June-July 2022 by Aiken Horse Productions

Volume 17 • Number 6 •

June-July 2022

The Aiken Horse

June-July 2022

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

CHIME BELL STATION

$895,000

UNDER CONTRACT!

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.

Lovely 22 A horse farm in Chime Bell Station,12 miles from downtown Aiken. Built in 2006, this 1973 sq ft house is 3BR/2.5BA w/new LVT flooring, stainless steel appliances, granite, Jacuzzi tub, tile shower, walk in closets & partially finished upstairs. Encapsulated crawlspace, 39’X16’ salt water pool, 24’X24’ carport & separate garage/workshop w/electrical for RV. Center aisle barn w/13 stalls (12X13), fans, wash stall, tack & feed room, half bath, laundry, new water heater & storage. 2 mobile homes provide rental income. 10 paddocks w/water & round pen. Maintained pastures w/no climb wire & top board, run in sheds & perimeter trail. Low HOA annual fee of $200. Machinery & barn equipment available.

FOX HOLLOW LOT

AIKEN HORSE DISTRICT $1.89 MILLION

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/$168,075

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.

Adorable one level Cottage off tree lined South Boundary Avenue just around the corner from the Horse District and clay roads. Three bedroom/ two baths with hardwood floors, fireplace, all appliances, fenced backyard, and a welcoming front porch. Great curb appeal in a convenient location to everything equestrian as well as downtown Aiken. Won’t last long at this price.

WOOD’S END LOTS

MASON SPRINGS FARM $700,000

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.

OWL OUTLOOK

$375,000

BERKLEY COTTAGE

$319,000

UNDER CONTRACT!

Charming cottage built in 2007 w/in walking distance to downtown & the Horse District. Hardiplank siding, metal roofs, hardwood floors & master bedroom, w/large sitting area & full bath are on the main level. Second level has a large bedroom w/outside balcony & hall bath & add’l bedroom. Kitchen has stainless appliances w/new refrigerator, granite, & large walk-in pantry. Super cute, finished loft provides extra storage.

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

The Aiken Horse

9277 TWIFFY LANE

Gorgeous horse farm with exceptional scenic beauty: updated 2 BR ranch home w/open floor plan, large workshop with apartment, new barn with tack room & unfinished apartment, lovely board-fenced paddocks, 3 clear spring-fed ponds, storage building, and peaceful privacy. Plus, about 23 acres of hardwood forest along Shaws Creek. $745,000

OAKWOOD PLANTATION

Scenic lots in Aiken's beautiful Oakwood Plantation equestrian community. Dedicated riding trails under magnificent live oaks. HOA. Montmorenci water available. Buyer to install septic and connect to all utilities. Price and acreage subject to final survey. $16,500 per acre.

CEDAR MEADOWS ROAD

Quality craftsmanship, green amenities, & tranquil privacy are all here in your new home! Wonderful 10-acre retreat nestled on a hill above an equestrian community. This 5749 sqft residence was built to owners' high standards, blending contemporary style & hi-tech wizardry. Walk-out basement includes a remarkable Pup Palace. $1,220,000

RECENT QUICK SALES FOR OUR BUYERS AND SELLERS: 541 YORK STREET for $550,000

424 BARNWELL AV NE for $700,000

418 COLLETON AV SE for $925,000

your best friend in real estate FINE HOMES

AIKEN TEAM

The Aiken Horse

122 STONEGATE DRIVE for $775,000

215 LINDSEY STREET for $109,000

803-640-0123

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

June-July 2022

Exclusive Clothing, Gifts, and Sporting Art

126 Laurens Street SW, Aiken, South Carolina 29801

803.642.9772

equinedivineonline.com

June-July 2022

The Aiken Horse

SOlD

SPACIOUS HOME ON 2.39 ACRES IN FOXCHASE

TURNKEY HISTORIC DISTRICT COTTAGE

SOlD ARCHER COTTAGE, CIRCA 1910

ORIGINAlly BuIlT By W. H. PARDue. WONDeRFul SOuTHeRN PReSeNce WITH WIDe FRONT PORcH FAçADe WRAPPING AROuND THe SOuTH SIDe OF THe HOMe TO A NOW eNclOSeD GARDeN ROOM. TuScAN cOluMNS, HISTORIc cAMellIA GARDeNS

VeRSATIle PlAN WITH 3 BR + OFFIce IN PRIMARy ReSIDeNce & 2-BR IN-lAW SuITe DIRecT AcceSS TO HITcHcOcK WOODS, HOMe TO 60+ MIleS OF WAlKING/RIDING TRAIlS, NATuRAl BeAuTy AND HABITATS

1745 cITATION DRIVe | $740,000

336 yORK STReeT Se | $675,000

13.28 ACRES IN TODS HILL EQUESTRIAN

MIleS OF cOMMuNITy RIDING TRAIlS & ROllING PASTuRe. MINuTeS TO STABleVIeW, AN eASy HAul TO SHOW, TRAINING & FOXHuNTING VeNueS GORGeOuS HOMe & BARN SITeS WITH STuNNING WATeR & PASTORAl VIeWS. lOT NOT SuBJecT TO DeVelOPeR BuIlDING TIMelINeS

ReeVeS STReeT | $212,480

9.5 ACRES FARMFIELD ROAD

PeRIMeTeR-FeNceD & cleAReD AcReAGe IN eSTABlISHeD PASTuRe. IDyllIc lOcATION & eXcelleNT OPPORTuNITy TO BuIlD yOuR SeASONAl equeSTRIAN ReTReAT OR Full-TIMe ReSIDeNce. TRANSFeRABle MeMBeRSHIP TO NeW BRIDGe POlO & cOuNTRy cluB W/ AReNAS, TRAIlS, POOl, TeNNIS & cluBHOuSe.

FARMFIelD ROAD | $195,000

SOlD 1735 HATcHAWAy BRIDGe ROAD | $499,000

336 ORANGeBuRG STReeT Se | $555,000

SUNSET COTTAGE, CIRCA 1910

NATIONAl HISTORIc ReGISTeR OF HISTORIc PlAceS. WIllIS IRVIN TuDOR ReVIVAl DeSIGN WITH STONe & STuccO clADDING IN FRONT AND ceDAR SHAKe SIDING AT BAcK 3 BR, 4BA, WAlKING DISTANce TO DOWNTOWN AIKeN & AIKeN GOlF cluB !

557 HIGHlAND PARK | $495,000

uNDeR cONTRAcT

70+ AC.IDEAL FOR FARM OR HUNTING TRACT

GReAT clOSe-IN lOcATION! HeART OF 302 HORSe cOuNTRy! 16+ AcReS IN HAy FIelDS. WOODeD BuFFeR AlONG SHAWS cReeK. HAy/equIPMeNT BARN. 2-BR MANuFAcTuReD HOMe. GOOD ROAD FRONTAGe MAKING IT eASy TO SuBDIVIDe!

clOSe TO AIKeN’S HORSe DISTRIcT & BRuce’S FIelD cOMPleTely ReNOVATeD AND cuSTOM 3 BeDROOM, 2 BATH HOMe. SuPeRB KITcHeN AND BATHS.

ENJOY THE GOOD LIFE AT CEDAR CREEK

UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY IN FOXCHASE

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

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.

1112 eARlMONT DRIVe | $550,000

1798 HuNTSMAN DRIVe | $224,700

THE HOMESTEAD AT PINE CREEK

133+ ACRES WITH PONDS & HAY FIELDS

SOlD GORGEOUS DESIGNER BUILDERS CUSTOM HOME

Well-SITeD ON THe cOuRSe IN THe ReSeRVe cluB AT WOODSIDe. STuNNING DeTAIlS & HIGH-quAlITy FINISHeS FOR luXuRy, eASe & eNJOyMeNT. SHOWSTOPPeR KITcHeN cOMPleTe WITH BeAuTIFul SNAcK BAR/ISlAND, TIle BAcKSPlASH & TOP-OF-THe-lINe APPlIANceS. 4 BR HOMe, 4.5 BATHS, 3,361 SF

RARe OPPORTuNITy TO OWN 977+AcS W/eXcePTIONAl TIMBeR & HuNTING lAND FOR VARIeTy OF RecReATIONAl, equeSTRIAN & SPORTING PuRSuITS + A PRIVATe ReSIDeNce FROM WHIcH TO eNJOy STuNNING VIeWS & TRANquIl SuRROuNDINGS. 4 BeDROOM HOMe W/OPeN FlOOR PlAN, OuTBuIlDING/SHOP & OlD BARN.

176 BRIDGe cReST cT | $789,000

227 cOlBeRT BRIDGe | $6,559,000

BARRINGTON FARMS

TRAIl AcceSS | JuST 1 PARcel ReMAINS 11+AcReS FOR $114,000 uNDeR cONTRAcT

WeXFORD MIll WATeRFRONT .69 AcRe | $65,000

MCCARTY MEADOWS - JuST 1 PARcel ReMAINS 8+AcS FOR $104,000 uNDeR cONTAcT

Cissie Sullivan

Land for Sale leWIS lANe ASSOcIATION

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

WeXFORD lANDING - AVIATION lOTS 10.36 AcReS OFFeReD FOR $49,000

GRAylyN lAKeS

2 AcReS | $82,000 - SOlD

WOODSIDe - GATeD cOMMuNITy cOuNTRy cluB AMeNITIeS ReSIDeNTIAl BuIlDING lOT ON GOlF cOuRSe 201 HeMlOcK DRIVe | $29,000 | SOlD

Tracey Turner

803-998-0198 | SullivanTurnerTeam.com 6

The Aiken Horse

June-July 2022

cissie

LA FOLIE - 320 NEWBERRY STREET SW ELEGANT LIVING IN DOWNTOWN AIKEN

Spectacularly chic, top-to-bottom renovation found in thiS hiStoric home and gueSt cottage, known aS la folie, juSt StepS to the willcox and the charming ShopS & reStaurantS of downtown aiken. thiS main reSidence dateS to 1890, poSSibly earlier, and offerS 3 bedroomS , 2 1/2 bathS with beautiful and comfortable living SpaceS . a Separate gueSt cottage offerS an additional 1 or 2 bedroomS , full bath , kitchen and laundry . c ompletely renovated , you will find thoughtful color , lighting and deSign detailS enhance the reStored interior to truly diStinguiSh thiS home . t he kitchen iS a cook ’ S dream with 2 SinkS , iSland with built - in cutting board , v iking range , Sub-Zero refrigerator and wine cooler. leSS than a half block to the willcox, a Short walk to downtown, the library and hitchcock woodS, la folie at 320 newberry Street iS a Stunning venue for your aiken lifeStyle.

3 bedroom, 2.5 bath reSidence + gueSt houSe offered for $1.5 million SOUTHERN AMBIANCE at BLUE SKIES 4.5+ ACRES NEAR BRUCE’S FIELD

142+ ACRE RANCH / COMPOUND EDGEFIELD, SOUTH CAROLINA

STATELY GEORGIAN HOME 7+ ACRES ON AIKEN’S SOUTHSIDE

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.

inSpired to evoke the feel and preSence of an old virginia manor home. elegant entry with Soaring ceilingS and curved StaircaSe SetS the Stage. all living & entertaining SpaceS feature hardwood floorS, tall ceilingS & lovely millwork. property iS perimeter fenced into the pine foreSt property which extendS beyond the Side lawn. 4 br, 3.5 bathS, 5 fireplaceS, 4258 Sf.

