in Aiken] really encouraged me to apply for the grant,” Tegan begins. “For me the hardest part was the essays.” Three short essays (500 words) addressed the applicant’s riding and showing background, as well as schoolwork and hobbies. The more extensive essay (1,000 words) asked, “What do you hope to learn by going to Pony Finals?” Applicants also had to provide documents showing financial need and a jumping video. Cathy set up a video session of Tegan jumping a 2’3” course on one of her client’s ponies. “I was so shocked when Penny called me and told me I had been awarded the grant,” says Tegan. “I really didn’t know what to say; so,

Gochman Grant for Tegan

This summer, Tegan Price, a 12-year-old Aiken resident, was awarded a prestigious Gochman Grant to compete at the USEF National Pony Finals this August in Kentucky. The Gochman Grant was established by David and Becky Gochman whose daughters Sophie and Mimi competed in the show when they were younger. The Gochman family, heirs to the Academy Sports fortune, wanted to give that experience to young riders who otherwise would not have the opportunity, and so they worked with the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) to create the program. Now in its eighth year, the Gochman Grant selected three pony riders as the 2022 recipients. Joining Tegan are Peyton Parks, 15, from North Carolina and Elizabeth Serafini, 14, from Florida. The grant provides more than just funding: it also includes coaching and mentorship opportunities during the week of the show. “It’s been one of my dreams to go to Pony

August-September 2022

The Aiken Horse

News and Notes

Chincoteague Ponies have lived wild on Assateague island for centuries. It turns out they really are descended from Spanish horses. I just said, ‘Awesome,’” he laughs. Penny then set up a Zoom meeting with all the recipients so they could get to know one another. The three have since been in contact planning their theme for the annual golf cart contest at the show. “Of course, I’m excited about showing, but I’m also looking forward to all the clinics and working with the trainers,” Tegan says. “Penny has been great organizing everything,” adds Tegan’s mom, Tara Heuberger. She explains that the grant provides transportation, lodging, entries, clinics, trainers, a golf cart rental, and even a pony if needed. “We are so thankful to the Gochman family. It’s an amazing program.” Tegan qualified for the finals by winning a championship in Tryon on Rock a Rhyme, a small green pony owned by Erin Holsenbeck. Since the pony is still quite green, they plan to do the Kentucky Summer Classic the week prior to the finals as a warm-up show. (Nancy Johnson)

Where the Wild Things Came From

Wild ponies and horses have roamed freely on various barrier islands up and down the East Coast for centuries. Where did these horses come from? Throughout history there have been various competing theories about their origins, but no definitive proof and, until now, the jury has been more or less out. One theory is that these were descendants of horses from the mainland and of English origin. According to this theory, they were brought to the islands by their owners in order to avoid paying taxes on them. (Yes, horses were taxed in Colonial America!) The other theory is that the horses were survivors of Spanish shipwrecks that managed to swim to shore and establish feral colonies. The Spanish shipwreck theory has been especially favored by horse lovers, and especially by readers of Marguerite Henry’s Misty of Chincoteague, which treated the Spanish theory as fact. And yet in places where wild horses abound, there is little evidence of wrecked Spanish ships. For this reason, more practical minds have often considered it more likely that the horses were simply common English horses turned out to roam the islands. Exactly why they were never retrieved would remain an open question. However, this year, a chance discovery gave pretty definitive credence to parts of the Spanish theory. Nicolas Delsol, a postdoctoral researcher at the Florida Museum of Natural History, decided to analyze some ancient DNA recovered from cow bones found in archaeological sites

in northern Haiti. Delsol was studying how cattle were domesticated in the Americas, but when he sequenced the DNA from what was assumed to be a fossilized cow tooth, he realized that the tooth did not come from a cow at all, but from a 16th century horse. Horses from Spain were known to have been brought to the Caribbean islands, but few horse bones or other fossils have been found there. This tooth turned out to be the oldest post-Columbian horse fossil ever discovered in the Americas. When Delsol started analyzing the genome, he discovered something else. Instead of being most closely related to horse populations found in Spain, the tooth this ancient horse came from was a close cousin of the wild ponies that live on Assateague Island off the coast of Maryland and Virginia, the ones that Misty of Chincoteague made famous. Researchers are excited about this discovery and hope to conduct additional genetic research on feral horse populations along the Atlantic coast, as well as to examine other fossils in their collections more carefully – perhaps there are additional horse bones hiding among the cattle? In any case, the discovery suggests that the feral horses, at least the ones on Assateague, were most likely brought there by the Spanish, though it does not prove that they were shipwreck survivors. Another possibility is that they could have been left there by Spanish explorers and unsuccessful would-be colonists. “It’s not widely reported in the historical literature, but the Spanish were exploring this area of the mid-Atlantic pretty early on in the 16th century,” explained Delsol. “The early colonial literature is often patchy and not completely thorough. Just because they don’t mention the horses doesn’t mean they weren’t there.”

Equine Viruses on the Rise

Three South Carolina horses were confirmed positive for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) this July. Equine Infectious Anemia is a contagious blood-borne virus that is potentially fatal to horses and other equids and can be transmitted through biting flies or infected medical equipment. The first horse to be confirmed positive was a Quarter horse in Barnwell County, and the second two horses reside in Berkeley County. These are the first positive tests in South Carolina since a donkey tested positive in 2014. There is no cure or vaccine for EIA, which is why having the Coggins Continued on page 22

The Aiken Horse

August-September 2022

CARDINAL HILL 803.295.3199

HOPELAND FARMS 461 IMPLEMENT RD | AIKEN, SC

Set on 11 acres of serenity only minutes from downtown Aiken and multiple equestrian venues including Bruce’s Field, Highfields, Aiken Polo club fields, Hitchcock Woods in highly desirable Hopeland Farms this exceptional equestrian farmette leaves no detail unaddressed. Enter this mostly perimeter fenced oasis through a gated entrance on a tree lined lane. Meander past the newly constructed no climb fenced lush pastures lining the drive to the low country style residence with its grand kissing staircase & charming covered porch perfect for enjoying a morning coffee or evening beverage. Entering the home you are met with an open floorplan featuring the great room with its vaulted ceiling and fireplace surrounded by natural light. As you enter on the right is a cozy den (or formal dining room). The kitchen boasts a new tile floor, quartz countertops, tile backsplash, loads of countertop workspace, and stainless appliances and opens into the bright welcoming keeping room/breakfast area. Your horses will revel in the well planned equestrian amenities suitable for any discipline including a shed row style 4-stall barn with water, electric and fans in each stall. A tack room and hot and cold wash rack complete the set up. Each of the 4 pastures boast a run in shed with power and water available to all in multiple locations, the run in to the right as you enter the property also includes a storage room for feed/tack. Located in close proximity to the barn is a shelter for your trailer, truck, equipment or supplies. Access to loads of trails is located directly through the double gates at the rear of the property and there are multiple locations for either a grass or all weather arena. Hurry home to Cardinal Hill and start enjoying the best of country living and all that Aiken has to offer. $899,000

www.FindAikenHomesandFarms.com | BARB GOULD USKUP | 803.295.3199

August-September 2022

The Aiken Horse

August-September 2022

Honey Ridge at Hatchaway Bridge Farms

325 Flowing Well Road, Wagener SC

NEW Price | MORE Acreage

$1,399,000 | 25+/- Ac | Arena w/ Irrigation & Lights | Multiple Pastures w/ Run-Ins | Horse Walker CELL: (803) 522-3648

WWW. SHARERDALE.COM

SHARERDALETEAM@GMAIL.COM

office: (803) 761- 0678

(803) 761-0678 August-September 2022

The Aiken Horse

“Only in America” Dressage at Stableview

Photography by Pam Gleason

The Aiken Horse

August-September 2022

The Aiken Horse

2437 Edgefield Hwy (19) Aiken

Under Construction!

Lot 11 Golden Trails New by R & B Construction 3-4 Bedroom / 2 Bath Approx 2800 sf & 2-Car Garage 8 Acres, Horses Welcome Beautiful Finishes & Gas Fireplace Back Screened Porch 5 miles to Stable View Equestrian Ready in late summer $599,000 MLS #201582

Aiken Home Source Team

AHS Team Direct (803) 220-1682 Rebecca Gutierrez (803) 646-0462

237 Park Ave SW, #101, Aiken, SC 29801 Office (803) 262-4460

www.AikenHomeSource.com

Stonewall Jackson Rd Wagener 15.85 Acres Vacant Land with Equestrian Easements $110,000 MLS #120477

Build Your Dream! State Park Rd Windsor New Lot 5 Heartwood Farm 12.01 Acres Vacant Land with Equestrian Easements $90,075 MLS #118725 Aiken Home Source LLC

The Aiken Horse

August-September 2022

Hunter-Jumpers at Stableview The Final Piece of the Puzzle

Story and Photography By Pam Gleason

he way Barry Olliff sees it, finding a niche in the hunter/jumper horse show world is the final challenge at Stableview. Barry and his wife Cyndy own and manage the 1,000 acre property just north of downtown Aiken that has, over the past decade, taken its place as one of the premier equestrian facilities in the region. Best known for eventing, Stableview holds a full schedule of horse trials and events year-round. These range from the beginner-friendly Eventing Academy series all the way up to the four-star level. Stableview has been the site of training sessions for the U.S. eventing team before international competitions such as the Pan Am games, and it is the winter home of the Olympian Boyd Martin. There are also regular dressage shows, both schooling and recognized. Whiskey Road Foxhounds occasionally hunts there, and there are annual hunter paces. Three years ago, Barry and Cyndy started holding hunter jumper shows, and they are looking forward to making them top class competitions with a regional draw. “Our ideal would be eight dates a year,” says Barry. “And the ideal number of horses is right around 400.” Things have moved a bit slowly, however, because the United States Equestrian Federation has yet to award Stableview any A-rated dates for their shows. The problem has nothing to do with the facility itself or the way it is run. Stableview is renowned for its superb facilities, meticulously maintained footing and efficient and pleasant management. The sticking point is the way that the United States Eventing Federation awards its A dates. They are not easy to get for many reasons, chief of which is the mileage rule, which, in this part of the country, forbids two facilities from having an A show on the same days if they are located within 250 miles of one another. Mileage rules were started in 1975 for several reasons, but chiefly to ensure that neighboring shows would not compete for one another for entrants. The way things have worked out over the years, the mileage rule has created various unintended consequences, including making it very difficult for new organizers to obtain recognized dates. As a result, the rule is becoming increasingly controversial, and even its proponents recognize that it should be reviewed. Although Stableview does not have A dates yet, Barry says that they hope to in the near future, and they also hope to be able to provide something unique and different for the hunter/jumper set. “If you were to sum up what Stableview is about, it’s identifying niches, identifying things that we think consumers would find interesting,” says Barry, who is 77, a former fund manager from England, and a lifelong horse person. “I’m not an establishment guy, Cyndy is not an establishment guy, and we did not come up through the industry. I want whatever I do to be done correctly, logically, ethically, but I don’t want to do things the way they have been done before, just because that is the way they have always been done.” Barry and Cyndy, who lived in Pennsylvania, bought the property that would become Stableview in 2010 with no intention of creating a top-class equestrian facility. They were looking for somewhere for Cyndy to bring her horses for the winter, and their plan was to retire in a few years and live on the Chesapeake Bay. (“I still have the boat,” Barry says.) Stableview, then 160 acres and formerly a part of Sage Valley Golf Club, was the first place they looked, and then the place they came back to after six weekend-long house shopping trips to Aiken. There was something about the place that captured their imagination. After they bought it, they were introduced to people from the eventing world who encouraged them to start building event courses, and the rest is history. In 2014, they held their inaugural Oktoberfest Horse trial; in 2016, schooling jumper shows under their massive covered. Dressage came on the scene in 2018.

August-September 2022

Not having spent much time in the horse world before creating Stableview, Barry looks at things differently than most horse show organizers. “You get someone like me come along, and we’re going to say why? Why is it done like that? Why not do it differently? Why not look at the riders differently? We should revere the riders. We should put them on pedestals. Why do the professionals have to pay to compete? We should be paying them. In no other sport at the top levels does a professional have to pay. I’m trying to reverse that.” Barry also thinks he has identified at least one niche in the horse show world where Stableview can offer something different, and that is having shows with complimentary day parking, where horses do not need to come and stay for multiple days and nights. “There are young professionals here in Aiken who don’t want to stick around. They are training their horses: they want to come in, do their business and go home. If we can help them run their business and do it efficiently, I’ll bet they would come.” Meanwhile, even without the A rating, Stableview’s hunter show series this year is offering A-level prize money, a total of $350,000 spread out over six shows, including $100,000 in bonuses for riders who enter at least four shows in the series. These shows, which include upcoming dates in early August, the end of September and early November, have a slowly growing following in Aiken and beyond, and it is likely only a matter of time before more riders learn about them and try them out. For Barry, it can’t come soon enough. “The hunter jumpers are the last piece of the jigsaw puzzle, the final challenge. Once we get that sorted, this business is as developed as it is going to be and just about every weekend will be taken up.” And then what? Barry says he and Cyndy do think quite a bit about the future. “I am 77. If I can do it until I am 85, I would be very pleased,” he says. “I am concerned about sustainability and longevity. If you start something, you want to see it continue, you want a legacy, something that will outlive you. I’d be very disappointed if this didn’t hang around.”