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

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

55 SunnySide lane | $1,300,000

under contract

Cissie Sullivan

Tracey Turner

803-998-0198 | SullivanTurnerTeam.com June-July 2022

The Aiken Horse

SECTION 10 14 16 20 26

News & Notes Ask the Judge New Vocations TB Show Secret Lives Century Ride

Section One

Thoroughbred broodmare Ying Yue and her filly Lulu in their paddock at Chime Ridge Stable. The mare and foal are owned by Ron Madden of Jellicoe Creek. Photography by Pam Gleason

SECTION 36 40 44 48 52

Mellisa Warden Dancing Horses Dressage in the Spring Adams Horse Supply Helios

Section Two

Annabelle Hede aboard Voorthoeves Titamis showing at Dressage in the Spring, Aiken Horse Park. Photography by Gary Knoll

SECTION Section Three

Maggie Hill on Carreras H in the jumpoff of the $25,000 Carolina Cup Grand Prix at the Aiken Spring Classic Finale, Highfields Event Center. Photography by Pam Gleason

59 66 68 71 73 81 82

Foals of Aiken New SPCA Director Index of Advertisers Grand Prix Season Calendar of Events Classifieds Directory

June-July 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 17 • Number 6

It’s June: the days are getting long and hot and the horses are enjoying the grass in their pastures. Summer in Aiken is traditionally a time to slow down, with fewer competitions, a quieter atmosphere, and weather that is conducive to riding very early in the morning or not at all. Our seasonal visitors are mostly gone: event riders to the big competitions in the mid-Atlantic, or even overseas; polo players to clubs in the Northeast and Midwest; riders on the jumper circuit pretty much anywhere there is a show. Of course, the active season in Aiken is getting longer, with rated horse shows here throughout the month of June, along with major eventing competitions such as the USEA/USEF Area III Eventing Championships held at Stable View June 24-26. We also have an ever-growing selection of schooling and recognized shows of various types, even during the hottest summer months, at Highfields, Full Gallop, Stable View and at some newer facilities such as Dancing Horse Equestrian in Williston, where there is now a schooling cross country course tailored to greener horses and riders. The competitive action never actually slows down at some places: Stable View, for example, has been running rated dressage shows and horse trials year round, along with such schooling opportunities as the monthly Eventing Academy. This summer, they have also introduced a Hunter-Jumper challenge series that offers $350,000 in prize money. To make sure everyone stays cool and comfortable, they have

June-July 2022

opened several riders’ lounges and they have misting stations for the horses, both of which are greatly appreciated. We hope you enjoy this issue of The Aiken Horse. It includes the sixth edition of our Foals of Aiken series, in which we introduce our readers to foals born in Aiken this spring, with the thought that we might be able to catch up with them periodically as they grow and mature. This year’s foal crop seems especially large and diverse, reflecting the health of the equestrian community here, as well as the growing number of yearround horsemen – as a rule, breeders are here for the summer, or they would not be foaling out their mares here. As ever, we enjoyed getting to meet Aiken’s newest equine residents, and we ended up profiling more of them than ever before, chiefly because most people had more than one baby to show us. Find Foals of Aiken in our third section. Whether you are competing through the summer, schooling young horses, or taking some time off to relax, we hope you enjoy the hot months that are on the way. As most year-round Aiken horsemen have figured out, summer here can really be very enjoyable, with temperatures that are pleasant, and even cool, early in the morning. The calmer atmosphere is perfect for schooling, and the heat can even be helpful if you have young horses to train that might otherwise have a little too much energy. The key is to stay hydrated, wear your sunscreen, and always be sure to monitor your horse’s temperature, because if you are hot, he is going to be even hotter. So stay cool, have fun, and if you have a story we should know about, drop us an email. We want to stay 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 $24.00, or $36 for First Class. 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

Best of the West Returns

The Best of the West Horse sale is coming back to the Aiken Training Track this fall. Best of the West is an auction put on by a family business called Horse Resource Sales. The company now runs three annual auctions per year: Cowboy Cadillacs in Arizona every February, the Bots Sots Remount sale in Wyoming each June and now the Best of the West sale in Aiken, held the first weekend of October. Ike Sankey, who works with his daughter Ryan to put on the sales, says that they have just started scouting horses for the fall event. “We are gearing up and taking consignments now,” he said. “Consignors are excited and we are really looking forward to a fantastic set of horses.” The Best of the West sale came to Aiken for the first time last fall and quickly became the talk of the town. The auction featured 48 horses gathered mostly from Western states and carefully selected for their good minds, quality and extensive training. Held on the infield of the Aiken Training Track, the sale attracted a curious crowd of onlookers as well as some serious bidders. All 48 horses went to new homes that day, about half of them to local buyers who were actually present, and half to buyers who bid over the Internet. Most of the horses in last year’s sale had Western training, while there were a few polo ponies as well as some horses with experience in English disciplines. The majority were Quarter Horses, with some Gypsy Vanners, ponies. and mixed breeds thrown in. For Aiken’s horsemen, the most immediately remarkable thing about the sale was the prices that the horses fetched. While there were a few individuals that sold in the $20,000 range, most were quite a bit more expensive. The average price was just over $42,000 while the high seller, a 4-year-old Friesian cross gelding, went for a fairly astonishing $190,000. These sums may have surprised the majority of the Aiken audience, but were normal for the auction company, which prides itself on offering some of the top ranch stock in the country. The Cowboy Cadillac sale in Arizona is known for even more stratospheric prices. This past February, the top seller there was a Gypsy Vanner gelding whose final price was $500,000. Ryan Sankey says that the company and all the consignors are looking forward to coming back to town. “Everyone had such a great time in Aiken last year,” she said. “The consignors loved how horse-centric the town is and all of the diverse riding opportunities.” Ryan herself loved Aiken so much that she returned this spring to go to the Aiken Steeplechase with Ida Sankey, a distant cousin who lives here and has been helping with various aspects of the sale. The 2022 event will be much like last year’s, though there may be some adjustments and additions to the schedule in the coming months. Horses will begin arriving in Aiken during the last week of September, giving prospective buyers a chance to look them over and try them out. There will be a soft preview of the horses on the afternoon of Friday, September 30, followed by a buyer social in the track barns. The sale preview is at 10:00 a.m. Saturday morning October 1, and the bidding will start at 3:00 pm. Once again, the horses will be listed with their pictures and information on the website, and all the action will be livestreamed on the web. The Best of the West will also feature an expanded vendor area, which is being overseen by Ida Sankey. “We had such a wonderful turnout for our sponsors and vendors in the Trading Post Tent last year,” she said. “We look forward to welcoming even more western artisans and craftsman to the event this year.”

The Aiken Horse

Ida also remarked that she was fortunate enough to be involved in the Cowgirl Cadillacs and the Bots Sots Remount sales this year and she hopes to put that experience to good use. “We have some exciting ideas from those sales to incorporate with our sale here in Aiken this fall.” Ryan Sankey says that the company is committed to creating truly memorable events. “The Best of the West Horses rounds out our lineup of unique sales, each with a singular theme,” she said. “We strive to make these specialized events, beyond just horse sales.” Look for horses to be added to the Best of the West website in the coming months. (bestofthewesthorses.com). For sponsorship or vendor information please email Ida Sankey ida@horseresourcesales.com or call 803.634.0818

Next Chapter at Aiken Horse Park

It has been a busy season at Bruce’s Field in the Aiken Horse Park. From September until the last week in June, the action there is pretty much nonstop. There have been multiple hunter-jumper shows, including two weeks of the featured Aiken Charity Horse Shows in May, as well as dressage shows, schooling opportunities and, in March, the Grand Prix Eventing Showcase, which has become one of Aiken’s most eagerly anticipated spectator events. The Aiken Horse Park held its first show in 2015, and in seven short years it has become a main centerpiece of Aiken’s equestrian life. Owned and operated by the Aiken Horse Park Foundation, a 501c3 charitable organization, the park relies upon donations and contributions to continue upgrading the facility and adding amenities. It is currently finishing up the first phase of its development, with construction starting this July on two additional barns, bringing the total number of permanent stables at the park to 18 and the number of stalls to 624. This should be enough to accommodate every competitor horse in at all but the largest shows. Other improvements over the summer include working on the landscaping; planting trees, shrubs and flowers to provide shade and beautify the facility. The Aiken Horse Park Foundation is currently accepting donations to its capital campaign to help fund all of these improvements, and it is also offering a number of naming opportunities for those who would like to make a significant contribution. The new barns can be sponsored and named for $250,000 apiece: there are several that have already been sponsored and five are still available. The older barns can also be named for $150,000. Name a new stall for $5,000, or $3,000 for an existing one. Prefer a garden? There are 19 available and you can put your name on one for $10,000. Smaller donations are also always welcome. According to Tara Bostwick, who is the CEO of the Aiken Horse Park Foundation, after the construction of the final two stables and the

June-July 2022

addition of landscaping, there will not be any further improvements for a while. Quite a lot has been done lately: new barns were constructed and competition arenas were put in, all at a rapid pace. “We are going to take a breath after we get those last permanent barns built,” she said. “We will continue to raise funds for our capital campaign, and our forward plan still includes more amenities a covered arena, a permanent food court, a veterinary, blacksmith, and paramedic building. But those plans are in the future.” The $7 million capital campaign still needs about $2.6 million to be fully funded, and the foundation will be concentrating on that, while ensuring that the park itself is the best it can be. “The amenities we are adding make it a better experience for everyone,” said Tara. “And the landscaping that we are doing this summer is very important. We were a little nervous putting on the Aiken Charity Horse show this spring, because we were still an active construction site. Most of the people coming to that show come to us once a year – they are in Palm Beach and going to Devon. We weren’t sure how they would react. But the overwhelming reaction was that they were thrilled and they appreciated the fact that we were focusing on investing in the facility. They love coming to Aiken, and they still felt that the park offered them that intimate experience that makes them keep coming back, that and the Aiken community. Everyone loves coming to Aiken — it’s such a unique horse town. Whenever we have one of these events, someone buys a house or property here!” (Find out more about the capital campaign and how you can be a part of it at aikenhorsepark.org)

Laura Hall Retires

This spring, Laura Hall sold her boarding and training facility, Ashbrook Equestrian Center, dispersed most of her school horses and has retired from running a full-time lesson program. “I’m still teaching,” she said with a laugh. “I taught a lesson today. But I’m not doing it on such a full schedule. I wanted more time for my grandchildren and to ride myself. I actually rode my own horse today for the first time in eight months.” Laura kept three horses in addition to her own dressage horse Bachelor, including the pony Raven, who was her son’s favorite mount when he was little. Laura has been Aiken’s “go-to” riding instructor for children since 1980 when she moved here with her late husband Robert Hall. The Halls ran their lesson program, the Fulmer School of Equitation (which Robert established in his native England), at the old Aiken Prep School barns, now the home of Stable on the Woods. In 2005, they sold that business and moved to a new facility at the entrance of Three Runs Plantation, where the riding school took the name Ashbrook Equestrian Center. Robert, a former coach of the British Dressage team, passed away in 2014. In the 42 years that she has been teaching in Aiken, Laura Hall has introduced hundreds of children to riding and her program has been especially renowned for its well-trained and well-cared for school horses and ponies. Riding students from Fulmer and then from Ashbrook did not just learn the basics of horsemanship, they also learned how to foxhunt, show, and event. Laura’s students and her horses have been fixtures at the Aiken Horse Show in the Woods, and they could often be found out with the Aiken Hounds drag hunt. They competed at all of Aiken’s eventing venues and at Pine Top in Thomson, Georgia. The Halls’ intuitive teaching philosophy proved especially efficient and effective, allowing beginning riders to progress quite quickly. The motto of the program, which Robert articulated was “Don’t try, it doesn’t matter and don’t be careful.”

June-July 2022

Continued on Page 24

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

June-July 2022

The Aiken Horse

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 compete regularly at local schooling shows in dressage and combined tests, as well as recognized shows in both disciplines. I am wondering about the judges. Could you explain what the qualifications are to judge at schooling and recognized shows? I am also curious about a score I received for a Beginner Novice dressage test at a schooling show. My test was perfect, accurate and obedient, my best ever, so I was surprised to see my score was not reflective of this. What could I be missing?

Wondering about Judging Dear Wondering,

Thank you for asking for clarification on what qualifies a person to judge at different types of shows. It is a little complicated but good to know. Aiken is very fortunate to offer so many opportunities to compete at dressage and combined training events. Qualifications for judges do have many variables, so let’s take a look. A schooling show that does not have any ratings from a local or national organization may hire anyone to be their judge. This officiator is not required to have any specific judge training or licensing. Schooling shows that are recognized have some requirements for judges;, for example the SCDCTA (South Carolina Dressage and Combined Training Association), requires the judge to be a USDF L graduate or hold a USEA (United States Eventing Association) or USEF (United States Equestrian Federation) judging license with a minimum of an ‘r’ distinction. An eventing competition with a USEA/USEF rating requires the organizers to hire a licensed USEA eventing or USEF dressage judge to officiate. The level of divisions being offered and the judges’ individual qualifications would determine what classes they would be allowed to judge. A dressage show with USDF/ USEF recognition requires a licensed USEF dressage judge to officiate. Once again, the levels being offered and the judges’ qualifications would determine what classes they would be allowed to judge. Therefore, a rated USEF dressage judge in good standing may officiate at a schooling show, USEA event, and USDF/ USEF dressage show. A USEA eventing judge may officiate only at schooling shows and rated USEA/USEF events: this license will not permit them to judge at a USDF/ USEF dressage show. Unrecognized schooling shows are not required to have a certified judge. As for your second question, I am glad to hear you had such a nice Beginner Novice dressage test. Accuracy and obedience certainly go a long way but this alone will not earn you a good score. Let’s take a look at the purpose of this level dressage test. On the front page of all tests the purpose is clearly stated. For all Beginner Novice tests this is: “to show an understanding of riding the horse forward in a steady tempo and a clear rhythm. To confirm that the horse’s muscles are supple and loose and that it moves freely forward in a clear and steady rhythm, accepting contact with the bit. To show proper geometry and bend in both directions at all gaits. All trot may be done rising or sitting. Halt may be done through the walk.” So what does this all mean? Riders should keep in mind when trotting you will not earn higher points just because you sit to the trot. At this

The Aiken Horse

level sitting is optional. Which means a “10” is a possibility even if you are rising. Often at this level, horses can move more freely when you are rising in the trot work, even if you have a beautiful secure seat. Remember to think swinging back with ground covering strides. Your horse should have forward intent and be tracking up (stepping in the tracks of their front hooves with their hind hooves). Do what is best to show off your horse’s gait. In your trot and canter tours, it is important to keep your horse’s frame at least level while accepting contact. Be careful not to let the frame become too long, short, low, curled or behind the bit to name a few. Focus on keeping the horse’s poll the highest point. Your judge will also take into account how your horse accepts the bit. Ideally you want a quiet mouth and connection. Mouths that open and get too busy, or a tongue coming out will have a negative effect on your score. It is also important to have your horse bending to the inside in all turns, corners, and circles as well as going straight on the long sides, diagonals, and centerlines. In these tests you are asked to show a medium walk and a free walk. You want to show a clear difference between the two. What they both require is a clear, four-beat rhythm and forward energy. In the medium walk, the frame and stride should be more open than in a working walk, with marching energy. In the free walk, you should let your reins out and allow your horse to stretch the stride and frame in a relaxed manner. If your horse over-tracks in the free walk it is even better. Keeping the forward intent is key. When it comes to the halt, remember that a few walk steps (two to three) are permitted between the trot and the halt. This means you could get a 10 whether you have walk steps or not. Do whatever will set your horse up to be straight, square or close to square, and, most important, immobile. The tests require three seconds of immobility. Finally, the new eventing tests now have just one final mark for the collective. This mark takes everything into account. So you can see that there are a lot of different factors that go into your final score. Obedience and accuracy are important, but the training scale and purpose of the test have a big influence. Whatever type of shows you ride in and whatever the judges’ qualifications, they are there to share their knowledge and to report on how each scoring box was presented. The best way to understand a disappointing score is to look over your test sheet carefully and read all your marks and comments. Hopefully your judge has shared the highlights of your ride: in your recent case this may have been an obedient horse and accurately ridden test. But your judge should also have shared the places where you and your horse have room for improvement. Maybe your horse needs to move more freely forward or stay in a better-balanced frame; maybe you need to work on straightness on the long side or bending on your circles. Keep enjoying your dressage work and try to learn from all your scores. A main goal of showing is to obtain an objective opinion of how you and your horse are progressing in your dressage journey, and to learn what you need to do to advance. Judges want to help you do that: their feedback is intended to help bring out the best in you and your horse.

June-July 2022

The Aiken Horse

New Vocations Charity Thoroughbred Show, Highfields Event Center

Photography by Gary Knoll

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

The Aiken Horse

June-July 2022

The Aiken Horse

June-July 2022

Secret Lives – Gracie The Family Pony By Nancy Johnson

“She’s just the world’s best pony!” Ida Sankey says of 27-year-old Gracie, a registered Welsh Pony. “All three of my kids started on her and have just grown up with Gracie. They have done about everything there is to do with her.” Daughters Taylor, 15, and Hayden, 12, rode the pony when the family lived in Missouri, before moving to Aiken. Taylor took Gracie on trail rides, showed in the cross-rails division, and rode along with her mom as Ida was legging up polo ponies. Hayden was just 6 years old when she foxhunted Gracie with Bridlespur Hunt Club in Eolia, MO. Four years ago, when the family moved to Aiken, younger brother Campbell, barely 2-years-old at the time, took over the reins. “You can’t buy a pony like Gracie; you have to inherit them from a family member or friend,” says Ida Sankey. That’s basically how the 27-year-old registered Welsh pony came to her family. When Ida’s first child, Taylor, was a toddler, Linda Scherder, owner of Elite Welsh Ponies in Missouri, remarked that she had the perfect pony, whenever the little girl was ready. “I think what really sold me was when Linda told me her son had driven a tricycle right into the pony’s hind legs while she was standing in the barn. The pony never offered to kick him, though she had every right to.” Gracie, 12-years-old at the time, was indeed the perfect first pony for Taylor, and then Hayden, and now Campbell. Gracie’s early background is a bit vague. “Linda told me she got the pony from an Amish family who had her pulling a cart on dirt roads,” Ida says. According to her papers, Gracie was born in Illinois. Then she was sold to two consecutive owners in Ohio, before being purchased by Linda in Missouri and sold to Ida. Her main job at Elite Welsh Ponies was to be a first pony for Linda Scherder’s children, but during her time there, Gracie also produced a couple of foals for Linda’s breeding program. “Although her registered name is GMA Royal Tiara, we gave her the show name Amazing Gracie as it fit her so well,” Ida says. “Campbell was just chasing cows on her the other day!” she says with a chuckle. Ida admits that these days it takes quite a bit to get Gracie going any faster than a trot, but that’s what makes her so perfect for another of her jobs: peewee polo. Ida’s friend, Kahla Onetto, came up with the idea for peewee polo as they were watching the Aiken Middle School Polo team, of which Hayden is a member. The idea is for kids

ages 3 to 8 to learn polo in a safe, enjoyable environment. “Gracie doesn’t neck rein that well, but she’s so quiet and safe that she’s great for any of the kids who are a bit nervous or timid. All the little girls love Gracie and say that she looks just like one of the ‘My Little Pony’ characters,” Ida says. Gracie has always been very sound and healthy, but Ida is very careful to be sure she remains so. “She gets along with absolutely everybody in the pasture, but now we mostly keep her by herself as she gets her feed soaked and it takes her longer to eat than the others,” Ida explains. Although Campbell loves playing cowboy on Gracie, Ida limits the pony’s time under saddle and encourages her son to ride other horses on the farm. “She has earned her right to some down time,” she says, adding, “Gracie has a home with us forever!” “Gracie is not at all a typical pony,” Ida continues. “She’s very tolerant and just doesn’t have a mean bone in her body.” She trusts the pony implicitly. “When I do chores around the barn, my son gets on her and they just meander around – it’s like having a nanny.” Ida calls Gracie “the family pony” as each child learned from her, but then was able to pass her down to a younger sibling. Ida fondly remembers Taylor as a small child feeding the pony Frosted Mini Wheats cereal every morning for breakfast. “Gracie is like a second mother to us,” Taylor explains. “Mom could leave us alone with her and Gracie would look after us. She helped teach all three of us to ride; she’s very patient and kind.” “Gracie is a wonderful pony because of the concern she shows,” Hayden adds. “When you fall off her, she understands and will stand over you when you’re hurt. It’s almost like she knows that something has happened.” With a grin she adds, “But she has tricks up her sleeve; like she will bite if you tighten the girth too fast, and when I was little, she would raise her head just high enough so I couldn’t reach to put her halter on.” “Gracie has taught all three of my kids so much – how to take care of a horse, give baths, to post for the first time, canter for the first time, and win their first blue ribbons,” Ida says fondly. She says each of them thinks Gracie is theirs. “Taylor often tells Campbell that Gracie is really still hers, she just lets him ride her.”

Secret Lives of Horses is sponsored by Triple Crown Nutrition: Providing nutrition beyond compare.

The Aiken Horse

June-July 2022

The Aiken Horse

News from Page 10 Laura says that it is gratifying to her to see her former students still riding, competing and doing well on various circuits. She does not know, however, who will take her place in Aiken’s equestrian community. Aiken is a horse town and we have plenty of professional trainers to help people who already own horses, but it is surprisingly difficult to locate someone who has a string of school horses for young horse-crazy kids just starting out. Perhaps this presents a business opportunity for some enterprising young person? In any case, Laura’s boots will be hard to fill, and her saddles will be too – school horses like those at Ashbrook are worth their weight in gold.

Out Horse Your Email

Are you sick of answering work emails when you are on vacation? Do you wish someone would just do that for you and let you relax? Well, now you can leave that inbox alone and allow an Icelandic horse to reply to all those annoying work messages. That’s right, you can “out horse” your email. The Out Horse Your Email program is part of a marketing campaign created by the official Icelandic tourism agency. It is, as the agency admits, a ridiculous idea, but the company still followed through with it. They hired computer experts to create a giant oversized keyboard connected to a computer. Then they trained a trio of Icelandic horses to type messages on the keyboard by walking on it, running across it, or pawing it with curious hooves. The entire process is documented in a Vimeo video which you can find at VisitIceland.com. If you would like to try it out, visit outhorseyouremail. com. There you can choose which of three trained Icelandic horses you would like to be your personal secretary. The

first candidate, Litla Stjarna Fra Hvitarholti “types fast but might take a nap.” The second, Hrimnir Fra Hvammi, is “Assertive. Efficient. Shiny hair.” Or select Hekla Fra Porlkellsholi, a pinto who is “Friendly, trained in corporate buzzwords.” As might be imagined, the messages that the horses type are somewhat distinctive, featuring a lot of repeating letters and not much in the way of punctuation. Their cryptic messages are accompanied by a helpful note explaining that you are on vacation and your emails are being answered by a horse. But the promotional video also assures prospective clients for the service that the horses are well trained and their messages are so carefully crafted “your boss will never know the difference.” Nothing ruins your vacation like work, after all.

Experienced equine law counsel for businesses, horse owners and equestrian professionals throughout SC and NC.

864-527-5955 | jim@ritchiefirm.com TryonEquineLaw.com Facebook.com/ritchieandassociates

blank 24

The Aiken Horse

June-July 2022

Now Available

Offered through New Bridge Realty

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

Lauren Circle: $485,000

The Clubhouse is now open for dinner Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday! Join us for a delicious Sunday Brunch from Noon - 3:00 pm.

Premier lot in close proximity to polo field 4. Just inside the main gate to Phase 3, this 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

The New Bridge Clubhouse is available for weddings, rehearsals and special events. Contact Nelson Tamargo at (617) 803-9196 for details and availability. About New Bridge

Well Established in Grass and Ready for Horses

(visit newbridgepolo.com or call 1-888-4NB-POLO)

Highgrove: $350,000

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.