The Aiken Horse

News & Notes from page 12

bloodwork screening is so important, since it tests for the virus. (The Coggins test is named for Dr. Leroy Coggins, a virologist originally from North Carolina.) Horses who have tested positive for EIA must be euthanized or permanently and thoroughly quarantined, since they would serve as reservoirs for the disease and spread it to others. The horse in Berkeley County has already been euthanized and the remaining two horse owners are considering their options. Symptoms of EIA are variable, which is another reason why scheduling an annual Coggins test is so important. Some possible signs include fever, decreased appetite, anemia, weakness, and even sudden death. Some USDA guidelines from the Clemson Extension Service to prevent infection and spread of EIA include: • Separate symptomatic horses from others and contact your veterinarian immediately. • Keep the area in and around your barn clean and dry to reduce the insect population. • Apply fly sprays and insect repellants as needed. • Only use sterile needles and licensed blood products; never reuse needles or syringes. • Use a sterile needle each time you puncture a multi-dose medication bottle. • Do not share surgical or dental equipment between horses without disinfecting it. • Disinfect bits and lip chains between horses. • Clean and cover open wounds. • Test every horse at least annually .• Require proof of a recent negative Coggins test for new horses entering the premises, or when purchasing a new horse. There may be no vaccine for EIA but there are other dangerous diseases that horse owners can and should vaccinate for, every spring and fall. Potomac Horse Fever (PHF), originally identified in the Potomac River Valley and once believed to be more of a Northeastern and MidAtlantic issue, has been springing up in the South with increasing frequency. It tends to surface in mid to late summer, and often near water such as streams, ponds and irrigated pastures. It is important to be able to recognize the symptoms which include high fever and severe diarrhea or colitis. Potomac Horse Fever is caused by a bacterial organism (Neorickettsia risticii) that typically infects snails and aquatic insects such as mayflies, which is why it is associated with aquatic habitats. Once ingested by a horse, the organism targets the epithelial cells in the colon, irritating the horse’s digestive system and causing a massive loss of electrolytes and fluid. For an infected horse, prompt treatment with a specific antibiotic protocol and anti-inflammatories

The Aiken Horse

can make a huge difference in the outcome. A vaccine for PHF is available, and although it does not prevent the disease completely, it can reduce its severity. It is recommended that horses be vaccinated in spring, prior to peak seasons of exposure. Other viral dangers include Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV), both mosquito-borne and fast-acting with the tendency to cause neurological symptoms, and even death. Other neurological diseases such as rabies and EHV-1 can infect horses. Any livestock that display neurologic symptoms — stumbling, circling, head pressing, depression or apprehension — must be reported to the state veterinarian at 803-788-2260 within 48 hours. Always consult your own veterinarian for advice on what vaccinations your horse needs and when. While some core vaccines have traditionally been considered spring shots, with our generally warming climate, many veterinarians recommend a second round as we head into fall, when wet weather and hurricane season tends to bring out additional crops of mosquitoes. (Lauren Allen)

Region Three Champs

Deirdre Stoker Vaillancourt, best known as an Aiken Realtor and a vice president at Meybohm Real Estate, won the United States Eventing Association Region Three Championships for Senior Novice Riders this June at Stableview. Deirdre was riding her new horse, Invictus, a handsome chestnut Holsteiner gelding, whom she has had for less than a year. She said it took a bit of time to get accustomed to the horse and vice versa, but that at the Championships everything finally clicked.

To an outside observer this would certainly seem to be true. Deirdre and Invictus performed a beautiful dressage test, earning an impressive 23.3, and added nothing to their score in the stadium or cross country phases. They finished the winners by over two points. Deirdre credits her success to all the help she and her horse get from her trainers Darrell and Melissa Vaughn as well as the whole “stable family” at Vaughn Equestrian where she rides.

August-September 2022

l u xu r iou s acco m m odat ion s • awa r d -w i n n i n g r e s tau r a n t l ob by ba r • i n t i m at e spa

August-September 2022

The Aiken Horse

New Owners for Aiken Dry Goods Favorite Laurens Street Shop Changes Hands Story and Photography by Pam Gleason

n May, Holly Biddle-Ledoux took over as the owner and manager of Aiken Dry Goods, a unique clothing and gift boutique on Laurens Street in downtown Aiken. Aiken Dry Goods was created over a decade ago by Jami Matthews Chandler, who developed a devoted and worldwide following for her shop. Jami, like Holly, is a member of Aiken’s equestrian community and an animal lover, and the store’s offerings have always had a special appeal to horsemen, along with a Western flair. Holly hopes to keep the store’s distinctive and eclectic appeal, while adding elements of her own style and broadening the selection of merchandise. “We are still working out exactly what we will be,” says Holly. “But we’ve found so far that there is a need for more children’s clothes in Aiken, and we want them to be high quality. They aren’t just Western – we recently got in some children’s clothes from England and they have been very popular so far.” Aiken Dry Goods has always sold men’s clothing, especially Wrangler jeans, Western wear and cowboy hats an boots and Holly plans to continue that tradition, adding some new and interesting clothing lines that she has found. Making more sizes available in women’s clothing is also a priority. “The average woman in America is a size 16. Maybe that is not the size of the average woman in Aiken, but you still see that the first clothes that leave the racks are the larges, and the ones that stay on the shelves the longest are the smalls and extra smalls,” says Holly. “We’ve also seen that larger women come into the shop and see the pretty clothes, and get sad. So we’re planning on adding some more larger-sized clothing. We’re always going to be boutique – we don’t want everyone to be wearing the same clothing, so we’re never going to bring in big quantities of any particular item, but we do want to have a wider range of sizes.” Another way Holly plans to expand the store’s appeal is by offering items at various price points. One of the signature lines at the store has been Johnny Was apparel, a brand that combines a Western sensibility with a romantic aura, featuring luxurious fabrics and colorful embroidery. “Johnny Was has gorgeous, show-stopping items,” says Holly. “Some of their clothes are absolutely breathtaking, and when you walk into a room wearing Johnny Was, you know. But Johnny Was can also be expensive and not everyone can afford it. Of course we are going to keep that line, but we also hope to add some other, more economical brands that have that same feeling – clothes that you can dress up with heels or sandals, or wear with boots. We want clothes that are comfortable.” Holly has some help selecting new items for the store, most especially from her family. She says her husband Jose Ledoux, who is a sales manager at Peter Boulware Toyota in Columbia, wears suits every day and is a devotee of “retail therapy.” He provides a crucial male perspective. Holly’s oldest daughter Chloe, 17, a recent high school graduate, has been helping out at the store before going off to college in Charleston this fall and she contributes her understanding of what appeals to younger people. “I am interested in fashion,” Chloe says. “I keep up with what people in their teens to early 20s are wearing on TikTok and other places, and I’m like my mom because I’m not afraid to give my opinion. She’s always asking me what I think looks good. I’m also trying to figure out my own style as I enter adulthood, and I like picking things from trends that I think will last a long time.” Although Chloe expects to continue helping at the store during breaks from college, she does not see a future for herself in the retail world. In fact, she is singularly focused on becoming a doctor and going into a career as a medical oncologist, a goal she has had since the fifth grade.

The Aiken Horse

Holly, who comes originally from Rockford, Illinois, says she made Aiken her home 26 years ago because of horses. “I grew up showing in the Quarter Horse and Buckskin circuit in All-Around youth events as well as Western Pleasure, English Pleasure, Halter, Pole-Bending, Trail and Team Penning. When I moved to Aiken, I had my horse at Pine Top Farm [Thomson, Georgia] before and after the 1996 Olympics and I competed in eventing.” Later, Holly moved her horse to Aiken, switching her riding discipline to dressage after suffering a frightening rotational fall schooling at Hopeland Farms. Dedicated to giving back to the horse community, she was the District Commissioner of the Aiken County Pony Club, volunteered many hours at most of the local events, and helped start dressage shows in Aiken. “I no longer have horses,” she says. “But my 5-year-old daughter Josephine has started taking some lessons, and of course was born loving horses!” Professionally, Holly has had a diverse career, including running a custom boarding and training barn, and teaching dressage – she still gives clinics when she goes back to Illinois to see family a few times a year. Her other business, which she is still running, is managing rental homes for Airbnbs. Although she says her previous retail experience is limited to working at a Western store when she was in high school, she is enjoying learning a new business, especially one that she can share with her family. In fact, she says that a recent family trip to Wyoming and Montana, planned long before the decision to purchase Aiken Dry Goods, ended up doubling as a research outing for the store. “I made lists of all the Western stores on our route and we went to all of them – we altered our route if there was one in a town that I wanted to visit. We met a ton of people and talked to them in depth about what sells and what does not, and it really helped,” says Holly. Summer in Aiken tends to be slow in the retail world, and Holly says she is still developing her own mark on the store, so, with the exception of an adorable selection of children’s and baby clothes, not much has changed there yet. She will be going to the immense Western and English Sales Association (WESA) trade show in Dallas at the end of August, and she is already working on bringing some exciting new brands to Aiken for the fall. She is also planning to have an opening celebration at the store in September or October, and hopes to schedule special events there: trunk shows, wine nights, which appeal mostly to women, as well as Bourbon nights that might entice more men. She hopes to get the store involved in various sponsorships, and has already signed on as a sponsor for this summer’s roping event in The Alley downtown as well as the Best of the West horse sale in October. “We’re trying to stay true to the store’s motto, carrying ‘brands that meet the distinctive demands of today with the tradition and values of yesterday,’” says Holly. “I am sure it will evolve. The store has a wonderful following, and we want to keep that. So far, it has been an interesting challenge, but it’s fun too. We hope people will support the store, and we’re looking forward to offering some new, distinctive lines that we think people will like.” Aiken Dry Goods is located at 124 Laurens Street NW in downtown Aiken. Drop by the store or visit on Facebook or Instagram. 803-226-0100.

August-September 2022

The Aiken Horse

back to school with

AIKEN SADDLERY! Come check out our New Location! 1. Save with Huge Deals! 2. Drive Through Warehouse! 3. All the Great Brands you Love!

BUY10 FREE ON ALL PARTICIPATING BRANDS

The Aiken Horse

August-September 2022

a 501c3 non-proﬁt organization

Since 2009

Your Camden Showgrounds

I-20 Exit 101

288 STALLS WITH RUBBER MATS, 3 EXHIBIT RINGS WITH STATE OF THE ART FOOTING, 2 COVERED ARENAS, FANS, CATTLE PENS, GENEROUS SPACE FOR LUNGEING AND SCHOOLING, AND VENDOR AREA

THANK YOU For Your Support of our “Make a Mark on the Park” Campaign! The Stall Plaques Look Amazing! We love to see our visitors showcased across the property! We still have stalls available. Makes a Great Gift! NAME A STALL We will provide the name plaque to honor your horse.

Reach out to us via PM on www.facebook.com/SCEquinePark for details. Ask us about NAME A BARN, NAME A RING & MORE!

Thanks for moving the Park forward. We look forward to seeing you ringside!

Dates Subject to Change

Sept 2-4 Sept 10-11 Sept 17-18 Oct 1-2 Oct 7-9 Oct 15-16 Oct 21-23 Oct 28-30

SC Quarter Horse Association Palmetto Paint Horse Club Camden Fall Classic Hunter Jumper Palmetto Paint Horse Club Palmetto Pony Club Four Beats For Pleasure SC Dressage & Combined Training Association South Carolina Quarter Horse Association

Please contact the Show Manager with questions about their event. For Booking Information 803-486-4938 or info@scequinepark.com

Check our Facebook Page for Schooling Series Days

443 Cleveland School Rd Camden SC 29020 Mailing Address P O Box 2174, Camden SC 29020

scequinepark.com

August-September 2022

Camden SC I-20 Exit 101

The Aiken Horse

August-September 2022

www.marklexton.com 843.662.1971

“Love my arena. Thanks Clint for the great work.” ~ Kate Brown, 5* Eventer/Trainer

THE NEXT STEP iN FOOTiNG

SERViCES: • All Weather Arena Footing Installation • Round Pen Installation • Turf & Polo Field Installation • Barn Pad Excavation & Installation

• • • •

Facility & Riding Arena Design Layout Drainage System Installation Laser And GPS Capabilities Standard Blue Stone Available

Consulting services are available for all aspects of the design and construction of your equestrian facilities. OUR PLEDGE: CB Arenas offers unparalleled peace of mind for all your equestrian facility needs.

ARENAS The Next Step in Footing

973-222-1668 | CBFARMS.US August-September 2022

The Aiken Horse

is waiting for you ADOPTIONS - VET CARE - THRIFT STORE

The Aiken Horse

August-September 2022

The Aiken Horse

AIKEN HORSE Bridle Creek 101921.qxp_Layout 1 10/19/21 1:20 PM Page 3

neighborhoods can be unicorns, too

BRIDLE CREEK EQUESTRIAN COMMUNIT Y

From the developer of Three Runs Plantation comes another wonderful equestrian neighborhood in Aiken, South Carolina. Bridle Creek meanders across 600 wooded acres, featuring ve-acre lots and larger. Amenities include a dressage arena, jump arena, X-Country Schooling area and an activity center with meeting, social and tness space. All this plus miles of scenic trails. Phase One is already sold out, with more to come. Inquire today by calling 1-888-297-8881 or email info@bridlecreekaiken.com 600 Acres • Miles of groomed and marked trails • Jump arena • Dressage arena • X-Country schooling area Activity/Fitness Center • Homesites from 5+ acres • From the developer of Three Runs Plantation HOMESITES INDIVIDUALLY PRICED • DEVELOPER FINANCING AVAILABLE • BRIDLECREEKAIKEN.COM Marketed by The Carolina Real Estate Company, Aiken, SC. Plans and prices subject to change without notice. This does not constitute an offer in any state where prohibited by law. No time requirement to begin construction.

Inside 36 39 40 46 50 52

Taylor Bradish Aiken Saddlery Ask the Judge Region 3 Championships Secret Lives: Bernie Janice Holmes

The Aiken Horse

August-September 2022

2022 Fall Polo Schedule

Now Available

Offered through New Bridge Realty

Contact Raza Kazmi, 888-4NB-POLO, info@newbridgepolo.com Endless Possibilities!

Wonderful Vistas

Lauren Circle: $499,000

New Bridge Women’s Challenge 14 Goal September 9-18 National Arena Chairman’s Cup October 3-15 USPA Bronze Trophy® 12 Goal September 14-25 USPA Association Cup 8 Goal September 14-October 2 National Copper Cup® 12 Goal September 23-October 9

Premier lot in close proximity to polo field 4. Just inside the main gate to Phase 3, this 14-acre lot has four-board fencing along New Bridge Road with two ideal building sites for house and barn. No clearing needed, ample established grass for pastures, mature trees on the western edge provide natural buffer and privacy. Wonderful vistas of polo fields 4&5 to the south. One of the last cleared lots in Phase 3, endless possibilities!

Prime Property with Gorgeous Views Well Established in Grass and Ready for Horses Highgrove: $350,000

Prime property with gorgeous views. Direct access off New Bridge or Farmfield Roads. 15.52 acres, perimeter fenced with a well. Maximum usability on this lot. Entire parcel is high and dry with a lovely grove of hardwood shade trees, mature pines, and live oaks. No clearing required, parcel is well established in grass perfect for grazing and has several ideal building sites.