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 Advertise Your Business in the Award-Winning New Bridge Magazine! Be a part of this coffee table keepsake by placing a full, half or quarter page ad. Contact Editor Katie Roth at (803) 341-8800 for details. Visit one of our advertisers and pick up your copy of the New Bridge magazine! Or visit our website to see current and past editions: newbridgepolo.com/magazine.

#newbridgepolo / #newbridgelife / newbridgepolo.com

June-July 2022

Social Memberships are now available. For more information and an application, contact Nelson Tamargo at (617) 803-9196.

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

Ellen Fox and her horse, Nick of Time (“Nicky”), are 106 years old. That, of course, is the total of their ages, which qualified them to perform a Century Ride and join an elite group of riders in The Century Club. The Century Club was founded by The Dressage Foundation in 1996 to recognize riders and their horses whose combined ages is 100 or more. In order to join the club, the horse and rider pair may ride any USDF test of their choosing, but it must be under a currently licensed judge. The ride can be performed at a private facility or in conjunction with a show. Western dressage riders are also welcome. “I was initially encouraged to do the Century Ride by my trainer, Lynn Coates-Holmes, and really wouldn’t have done so if it were not for her. She put it all together, the judge, the scribe, the information to enter, and had me practicing the test,” Ellen begins. “I’m not a dressage

ride. “Only 549 riders in all of the United States have done a Century Ride, so this is a really big accomplishment for Ellen. I’ve been lucky enough to judge a few Century Rides and to be a part of something like this. Ellen and her horse did very well.” When Amy announced their score of 67.115, Ellen’s friends all whooped and hollered. “Is that good?” Ellen asked. “It’s very good,” Amy replied. Amy is pleased to see a few more people joining The Century Club. “I have a friend who just did hers on a horse that she had trained years ago that just came back into her life at age 30. I know of several other people in the area who are planning to do it soon,” she says. “Lynn and I are longtime friends and colleagues; so, when she approached me about coming to judge Ellen’s ride, I happily agreed to do so. This was a wonderful thing for Ellen, the community, and for Aiken.” Kathy Viele, who frequently scribes for Amy at recognized dressage shows and is also a good friend of Lynn Coates-Holmes, acted as scribe. She comments, “I enjoy scribing for Amy and others, so I was very happy to do this with her today. Ellen had a lovely ride. She absolutely would have held her own at a recognized show.”

rider; Nicky and I did the adult jumpers when we were younger. But after Lynn suggested it, my dressage friends all started bugging me to do it.” Ellen ultimately decided to do the ride for her horse. “After I thought about it, I decided I owed it to Nicky. I bought him as a 6-yearold off the Pleasanton Racetrack in California and we’ve been partners for 23 years.” For her Century Ride, Ellen performed Training Level Test 1 in an arena at her community, Three Runs Plantation. Despite dressage not being their discipline, Ellen and Nicky performed an excellent test to rousing applause from her friends. The well-known judge Amy McElroy addressed the audience after the

Lynn was very pleased with Ellen and Nicky’s performance and especially everyone’s support. “Ellen can get a little nervous, but I think it really helped that her friends were here,” she says. “It was also wonderful to have Amy here as the judge; she’s so invested in the horses and the community.” “I’m glad more people are becoming aware of The Century Ride – I didn’t even know it existed until about 5 years ago,” Lynn notes. “I have another client who is coming up on it in a couple of years and she’s already excited about it.” To learn more about The Century Club see dressagefoundation.org/ grants-and-programs/century-club.

New Member of The Century Club Aiken Horse and Rider Join Elite Group By Nancy Johnson

The Aiken Horse

June-July 2022

HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!

FROM ALL OF US AT AIKEN SADDLERY TAKE A D BUY 10 VANTAGE O FO GET 1 F REE DE UR ALS!!!

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!

Look for us at our new address! 1090 East Pine Log Road Call 803-649-6583 or Email info@aikensaddlery.com to order June-July 2022

The Aiken Horse

ADOPTIONS - VET CARE - THRIFT STORE

The Aiken Horse

June-July 2022

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

June-July 2022

The Aiken Horse

developed with lots of imagination and plenty of Horse sense.

BRIDLE CREEK EQUESTR I AN COMMUN I T 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 ﬁve-acre lots and larger. Amenities include a dressage arena, jump arena, X-Country Schooling area and an activity center with meeting, social and ﬁtness 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 with mirrors • 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 40 44 48 52

Mellisa Warden Dancing Horses Dressage in the Spring Adams Horse Supply Helios

The Aiken Horse

June-July 2022

The Aiken Horse

A Change of Perspective

A Life-Changing Injury Doesn’t Stop Mellisa Warden By Jen Roytz

ife can change in an instant. We’ve all heard it before, and as equestrians, it is usually said about the risks associated with riding and working around horses. Mellisa Warden, who was not only an upper-level eventer and professional trainer, but also a competitive rock climber, snowboarder and tri-athlete, was aware of the risks associated with her active lifestyle and accepted them. But it wasn’t a fall from a horse or a mountain that forever changed her life, but rather a seemingly simple tumble from a bike. While riding with her family (husband, Steve, and daughter, Ainsley) through the streets of Berlin on vacation in Germany, Mellisa’s front tire hit a trolly line the wrong way and she was thrown to the ground. No stranger to hard falls from her normal activities, she took a mental assessment of what hurt and where, then attempted to stand. “I knew there was something wrong with my ankle when I started to move, but I figured I could just tape it and continue on with our trip,” said Mellisa. Two women who had been having lunch at a nearby café came to help her get up, but when she tried to put her left foot down, she realized that her ankle was very badly broken indeed. In a serendipitous turn of fate, the two women happened to be physicians and immediately went about the task of stabilizing her and calling for emergency medical attention. Once at the hospital, Mellisa learned that she had not just broken her bone, but had also ruptured all her tendons and ligaments. It was such a severe injury, she was taken into surgery and given a 50 percent chance of saving her foot. That first surgery was deemed successful, and within months she was back in the saddle and competing in events. But, as time went on, the condition of her ankle deteriorated. “Over the course of the next few months, I saw several specialists and a psychiatrist,” she said. “It got to the point that I couldn’t walk. It was so incredibly painful. In horse terms, it would be like a bone spur growing from the pastern into the navicular bone.” So, on February 9, 2021, Mellisa had to have her foot amputated. Determined not to allow the loss of her leg to alter her lifestyle, she was back to riding and officiating at events within weeks, competing locally in the jumpers by July and did her first horse trial back at Novice in August. “Having a team around you – doctors, specialists – who understand equestrianism is huge, and I was lucky to have found that,” said Mellisa. “At those first few competitions in July and August, I still couldn’t load, unload or tack my horse up myself, and I had to walk the course on crutches. By the end of August, I did my first recognized event at Full Gallop Farm. We won on our dressage score.”

in 2008, they decided to make the move to Aiken so she could continue her equestrian pursuits. “It was awesome to be back in a place that has so many opportunities in such close proximity,” said Mellisa. “I just really love Aiken. It’s so accessible, there are tons of opportunities to expose horses to various places and experiences and there are hills. The area has fantastic veterinarians, farriers and other practitioners and the footing here is great – my horses stay sound, thanks to this footing.” Mellisa has made the most of Aiken over the years, bringing along young horses – mostly Thoroughbreds – and competing both locally and throughout the Eastern U. S. She’s also taken advantage of being situated in hunt country, regularly going out with Belle Meade in Thomson, Georgia. So, when it came to finding her new normal, she found it where she felt most comfortable – with horses. “To celebrate the one-year anniversary of losing my leg, I went hunting second flight with Belle Meade. The horse I was riding, Thor, I had ridden as a 4-year-old for a friend of mine, so it was a bit of a full circle moment,” said Mellisa. “I felt so confident and safe on him, so I asked if I could ride him in the Aiken Horse Show in the Woods, and came home with ribbons.”

Moving Forward

There is something about going back to normal activities that can make life-altering occurrences less daunting. Growing up in Port Townsend, Washington, Mellisa had gained a love of horses from her grandmother, great-aunt and aunt, all of whom were equestrians and passed their passion down through the generations. Despite regularly parting ways with her exceedingly naughty pony, she enjoyed any and all equestrian activities, participating in 4-H and, later, Pony Club and competing in everything from gymkhana to Western events, jumping and more. Mellisa stepped away from equestrian sports after college , pursuing varied career paths that took her from politics to a fishing boat, among other vocations, but when her now-husband proposed in 2004, asking if she wanted a ring or a horse, the answer put her back in the saddle. Prior to her accident, Warden competed up to the Intermediate level in FEI competition. She and her husband, who is in the Navy, moved to California so she could train and compete, but when the recession hit

The Aiken Horse

Above: Mellisa in the Rolex Arena, Kentucky Horse Park. Photo by Brooke Goddard LEG UP Media. Right: Schooling at the Vista. While successfully competing in the same open competitions that she participated in prior to her injury, Mellisa has also become involved with para-equestrian sports. This past April at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, along with several others, she put on demonstrations

June-July 2022

The Aiken Horse

featuring para-equestrian show jumping, an emerging discipline in para-equestrian competition and currently being considered for sanctioning by the United States Equestrian Federation and Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). “One of our demos was in the Rolex Arena prior to the 1.60 m Grand Prix, which drew one of the largest crowds of spectators for any prix of that size in the country,” said Mellisa, who jumped around a 1-meter course for her demonstration. “It is so important for people with disabilities – both those who ride and those who just love horses – to see things like this; to see themselves in someone else and know what is possible for them. It was also huge for us to showcase para-jumping to such a large audience.” While Mellisa does not currently participate in para-competition, she does compete in U. S. Dressage Federation (USDF) shows with a dispensation and would very much like to see para-jumping become a recognized discipline under the USEF banner. Riders with disabilities may apply for and receive dispensations, which allows them to modify their tack or aids in order to compete against able-bodied riders. They might be permitted to carry two whips, wear special gloves, or use modified reins or saddles. Mellisa uses a rubber band around her foot to keep it in the stirrup. “In the U. K. and in the U. S., para-riders are identified with a yellow ribbon in their horse’s tail, which lets others know that they may need a bit more space in the warm-up ring or room around the turns,” she explained “While I think going to the Para-Olympics would be incredible, I do not have the money to fund getting a horse and making the journey happen. If someone were to back me financially, it would be the thrill of a lifetime,” she said. “Right now, my plan is to continue to compete against able-bodied riders.”

Finding Inspiration from Within

While Mellisa Warden underscores the importance of having a skilled and knowledgeable medical team combined with a supportive and encouraging network of family and friends, she says that those who have suffered a severe injury must also remember to be their own strongest advocate, especially when it comes to the medications being prescribed. She reflected upon a day in which she was at a horse show and in excruciating pain. She was on the opioids and other medications prescribed by her specialist, yet lying on the floor of her trailer she was barely able to function. “I followed what I was told by my medical professionals, and I saw it not being successful,” she said. Feeling that

The Aiken Horse

the medications she was being prescribed were altering her outlook and mental state, but not actually reducing the amount of pain she was in, she decided to stop taking them. “They often treat this type of pain with long term opioid use, and there is a time and a place for these medications, but it can easily evolve into dependency and for me it was counter-productive. There is a quote I love that says something to the effect of ‘be the person you needed when you were younger.’ If this experience has taught me anything, it is that when you see someone struggling or going through a crisis that you can relate to, it is important to be the person to them that you may not have had.” Mellisa’s experiences, both with limb loss and with pain management, have inspired her to go back to school to pursue a career in orthotics and prosthetics. “In the process of trying to find answers for my leg and pain, I also found there was a significant need for orthotists and prosthetists,” she said. “I want my experiences to help others. Speaking from experience, you never know the difference it can make in their life.”

Para-Equestrian Competition

Para-equestrian competition allows educational and competitive opportunities for athletes with physical disabilities under the banner of the USEF in the United States and internationally through the FEI. While dressage is the most prominent para-equestrian discipline, thanks to its inclusion in the Paralympic Games, there are three equestrian disciplines currently recognized by the USEF: Dressage, Para-Driving, and Para-Reining. Thanks to efforts by people like Mellisa Warden, Para-Jumping is emerging as the most likely fourth discipline to gain recognition as a para-equestrian sport. There are five grades in the sport of para-equestrian, with riders divided depending upon the nature and extent of their impairment; and the difficulty of the test or pattern they perform correlates with their assigned grade. “I think show jumping makes the most sense as the next sanctioned para-equestrian sport,” said Mellisa. “You could have the same course and height, but a different judging card for parariders.”

June-July 2022

Southern Equine Service

Come visit our new clinic We are with you every step of the way Our veterinary Team offers a multi-disciplinary approach to patient diagnosis that ensures optimal outcomes. Our Team of veterinarians is equipped with portable radiograph and ultrasound capabilities, to address your horse’s needs immediately while on-site. Our in-house technological resources are unmatched and include the area’s only bone scan and 0.31 Tesla high resolution MRI. As the largest equine veterinary practice in the CSRA, Southern Equine Service is the only clinic with enhanced diagnostic capabilities offered at regional teaching facilities. Most importantly, our dedication to delivering quality care is reflected in the strong doctor-client relationships we continue to build in our community. Southern Equine Service 1258 Banks Mill Road Aiken, SC 29803 (803)644-1544 www.southernequineservice.com

June-July 2022

The Aiken Horse

Finding a Niche in Aiken’s Horse Community Unique Competitions at Dancing Horses Equestrian By Nancy Johnson lthough she has an extensive dressage background, Jocelyn Thomas strives to make her Dancing Horses Equestrian Center in Williston a little different from any other facility in the Aiken area. Shortly after she arrived here, almost 11 years ago, Jocelyn began hosting trail competitions at the farm. “I thought it would be something different and I really didn’t want to compete with all the other venues with established shows for various disciplines,” she says. For years, many horse people took advantage of the opportunity to familiarize their horses with various trail obstacles and enjoyed the competitions that were held on a regular basis. Then, in 2020, a tornado ripped through the farm, destroying half of the main barn, the entire hay barn, numerous sheds, and a lot of fencing. Jocelyn is grateful to all the neighbors who helped with the daunting task of cleaning up. “It took us nearly two years to rebuild and get back to normal, especially with COVID on top of everything else,” Jocelyn says, “But it gave us a chance to re-do all the obstacles.” It also gave her an idea about how to incorporate the trail obstacles into another niche venture for Dancing Horses Equestrian Center: working equitation. Working equitation competitions, which are becoming increasingly popular in the U.S., include three, or (in team competition) four parts. The first phase is a dressage test. Next, the horse and rider tackle a trail/ obstacle course, and finally, they ride a different obstacle course against the clock. In team competitions, a fourth phase is added in which the two team members work together to separate a specific cow from a group; this is similar to the Western discipline, ranch sorting. Jocelyn recalls her experiences from riding upper-level dressage with a Portuguese trainer. “The Portuguese are big into the working equitation discipline and even though I never competed in it, my trainer always incorporated some of it into his training program. It’s just good to do different things with the horses to keep them thinking,” she notes. Jocelyn explains that one of the basic premises of working equitation is safety. “The dressage tests in working equitation very specifically include all the basics needed to perform the obstacle section,” she explains. “The rider cannot go on to the obstacle section until they have adequately completed the dressage section. Plus, a horse and rider cannot move up to the next level until they have scored 63% or higher.” There are six levels, each with a more challenging dressage test. Jocelyn

local events have incorporated a starter division, but most times there are limited cross-country jumps available at that height,” she explains. “Our goal is to offer a place for everyone to start.” The divisions offered are Pre-elementary (12-18”), Elementary (18”- 2’), Starter (2’-2’3”), and Beginner Novice (2’3”- 2’6”). “We are making miniatures of all the jumps you would find on a big cross-country course; like coops, cabins, and rolltops. We also have baby banks, baby ditches, and water obstacles, which can also be incorporated in the working equitation shows.” Jocelyn grins when she says that her husband, Stephen, was concerned about being bored because he just retired from an Army career. “He has no idea all that I have for him to do – the jumps were just the beginning!” Dancing Horse Equestrian Center comprises 33 acres; in addition, Jocelyn and Stephen rent an adjoining 60-acre field. Jocelyn describes the layout. “When you enter the property, there is a big, flat field for parking in front and plenty of room for stadium and dressage warm-up right next to parking. The stadium and dressage arenas are just beyond that. The cross-country then starts at the far end of the field, and it loops around the field then onto the backside of my property where I have the water, banks, and ditches, then into the woods and loops back around to finish in the big field. It’s a great course with a little bit of everything.” Jocelyn strives to improve on problems she has noticed at other facilities. She cites examples of inconvenient parking and inadequate warm-up areas. She has seen numerous young horses get undone while warming up for dressage because other horses were schooling over fences right next to them. “We are trying to make it friendly, not just with small jumps, but also by providing open and comfortable surroundings. It’s not scary to the horses because they can see everything.” Jocelyn describes her Dancing Horses Equestrian as a training, lesson, and boarding barn. “I have a little bit of everything – a couple of school horses, some great ladies that take lessons, a handful of horses in training, and boarders. Most of the boarders are a fun bunch of mature women who like the working equitation stuff and just want to enjoy their horses.” Since she has only recently started the working equitation and beginner three phase competitions, Jocelyn may fine tune the schedule,

describes Level 3 as being similar to First Level dressage and Level 6 as comparable to Prix St. Georges. Dancing Horses Equestrian recently held their first working equitation show and Jocelyn plans to hold competitions on a regular basis. “We built all our obstacles to United States Working Equitation specs, as eventually we want to host rated competitions,” Jocelyn emphasizes. She encourages those interested to read more about Working Equitation on the informative website, usawe.org. Another opportunity that Jocelyn sees in the Aiken area is a venue specifically designed for true beginner three phase competitions. “Some

but currently she plans to host the working equitation on the first Saturday of every month and the beginner three phases on the last weekend of every month. “Again, we are offering something that is different, and I don’t want to be competing against other farms’ events. We will try not to conflict with others’ dates, but that isn’t always possible,” she says, adding, “This is Aiken – there is some type of horse event almost every day!” For information on any of the events or schooling at Dancing Horses Equestrian Center, contact Jocelyn at 207-210-7900 or dancinghorses@ rocketmail.com.

The Aiken Horse

June-July 2022

The Aiken Horse

June-July 2022

DANIEL GEITNER (803) 270-5420 CATHY GEITNER (803) 270-0574

AIKEN, SC OCALA, FL

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

DFGSTABLES @ AOL . COM WWW . DFGSTABLES . NET

June-July 2022

The Aiken Horse

Dressage in the Spring, Aiken Horse Park

Photography by Gary Knoll

a 501c3 non-proﬁt organization

Your Camden Showgrounds

Since 2009

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

June 4-5

Camden Classic Hunter Jumper

June 10-12

Roping Horse Show

June 24-26

SC Quarter Horse Association

July 30-31

Camden Summer Classic Hunter Jumper

Sept 2-4

SC Quarter Horse Association Check our Facebook page for Summer Schooling Series Days

Please contact the Show Manager with questions about their event. For Booking Information 803-420-0407 or info@scequinepark.com

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

scequinepark.com

The Aiken Horse

Camden SC I-20 Exit 101

June-July 2022

The Aiken Horse

Adams Horse Supplies in Aiken Warehouse and Retail Sales By Nancy Johnson

iken has a new tack shop: Adams Horse Supplies, located at 119 Bolton Court off Pine Log Road. A logical first question is what makes this store different from the others in town? “We’re standing in it,” replies Lauren White, who is Adams’s retail manager, as she glances around the huge warehouse. “The warehouse gives us the ability to bring in more inventory, and a greater variety of sizes. Take blankets, for example. We have the storage to have lots of brands and sizes right here, even pony and weanling sizes. Most other tack shops can’t store all of that and when people want a blanket or fly sheet, they want it now; not in a week.” Adams Horse Supplies features an attractive storefront, where

clothing and tack is appealingly displayed. A door at the back of the retail space beckons customers to explore the 5,000-foot warehouse. Although a portion of this warehouse is closed off to customers, a section adjoining the retail store serves as additional display space for larger items: blankets, shipping boots, and saddle pads for instance. Here, customers can look through the vast selection of brands, sizes, and colors available. The customer portion of the warehouse also includes a close-out section offering deep discounts on a variety of products. Lauren White has noticed that some customers already make a beeline for the closeout section to check out the bargains. “It’s a great space. The building is much larger than it appears from outside,” says the owner Merance Adams, a horsewoman who lives in Aiken. “We’re very happy here.” Although Adams Horse Supplies is new to Aiken, it is a wellestablished privately owned small business. Merance founded her store in 2001 when she lived in Maine. Since there were hardly any tack shops in the state, she always shopped online for her own horses’ supplies. She was so frustrated with online customer service that she resigned from her consulting job and started a little tack shop in her basement. “I started with one vendor and got a website up,” she says. “It was so easy back then because there was very little competition. We grew like crazy, outgrowing the first and second warehouses I leased in the first few years.” Adams’s e-commerce business continues to thrive and there is no

The Aiken Horse

plan to curtail it. While Merance and her husband have lived in Aiken for the past eight years, her business remained in Maine until this past January. “I am so thrilled with the support of the local horse community already,” Merance notes. “We have just gotten busier and busier every day. And, it’s so nice to have my business close so that I can just pop in; that wasn’t possible with the warehouse still in Maine.” Adams’s online business also benefits retail customers in Aiken. Lauren explains, “A local customer can order online and select in-store pickup. Then, if it’s an article of clothing, they can try it on here. If it fits fine; if not, they just order a different size and don’t have to pay to send it back.” The website tells the customer if an item is in stock. “That means right here in our warehouse,” Merance emphasizes. “This keeps a customer from wasting a trip. Some local customers who want to save time order online and then choose in-store pickup. Then, they simply come in to get their order, which has already been charged and is waiting for them.” “Our warehouse gives us the ability to have so much right here for our customers. We carry all the well-known name brands like Kerrits, Romfh, Ariat, Horseware of Ireland, Charles Owen Helmets, Mountain Horse, One K Helmets, and on and on,” Merance continues. Lauren White adds, “We carry a broad spectrum. Yes, we have the high-end brands, but we also have the really affordable products too, like $35 paddock boots for camp kids.” Lauren says that customers can count on good prices at Adams. “On most of our products, like fly sprays and supplements, we are competitive with the online markets, so our prices are typically lower than a retail store. And, if a product is apples to apples, we will price match.” As an eventer herself, Merance feels that the discipline is a bit underserved in Aiken. “There is a lack of products geared toward eventers. We will carry more cross-country boots and safety equipment that they need,” she says. “We also have a wide variety of clothing sizes. The plus sizes, up to 3X, are on the floor, so there is no need to ask if something comes bigger than X-Large. The same thing with horse clothing; we have everything from draft down to mini.” Lauren, who has considerable experience working in retail tack shops, emphasizes, “Unlike some, we are not a corporate company, so we have more flexibility in what we can bring into the store. We want the storefront to be a reflection of what Aiken horse people want to see.” One avenue for input from customers will be through a monthly raffle. For each purchase that a customer makes during the month, they will receive a raffle entry. The form is simple but offers the customer a space to note any products that they would like to see in the store. Lauren is excited to offer “really nice raffle prizes; not like a horse brush or something,” adding that the prize for the first month is a $250 Kerrits shopping spree. In addition to monthly raffles, Adams customers will benefit from a reward point system. “It’s crazy how fast the points accumulate and there are no restrictions on what you can spend it on.” “I’ve wanted to bring Adams Horse Supplies to Aiken for some time and am so happy I did,” says Merance with a smile. “It’s great that we have more options for horse people to shop. Everyone can find their niche.” Adams Horse Supplies is located just off Whiskey Road at 119 Bolton Ct. They are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Call the store at 877-322-7387 or see the website, www.adamshorsesupply.com.