Custom homes and homesites available! Contact Raza Kazmi, 888-4NB-POLO, info@newbridgepolo.com The Perfect Place for Your Next Special Event! The New Bridge Clubhouse is the perfect choice for all types of gatherings and celebrations offering both indoor and outdoor spaces, expansive front and back porches, and a terraced lawn. Call Nelson at (617) 803-9196 for details.

#newbridgepolo / #newbridgelife / newbridgepolo.com

August-September 2022

National President’s Cup 8 Goal October 5-23 USPA Northrup Knox Cup® 12 Goal October 12-30 Copa de Plata 8 Goal October 26-November 6 * PRIZE MONEY FOR 12 GOAL!

About New Bridge (visit newbridgepolo.com or call 1-888-4NB-POLO) New Bridge is an 860-acre gated equestrian community nestled among rolling pasture lands on New Bridge Road just 15 minutes from downtown Aiken, South Carolina. Born from the excitement, intensity and tradition of polo, New Bridge is the home of New Bridge Polo & Country Club and of Aiken Youth Polo. It embraces equestrians of all disciplines as well as those who simply love the outdoors. Residents enjoy an array of equestrian amenities including five meticulously groomed polo fields, stick and ball areas, an exercise track, polo arena, riding trails, all-weather GGT dressage and jumping arenas, miles of groomed roads made for riding and The Stables, our full-care, premier 24-stall boarding facility. A swimming pool with lounge area, a clay tennis court, and an Argentinian colonial-style Clubhouse with restaurant/bar (open spring and fall), balcony, porch, and outdoor spaces round out the perfect setting for everyone from families to empty nesters, casual riders to competitive athletes, and those simply seeking solace from a busy world.

The Aiken Horse

Bound for The Worlds

Local Driver, Local Horse to Compete in France By Nancy Johnson

lthough the United States’ representatives for the 2022 FEI Driving World Championship for Singles have not been announced officially, Taylor Bradish, 27, of Windsor, S.C. is confident that she will be on the team of three headed to France to compete for the country in September. Taylor drove the locally-bred mare Katydid Duchess to win both selection trials for Single Horse that they contested this year: Live Oak International in Ocala and the Katydid CDE in Tryon, the national championship. Compared to most equestrian disciplines, combined driving is a relatively new sport. The late Prince Philip of the United Kingdom conceived of the competition (which is loosely modeled on eventing) in the early 1970s. There are three-phases: dressage, which evaluates precision and quality of movement; marathon, a cross-country test of speed and endurance with challenging obstacles, called hazards; and finally cones, a test of agility, speed, and obedience in which drivers navigate between narrowly placed cones topped with balls that fall if the cones are brushed. There are pony and horse divisions for each of three categories: single, pairs, and four-in-hand. “Duchess is an anomaly in the single horse division as she was bred to be a pony; she’s barely over 14.2,” Taylor says. Bred by Katrina Becker of Katydid Farm, her dam is a Welsh-Thoroughbred pony and her sire is Danyloo, a German Riding Pony stallion that Jennifer Matheson purchased right after he had won the inaugural World Pony Championships in Austria in 2003. Jennifer, a world class driver and the former manager of Katydid Farm, went on to win many accolades with Danyloo, including a Bronze Medal at the World Championships. While most would think that his daughter Duchess’s diminutive size would put her at a disadvantage, Taylor explains why that isn’t the case. “Because of her size, she’s so handy in marathon, yet she has a huge stride. “ For Taylor, there is only one thing marring the excitement of the

The Aiken Horse

upcoming trip; Katrina Becker passed away in 2019 and won’t be cheering on her homebred as she competes. For many years, Katrina was driving’s biggest supporter in the Aiken area and, along with Jennifer Matheson, a mentor and tremendous inspiration to Taylor. Taylor recounts her journey with the now 13-year-old Duchess. “When I first started working at Katydid, I was told not to drive her as she wasn’t taking to it very well,” she begins. “So, I just rode her for a year. But then Katrina, who was in her 80s at the time, decided that she wanted to drive her in one of her antique carriages. We broke her to drive again, starting all the way from hand driving and slowly progressing.” Unfortunately, the mare was never quiet enough for Katrina, but Taylor started showing her in combined driving competitions. “She would always win the marathon, but once she got to Intermediate, it was clear that she didn’t have the ‘wow’ movement needed for dressage, so the decision was made to sell her,” Taylor says. “We had her sold, but on the day of the pre-purchase exam, for some reason Katrina changed her mind and decided to keep her,” Taylor recalls with a grin. “I often think how lucky I am that something made her decide not to sell her!” When Katrina decided to keep the mare, Jennifer and Taylor made it their mission to someday get Duchess to the World Championships. Each division in the Combined Driving World Championships is held only every other year. Taylor and Duchess were selected for the team two years ago, but their trip was cancelled due to COVID-19. “In a way, it was a blessing because I didn’t feel like she was totally ready,” Taylor notes. “But she is so much stronger now and her dressage has finally gotten there.” She explains that selection to the World Championships team is not solely based on performance. The selectors also want to put together a team with members who have strengths in specific phases, especially in marathon and dressage. This is because one of the team’s three scores is dropped in each phase. Taylor emphasizes the importance of prepping a horse for the World Championships. “Their fitness is like that of a 5-star event horse,” she says. “Especially a single, because you put it all into that one horse.” Taylor expects that the marathon course will be at or near the maximum

August-September 2022

18,000 meters (just over 11 miles). The hosting venue in France, Haras National du Pin, is reported to be on a slope. “I’ve been taking Duchess to a client’s farm in Wagener twice a week to do hill climbing and she spends some time on my treadmill every day.” While the obstacles may be somewhat different from what Taylor has encountered in the United States, she’s not a bit concerned about it. “Nothing fazes her in marathon. She’s so game and honest; she’d run through a fence if I asked her to.” Taylor’s longtime friend, Brooke Tadlock, will travel to France with her to act as navigator in the competition. “Brooke used to drive and is very knowledgeable about the various hazards,” Taylor says. “She keeps track of the time. And most importantly, your navigator keeps your carriage from rolling over by leaning the correct direction over the wheels.” “I am hoping to get a chance to school with my teammates and our coach in New York before we fly over from JFK in mid-August,” Taylor says. Her fiancé, Tyler Golden, will join her a bit later to witness her World Championships debut. “I like my space at competitions, so he normally goes and golfs wherever I compete,” Taylor explains. But on this trip, Tyler will have a job. “We have designated him as team chef.

Driving Club is hosting a barbeque and silent auction for her as well. Taylor’s goal is to raise $40,000 to help defray her expenses. Anyone wishing to help can send checks to her at 308 Bairwood Rd., Windsor, SC; for questions, contact her at goldencarriagedriving@gmail.com. “Rebecca Gutierrez of New Heritage Carriages in Windsor is sponsoring me with a presentation carriage; it looks awesome!” Taylor says. The carriage, which Taylor will use for both the dressage and cones phases, is made in Poland, so it will be shipped directly to the team’s training site in Europe. Taylor will also ship over the marathon carriage that she has always used with Duchess. “The older people in the sport have just been great to me; they really want to see combined driving grow and there aren’t many young people doing it.” Taylor considers herself fortunate to have worked for Katrina Becker and Jennifer Matheson at the renowned Katydid Farm for almost seven years. Appropriately, her own farm, Golden Carriage Driving, which just opened in January, is a 15-acre sliver carved out of the former Katydid. “Although the farm is no longer Katydid – it is now Three Wishes – the Katydid horses are all here with me and Jennifer still manages the popular Katydid CDE, it’s just held in Tryon now. Mrs. Becker was so

He’s a great cook and having him handle that for the team will be a big help. “Jennifer has always been so supportive and since Mrs. Becker’s passing, has been my sponsor. Duchess is her horse and she will be the first Katydid homebred to compete in the World Championships. I am still hoping that she can make it over to watch us in France,” Taylor says. Since Katrina’s passing and the sale of Katydid Farm, Jennifer’s experience has made her much sought-after as a manager for combined driving events nationwide: in fact, she is managing a CDE a week after the World Championships. Taylor is extremely grateful for the encouragement and financial support from the community, since the trip to compete in France will be very expensive. Jennifer Matheson and Rebecca Dills recently held a fundraiser for the trip at the Gaston Livery Stables and the Aiken

generous to the Aiken community – holding events and clinics – we were spoiled.” Taylor says she will take some Katydid good luck charms to France, including one of Katrina Becker’s hats, which will be in the dressage and cones phases with her. Taylor indicates a row of hats that adorns the ceiling perimeter of Golden Carriage’s tack room. “All but one of those I inherited from Katrina,” she notes. She will also be using a stunning brass harness that was originally made for Danyloo. Taylor imagines that Danyloo, now 26, will be at the farm awaiting news of his daughter Duchess’s performance.

August-September 2022

The FEI Combined Driving World Championships for single horses will be held in Le Pin au Haras in Normandy, France from September 15-18.

The Aiken Horse

August-September 2022

Aiken Saddlery Expands More Space, Wider Selection By Pam Gleason

n Monday, June 27, Aiken Saddlery and Supply opened its door to a greatly expanded space, ushering in a new era for one of Aiken’s most popular and iconic equestrian stores. The new store at 1090 Pine Log Road is right next to the old one, making the transition seamless for customers. It is located in a massive building that was until recently leased by the Parsons Corporation, a technology-focused defense, intelligence and security firm headquartered in Centreville, Virginia, which used it for training. According to Aiken Saddlery’s owners, Amy Hebert and C.P. Doremus, the old store occupied a total of one acre, while the new one sits on four and half. The old store had 2,000 feet of retail space, while the new one has 12,000, in addition to room for offices and storage. There is an expanded parking lot that can be accessed from either Banks Mill Road or Pine Log Road, and a huge drive-through warehouse for hay and feed – this is the same warehouse that Aiken Saddlery has been using for a few years, but now they own the building, rather than rent it.. Aiken Saddlery was established in 1979 by Charlie Herrick and Lydia Rose, who were married at the time. It started out as a small tack repair and sales business, then added feed and farm supplies, gaining a loyal following in Aiken’s growing equestrian world. In the mid-1990s, Charlie started Banks Mill Feeds, a horse feed that was originally sold exclusively at the store, and soon expanded across the region. After Charlie and Lydia were divorced, Charlie kept the feed business while Lydia devoted herself to Aiken Saddlery. In 2014, Amy Hebert and C.P. Doremus, who are married, were looking for a business to buy in Aiken. Amy, a lifelong horseperson, had been working at the racetrack, galloping horses in the mornings and competing nationally and internationally as a jockey on the amateur racing circuit as well as in the showjumping arena. She and C.P. lived most of the year in New Jersey where C.P. ran a communications business and Amy worked at Monmouth Park racetrack. In the winters, she came to Aiken to gallop horses on the Aiken Training Track. Aiken Saddlery was not officially for sale, but when Amy and C.P. heard that Lydia might consider selling, they were very interested. Amy was ready to give up galloping, and she had a background in retail, coming from a family that owned and ran jewelry stores in Connecticut. Before long, they had a deal and Aiken Saddlery changed hands. “We bought at an opportune time,” says Amy from her new spacious office. “The horse world in Aiken was growing. At that time the Aiken Horse Park was being developed; there were new competitions at Stableview and horse sport everywhere was increasing. In Aiken, there were more professionals coming, Olympians and their students. We were lucky to be at the right place at the right time, and we took the ball and ran with it.” Within the first few years, they expanded the store from 900 square feet to 2,000 square feet, adding more inventory, especially clothing, gifts and pet supplies. Initially there was just a small space for grain storage in the back of the shop and an outbuilding for hay, along with a few loaded tractor trailers. As the business grew, they needed more space, and so they were able to lease the warehouse in the adjoining lot where they could store many more pallets of feed and supplies. But pretty soon, that was not enough either. “Our business has doubled in eight years,” says C.P. “That’s a big jump for a place like this.” “We outgrew the space,” adds Amy. “And we’re still expanding. The horse world is still expanding. Every day someone walks in the door and says ‘I’m moving here,’ or ‘I want to move here;’ ‘I sold my other house and I want to keep my Aiken house.’ More people are making Aiken their home instead of thinking of it as a winter playground. It used to be

August-September 2022

that I recognized 70 percent of the people that came in here. Now it’s maybe 30 percent.” And so when the Parsons Corporation gave up its lease on the building next to the old store, and the owner offered to sell the entire parcel, including the Parson’s training center and the warehouse that Aiken Saddlery was already using, C.P. and Amy almost couldn’t say no. They needed room for expansion, and the location was ideal. They purchased it in November of 2021, and spent the next six months turning the building into a retail space. Aiken Saddlery was closed for a long weekend beginning on Thursday, June 23 while Amy, C.P. and the staff moved everything from the old store to the new one, and they were opened for business at the new store on Monday morning. “We did expand our inventory,” says Amy. “But a lot of the things we have were there in the old store too; you just couldn’t see them because it was so cramped.” One particular area where the store is expanding its inventory is Western tack and supplies, which have not been easy to find in the area. “We see more and more Western riders come in the door,” says Amy. “So we’ll have more Western apparel. We have Western hats and we have cowboy boots coming in, along with Wrangler jeans and Ariat jeans.” The store is also committed to carrying more clothing for men, recognizing that English tack shops in particular tend to be more focused on women’s clothing. “I’m one of the people who has been complaining about that,” says C. P. with a laugh. “Now the whole left side of our jeans display as you come in the door is men’s.” C.P. and Amy are also planning to expand their offerings for English riders, although they already have a wide selection covering disciplines from dressage, show jumping and eventing to polo, foxhunting, driving and more. There are shelves filled with liniments, shampoos, vitamins and supplements, boxes of brushes, racks of saddle pads, halters and leads – everything for the horse and rider, which is the store’s motto. There are also unique gifts and décor items, such as hand-painted furniture from Charleston Chalks and equestrian-themed pottery created by the local artist Sharon Wilson for her Mud in Your Eye Pottery line. In addition to offering tack and supplies, Aiken Saddlery takes particular pride in supporting the equestrian community in Aiken and beyond, providing sponsorship for numerous shows and events, and contributing to various animal causes such as the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare, Friends of the Animal Shelter, and Aiken Equine Rescue, where Amy is a board member. “People are good to us, and you have to support the community that supports you,” she says. “That was instilled in me growing up.” Amy and C.P. are excited to be in the new store and are looking forward to welcoming back their seasonal customers this fall and winter. They still have some work to do on the property, and have some interesting decorating plans, which include adding more works by local artists on the walls inside, and decorative murals on the walls outside. This summer, they say the new store has been greeted with enthusiasm. “Horse people love tack stores, so we like to be a destination for people visiting Aiken along with people who live here,” says Amy. “I want to get a map on the wall so people can mark where they have come from – it’s amazing, we have people coming from everywhere. The new store is a better shopping experience for everyone, so if you haven’t been by in a while, come check us out!” And what of the old store? It is currently empty and available for rent. “We’d like to see a coffee shop there, something that feels like Aiken,” says Amy. “Then we’d have somewhere to go for lunch. Plus, it’s really needed in this area.”