June-July 2022

The Aiken Horse

June-July 2022

Are you ready for Ultimate Equine Partnership? Julie Robins is ready to help you and your horse! From young horse starting to bridle-less riding! www.TheHorsemanshipAcademy.com

Helios Equine Rehabilitation Center State of the Art Wellness Care By Fran Jurga

n ancient Greek legends, Helios was the god of the sun. He drove across the sky in a chariot pulled by four winged horses to bring the dawn. If they were up in the sky today, the horses of Helios would surely finish their global gallop with a stop in Lincolnton, Georgia at the equine wellness and therapy center named for their master. There, the fabled Greek horses could stand under solar lights, enjoy a bracing soak in a saltwater spa, and step into a set of therapeutic compression leg boots, among many other options to recover from their workout. All the while, their vital signs would be monitored by infrared sensors, they’d be breathing fresh, dust-free air, and they could nap on the padded mattresses that line the stall floors. Make no mistake: everything under the equine sun is installed at this shiny new wellness and rehabilitation center for horses, which is in northeastern Georgia, about an hour’s trailer ride from Aiken.

Helios Center Wants Your Horse to Feel Better

Whether it’s recovering from a major injury or visiting for simple rest and relaxation, Helios is designed to nurture a horse back to health, and includes what healing horses really need: the right environment where healing can take place. Helios is designed to accommodate both horses in need of gentle wellness support and those with injuries that require careful monitoring. The owner, Susan Hathaway conceived the idea for Helios when she

was unable to find a residential therapy center for her own horse, who needed to recover from a respiratory problem complicated by injury. “I couldn’t find what my horse needed,” she recalled. “I started traveling and looking at centers, and then put the plan together,” she said. Based on Susan’s experience as a career military nurse, the new center defines itself in its systems, especially circulation and ventilation. She plans to accommodate horses with standard sportrelated injuries, but also to provide post-operative care. She feels that her dust-free environment is ideal for horses with eye injuries or skin infections. Susan’s plan includes a team to run the center with her. Her veterinary advisor is Dr. Samantha Canup; she communicates with the referral veterinarians and updates veterinary imaging of the horses at the center as they recover. For daily management, Susan convinced her startup construction and security consultant Ed David to stay on and run the center. He came for 90 days – and that was several years ago. He shows no sign of leaving. For most of the Covid pandemic, the center was closed to residential

The Aiken Horse

clients, but Ed David masterminded a Plan B, which took the Helios show on the road. Ed traveled to horse events as far away as Houston and Ocala hauling the center’s mobile spa trailer. This made it possible for up to 50 horses a day to enjoy a cold saltwater spa session during their stay on the showgrounds. Back at home, the Helios Center is creating a health center for horses where all the aspects of wellbeing are addressed and monitored. Every horse enters Helios with a plan and a goal from its regular veterinarian, but also with a calendar in mind. Plans for recovery often have to fit in between show circuits or breeding season demands, as well as rider goals such as qualifying for year-end or international events. The unique ability of Helios to haul its mobile therapy units to showgrounds and training centers allows some horses to continue their therapy after they leave their stalls at Helios and return to training or showing.

Getting to Helios

A horse’s residency at the Helios Center begins before it boards a trailer for the ride to Lincolnton. A veterinarian may suggest a visit to Helios, who then prepares a plan for the horse’s rest or recovery, based on past medical history, age and plans for the future, as well as the horse’s current condition, the nature of the injury, or a horse’s individual behavior concerns. Each horse’s referring veterinarian continues to play an active role throughout the horse’s stay, with frequent communication between the center and the veterinarian. Thanks to advances in telemedicine, the referring veterinarian does not have to be at the center to follow the horse’s progress, but can visit anytime. There are as many reasons for checking into Helios as there are horses in the stalls. No two cases are the same. Some are there simply to rest and relax after a stressful show season. Others are there to work on a

specific musculoskeletal injury, whether a bowed tendon or a back or pelvic injury. The center can serve as a stopover following colic and other surgeries, and may take in horses suffering from problems like laminitis. Horse owners may not be equipped or have the skills or time to stay at home with horses who need extensive care, require medication several times a day, or who must be cared for while recumbent. “Prehab” is a new approach for horse therapy. A horse is profiled by breed, age and sport for possible injuries, and a team identifies the most important ways that horse can avoid injury in pursuit of its sport goals. For some horses, core strength is lacking, or a previous injury makes work on certain muscles prudent. The horse’s veterinarian may decide that water therapy would be helpful, such as swimming, and consult with Helios for the horse to make use of the water center there. Some surgeries require extended stall rest, and horses can be pre-acclimated to equipment like compression boots and water therapy that can help with swollen limbs from inactivity.

The Facility June-July 2022

The first thing you notice about the newly-constructed Helios Center is the entry. The wide apron in front of the building directs your focus to the spectacular vestibule, framed with a cascading horseshoe staircase, reminiscent of the famous one at Fontainebleau Castle outside Paris. Two wings of stalls with their extension paddocks stretch to either side, with larger turnout areas visible beyond. Once inside the building, guests are greeted with expressive oversized horse graphics, and the choice of visiting either airy wing. The 24-stall Helios Equine Rehabilitation Center was named to reflect the warmth and healing powers of heat and cold. The heat of the center’s solarium lamps are balanced by the bracing cold of the center’s 35-degree saltwater spas. A permanently-installed vibration plate may be included in some horses’ recovery plans. A new 150’ x 145’ foot “water park” building is currently being completed: this annex will contain automated water walkers, more of the cold saltwater spas like the ones on the mobile unit, and a soon-tobe-opened state-of-the art swimming pool. As impressive as the list of tools and systems available for horses at the Helios Center may be, it’s the things you don’t see that probably impress the horses the most. Each horse lives in a roomy box stall equipped with Ramm Fencing’s ThuroBed mattress system, which is designed to maximize comfort underfoot and also to minimize the need for

The Evolution of Equine Rehab

They used to call them layup farms. Injured or overstressed racehorses would be shipped to a barn in the country for rest and relaxation. Even Aiken itself was known as not just a winter training center, but also as a place with restorative powers where hard-charging racehorses spent the off season. A season in Aiken and other winter colonies in the Carolinas gave their legs a chance to heal and strengthen, and their minds benefited from the trip south as well. Today, the burgeoning winter population of horses, as well as the transients passing through to compete and train, have set up the Aiken area as an ideal place for horses to rest and recover for a while. The Helios Center is just the latest in a subset of centers that range from traditional layups to high-tech veterinary care facilities. No matter what ails your horse, you’ll likely find a facility in or around Aiken to fill your needs. While Aiken has evolved from a winter colony to a year-round destination for equestrians, equine wellness and rehabilitation needs have become more specialized and more timing oriented. Racing, showing, and polo are no longer seasonal sports; horses compete all year, spend countless hours on vans going to the next competition, and yet are expected to consistently deliver on the investments made in them. More trainers than ever are incorporating therapeutic routines into their training programs. Walk down the backside at a major training center, and you’re likely to see a vibration plate or a water spa. When horses are injured, professional rehab facilities

June-July 2022

bedding. This improves air quality and keeps dust to a minimum. The bedding that is used is Airline, which is a dust- and allergen-free product, made from shredded cardboard. Stall walls are specially treated and painted to make disinfection between residents a simple task; each stall is part of a central ventilation system, with fans at the top of the barn and Big Ass fans to push fresh air down into the stalls. Each stall is monitored by Advanced TeleSensors (ATS) Vital Sign Equine Sensor System. Heart rate and respiration data are collected by sensors, which can be monitored by smartphone apps; closed circuit cameras in each stall relay visual monitoring capabilities as well. Hygiene is strictly enforced at the facility. Owner Susan Hathaway warned not to expect a handshake. Employees wash their hands after leaving one stall and before entering the next. Vaccinations and health records for all horses are carefully reviewed as part of the admission process, and the staff goes through twice-monthly safety briefings. “We set a standard,” Susan said. “You won’t see strangers walking through the barns. Visits must be planned. We go through a lot of hand sanitizer!”. Helios will be the place to send your horse to recover from an injury or surgery, or just for a therapeutic reset after a long show season. Just ask Aiken eventer Missy Miller, who sent her four-star event horse Quinn to Helios after a grueling spring season, culminating with their completion of the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI4*. Missy was full of praise for her experience sending her horse to Helios. “I was so apprehensive to let someone else take over his care,” she recalled. “But my barn is busy. I knew if he went to Helios, it would be so consistent. It is calm, and so relaxed there. And they texted me every day with his update.” are trained to ensure that they are introduced safely to therapy equipment like swimming pools or compression boots. Layup care started to change when centers began to install treadmills. And then a swimming pool and a water treadmill. A walker, heat lamps, and vibration plates followed. Soon the modern equine rehabilitation center was born, and they kept on growing, both in sophistication and in numbers, often in the vicinity of showgrounds and breeding areas. With the show horse and sport horse calendars going year-round, it wasn’t just racehorses who were in need of layup stalls. The equine therapy industry has been a growing sector of the horse health scene for about 20 years now. At the same time that therapy centers were progressing in sophistication and technology, the demand grew for staff that knew how to do more than wrap a leg. Horse owners changed their focus: no longer just interested in returning an injured horse to competition as quickly as possible, they hoped the horse could be reset for optimum health. The holistic side of therapy involves nutrition and wellness as well as fitness to compete. A horse must be all systems go, not just walking on a tighter tendon. But in spite of all the high tech built into modern therapy centers, it is still “Dr. Green” who plays an important part. Who is Dr. Green? “What this horse needs is a few weeks with Dr. Green,” veterinarians often say with a wink. Wise old “Dr. Green” always prescribed the same thing: a few weeks of turnout, the company of other horses, and some quiet time. That prescription still works wonders. No one ever argues with Dr. Green.

The Aiken Horse

June-July 2022

2022 HUNTER/JUMPER CHALLENGE SERIES at Stable View in Aiken, South Carolina

$350,000+ in Prize Money Register at HorseShowsOnline.com

JUNE

2-5 || Summer Classic

JUNE

9-12|| Summer Classic I

JUNE/JULY

30-July 3 || Summer Classic II

AUGUST

4-7 || Summer Classic III

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

29-Oct 2 || Fall Classic I

NOVEMBER

3-6 || Fall Classic II PLUS $100,000 Challenge Bonus* *Must compete in four of six events to qualify

A RELAXED ATMOSPHERE WITH SUPERIOR AMENITIES 15 Miles of Trails • 4 Rider’s Lounges • 261 stalls • 61 paddocks 22 Professionally Decorated Accommodations 5 Outdoor Arenas and 1 Covered Arena by Attwood Equestrian Surfaces featuring GGT-Footing

117 Stable Dr, Aiken SC

June-July 2022

The Aiken Horse

Inside 59 68 71 73 81 82

Foals of Aiken Index of Advertisers Grand Prix Jumping Calendar of Events Classifieds Directory

The Aiken Horse

June-July 2022

Amendiel from Meant to Be, owned by Juli Cole

Foals of Aiken Class of 2022

Spring: a time for green grass, warm nights, long days, and, of course, foals. A growing equestrian population in Aiken has led to an explosion of breeding in this area. Aiken is now the birthplace of foals of all kinds, from Warmbloods and Thoroughbred racehorses to polo ponies, Arabians, Quarter Horses, Icelandic Horses, Spanish horses, hunter ponies, Tennessee Walking Horses and more. Some of these foals are

June-July 2022

born into professional breeding operations and are destined to be sold; others are the offspring of treasured mares bred by amateur owners hoping to raise their next heart horse. Once again, we went out and met a few of these foals to share their pictures and stories. We are happy to introduce the Aiken Foal Class of 2022.

The Aiken Horse 59

Q from Meant To Be

By Lucifer Morningstar from Meant To Be out of Hydaway’s TS Lyndita Appaloosa Icelandic Cross Colt Born April 3, 2022 at Meant to Be Farm in Windsor Owned by Juli Cole Career Goal: Sport horse or Dressage

Q is a three-quarter Appaloosa, one-quarter Icelandic colt. He was bred to be a performance horse, specifically in the dressage or sport

horse disciplines. His owner, Juli Cole, says he has excellent athletic ability and intelligence along with a wonderful temperament. “I anticipate him to be very suitable as a mount for adult amateur or youth riders that want a smaller horse to compete on as opposed to 16 hands or taller,” she says. Juli is a student of genetics and does DNA testing on the horses in her breeding program. Although Q is currently a bay, he did inherit the leopard spotting (LP) gene from the Appaloosa part of his family, so his coat will begin to express Appaloosa characteristics as he matures. He did not, however, inherit the gait gene from his Icelandic family, so he is three gaited and does not perform a tolt or a flying pace, both lateral gaits that are a trademark of the Icelandic breed. Q is for sale.

Amendiel from Meant To Be By Silverado Rein out of Vanadis from Azur Appaloosa Icelandic Cross Colt Born May 20, 2022 at Meant to Be Farm in Windsor Owned by Juli Cole Career Goal: Sport horse or Dressage

Amendiel from Meant To Be is one half Icelandic and one half

Appaloosa. He has a full brother at Meant to Be Farm, Lucifer, who was born on the same date, May 20, in 2018. “Like his full brother, I bred him to get a horse with the comfortable-to-ride tolt of the Icelandic that also has the Appaloosa coat pattern,” says Juli. “He is extremely athletic, graceful and has a wonderful temperament. He was also bred with performance in mind, and, like his brother, Lucifer, I anticipate him being a dressage prospect.” Amendiel is potentially available for sale. “I love Icelandics for many reasons,” continues Juli, “One of which is because

June-July 2022

they can be four- or five-gaited which gives the rider the best of both worlds: a regular walk, trot and canter along with the tolt, and in the five-gaited horses, the flying pace. While Icelandics have many different coat colors and patterns, the LP and PATN1 gene [which increases the amount of white in a horse’s coat] do not exist in Icelandics so it is not possible to find a purebred Icleandic that has the coat patterns that breeds such as Appaloosas and Knabstruppers have. “For many years I wanted to cross an Icelandic and an Appaloosa to get a horse with the Icelandic’s gaits and the Appy pattern. I knew what I needed genetically from the Appy parent to guarantee the coat color, but how to guarantee the gait was a puzzle as some Icelandics are four-gaited and some five, while some are three-gaited and don’t have the lateral gaits at all. In 2012 researchers in Sweden published a paper about their discovery of the DMRT3 gene mutation, which is what causes the lateral gaits. This was a happy day for me as it provided the information I needed to get my “Ice-aloosa:” a fourgaited horse with an Appaloosa coat pattern.”

The Aiken Horse 61

Lulu

By Hoppertunity out of Ying Yue by Jump Start Thoroughbred Filly Born: April 28, 2022 at Chime Ridge Stable Owned by Ron Madden of Jellicoe Creek, LLC Career Goal: Racehorse Ron Madden purchased Ying Yue at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic December mixed sale held at the Timonium Fairgrounds in Maryland in early December, 2022. Ying Yue, born in 2016, was a good race mare in allowance and claiming races before she retired to be a broodmare, with five wins in 11 starts, finishing out of the money only once and

The Aiken Horse

earning $113,616 in her career. At the sale, Ying Yue was in foal to Hoppertunity, an extremely talented racehorse that stands in Maryland. Hoppertunity, a blacktype Grade 1 stakes winner who ran in such prestigious contests as the Dubai World Cup (where he finished third behind California Chrome) and won the Jockey Club Gold Cup, earned over $4.7 million in a career that lasted until he was 7 years old. He entered stud “clean-legged and sound after racing five years at the highest level.” Hoppertunity’s first crop, foaled in 2020, is just starting to hit the racetrack this spring. The filly Lulu was born on April 28 at 4:30 in the afternoon, an unusually convenient time for foaling (usually these things happen in the middle of the night) and has shown herself to be bright, intelligent and athletic. Look for her on the racetrack in a few years’ time.

June-July 2022

Divertimento VF

By Deniro out of Wilhelmina R by Wolkenstein Hanoverian Colt (chestnut) Born: March 5, 2022 Owned by Tom Murray Career Goal: Dressage Divertimento, who goes by the barn name Dudley, is a three quarter brother to Desperados, the beautiful black stallion that the German dressage rider Kristine Bröring-Sprehe rode to team gold and individual bronze medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics Inheriting spectacular movement and superb athletic ability, Dudley has as bright future ahead of him, and not just in the show ring. His owner Tom Murray hopes that he will excel in dressage competition and become a top-quality breeding stallion in the future.

June-July 2022

The Aiken Horse 63

Demitasse VF

By Dannebrog out of Saphira Hanoverian Filly Born May 6, 2022 Owned by Tom Murray Career Goal: Dressage or Showjumping According to her pedigree, gorgeous Demitasse could grow up to be either a top dressage horse or a showjumper. Her sire, Dannebrog, is an exceptional dressage horse while her dam, Saphira excelled in the dressage arena and has some top jumper lines in her background. “The mare is 60 to 80% of the breeding equation,” says her owner Tom Murray. “This mare was horse of the year for Fourth Level, Intermediaire-I and Intermediaire-I Freestyle. With the stallion Dannebrog and his pedigree, I think she will be extraordinary no matter the discipline, but especially dressage!”

The Aiken Horse

June-July 2022

Lord Lexington (barn name Little Larry) By Louisville HTF and out of I Am Mighty Westphalian Colt Born: April 26, 2022 Owned by Lizz Leroy Career Goal - FEI level dressage

Just a few weeks old, Little Larry is already quite a character. “He has the biggest personality in the world,” says Kate Hutchins who has him at her farm in Ridge Spring. “He’s super sweet and friendly with an independent nature.” Larry’s owner, Lizz Leroy, who lives in Maryland, had purchased his dam, Scarlett, to be her partner in the sport of dressage. When the mare was injured, Liz sent her back down to Aiken to be bred. “So Little Larry was the horse I never planned on having,” said Lizz. “I absolutely love the family line Scarlett comes from, so I decided to keep that bloodline going. I knew I was getting a nice baby but never in my wildest dreams did I think I was getting a baby so perfectly marked with the perfect personality to go with it. “He is a loving, silly colt that just wants to play. His looks are one of a kind . . . . he looks like he is wearing a tuxedo and is ready for a black tie affair.”

June-July 2022

The Aiken Horse 65

Beach Mill’s Pop Tart

By Coud’ Poker Tartifume out of Artfull Magic Connemara - Appendix QH cross colt Born: April 6, 2022 Owned by Tracey Miller and Bret Beacham of Beach Mill Farm Career goal: eventing Tracey Miller and her husband Bret Beacham are excited about the two foals that were born on their Beach Mill Farm this spring. Pop Tart, the colt, is out of Tracey’s 16.3 hand Palomino Appendix Quarter Horse mare, while Sweet Tart, the filly, is out of her Argentine Warmblood mare. Both were sired by the superb sport pony Coud’ Poker Tartifume (Cooper), an imported Connemara stallion who was born in France and now stands in Georgia. Cooper is owned and campaigned by Tracey’s sister Donna Miller who has evented the pony up to the two star level: he is only 14.2 hands high, but he can jump just about anything. “The stallion is really cool,” says Tracey. “He is pony-sized, but bred to bigger mares, he puts down really agile, great jumpers with great minds. That’s what I bred them for: personality, jump, and ‘go get it’ attitude. . . .I wanted something that I could handle, being older, not some giant warmblood but still have something very competitive.” Tracey says she is looking forward to the future with her two foals, but that they will definitely have some input into where their training takes them. “Pop Tart is quite the independent soul,” she says. “He is quite smart and chill like his mom. Sweet Tart has a bit more fire from her Argentine side. Both babies are extremely smart and learn very quickly. Hopefully they will both be upper level eventing prospects, but who knows what they will decide they like the best. They are certainly both bred to jump!”

The Aiken Horse

June-July 2022

Beach Mill’s Sweet Tart By Coud’ Poker Tartifume out of Classic Theory Connemara – Argentine Warmblood Cross filly Born: May 24, 2022 Owned by Tracey Miller and Bret Beacham of Beach Mill Farm Career goal: eventing

June-July 2022

The Aiken Horse 67

Index of Advertisers Advertiser

Section

Advertiser

Page

Section

Adams Horse and Pet Supplies

LOC Equestrian

Aiken County Farm Supply

Malvern Federal

Aiken Fine Homes and Land

Meybohm RE (Sullivan/Turner)

Aiken Horse Park Foundation

Meybohm RE (Sullivan/Turner)

Aiken Horsemanship Academy

Meybohm RE Haslup

Aiken Luxury Rentals

Meybohm RE Vaillancourt

Aiken Polo Club

New Bridge Polo Club

Aiken Saddlery, Inc.

NibbleNet

Aiken Tack Exchange

Oak Manor Saddlery

American National Insurance

Paws & Play

Auto Tech

Barnware

Be Fly Free

Progressive Show Jumping, Inc Redman International Horse Transport

Blue Ribbon Trailer Wash

Retired Racehorse Project

Bridle Creek

Sandy Hills Real Estate

Carolina Company RE

Shane Doyle

CHAPS

Sharer Dale Team RE

DFG Stables

Sharer Dale Team RE

Engineered Equine Performance

Sharer Dale Team RE

Epona

South Carolina Equine Park

Southern Equine Service

Equine Emporium for Sale

Southern Ridge Excavation

Equine Expressions

SPCA Albrecht Center

Equine Rescue of Aiken

Stable View, LLC

Fields Sawmill

Summerplace Farm

FOTAS Aiken

Teddi Ismond

Fox Services

The Kneaded Edge

G L Williams and Daughter

The Kneaded Edge

Highfields

Janice Holmes

Jill Diaz Polo

The Tack Room The Vista Schooling and Event Center

The Willcox/Greystone Inn

LEGISequine.com

Three Star Vineyard

Lightning Protection Systems

Tryon Equine Law

Equine Divine

Keller Williams Stinson

Page

The Aiken Horse

June-July 2022

The Aiken Horse 69

Grand Prix Jumping at the Aiken Spring Classi

ic Finale & the Aiken Charity Horse Show

Photography by Pam Gleason

The Aiken Horse

June-July 2022

Aiken Area Calendar of Events June

1-12 Tommy Hitchcock Memorial 8 Goal. New Bridge Polo Club. 862 New Bridge Rd, Aiken. 803.644.7706, hbryan2485@aol. com, newbridgepolo.com 2-5 USEF/USHJA B-Rated Hunter/Jumper Summer Classic I. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@ stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com 3-5 New Vocations All-Thoroughbred Charity Show. Highfields Event Center, 147 Warehouse Road, Aiken. 803.649.3505, psjshows.com 4 Saturday Night Lights. TIEC. Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1011, sarpke@tryon.com, tryon.com 4-5 Camden Classic Hunter Jumper. Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden, 803.486.4938, scequinepark.com 4-5 Ag & Art Tour Equine Park. Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden, 803.486.4938, scequinepark. com 4-5 Dressage at FENCE. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon. 828.859.9021. frcshows@gmail. com, fence.org 4-5 Horse Trials. Poplar Place Farm, 8191 Highway 27, Hamilton, GA. 706.681.8748, poplarplacefarm.com 6 Desensitization Play Day. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon. 828.859.9021. frcshows@ gmail.com, fence.org 7-12 Tryon Spring 6/Tryon Riding &Hunt Club Charity Horse Show. TIEC. Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1011, sarpke@tryon. com, tryon.com 8 Twilight Jumpers. 9445 Browns Lake Rd, Fairburn, GA. 770.892.2117, info@chatthillseventing.com, chatthillseventing. com