The Aiken Horse

Join us

Sat. Sept. 10 ~ Open House from 10am-1pm

Demo starts at 11am Rain date Sun. Sept 11

If you are interested in:

Developing more Confidence Enjoying Deep Trust and Connection Trying things like Bitless Riding, Liberty Work and Working Equitation

Join us to learn the secrets to Ultimate Equine Partnership! www.TheHorsemanshipAcademy.com After 25+ years of helping horses understand people, Julie Robins has created The Horsemanship Academy to help people understand their horses.

The Aiken Horse

August-September 2022

Ask the Judge

Questions about Dressage With Amy McElroy

Amy McElroy is an FEI competitor, and a USEF S judge. She is qualified to officiate at any USEF recognized national show at all dressage levels. She rides, trains and teaches at Fair Lane Farm in Aiken and judges between 15 and 20 dressage and eventing shows each year. In her popular Ask the Judge column, she answers readers’ questions about dressage. Do you have a question for Amy? Send her an email at McElroyDRM@aol.com, or visit her website: www.amymcelroy.com.

Dear Amy,

I am excited to be moving up to Third Level this season and I have a few questions about competing at this new level. I hope you can give me guidance on the following: 1. Is it still appropriate to have your test called? Will the judge think you are too advanced for a reader at this stage? I know my test very well, but I am afraid that show nerves might distract me and I wou ld hate to lose my way and have an error. 2. Does it matter which Third Level tests I compete in to earn points for my Bronze Medal? Also what percentages would I need to qualify for Regionals? I am hoping for both! 3. Would judges prefer to see you compete in a double bridle or snaffle bridle? My horse goes well in the snaffle, but would it be more appropriate for him to have an upper level bridle now? 4. I heard you must wear spurs at this level or you will be eliminated, is this correct? I appreciate all your advice!

-Third Level Newbie Dear Newbie,

It is very exciting to be moving up to Third Level with goals of earning your Bronze Medal and qualifying for the Regionals. I would be happy to answer all these good questions and advise you on how to proceed. Let’s discuss having a reader now that you are riding Third Level. According to the USEF rulebook under DR122.1, it states that for all Federation tests, a caller is permitted. So all tests from Training Level through Fourth Level can have a caller if you choose, without penalty. The only exception to this is for championship classes, in which a caller is not allowed. Even when you are competing to earn your Bronze Medal you may have a reader, and having one should not have any influence on your score, as long as you are competing at a level where it is legal. I would suggest doing what makes you feel the most comfortable and keeps you on course and error free. It sounds like you already have the First and Second Level scores needed to earn your USDF Bronze medal. The final category would be Third Level. Just like with the First and Second level requirement, you do not have to ride any specific test: You may choose any of the Third Level tests. (There are three.) However, you are required to have two scores from two different rides and two different judges and your minimum qualifying score is 60%. It is possible to acquire all the scores you need in just one show as long as you meet all these requirements! Qualifying for Regionals is the same for all the levels. To qualify, you must earn two scores from two different rides and judges at different shows: in this case you cannot obtain your qualifying scores at one weekend show, unless the show happens to be considered two separate one-day shows. The minimum qualifying scores vary per level and will also depend on whether you are a Junior/Young rider ( Jr/Yr), Adult Amateur (AA), or Open rider. To qualify for Third Level Jr/Yr and

August-September 2022

AA, the minimum score you need is 60%. At lower levels, you have to do a little better. The qualifying score for First Level is 62% and for Second Level is 61%. Open riders need to earn 62% at Third Level, 66% at First Level and 62% at Second Level. So, assuming you are an AA, the minimum score you need to qualify for the Regionals and to make progress toward earning your Bronze Medal is 60%. However, in order to qualify for the Regionals, you must earn that score in Third Level, Test Three. In fact, at all levels, you can only earn qualifying scores for the Regionals at the highest test of the level you are in. Furthermore, you can’t just ride Test Three and assume that if you get a qualifying score you have earned your spot. When you submit your entry form, you must declare that you want your score to count by writing Q or Qualifying by the class. This usually entails an extra charge. This is different from earning a Bronze, Silver or Gold Medal: to obtain these honors, you don’t need to declare anything or pay anything extra. In addition, these are rider awards, and you can take as long as it takes you to earn your scores – there is no time limit and your scores do not expire. Although it is very rewarding to earn all your scores on the same horse, it is perfectly acceptable to get them on multiple horses. When it comes to bridles, starting at Third Level, you are permitted to use a double bridle, but doing so is entirely optional. Your judge should not be very interested in your bridle as long as it, and everything else about your tack and attire, is legal. Your judge will be more interested in how your horse accepts the contact and that he is reliably on the bit. Is your horse’s mouth closed and quiet? Is he happily chewing? A little white foam in the mouth is a good sign! Do you have control over your horse? Can you use your hands and reins independently from the rest of your body? Use the bridle that makes you and your horse look and feel the best. This is what judges are looking for: Happy mouth = Happy horse. As far as spurs go, there are some classes that do require you to wear them. For instance, when you progress to the FEI levels, spurs are mandatory and that is when you would be eliminated for not wearing them. At Third Level, and all the levels Fourth and below, wearing a spur is optional. If you choose to wear spurs, be certain you can keep your leg steady so you do not rub holes in your horse’s sides, which could result in elimination. From the rulebook: Spurs must be made of metal, and only English-style spurs are allowed. The shank must be either curved or pointing directly back, and if it is curved, it must be pointed down. Other spurs that are permitted include swan neck, impuls, dummy, and armless spurs. If you wear rowels, they must be blunt and free to rotate. But once again, spurs are not required and at this level I would wear what makes your horse go his best. I hope I have clarified all your concerns, and hope to see you as one of Aiken’s newest Bronze Medalists, representing Region 3 (our region) at this year’s USDF championships in Conyers, Georgia, October 6-9. Good luck!

The Aiken Horse

THE HAPPIEST SHOW ON EARTH WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE BEST VOLUNTEERS ON EARTH!

Why volunteer for the Thoroughbred Makeover and T.I.P Championships? CONTRIBUTE Get a front-row seat while being an essential part of producing the biggest all-Thoroughbred show around.

COMMUNITY Network, build friendships, and learn from others. PLUS we have great t-shirts!

The Aiken Horse

OCT. 12-15 | THE KENTUCKY HORSE PARK PRESENTED BY THOROUGHBRED CHARITIES OF AMERICA

August-September 2022

The Aiken Horse

August-September 2022

Summer Special JUNE 1 - AUGUST 31 $45/HORSE

t x e N p U

SEP 10 - HUNTER PACE OCT 22 - MINI HORSE TRIALS NOV 12 - CT & DRESSAGE

1 HORSE - $775 / YEAR

s p i h s r Membe

2 HORSES - $975 / YEAR

SUMMER HOURS TUE - SUN � 8AM - 1PM 859 OLD TORY TRAIL

August-September 2022

The Aiken Horse

Region 3 Eventing Championships, Stableview

Photography by Pam Gleason & Gary Knoll

Adams Horse Supplies

IS NOW

IN AIKEN! Reasons to shop at Adams! ¡ Huge selection of top

equestrian brands and stable supplies

¡ Price match guarantee ¡ 60-day return policy ¡ Monthly drawings for valuable product

¡ Generous customer rewards program

¡ Easy to shop website

with store pick up option

Come visit our store:

119 Bolton Ct. Aiken, SC 29803 Shop online at:

www.AdamsHorseSupply.com

The Aiken Horse

August-September 2022

The Aiken Horse

Secret Lives of Horses Weekend at Bernie’s By Nancy Johnson

lthough his name suggests a shorter stay, Weekend at Bernie’s isn’t going anywhere according to Jocelyn Thomas. Jocelyn, who is the owner of Dancing Horses Equestrian in Williston, says she bought the now 26-year-old Selle Francais gelding about four years ago. Jocelyn had put the word out among other local professionals in the Aiken area that she was seeking a nice horse for her husband Steve to ride. In a typical example of the Aiken horse community working together, Cathy Gomez from Wagener reached out to Jocelyn describing Bernie as a perfect horse for the job. “I bought Bernie specifically as a husband horse to surprise Steve when he came home from serving in the military in Kuwait,” Jocelyn explains. Strictly a pleasure rider, Steve was eager to ride Bernie, “But when he got back from his tour oversees, he was ill and not able to ride. Then, as soon as he got healthy, they shipped him out again,” Jocelyn explains. Since Steve couldn’t ride Bernie right away, Jocelyn began using him in her lesson program and with kids in camp. “Everybody loves him,” she says. “He’s quiet and well-broke, making him an excellent school horse, but he still is a little sassy.” She doesn’t know the details, but Jocelyn was told that Bernie had shown extensively at the big horse shows in his youth. “He still loves to jump, so I leased him to a Pony Clubber, Sebastian Howard, who wanted to start eventing.” The pair competed in 2020 and 2021 in the Tadpole division at Stable View’s Eventing Academy where they were always in the top ribbons. “Unfortunately, we just discovered that Bernie has a heart murmur, so I don’t want to take the chance of him eventing any longer,” Jocelyn says sadly. “He’s not happy about it either,” she adds. As Bernie likes to have a job, Jocelyn is using him in lessons. “He’s especially good with some of my adult beginner students who are just learning to canter,” she notes. Steve, who recently retired, insists that he still plans to ride “his” horse and Jocelyn will be keeping close tabs on them both. “Bernie has a home with us for the rest of his life,” she says. “I just want to be sure he’s happy and has someone to ride him because he is one of those horses that must have a job, even if it’s a small one. I’m so thankful Cathy let him step down to a lesser job with me.”

The Aiken Horse

Aside from his recently discovered heart murmur, Jocelyn says Bernie has not had any health or soundness issues since she has owned him. “It’s amazing that he’s so sound because his legs look like they are all screwed on at different angles,” she says with a laugh. “I wish I knew more of his early history,” adds Cathy. “When I bought him from a friend in Georgia, they were just showing him locally, but supposedly he had done the ‘Big Eq’ prior to that. He’s branded, so I am guessing he was imported, but I’m not certain.” She describes him as a handsome horse and looking more the “older warmblood type with a lot of bone.” When she had him, she even rode him sidesaddle. “He looked great in sidesaddle, but I was just getting to the end of doing sidesaddle myself, so I only rode him aside a few times for fun,” she says. Cathy explains the background of his name. “When I got him, I didn’t get any papers or show record. He was just Bernie. I always loved the movie Weekend at Bernie’s, so that’s how he got his current name.” Shortly after buying him, Cathy showed him in some hack classes at the Aiken Horse Show in the Woods and had hoped to hunt him. However, even at 20 plus years of age, Bernie turned out to be quite a handful jumping. “He was such a nice horse to be around, and he’d be so quiet; until he saw a fence! Then he’d just barrel on,” she says with a laugh. Seeing his propensity for jumping, Cathy ended up showed him some in the local jumper shows, mostly at Stable View. “He was already in his early 20s, so I just did the 2’6” jumpers, but he did quite well, and it was a lot of fun,” she recalls. “What was so funny about Bernie is that at home he was so slow and quiet, he looked like he could have shown in Western pleasure, but when you took him someplace, he’d light up like a Christmas tree. The horse you had at home was not the horse you were going to ride at the show or hunt,” Cathy explains, adding, “That’s why even though I bought him to hunt, I decided the jumpers suited him better.” Because Bernie was always quiet at home, Cathy realized that the job Jocelyn wanted him for, being Steve’s horse on the farm, would suit him better than the excitement of hunting, giving him something easier to do as he settled into old age. “I was so happy Jocelyn had a good spot for him. I’ve seen him recently with her students and he looks great and very content.”

August-September 2022

The Aiken Horse

August-September 2022

Janice Holmes

Finding “Ah-Ha” Moments By Jen Roytz

sk anyone involved with the United States Eventing Association about Janice Holmes and you’ll hear the same thing – she is a multitalented person. A lifelong equestrian, Janice has made a name for herself as a coach, clinician, United States Equestrian Federation “r” eventing judge, a USEA Level 3 ICP instructor and a dedicated volunteer. A recent transplant to Aiken, she has quickly become a valued member of the equestrian community and looks forward to contributing even more in the future. While today Janice focuses on eventing and dressage, her equestrian background has included everything from starting racehorses to riding show hunters, jumpers and barrel racers. She has also driven Standardbreds, competed in showmanship, reining and gymkhana and even done a bit of saddle seat. Now, she’s using her wealth of knowledge and experience to cultivate the next generation of equestrians, operating out of her own Holmestead Stables in Aiken’s 302 polo and eventing Growing up in rural northeast Ohio, Janice was brought up in the farm life. “My dad grew up farming and they used horses to do much of the farm labor until the 1950s. He thought it would be good for his kids to have horses and the lessons that come with them,” she said. “We had everything from horses to cows, chickens and other farm animals, and we also grew grain and vegetables.” As a young person, Janice rode as much as she could and was a member of the local 4H club. One day, a couple stopped to talk with her while she was out riding her horse. They owned Thoroughbreds and asked if she would like to help them exercise and saddle break their horses. “I had started a few Arabian-Quarter Horse crosses under saddle, so I figured Thoroughbreds can’t be that much harder,” said Janice with a laugh. “I galloped and breezed for them on their farm’s training track. Their horses mostly ran in claiming races at Thistledown in Cleveland, and when they came to the end of their careers, they would let me retrain and sell them. I was allowed to keep whatever they sold for beyond their last claiming tag. Between that, giving lessons to other 4H kids and selling vegetables from the farm, that’s how I paid for college.” Janice attended The Ohio State University, majoring in Animal Science and Agricultural Education, and soon after college took a job at Live Oaks Vocational School, where she taught for 14 years while also riding at Childress Rodgers Stables, a hunter-jumper barn in Milford, Ohio near Cincinnati. It was during that time that she first discovered three-day eventing. “I volunteered with a friend at what is now the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event back in 1988 and was immediately hooked,” she said. “I had done dressage and jumping, and then was like, ‘You mean I can do both of those AND gallop around cross country? Sign me up!’” Janice entered her first horse trial in 1992 and before long was competing regularly under the tutelage of the international rider Cathy Wieschhoff. “Cathy invited me to go to England with her on one of her horse shopping trips and I came back with Charlie, a green broke Irish Sport Horse,” said Janice. “When I started working with him, he was just learning his leads. I brought him up through the Intermediate three-star level, then Cathy took him Advanced at the four-star level. One of my proudest achievements was the year Charlie and I won every Prelim event we entered – seven in total – finishing on our dressage scores. It was pretty amazing.” In addition to working with Cathy, Janice also learned from the legendary coach and competitor Jimmy Wofford. “When I was an upper level rider, I used to go and spend a couple weeks working with him every year. He was a big influence on me, and helped me with my teaching as well as with my riding,” she said. In the mid-1990s, Janice went into business for herself, establishing Holmestead Stables in Milford. There, she built a full eventing facility, including indoor and outdoor arenas, a cross country course and an 18-stall boarding barn. For almost three decades, she taught upwards of 60 lessons a week and brought along young horses as sale prospects. In addition, she ran dressage shows and combined tests at her farm.

August-September 2022

Part of the curriculum that each of her students learned was the importance of volunteering, an area where Janice leads by example. Today, semi-retired and in her early 60s, she can regularly be found volunteering at various events and was recently recognized by the USEA for her dedication to the sport. Over the years, Janice says has particularly enjoyed teaching adult amateurs. “Adult amateurs are serious about what they’re doing, but don’t necessarily take themselves too seriously. They set attainable goals, they are present when it’s time to take a lesson and they’re willing to invest the time to improve themselves,” she said. “Not everyone learns the same way. My experience teaching in the classroom allows me to find different ways to teach a concept and identify underlying issues that are affecting a rider’s ability to move forward in their riding. I also really enjoy helping people bring young horses along. Some other trainers prefer to deal with upper level horses, but I think the green horses are a blast.” About 12 years ago, Janice earned her USEF “r” judge’s license for eventing. She says she tries to offer constructive, positive comments in her judging sheets. “Coaching and judging are totally different, but in a way they are very much alike,” she said. “I try to find that one thing a rider is doing incorrectly that if they just fix it, it will raise their scores. Whether I am coaching them through it or finding a way to convey it on a judge’s card, I thrive on those ‘ah-ha’ moments.” About a decade ago, Janice made a conscious effort to start scaling back her daily equestrian duties. She began doing more coaching and less riding, and at the same time, her judging career picked up, taking her to competitions across the region. “Eventually, most of my younger students aged out, going off to college,” she said. Then COVID hit. While she did most of the work on her farm herself, she relied on the help of three good friends, two of whom, discovering that they could work remotely during the pandemic, decided to move to Ocala where they would be in the middle of a vibrant equestrian scene. Janice, who had been coming to Aiken to compete during the winters for decades, started thinking about moving South too. Aiken was, of course, her first choice. And so she sold her farm and her school horses to a young professional in Ohio, found the perfect property in Aiken County, and came to live here full time with her two personal horses in July 2021. Today, Janice teaches a handful of students and she stays very busy judging at events throughout the USEA’s Area 8 and Area 3 regions. She also conducts a handful of clinics a year. “I love doing fix-a-test clinics,” she said. “I also love doing fix-a-show jumping round clinics, where you ride the round, then together we go over your video and identify where you can save a few seconds or ride certain fences cleaner. Then you go out and do it again. It’s so fun to see the meaningful lessons riders learn in those situations.” Whether coaching, riding or judging, Janice has made a career out of creating opportunities that allow her pupils to improve while enjoying the experience. “If there’s one thing horses have taught me over the years, it is the importance of a positive reward after putting in the hard work and effort,” said Janice. “Their success is my success. “People ask me why I moved to Aiken, and I tell them that I moved here because I wanted to – I didn’t move away from Cincinnati,” she continued. And despite some of her Ohio friends cautioning her that she might be viewed as an outsider in the town, she has found her welcome here to be very warm. “The people here are so accepting and they want to be friends,” she said. “It’s really amazing – they want to ride with you and invite you on the hunt. And on top of that Aiken is so beautiful.” To connect with Janice about coaching, clinics or judging opportunities, email her at jaholmestead@aol.com or call her at (513) 368-5578.

The Aiken Horse

August-September 2022

The Aiken Horse

! w Ne

Many Problems + One Solution Sweet Itch • Dew Poisoning Scratches • Rain Rot • Girth Fungus

Banixx.com 2 56Aiken Summer2022.indd The Aiken Horse

877-944-0795 3/31/22 12:22 PM August-September 2022

DFG STABLES AIKEN, SC - OCALA, FL

CATHY GEITNER (803) 270-0574

August-September 2022

DFGSTABLES @ AOL . COM DFGSTABLES . NET

DANIEL GEITNER (803) 270-5420

The Aiken Horse

August-September 2022

The Aiken Horse

64 66 68 69 70 71 73

Inside

Julie Robins Biosecurity Directory of Services Classifieds Index of Advertisers The Vista Calendar of Events

The Aiken Horse

August-September 2022

The Aiken Horse 63

Online Learning at AHA

Promoting the Ultimate Equine Partnership By Nancy Johnson

Over the past quarter century, Julie Robins, who owns Aiken

Horsemanship Academy, has earned a reputation up and down the East Coast as a leading equine behavior specialist, helping innumerable people with their horses through private lessons and clinics. “I have had clients in Aiken ranging from the average amateur rider who wants to trail ride or dabble a little in small competitions, to foxhunters, to professionals like the renowned polo player, Adam Snow,” Julie says. “I am very fortunate to have a lot of people who benefit from what I do. I love helping people discover connections for liberty work, bitless riding, and applications like Working Equitation.” In a nutshell, what Julie does is help people to understand and make better connections with their horses. But in 2020, when COVID-19 hit, Julie’s business, like so many others, was dramatically affected. “I wasn’t able to do my traditional local clinics and lessons or travel to clinics that I typically teach in New York and Massachusetts. It was discouraging because I couldn’t help people who had lost their confidence or were developing young horses, or just those who just wanted a better relationship with their horse.” Frustrated and with time on her hands, she started thinking about how she could adapt her business to fit the needs of a COVID-restricted world. Suddenly, it came to her. “I realized after years of teaching riders how to develop an attentive, relaxed, and connected partnership with their horses, that there is a systematic way to do this,” Julie says. She had previously put together a nine-step layout of how to achieve a true partnership, which she shared with clients whom she didn’t see frequently. “So, I decided to put the free time I had to good use, and I boiled it down to just three steps, because who can remember nine,” Julie says with a laugh. She developed the Ultimate Equine Partnership, an online platform that is a roadmap for getting what she calls “that confident connection.” “I asked my existing clients to join me on this journey of creating the first three courses for Phase 1,” Julie says. They all took the first phase of the online course and raved about it. “By the time COVID restrictions had eased and they came back to work with me in person, their learning had jumped forward significantly,” she says. “I saw it over and over and couldn’t believe it. I asked them if they practiced more, and they claimed they had not, and in fact had practiced less. My clients said the courses made them stop and think and that the visuals made them see what they could do with their own horses.” They told her they thought the program was valuable and encouraged her to make it available to more people. The program has three phases, each of which is broken down into three modules. The first phase, the Foundation Phase, is divided into three steps: Discover Horse Psychology, Create a Herd of Two, and Establish Speaking Horse. “No matter what your discipline or what you are doing with your horse, whether

managing horses at a rescue or doing a high-performance sport like polo or eventing, we have to have a foundation. “I have new people come to me for lessons after having taken the first phase of the online course. They are so far ahead of people that I used to work with because they already did the back work,” she says, “They come in ready to progress.” She has also found that other professionals are referring their students to the program, so that they show up in a better frame of mind with their problems solved and are ready to focus on their specific discipline. “To me, that is the long term goal of this program. As an equine behavior specialist, I become another member of the team of people that you use to connect with your horse; like you use a farrier, a vet, a dentist, a bodyworker,” Julie says. “I am here to help you understand why your horse does that, how to communicate in their language, which is really simple: it’s body language, it’s energy, it’s intention, it’s follow-through, it’s timing, and it’s feel and balance – once you get all those pieces in; then it’s easy. It doesn’t matter if your canter cue is an outside leg back or an inside leg forward or touching the top of your head while whistling – the horse can learn any cue, but you have to understand that they learn cues from predictable patterns.” The program consists of modules, each designed as a six week course. “If you want to do it as a six-week course, you can invest a half hour a week in which you will watch the videos, go through the workbook, and do your homework. Or what I’m finding is that people today, like to binge it – like with Netflix.” The videos are short, just two to eight minutes, and are very specific. “The idea is that you need the foundation, and you can ask questions later. No one has complained that the program took too much time,” Julie says. An important piece to the program is that those taking the course have direct access to Julie once a week. “We do a weekly call every Wednesday. Clients submit their questions and/or videos and I answer everyone’s questions,” she explains, adding, “It has worked out very well and builds camaraderie among the group.” There are currently 25 registered clients in the program. “Sometimes there are four or five people on a call; sometimes 12. Some don’t have any specific questions, but just get on to listen to the others.” Julie has an open house slated from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 10 to introduce the Ultimate Equine Partnership Program at her Dragonfly Farm, 590 Implement Rd., Aiken (Hopeland Farms.) In addition to riding demos, there will be computer access and use of QR codes available for guests to get a peek into the program. The casual meet and greet will also offer a discount on the program to all attendees. To learn more, go to the website: thehorsemanshipacademy. com and click on ‘Book a Call’ for a brief phone interview with Julie to see if the program is a right fit for you. Right: Julie demonstrates her connection, bareback and bridleless.

The Aiken Horse

August-September 2022

The Aiken Horse 65

Equestrian Biosecurity Nothing to Sneeze at By Jen Roytz

t is a common joke with horse people – we often take better care of our horses than we do of ourselves. From their nutrition and supplementation to fitness, joint health, training and more, we try to give our horses everything they need to succeed. But one thing that sometimes gets overlooked is the risk of a horse’s exposure to infectious and contagious diseases. As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure. For equestrians, nowhere is that adage more apt than when it comes to biosecurity – preventing the spread of infectious (transmitted via infectious agents) and contagious (transferred via contact) diseases. With the uptick in outbreaks of highly transmissible equestrian diseases such as strangles, equine influenza, equine herpes virus (EHV) and others, now is an excellent time to do an assessment of your current equestrian biosecurity protocols and refine or update your approach if necessary. Best Practices at Home Vaccinations are a key part of any sound biosecurity plan. While they cannot prevent a horse’s exposure to disease, they can protect a horse’s health when exposure occurs. The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) publishes guidelines for both core vaccinations (those that are recommended for all equines) and risk-based vaccinations, which take into account a horse’s geographic region, travel and life stage. The AAEP recommends owners and farm managers consult with their veterinarians to identify the vaccinations and schedules appropriate for their herd. When new horses arrive on the property, it is best to require a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) and negative Coggins test for equine infectious anemia (EIA). (A negative Coggins test is generally required by law when transporting horses within a state or across state lines or buying or selling one at auction – some states require this test be performed every year, some more, and some less frequently.) When possible, request the incoming horse’s vaccination and worming history, as well as the incoming horse’s travel history, so you can check to be sure there have not been any disease outbreaks in places where the horse has been stabled. The AAEP recommends that incoming horses should be quarantined from the rest of the herd for a minimum of 14 days, or upwards of 30 days if you do not have clear knowledge of the horse’s health status or how he was being managed in the weeks leading up to his arrival. This will ensure he or she is not incubating a disease that he might transmit to the resident horses. The newcomer should be stabled away from other horses and turned out in a paddock with no shared fence lines. His temperature and general demeanor should be monitored daily, as should his water intake and manure consistency. Water sources can be a “red zone” when it comes to spreading disease. Water troughs and electric waterers should be sanitized regularly to reduce the proliferation of pathogens and algae. If a group of horses is exposed to a disease, their water source should be cleaned more often, and the tools used to clean it should be thoroughly sanitized before cleaning any other water source on the farm. In the barn, it is wise to have the same horses in the same stalls using the same feed and water buckets each day to prevent the spread of bacteria from one herd to another. When filling water buckets, do not allow the hose to come in contact with the bucket (such as when the nozzle of a hose is left in a bucket or trough when filling) as this can carry pathogens from one bucket to the entire barn. Natural water sources, such as ponds or streams, are especially problematic from a biosecurity standpoint. They can be a good source of fresh water, but they can also present risks that are difficult to manage. Regional flooding can bring bacteria such as E. coli, while hotter temperatures can cause an algae bloom, both of which can cause diarrhea, colic and other problems. Natural water sources are also associated with

The Aiken Horse

an increased risk for leptospirosis when a water source is contaminated with urine or feces from other animals, and Potomac Horse Fever which horses contract by ingesting certain aquatic insects. If a natural water source becomes contaminated with an infectious disease, it can be difficult to clear the pathogen fully, and infectious agents can be carried downstream to contaminate other areas. Washing one’s hands regularly is also very important. Visitors, especially those coming from other farms, such as farriers, should wash their hands before handling your horses. It is important to wash hands after handling any horse in quarantine or any horse showing any signs of illness. In cases where an infectious disease is suspected or confirmed, it is prudent to sanitize the bottoms of shoes or wear plastic foot coverings after any interaction with the quarantined horse. Keeping sanitary wipes around the barn area is an easy way to encourage people to regularly disinfect their hands and equipment. Disease Prevention on the Road Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, which has locations in Lexington, Kentucky, Wellington, Florida and Saratoga Springs, New York, offers a helpful resource guide on their website that details biosecurity best practices when traveling to horse shows and other equestrian venues. As recent outbreaks have shown, communal venues such as competition grounds can easily become a hotbed for disease transmission. Often, horses go to and from such locations on commercial vans. When shipping your horse on a commercial carrier, inquire beforehand as to what their biosecurity protocols are: do they disinfect their rig after every trip? Do they require proof of vaccination status and a health certificate for each horse being transported, and so on. Ensure there have been no recent disease outbreaks at that location prior to shipping. At many show grounds, stalls are used week after week by horses traveling in and out from various locations, so many venues disinfect stalls as part of their weekly protocol. When you arrive at the grounds, if you see used bedding, feed remnants, fecal matter or the stall has a marked odor, it is wise to clean and disinfect it before unloading your horse. Rood and Riddle suggests scrubbing any areas of the walls with fecal stains with soap and water, then using a disinfectant that is effective in the presence of organic material. Another alternative is diluted bleach water (eight ounces bleach to one gallon of water) though that is most effective on a surface that has already been thoroughly cleaned. Bring personal feed tubs and water buckets for each horse, as well as your own hose, and never allow your horse to drink out of a shared water source. The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) offers print and online resources about biosecurity while at competitions and suggests labeling all buckets, feed tubs, halters, bridles and other equipment with each horse’s name. If you must share tack or equipment between horses, be sure to scrub and disinfect all equipment after each use. Horses and horse people are social creatures, but it is important to restrict your horse from coming into direct contact with horses from other facilities, and it’s also a good idea to limit the number of people coming into contact with your horse, since you don’t know what other horses they have touched. It is prudent to avoid grazing horses in communal areas. Lastly, take each horse’s temperature daily while at a competition or otherwise away from his home base and monitor his feed and water intake, as well as his general demeanor for subtle changes. If your horse does present clinical signs while at the show grounds (runny nose, coughing or fever of 102F or higher), immediately report the symptoms to the show veterinarian or show management. Keep the horse in his stall until an isolation plan is made and restrict human interaction to prevent the spread of disease to other horses. While it can seem like a lot of extra work, maintaining good biosecurity practices can not only protect the health and well-being of your horse and herd, but can also save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in veterinary bills .

Jen Roytz is based in Lexington, Ky., where she manages Brownstead Farm, a Thoroughbred breeding, sales, racing and retraining facility.

August-September 2022

Equine Disease Communication Center

The Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) is a national initiative that identifies and reports on equine disease outbreaks throughout the United States. Functioning in a similar manner to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the EDCC is designed to seek and report real-time information about infectious and contagious disease outbreaks. People can sign up for EDCC alerts via email and can also follow their Facebook and Twitter pages for confirmed disease reports. They can also go to equinediseasecc.org to check for outbreaks by state, timeframe and specific disease type.

August-September 2022

The Aiken Horse 67

Directory of Services ANIMAL CARE/HOUSESITTING Away Days Farm Services: Lifelong horseman with race track, polo and show facility experience available for farm sitting, all-animal care, fence mending and farm and landscape maintenance with your equipment. Jon Ruedisueli (603)322-3019, captjon@hotmail.com BLANKET CLEANING & REPAIR Aiken Horse Blanket Couture. Creative coolers; your colors. Creative equine-ware. Tack covers/carry bags Saddle pad enhancements. Blanket wash/waterproof . Blanket repair. AikenHorseBlanket.com. Elisa Denaburg. 803-640-3211 BOARDING/TURNOUT/TRAINING/SALES Chime Ridge Stables. Stalls and pasture available. 803-508-3760 Sporting Days Farm. 3549 Charleston Hwy, Aiken, SC 29801. 5.5 miles from Aiken byoass. Offers year round, seasonal or short term board as well as dry stalls. 150 acres with trails and practice areas. USEF/USEA Horse Trials in the winter, schooling shows. Visit our website to see all we offer in 2022. www.sportingdaysfarm.com The Stable On The Woods: Elite boarding & training facility and home to trainers Darrell and Melissa Vaughn. With access to Hitchcock Woods, our barn sits on 70 acres and boasts a full size dressage arena with mirrors, show jumping arena and highquality grass pastures making this the ideal place for you and your horse. Training program to meet your needs, whether your discipline is Dressage, Eventing, Hunters, Jumpers or Foxhunting. thestableonthewoods.com 603.785.0435 Vaughn Equestrian: offering training, sales, and boarding. Professionalism is the guiding principle of owners Darrell and Melissa Vaughn in shaping every component of Vaughn Equestrian. Dressage, Jumpers, Eventing & Young Horses. training and sales. vaughnequestrian.com (603)-785-0435 COMPANION ANIMALS Trinity Farms Terriers: Irish Russell Terriers. Old World, Healthy 100 year old Bloodlines with proven calmer dispositions. Health & Dispositions guaranteed. Preservation breeders for 48 years. Donna Fitzpatrick 803-648-3137 easyjacks.com, trinityfarmskennel.com CONSTRUCTION & GRADING & FARM SERVICES BM Maintenance and More LLC. Allow us to do that honey do list. BBB accredited. Free estimates within Aiken County. (864) 2757180 billymathis@billymathis-maintenance.com or bmmaint21@ gmail.com; 17166 Atomic Rd, Aiken SC 29803(803) 257-1202 G. L. Williams & Daughter. Serving the CSRA for over 54 years. Specializing in hauling, grading, clearing, property maintenance, and excavation. We provide everything from several types of fill dirt, top soil, compost, mortar sands, crushed asphalt/concrete, to screenings and a variety of rocks. Roll-off containers and manure removal available. (803) 663-3715. Certified DBE. WOSB. www. glwdtrucking.com Southern Ridge Excavation. Drainage, grading, small clearing, pad prep, utility ditching, pond mowing. Third generation family operated; Licensed & insured. Member Aiken Chamber of Commerce. Call Alex Koegel. 803-522-5752. southernridgex@ gmail.com. FINANCE/MORTGAGE Tessa Thompson: Loan officer for New American Funding, local to the CSRA. I am licensed in GA, FL, SC, TN, and AL. I love to help others achieve homeownership and I answer any questions throughout the process. My direct number is 678.665.7916 and my email is Tessa.thompson@nafinc.com. Call me today to get preapproved! GROOMING & PERSONAL PRODUCTS

The Aiken Horse

All natural goats milk soaps, lotions, hair bars, and candles, as well as horse whitening shampoo, spot remover, saddle bar and more!Find us on Etsy and Facebook! HAY Round and Square Bales. Oakwood Farms: 3593 Silver Bluff Road, Aiken SC 29803. $60 per bale round hay bales. $70 per bale round bales kept inside. Square bales at $7.00 per bale. Will deliver for a small fee. Please call 706-830-2600 or 803-827-0864. email garymcelmurray@glmconstruction.net INSURANCE Betsy Minton, Sterling Thompson Equine, 803-617-8353. Now writing homeowners insurance for private residences. No horses required but certainly welcomed. Access to top-notch underwriters offering customized, affordable coverage. Still delivering excellent competitive insurance options for your horses and farms. betsyminton@sterlingthompson.com. Sterling Thompson Equine: 800 942 4258 INSTRUCTION/LESSONS Amy McElroy. USDF Gold Medalist and USEF S judge. Instruction and training at all levels. Visit amymcelroy.com or call 803.640-4207. Aiken Horsemanship Academy. Your naturally inspired adult learning resource! Offering Clinics, Courses, Starting Young Horses, Evaluations, and Lessons. JulieRobins.com 803-220-1768. Jodi Hemry Eventing. Three-Star Eventer offering professional training, sales, boarding, instruction, horse shows, located in the heart of Aiken. 803-640-6691 JodiHemryEventing@gmail.com JodiHemryEventing.com HORSE SHOWS VirtualHorseSport.com. Online Horse Shows & Coaching. Prizes; Privacy! All licensed judges. 2022 Championships! Try it today!-

LAWN CARE/LANDSCAPING Patterson’s Lawn Care services the Aiken area with irrigation, french drains, and routine lawn maintenance. If we start a job we finish it. Text or call for service: 803.840.7765. REAL ESTATE/ RENTALS Aiken Fine Homes and Land. Specializing in selling or renting homes, farms, land & barns for short or long term leases. 29 years experience in helping people find the property of their dreams, even if it takes building it! Call Barbara Lawrence, 803-439-0778 for honest & realistic answers to your real estate questions. Carolina Real Estate Company. Fine homes, estates and horse properties in Aiken, South Carolina. Let us welcome you home to AIKEN, Home of Horses, History & Hospitality! carolinahorseproperties.com. (803) 648-8660 Sharer Dale, Meybohm. “Where town meets country.” sharerdale@ gmail.com. 803.522.3648. Suzy Haslup, Meybohm. “Your Aiken Horse Real Estate Specialist.” Buying or selling in the most celebrated equine community in the South. ww.aikenhorserealty.com; 803-215-0153 Tracey Kenworthy Turner, Meybohm. Specializing in marketing & selling Aiken’s horse country properties for 15+ years. southernhorsefarms.com. 803-215-4734. TACK & TACK CLEANING/REPAIR The Saddle Doctor. Saddlery and harness repair. 544 Two Notch Rd. HollyMacSpencer@aol.com. 803.642.5166. TRAILERS C&D Mobile Trailer Repair: We repair all trailers and campers. Wiring, lighting, wheel bearings packed, axel work, trailer brakes. Portable welder available to fix repairs on-site. Text: 712.621.6252.

August-September 2022

Classifieds 2020 Bay Gypsy Cross Gelding, will mature to 15 hands. Super all around prospect and wonderful Low-key attitude $9,500.00 Located in Aiken, SC. alison@eeint.com 978-808-9966

2020 Buckskin Tobiano Registered F1 Drum filly. Will mature to 16 hands. Great temperament. $12,500 Aiken, SC alison@eeint.com 978-808-9966

Flashy Friesian Morgan for sale.

Stray Cat Outreach has a Barn Cat Placement Program and we are looking for cat lovers who have a barn or other secure outdoor structure and are interested in adopting cats not suitable for life inside a house. Cat temperaments range from feral to friendly. This program is designed to find homes for cats that have traditionally been deemed unadoptable through our adoption efforts. As a no-kill group we want to work with you to ensure one of their nine lives! For information please contact straycatoutreach@gmail.com or call 864 602 1549

BOARDING/TURNOUT/ TRAINING Dry stalls and full care available at Sporting Days Farm 150 acres with practice areas. Great for green horses. 803-226-2024 text preferred FARM SERVICES Southern Ridge Excavation. Drainage, grading, small clearing, pad prep, utility ditching, pond mowing. Third generation family operated; Licensed & insured. Member Aiken Chamber of Commerce. Call Alex Koegel. 803-522-5752. southernridgex@ gmail.com. Fox Services. Land Maintenance: Mulching, Grading, Excavation Bush hogging, Clearing, Driveway repair, Erosion control, Gravel placement, Storm cleanup. 706.990.0231 G. L. Williams & Daughter. Serving the CSRA for over 54 years. Specializing in hauling, grading, clearing, property maintenance, and excavation. We provide everything from several types of fill dirt, top soil, compost, mortar sands, crushed asphalt/concrete, to screenings and a variety of rocks. Roll-off containers and manure removal

Great with kids and perfect for a smaller AA. Great temperament, intelligent, focused with a great work ethic. Videos at www. lanecovedressage.com. $15,000. Price increases with training. 607-743-1309

available. (803) 663-3715. Certified DBE. WOSB. www. glwdtrucking.com BM Maintenance and More LLC. Allow us to do that honey do list. BBB accredited. Free estimates within Aiken County. (864) 275-7180 billymathis@ billymathis-maintenance.com or bmmaint21@gmail.com; 17166 Atomic Rd, Aiken SC 29803(803) 257-1202 Patterson’s Lawn Care services the Aiken area with irrigation, french drains, and routine lawn maintenance. If we start a job we finish it. Text or call for service: 803.840.7765. RSR Pressure Washing: Residential & Commercial. Homes, buildings, driveways, patios, RVs, campers and more. Raleigh S Reardon. 803-6182452. HAY Hoss Luva Hay. Exceptional quality local Coastal Bermuda Hay, Alfalfa mix and Canadian Timothy. Competitively priced. Will deliver state-wide. Satisfaction Guaranteed. Jim McClain: 803.247.4803 Round and Square Bales. Oakwood Farms: 3593 Silver Bluff Road, Aiken SC 29803.

August-September 2022

$60 per bale round hay bales. $70 per bale round bales kept inside. Square bales at $7.00 per bale. Will deliver for a small fee. Please call 706-830-2600 or 803-8270864. email garymcelmurray@ glmconstruction.net HELP WANTED Active Equestrian Farm Looking for full time working Western Equitation or Hunter/Jumper or Eventer rider/Farm manager with or without horse(s) married or single, housing for both. Health plan plus salary & internet. In Aiken SC. Potential Sponsorship opportunity. Send resume to theaikenhorse@gmail.com. Please put “Farm Position” in the subject line. HOUSE/HORSE SITTING Away Days Farm Services: Lifelong horseman w/ racetrack, polo and show facility experience available for farm sitting, allanimal care, fence mending and farm and landscape maintenance with your equipment. Jon Ruedisueli (603)322-3019, captjon@hotmail.com PETS Trinity Farms Terriers: Irish Russell Terriers. Old World, Healthy 100 year old. Bloodlines

w/ proven calmer dispositions. Health & Dispositions guaranteed. Preservation breeders for 48 years. Donna Fitzpatrick 803-648-3137 easyjacks.com, trinityfarmskennel.com RENTALS/HOME SHARES Aiken Luxury Rentals. Fully furnished cottages; walk to downtown. Perfect for temporary assignments, or housing while you build. Work-from-home ready; high speed internet. Antique finishes & modern convenience. info@aikenluxuryrentals.com. aikenluxuryrentals.com. 803-6482804. Office Space To Rent. High Speed Fiber WiFi. 5 min walk to downtown. 2-3 offices available with shared meeting room and coffee station. All inclusive $500600/m for individualoffices or rent entire space. Gary - 707-975-9761. UrbanandRuralRoost.com

The Aiken Horse 69

Index of Advertisers Advertiser

Page

Advertiser

Section

Page

Section

Adams Horse and Pet Supplies

Horse Barn Homes

Aiken County Farm Supply

Janice Holmes

Aiken Fine Homes and Land

Jill Diaz Polo

Aiken Horse Park Foundation

Keller Williams Stinson

Aiken Horsemanship Academy

Keller Williams- Gutierrez

Aiken Luxury Rentals

LEGISequine.com

Aiken Polo Club

Lightning Protection Systems

Aiken Saddlery, Inc.

Malvern Federal

Aiken Tack Exchange

Mark Lexton

Airstream Trailer

Meybohm RE (Sullivan/Turner)

American National Insurance

Meybohm RE (Sullivan/Turner)

Auto Tech

Meybohm RE Haslup

Banixx

Meybohm RE Vaillancourt

Barnware

New Bridge Polo Club

Be Fly Free

NibbleNet

Best of the West

Oak Manor Saddlery

Blue Ribbon Trailer Wash

Progressive Show Jumping, Inc

Bridle Creek

Retired Racehorse Project

Carolina Company RE

Sandy Hills Realty

Carolina Company RE

Sharer Dale Team RE

CHAPS

Sharer Dale Team RE

Clint Bertalan Farms LLC

South Carolina Equine Park

Creekside Show Stable

Southern Equine Service

DFG Stables

Southern Ridge Excavation

Engineered Equine Performance

SPCA Albrecht Center

Epona

Sporting Days Farm

Stable View, LLC

Equine Expressions

Stephen Moss Butler Service

Equine Rescue of Aiken

Teddi Ismond

Fields Sawmill

The Kneaded Edge

FOTAS Aiken

The Kneaded Edge

Fox Services

The Tack Room

G L Williams and Daughter

The Vista Schooling and Event Center

Gary Knoll Photography

The Willcox

Highfields

Thoroughbred Style

Home For Good

Three Star Vineyard

Home to Home

Tryon Equine Law

Equine Divine

The Aiken Horse

August-September 2022

The Aiken Horse 71

CT & Dressage at The Vista

Photography by Gary Knoll

The Aiken Horse

August-September 2022

Aiken Area Calendar of Events

August 4-7 5-7 6 6 6 6-7 6-7 7 7 9 11-28 12 12-14 12-14 13 13-14 13-14

USEF/USHJA B-Rated Hunter/Jumper Fall Classic I. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@ stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com Progressive Show Jumping C-Series. Highfields Event Center, 147 Warehouse Road, Aiken. 803.649.3505, psjshows.com Eventing & Dressage School Show.. 9445 Browns Lake Rd, Fairburn, GA. 770.892.2117, info@chatthillseventing.com, chatthillseventing.com Golden League 2022. 9445 Browns Lake Rd, Fairburn, GA. 770.892.2117, info@chatthillseventing.com, chatthillseventing. com Saturday Night Lights. Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1011, sarpke@tryon.com, tryon.com USEF/USDF Early Morning Blues by Viewpoint Dressage. Pinehurst Harness Track. Pinehurst, NC. Carolinadressage.com US Mounted Games Association. Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1011, sarpke@tryon.com, tryon.com Schooling Horse Trials. Full Gallop Farm, 3828 Wagener Rd, Aiken. Lara Anderson: 803. 215.6590, fullgallopfarm@yahoo. com, fullgallopfarm.com Hunter Pace. 9445 Browns Lake Rd, Fairburn, GA. 770.892.2117, info@chatthillseventing.com, chatthillseventing. com Schooling Show. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon. 828.859.9021. frcshows@gmail. com, fence.org Equus Events. 9445 Browns Lake Rd, Fairburn, GA. 770.892.2117, info@chatthillseventing.com, chatthillseventing. com Eventing Academy XC Day. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com Tryon Indoor Summer 1. TIEC. Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1011, sarpke@tryon.com, tryon.com USPC National Pony Club Rating. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon. 828.859.9021. frcshows@gmail.com, fence.org Eventing Academy Schooling Day Horse Trials. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@ stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com Tryon Dressage 3&4. TIEC. Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1011, sarpke@tryon.com, tryon.com USEF/USDF Made in the Shade Performance and Dressage I & II. Carolina Horse Park. 2814 Montrose rd, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2075, info@carolinahorsepark.com, carolinahorsepark.com Eventing Academy Schooling Horse Trials. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm. com, stableviewfarm.com

August-September 2022

17 17-18 19-21 19-21 19-21 20 20 21 23 27 27-28 27-28

Pleasure Drive - Aiken Driving Club. The Vista, 859 Old Tory Trail, Aiken. Peggy Dils, 803-295-6785 dilsaiken@gmail.com aikendrivingclub.com americandrivingsociety.org USEF/USDF “Too Hot to Trot I” Dressage. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm. com, stableviewfarm.com USEF/USDF “Too Hot to Trot II” Dressage. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm. com, stableviewfarm.com Sedgefield at The Park Late Summer “C” H/J Show. Carolina Horse Park. 2814 Montrose rd, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2075, info@carolinahorsepark.com, carolinahorsepark.com Tryon Indoor Summer 2. TIEC. Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1011, sarpke@tryon.com, tryon.com Dressage T-o-C. Full Gallop Farm, 3828 Wagener Rd, Aiken. Lara Anderson: 803. 215.6590, fullgallopfarm@yahoo.com, fullgallopfarm.com Highfields Just For Fun Show. Highfields Event Center, 147 Warehouse Road, Aiken. 803.649.3505, psjshows.com Recognized Horse Trials. Full Gallop Farm, 3828 Wagener Rd, Aiken. Lara Anderson: 803. 215.6590, fullgallopfarm@yahoo. com, fullgallopfarm.com Schooling Show. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon. 828.859.9021. frcshows@gmail. com, fence.org WHES Schooling Day. Carolina Horse Park. 2814 Montrose rd, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2075, info@carolinahorsepark.com, carolinahorsepark.com August Horse Trials. Carolina Horse Park. 2814 Montrose rd, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2075, info@carolinahorsepark.com, carolinahorsepark.com JTO Clinic. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon. 828.859.9021. frcshows@gmail.com, fence.org

September 2-4 2-4 3 3-4

South Carolina Quarter Horse Association. Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden, 803.486.4938, scequinepark.com Greensboro Hunter Jumper Classic. Carolina Horse Park. 2814 Montrose rd, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2075, info@ carolinahorsepark.com, carolinahorsepark.com Schooling Show, Sporting Days Farm, 3549 Charleston Hwy. Aiken, SC Cindy Wood (410) 726 8926 cindy@firefoxfarm. com SportingDaysFarm.com USEF/USDF Cool Down Dressage by Viewpoint Dressage. Pinehurst Harness Track. Pinehurst, NC. Carolinadressage.com

The Aiken Horse 75

3-4 3-4 7-18 9-18 10 10 10-11 10-11 10-11 11 11 14 14-25 14-25 14-2 15 16 16-18 16-18 17 18 17-18 17-18 17-18

FRC Combined Horse Trials. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon. 828.859.9021. frcshows@gmail.com, fence.org Recognized Horse Trials. 9445 Browns Lake Rd, Fairburn, GA. 770.892.2117, info@chatthillseventing.com, chatthillseventing. Aiken Fall Festival I & II. Aiken Horse Park Foundation, 931 Powderhouse Rd, Aiken. 803.830.7077. tara@aikenhorsepark. org, aikenhorsepark.org New Bridge Women’s Challenge. New Bridge Polo Club. 862 New Bridge Rd, Aiken. 803.644.7706, hbryan2485@aol.com, newbridgepolo.com Eventing & Dressage Schooling Show.. 9445 Browns Lake Rd, Fairburn, GA. 770.892.2117, info@chatthillseventing.com, chatthillseventing.com Hunter Pace at The Vista. 859 Old Tory Trail, Aiken. 803.262.5263, vistaschooling@gmail.com, schoolthevista.com Palmetto Paint Horse Club. Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden, 803.486.4938, scequinepark. com Five Points Horse Trial. Carolina Horse Park. 2814 Montrose rd, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2075, info@carolinahorsepark.com, carolinahorsepark.com USEF/USDF Fall Series Dressage Show I & II. Poplar Place Farm, 8191 Highway 27, Hamilton, GA. 706.681.8748, poplarplacefarm.com Hunter Pace. 9445 Browns Lake Rd, Fairburn, GA. 770.892.2117, info@chatthillseventing.com, chatthillseventing. com Schooling Horse Trials. Full Gallop Farm, 3828 Wagener Rd, Aiken. Lara Anderson: 803. 215.6590, fullgallopfarm@yahoo. com, fullgallopfarm.com Schooling Dressage. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com Wagener 4 Goal. Wagener Polo Club. 5720 Wagener Rd, Wagener. 803.566.8610, bkrpolo@aol.com, wagenerpolo.com USPA Bronze Trophy. New Bridge Polo Club. 862 New Bridge Rd, Aiken. 803.644.7706, hbryan2485@aol.com, newbridgepolo.com USPA Association Cup. New Bridge Polo Club. 862 New Bridge Rd, Aiken. 803.644.7706, hbryan2485@aol.com, newbridgepolo.com USEF/USDF “Fall Frenzy”. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com Alan Corey Cup 4 Goal. Aiken Polo Club, Whitney Field, 420 Mead Ave, Aiken. 803.643.3611. aikenpoloclub@gmail.com, aikenpolo.org Tryon Fall Dressage I&II. TIEC. Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1011, sarpke@tryon.com, tryon.com Sedgefield at the Park “Derby Classic”. Carolina Horse Park. 2814 Montrose rd, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2075, info@ carolinahorsepark.com, carolinahorsepark.com Fall Classic. Poplar Place Farm, 8191 Highway 27, Hamilton, GA. 706.681.8748, poplarplacefarm.com Alan Corey Cup 4 Goal. Aiken Polo Club, Whitney Field, 420 Mead Ave, Aiken. 803.643.3611. aikenpoloclub@gmail.com, aikenpolo.org Camden Fall Classic Hunter Jumper. Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden, 803.486.4938, scequinepark.com Sporting Horse Show. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon. 828.859.9021. frcshows@ gmail.com, fence.org Tryon Fall Horse Trials. TIEC. Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1011, sarpke@tryon.com, tryon.com

The Aiken Horse

17-19 Koos DeRonde Clinic. 100 Curb Chain Lane, Windsor. Peggy Dils, 803-295-6785 dilsaiken@gmail.com aikendrivingclub. com americandrivingsociety.org 21-25 Tryon Fall CDE Driving. TIEC. Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1011, sarpke@tryon.com, tryon.com 23-25 “Oktoberfest” FEI CCI-S 1-4* & USEF/USEA Horse Trials. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com 23-25 NCDCTA CLBM Harvest Moon Dressage USEF/ USDF. Carolina Horse Park. 2814 Montrose rd, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2075, info@carolinahorsepark.com, carolinahorsepark.com 23-25 Tryon Fall I. TIEC. Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1011, sarpke@ tryon.com, tryon.com 23-9 National Copper Cup. New Bridge Polo Club. 862 New Bridge Rd, Aiken. 803.644.7706, hbryan2485@aol.com, newbridgepolo.com 24 South Carolina Equestrian Special Olympics. Aiken Horse Park Foundation, 931 Powderhouse Rd, Aiken. 803.830.7077. tara@ aikenhorsepark.org, aikenhorsepark.org 24 Alan Corey Cup 4 Goal. Aiken Polo Club, Whitney Field, 420 Mead Ave, Aiken. 803.643.3611. aikenpoloclub@gmail.com, aikenpolo.org 24 Open Horse Show. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon. 828.859.9021. frcshows@gmail. com, fence.org 24-25 Mustang Challenge. 9445 Browns Lake Rd, Fairburn, GA. 770.892.2117, info@chatthillseventing.com, chatthillseventing. com 24-25 TRHC Cross Country Schooling. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon. 828.859.9021. frcshows@gmail.com, fence.org 25 Radway Eventing Pony Club Show. 4627 Whiskey Road, Aiken. radwayeventing.com 26 Alan Corey Cup 4 Goal. Aiken Polo Club, Whitney Field, 420 Mead Ave, Aiken. 803.643.3611. aikenpoloclub@gmail.com, aikenpolo.org 26-2 Aiken Women’s Challenge. Aiken Polo Club, Whitney Field, 420 Mead Ave, Aiken. 803.643.3611. aikenpoloclub@gmail.com, aikenpolo.org 28-2 Tryon Fall II. TIEC. Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1011, sarpke@ tryon.com, tryon.com 28-9 USPA Constitutional Cup 6 Goal. Wagener Polo Club. 5720 Wagener Rd, Wagener. 803.566.8610, bkrpolo@aol.com, wagenerpolo.com 28-9 USPA Governor’s Cup 6-Goal. Aiken Polo Club, Whitney Field, 420 Mead Ave, Aiken. 803.643.3611. aikenpoloclub@gmail.com, aikenpolo.org 29-2 USEF/USHJA B-Rated Hunter/Jumper Fall Classic. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@ stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com 30-1 Best of the West Horse Auction. Aiken Training Track. 538 Two Notch Rd, Aiken. 803648.4631, bestofthewesthorses.com 30-2 Timberland CDE & CT.. Carolina Horse Park. 2814 Montrose rd, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2075, info@carolinahorsepark.com, carolinahorsepark.com

October 1 1

Schooling Show, Sporting Days Farm, 3549 Charleston Hwy. Aiken, SC Cindy Wood (410) 726 8926 cindy@firefoxfarm. com SportingDaysFarm.com Southern Series. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon. 828.859.9021. frcshows@gmail. com, fence.org

August-September 2022

1-2 1-2 3-15 5 5-9 5-23 8 8-9 8-9 8-9 7-9 7-9 9 9 10-16 11-16 12 12-23 12-23 12-30 14 15 15 15-16

Cheryl & Co. 9445 Browns Lake Rd, Fairburn, GA. 770.892.2117, info@chatthillseventing.com, chatthillseventing. com Palmetto Paint Horse Club. Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden, 803.486.4938, scequinepark. com National Arena Chairman’s Cup. New Bridge Polo Club. 862 New Bridge Rd, Aiken. 803.644.7706, hbryan2485@aol.com, newbridgepolo.com Schooling Jumpers. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com Tryon Fall III. TIEC. Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1011, sarpke@ tryon.com, tryon.com National President’s Cup. New Bridge Polo Club. 862 New Bridge Rd, Aiken. 803.644.7706, hbryan2485@aol.com, newbridgepolo.com Eventing & Dressage Schooling Show.. 9445 Browns Lake Rd, Fairburn, GA. 770.892.2117, info@chatthillseventing.com, chatthillseventing.com Cheryl & Co Hunter Jumper Show. Poplar Place Farm, 8191 Highway 27, Hamilton, GA. 706.681.8748, poplarplacefarm. com PSJ. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon. 828.859.9021. frcshows@gmail.com, fence.org USEF/USDF Fall Dressage by Viewpoint Dressage. Pinehurst Harness Track. Pinehurst, NC. Carolinadressage.com T.I.P. Championships. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com Palmetto Pony Club. Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden, 803.486.4938, scequinepark. com Radway Eventing Pony Club Show. 4627 Whiskey Road, Aiken. radwayeventing.com Hunter Pace. 9445 Browns Lake Rd, Fairburn, GA. 770.892.2117, info@chatthillseventing.com, chatthillseventing. com Aiken Women’s Challenge. Aiken Polo Club, Whitney Field, 420 Mead Ave, Aiken. 803.643.3611. aikenpoloclub@gmail.com, aikenpolo.org Tryon Fall III. TIEC. Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1011, sarpke@ tryon.com, tryon.com Schooling Dressage. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com Kim Snider Memorial 6-Goal. Wagener Polo Club. 5720 Wagener Rd, Wagener. 803.566.8610, bkrpolo@aol.com, wagenerpolo.com USPA George Patton Cup 6- Goal. Aiken Polo Club, Whitney Field, 420 Mead Ave, Aiken. 803.643.3611. aikenpoloclub@gmail.com, aikenpolo.org USPA Northrup Knox Cup. New Bridge Polo Club. 862 New Bridge Rd, Aiken. 803.644.7706, hbryan2485@aol.com, newbridgepolo.com Eventing Academy XC Day. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com NBHA Barrel Racing. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon. 828.859.9021. frcshows@ gmail.com, fence.org Eventing Academy Schooling Day. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com Four Beats for Pleasure. Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden, 803.486.4938, scequinepark.

August-September 2022

15-16 Sedgefield at the Park Fall Show. WHES Schooling Day. Carolina Horse Park. 2814 Montrose rd, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2075, info@carolinahorsepark.com, carolinahorsepark.com 15-16 USEF/USEA Horse Trials. Poplar Place Farm, 8191 Highway 27, Hamilton, GA. 706.681.8748, poplarplacefarm.com 16 Eventing Academy Horse Trials. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com 18-23 Tryon Fall IV. TIEC. Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1011, sarpke@ tryon.com, tryon.com 20 Whiskey Road Hunt. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com 20 Divertimentos & Dressage. TIEC. Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1011, sarpke@tryon.com, tryon.com 22 Spooktacular Classic. Poplar Place Farm, 8191 Highway 27, Hamilton, GA. 706.681.8748, poplarplacefarm.com 20-30 October at Bruce’s Field I & II. Aiken Horse Park Foundation, 931 Powderhouse Rd, Aiken. 803.830.7077. tara@ aikenhorsepark.org, aikenhorsepark.org 21-23 SCDCTA Championships Show. Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden, 803.486.4938, scequinepark.com 22 Mini Horse Trial at The Vista. 859 Old Tory Trail, Aiken. 803.262.5263, vistaschooling@gmail.com, schoolthevista.com 22-23 TRHC Horse Trials. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon. 828.859.9021. frcshows@gmail. com, fence.org 22-23 WHES October Horse Trials. Carolina Horse Park. 2814 Montrose rd, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2075, info@ carolinahorsepark.com, carolinahorsepark.com 26-30 Tryon Fall 6. TIEC. Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1011, sarpke@ tryon.com, tryon.com 26-6 Eloy Escapite Memorial. Wagener Polo Club. 5720 Wagener Rd, Wagener. 803.566.8610, bkrpolo@aol.com, wagenerpolo. com 26-6 USPA Player’s Cup 4-Goal. Aiken Polo Club, Whitney Field, 420 Mead Ave, Aiken. 803.643.3611. aikenpoloclub@gmail.com, aikenpolo.org 26-6 Copa de Plata. New Bridge Polo Club. 862 New Bridge Rd, Aiken. 803.644.7706, hbryan2485@aol.com, newbridgepolo. com 27 Whiskey Road Hunt. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com 28-30 South Carolina Quarter Horse Association. Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden, 803.486.4938, scequinepark.com 28-30 Sedgefield at the Park Haunted Classic. Carolina Horse Park. 2814 Montrose rd, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2075, info@ carolinahorsepark.com, carolinahorsepark.com 28-30 BRHJ. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon. 828.859.9021. frcshows@gmail.com, fence.org 28-39 Tryon Fall Dressage 3. TIEC. Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1011, sarpke@tryon.com, tryon.com 29-30 Recognized Horse Trials. 9445 Browns Lake Rd, Fairburn, GA. 770.892.2117, info@chatthillseventing.com, chatthillseventing. com 30 Halloween Fun and Games Show. Full Gallop Farm, 3828 Wagener Rd, Aiken. Lara Anderson: 803. 215.6590, fullgallopfarm@yahoo.com, fullgallopfarm.com

The Aiken Horse 77

Business Cards

Laura O’Connor Equestrian Ventures

Rider ~ Trainer ~ Coach

• USEF Licensed ‘R’ Judge • National Snaffle Bit Association Judge • Experienced Clinician • International US Rep. in Showjumping • Jumpers, Equitation & Hunters

Mobile: 561-252-4992

Web: Locequestrianventures.com Email: Locequestrian@gmail.com

The Aiken Horse

August-September 2022

The Aiken Horse 79

The Aiken Horse

August-September 2022

CAS Equestrian 1450 Richland Ave. E, Aiken, SC

M & W: 11 -1 pm, Th & Sat. 4 - 6 pm or by appointment

Outfitting Southeastern Farriers for Over 30 years

GREAT SERVICE AND QUALITY FARRIER SUPPLIES ARE OUR PRIORITY

Aiken, SC

803.685.5101

Columbus, NC 828.894.0280

www.monettafarrier.com

DocScott’s Equine Top Dress Hydrate • Recover • Energize Nitric Oxide Boost Samples available at

Aiken Saddlery

1044 East Pine Log Rd, Aiken

803-649-6583

docscottselectrolytes.com August-September 2022

The Aiken Horse 81

The Aiken Horse

August-September 2022

The Aiken Horse 83

A I K E N, S O U T H C A R O L I N A

HOMES | HORSES | HISTORY | HOSPITALITY

C ome

Home to Greener Pastures

www.CarolinaCompany.com | 803.648.8660

Glass House Farm

Winter Colony Estate “Live Oak” THOMAS BOSSARD | 803.640.2845 | $3,750,000

Situated on just under 3 acres on Aiken's famed Easy Street, this completely renovated property was expanded and restored in 2003. Originally 3 separate buildings, the center is believed to be a 1840s home. Around 1910, the structures were combined including new construction of the living room which joins them today. The pool and pool house. were built in the 1920s and restored in 2000. The live oak in the rear of the house is approximately 300 years old and gives the house its name. The final addition to the estate was the current 2-car garage and apartment. The main house features 4 large bedrooms with sitting rooms, baths and closets. Custom kitchen with laundry room and pantry flow into a breakfast room. Large dining room opens to expansive living room with intricate mill work. There are 2 sitting rooms off the main living room, a game room, office, wet bar and half bath. There are extensive decks and patios throughout the property overlooking the gardens. The estate includes magnificent gardens, 2-car garage with gardener's bath & apartment, grand pool house, 9 stall barn with 3 paddocks and room for apartment above. Adjacent to the barn is a 3 car garage with a 2 bedroom apartment above. This property is truly a one of a kind and is just steps from Hitchcock Woods.

Steeplechase Cottage

THOMAS BOSSARD | 803.640.2845 | $1,290,000

This beautiful 2.64 acre parcel nestled in Aiken’s horse district has magnificent views of the former steeplechase track and horse show grounds at the Aiken Horse Park. The 3,458 square foot residence has a lovely open floor plan that includes 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths. Attention to every fine detail was given during renovation and updating of this classically elegant residence. Top of line appliances are featured in the chef’s kitchen, including Dacor cooktop, and Subzero refrigerator. Architectural details, fine millwork, and built-ins are featured throughout. A gracious screened porch overlooks the in ground salt water pool. Lawns and gardens are meticulously landscaped, and cleared for a barn and paddocks.

THOMAS BOSSARD | 803.640.2845 | $2,895,000

Incredible 118 acre farm 10 minutes to town with an amazing private setting. The contemporary home is an architectural masterpiece! The 2125 square foot one bedroom retreat features luxury kitchen with top of the line appliances, beautiful hardwood floors throughout, hidden motorized shades, linear fireplace, and furnished with 1950's style furniture designed by Mies van der Rohe. Doors in the living area slide open to create the ideal place to entertain, equipped with a gas fireplace as you overlook your private paradise. The property includes 2 ponds, guest house with garage, meticulously designed stables feature 8 stalls, each open to a paddock area with 3 heated wash stalls. The barn includes a beautiful paneled tack room with kitchen and bath and an apartment for groom or guest. Your horses will enjoy ample options for turnout including 4 large pastures, a run-in shed and 6 paddocks.

Bridle Creek JACK ROTH 803.341.8787 | $22,500 per acre

From the developer of Three Runs Plantation, Bridle Creek meanders across 600 wooded acres of Aiken’s horse country, featuring equestrian homesites of 5 acres or more. Community amenities include dressage and jump arenas, cross-country schooling, and NEW activity center with fitness equipment and kitchen. Developer financing available!

Cardinal Hill

at Hopeland Farms BARB GOULD USKUP 803.295.3199 | $899,000

Set on 11 acres of serenity only minutes from downtown, this exceptional equestrian farmette leaves no detail unaddressed. Tree lined lane leads you past lush pastures to the low country style residence with its grand kissing staircase & charming covered porch. The home features an open floorplan, great room with vaulted ceiling and fireplace, and cozy den. The kitchen boasts new tile floor, quartz countertops, and stainless appliances opening to keeping room/breakfast area. Well planned equestrian amenities suitable for any discipline including a shed row style 4 stall barn with H2O, electric and fans in each stall. Tack room and wash rack complete the set up. Each of the 4 pastures has run in shed with power & water, and one includes storage room for feed/tack.

East Side Horse Country MIKE HOSANG 803.270.6358 | $616,220

Historic Horse District COURTNEY CONGER 803.645.3308 | $1,425,000

Buckland Barn, an historic training facility in Aiken’s downtown Horse District, has spacious 2,787 square foot main residence, combining 2 original cottages with central great room. Cottage is delightfully renovated with wood floors, granite counter tops and all appliances. Two converted race barns have 15 expanded stalls, board fenced paddocks, grooms’ loft apartment, dressage arena with mirror. Easy access on sandy clay roads to downtown dining and shopping, equestrian venues and Hitchcock Woods.

A rare opportunity in the heart of Aiken’s east side equestrian corridor offering approximately 29 acres of fully established lush pasture, plus over 3 wooded acres for a wonderful home and barn site with a breathtaking lake view. New gated entrance from Wagener Road.

Shadow Lane Farm

BARB GOULD USKUP 803.295.3199 | $642,600

Ideally located in 302 Horse Country surrounded by beautiful horse farms, these 91.8 acres provide the opportunity to create your private paradise. Fertile soil, with 30 cleared acres and the remainder wooded, could be a horse farm, a hunting preserve, an agricultural farm, or just a private retreat.

Harmony Acres

DONNITA HARMON 803.508.1936 | SHELLEY FARQUHAR 561.267.9514 | $999,900

Majestic gated drive lined with pecan trees leads to spacious 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath single level home on 15.15 acres. The home has many updates, including expansive wrap-around deck for entertaining. Property includes established pastures, fenced and cross-fenced paddocks, 100’ x 200’ irrigated arena, run-in sheds and barns for horses. Updated workshop building has studio apartment or office above with full bath, mini-split unit and separate electric meter for guests or rental. This agent-owned farm is located just minutes from town, near horse farms but without HOA restrictions.

Monetta Meadow

RANDY WOLCOTT 803.507.1142 | $222,000

Lovely 12 acre parcel on Moore Road in east side horse country! Cleared parcel with established grass waiting for your improvements.

Stunning Sunsets

SHELLEY FARQUHAR 561.267.9514 | $150,000

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to acquire this picturesque, secluded lot within Aiken's coveted 302 equestrian corridor!! Offering established lush pasture on approximately 9 acres, with stunning sunset views!! Build your dream seasonal retreat or full-time residence. Ideal location only 10 miles to downtown Aiken!

The Paddocks

ALEX TYRTEOS 203.249.3071 | $225,000

Paddocks Bend

TOM MURRAY 626.644.3008 | $669,000

Classic custom built home nestled on 3.6 acres in country setting, but close to town. The spacious allbrick home has 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths and half bath, main level master suite, eat-in kitchen with island, formal dining room, bright living room with fireplace opens to back deck and sparkling in ground swimming pool. Enjoy waterfront views of 2 ponds from your rocking chair front porch. Horses welcome!

Great opportunity to buy a 10 acre lot ready for construction. Professional plans for both a house and a barn have been prepared and will convey with the property. DHEC septic permit has already been issued. Need to get your place built sooner than later, this is the perfect place!

Three Runs Plantation JACK ROTH 803.341.8787 | $699,000

Beautiful 1860 square foot home on 4 acres in desirable Three Runs Plantation Phase 3 on Quarry Pass. Three bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths, master on the main floor with large family room, dining area and powder room, 2 bedrooms with media room, full bath and office upstairs, 2 car garage and large storage room in basement. Very large 10' x 41' screened porch overlooking rear pastures and 2 stall barn and hay building. Located equally between the north arenas and clubhouse with swimming pool, and to the south arenas & activity center with workout room. High speed fiber optic internet, natural gas to every lot and underground electricity.

COURTNEY CONGER 803-645-3308

RANDY WOLCOTT 803-507-1142

JACK ROTH 803-341-8787

TOM MURRAY 626-644-3008

MIKE HOSANG 803-270-6358

THOMAS BOSSARD 803-640-2845

BARB GOULD USKUP 803-295-3199 JANE PAGE THOMPSON 803-215-8232

ALEX TYRTEOS 203-249-3071

DONNITA HARMON 803-508-1936

BRIAN CAVANAUGH 803-624-6072

DANA MASSEY 803-599-0400

BETTINA RUCKELSHAUS 803-640-1625

LEE HEDLUND 803-221-6831

SHELLEY FARQUHAR 561-267-9514

Office: 803.648.8660 | www.CarolinaCompany.com