June-July 2022

10-12 Roping Horse Show. Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden, 803.486.4938, scequinepark. com 11 Southern Series Open Show. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon. 828.859.9021. frcshows@ gmail.com, fence.org 11 Saturday Night Lights. TIEC. Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1011, sarpke@tryon.com, tryon.com 11 Eventing & Dressage Schooling Shows at Chatt Hills.9445 Browns Lake Rd, Fairburn, GA. 770.892.2117, info@ chatthillseventing.com, chatthillseventing.com 11 Dressage & CT. Sporting Days Farm, 3549 Charleston Hwy. Aiken, SC Cindy Wood (410) 726 8926. cindy@firefoxfarm. com, SportingDaysFarm.com 11 WHES Schooling Day. Carolina Horse Park. 2814 Montrose rd, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2075, info@carolinahorsepark.com, carolinahorsepark.com 11 Second Saturday at Woods Farm Market. 7000 Woodside Executive Court, Aiken. 803.226.0895, woodssecondsaturday@ gmail.com, www.facebook.com/woodssecondsaturday 11 Sedgefield at the Park “C” H/J Show. Carolina Horse Park. 2814 Montrose rd, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2075, info@ carolinahorsepark.com, carolinahorsepark.com 11-12 WHES Horse Trials, CT, D. Carolina Horse Park. 2814 Montrose rd, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2075, info@ carolinahorsepark.com, carolinahorsepark.com 11-12 USEF/USDF Dressage Summer Series I & II. Poplar Place Farm, 8191 Highway 27, Hamilton, GA. 706.681.8748, poplarplacefarm.com 11-12 USEF/USDF Summertime Blues by Viewpoint Dressage. Pinehurst Harness Track. Pinehurst, NC. Carolinadressage.com

The Aiken Horse 73

Schooling Horse Trials. Full Gallop Farm, 3828 Wagener Rd, Aiken. Lara Anderson: 803. 215.6590, fullgallopfarm@yahoo. com, fullgallopfarm.com 12 Radway Eventing Pony Club Show. 4627 Whiskey Road, Aiken. radwayeventing.com 12 Hunter Pace @ Chatt Hills. 9445 Browns Lake Rd, Fairburn, GA. 770.892.2117, info@chatthillseventing.com, chatthillseventing.com 13-17 Horse Camp. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon. 828.859.9021. frcshows@gmail. com, fence.org 15 Twilight Jumpers.9445 Browns Lake Rd, Fairburn, GA. 770.892.2117, info@chatthillseventing.com, chatthillseventing. com 12

24-26 USEF/USEA Mid-Summer Horse Trials & Area III Championships. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com 24-26 Tryon Summer 2. TIEC. Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1011, sarpke@tryon.com, tryon.com 24-26 Progressive Show Jumping C-Series. Highfields Event Center, 147 Warehouse Road, Aiken. 803.649.3505, psjshows.com 24-26 South Carolina Quarter Horse Association. Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden, 803.486.4938, scequinepark.com 25-26 USEF/USDF Dressage at the Park I & II. Carolina Horse Park. 2814 Montrose rd, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2075, info@ carolinahorsepark.com, carolinahorsepark.com 25-26 USEF/USDF Dressage Show. 9445 Browns Lake Rd, Fairburn, GA. 770.892.2117, info@chatthillseventing.com, chatthillseventing.com 25-26 Schooling HT Series. Dancing Horses Equestrian Center. 149 Mosely Rd, Williston. 207.210.7900 29 Twilight Jumpers. 9445 Browns Lake Rd, Fairburn, GA. 770.892.2117, info@chatthillseventing.com, chatthillseventing. com 30-1 USEF/USHJA B-Rated Hunter/Jumper Summer Classic II. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@ stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com

July

15-19 USEF Summer Classic I. Aiken Horse Park Foundation, 931 Powderhouse Rd, Aiken. 803.830.7077. tara@aikenhorsepark. org, aikenhorsepark.org 17-18 Rodeo. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon. 828.859.9021. frcshows@gmail.com, fence. org 17-19 Tryon Summer 1. TIEC. Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1011, sarpke@tryon.com, tryon.com 17-19 Tryon Summer Dressage 1 & 2. TIEC. Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1011, sarpke@tryon.com, tryon.com 18 Dressage T-o-C. Full Gallop Farm, 3828 Wagener Rd, Aiken. Lara Anderson: 803. 215.6590, fullgallopfarm@yahoo.com, fullgallopfarm.com 18-19 USEF/USDF “Summer Solstice” Dressage. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm. com, stableviewfarm.com 19 Recognized Horse Trials. Full Gallop Farm, 3828 Wagener Rd, Aiken. Lara Anderson: 803. 215.6590, fullgallopfarm@yahoo. com, fullgallopfarm.com 20-24 Horse Camp. Dressage at FENCE. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon. 828.859.9021. frcshows@gmail.com, fence.org 21-22 Intercollegiate Championships 2022 @ Chatt Hills. 9445 Browns Lake Rd, Fairburn, GA. 770.892.2117, info@ chatthillseventing.com, chatthillseventing.com 22 Twilight Jumpers. 9445 Browns Lake Rd, Fairburn, GA. 770.892.2117, info@chatthillseventing.com, chatthillseventing. com 22-26 USEF Summer Classic II. Aiken Horse Park Foundation, 931 Powderhouse Rd, Aiken. 803.830.7077. tara@aikenhorsepark. org, aikenhorsepark.org

The Aiken Horse

1-3 NCHJA Annual Horse Show. Carolina Horse Park. 2814 Montrose rd, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2075, info@ carolinahorsepark.com, carolinahorsepark.com 2 Southern Series. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon. 828.859.9021. frcshows@gmail. com, fence.org 5-10 Tryon Summer 4. TIEC. Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1011, sarpke@tryon.com, tryon.com 6 Twilight Jumpers. 9445 Browns Lake Rd, Fairburn, GA. 770.892.2117, info@chatthillseventing.com, chatthillseventing. com 7 Eventing Academy XC Day. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm. com 9 Working Equitation. Dancing Horses Equestrian Center. 149 Mosely Rd, Williston. 207.210.7900 9 Eventing Academy Schooling Day. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com 9 WHES Schooling Day. Carolina Horse Park. 2814 Montrose rd, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2075, info@carolinahorsepark.com, carolinahorsepark.com 9-10 WHES July Horse Trials, CT, D. Carolina Horse Park. 2814 Montrose rd, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2075, info@ carolinahorsepark.com, carolinahorsepark.com 10 Eventing Academy Schooling Horse Trials. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm. com, stableviewfarm.com 12-17 Tryon Summer 5. TIEC. Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1011, sarpke@tryon.com, tryon.com 15-17 Progressive Show Jumping C-Series. Highfields Event Center, 147 Warehouse Road, Aiken. 803.649.3505, psjshows.com 16 Foothills Riding Club Dressage. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon. 828.859.9021. frcshows@gmail.com, fence.org 16-17 USEF/USDF “Only In America” Dressage. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm. com, stableviewfarm.com

June-July 2022

16-17 USEF/USDF Rise n’ Shine by Viewpoint Dressage. Pinehurst Harness Track. Pinehurst, NC. Carolinadressage.com 16-18 Sedgefield at the Park mid-summer “C” H/J Show. Carolina Horse Park. 2814 Montrose rd, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2075, info@carolinahorsepark.com, carolinahorsepark.com 17 Schooling Horse Trials. Full Gallop Farm, 3828 Wagener Rd, Aiken. Lara Anderson: 803. 215.6590, fullgallopfarm@yahoo. com, fullgallopfarm.com 19-31 Tryon Summer 6. TIEC. Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1011, sarpke@tryon.com, tryon.com 22 Western Breeze Dressage Show. Carolina Horse Park. 2814 Montrose rd, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2075, info@ carolinahorsepark.com, carolinahorsepark.com 23 Southern Series. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon. 828.859.9021. frcshows@gmail. com, fence.org 23 CT & Dressage at The Vista. 859 Old Tory Trail, Aiken. 803.262.5263, vistaschooling@gmail.com, schoolthevista.com 23-24 USEF/USDF Summer Breeze Dressage Show. Carolina Horse Park. 2814 Montrose rd, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2075, info@carolinahorsepark.com, carolinahorsepark.com 23-24 Schooling HT Series. Dancing Horses Equestrian Center. 149 Mosely Rd, Williston. 207.210.7900 26 Schooling Show. Dressage at FENCE. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon. 828.859.9021. frcshows@gmail.com, fence.org 27-31 USPC Championships East. TIEC. Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1011, sarpke@tryon.com, tryon.com 30-31 Camden Summer Classic Hunter Jumper. Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden, 803.486.4938, scequinepark.com 31 Radway Eventing Pony Club Show. 4627 Whiskey Road, Aiken. radwayeventing.com

12-14 USPC National Pony Club Rating. Dressage at FENCE. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon. 828.859.9021. frcshows@gmail.com, fence.org 13 Eventing Academy Schooling Day. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com 13-14 Tryon Dressage 3&4. TIEC. Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1011, sarpke@tryon.com, tryon.com 13-14 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 14 Eventing Academy Schooling Horse Trials. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm. com, stableviewfarm.com 17-18 USEF/USDF “Too Hot to Trot I” Dressage. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@ stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com

August

4-7 USEF/USHJA B-Rated Hunter/Jumper Fall Classic I. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@ stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com 5-7 Progressive Show Jumping C-Series. Highfields Event Center, 147 Warehouse Road, Aiken. 803.649.3505, psjshows.com 6 Eventing & Dressage School Show.. 9445 Browns Lake Rd, Fairburn, GA. 770.892.2117, info@chatthillseventing.com, chatthillseventing.com 6-7 USEF/USDF Early Morning Blues by Viewpoint Dressage. Pinehurst Harness Track. Pinehurst, NC. Carolinadressage.com 7 Schooling Horse Trials. Full Gallop Farm, 3828 Wagener Rd, Aiken. Lara Anderson: 803. 215.6590, fullgallopfarm@yahoo. com, fullgallopfarm.com 7 Hunter Pace. 9445 Browns Lake Rd, Fairburn, GA. 770.892.2117, info@chatthillseventing.com, chatthillseventing. com 9 Schooling Show. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon. 828.859.9021. frcshows@gmail. com, fence.org 11 Eventing Academy XC Day. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm. com 11-28 Equus Events. 9445 Browns Lake Rd, Fairburn, GA. 770.892.2117, info@chatthillseventing.com, chatthillseventing. com 12-14 Tryon Indoor Summer 1. TIEC. Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1011, sarpke@tryon.com, tryon.com

June-July 2022

19-21 USEF/USDF “Too Hot to Trot II” Dressage. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@ stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com 19-21 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 19-21 Tryon Indoor Summer 2. TIEC. Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1011, sarpke@tryon.com, tryon.com 20 Dressage T-o-C. Full Gallop Farm, 3828 Wagener Rd, Aiken. Lara Anderson: 803. 215.6590, fullgallopfarm@yahoo.com, fullgallopfarm.com 21 Recognized Horse Trials. Full Gallop Farm, 3828 Wagener Rd, Aiken. Lara Anderson: 803. 215.6590, fullgallopfarm@yahoo. com, fullgallopfarm.com 23 Schooling Show. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon. 828.859.9021. frcshows@gmail. com, fence.org 27 WHES Schooling Day. Carolina Horse Park. 2814 Montrose rd, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2075, info@carolinahorsepark.com, carolinahorsepark.com 27-28 August Horse Trials. Carolina Horse Park. 2814 Montrose rd, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2075, info@carolinahorsepark.com, carolinahorsepark.com 27-28 JTO Clinic. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon. 828.859.9021. frcshows@gmail. com, fence.org

The Aiken Horse 75

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

June-July 2022

The Aiken Horse 77

The Aiken Horse

June-July 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 June-July 2022

The Aiken Horse 79

The Aiken Horse

June-July 2022

Classifieds Excellent spot for a mini farm. 3BR, 2 BA, well-built frame country-style home. Large screened porch, large front porch, larger rooms. 11 acres Southeast Aiken County. Paved road, semi cleared. Borders the new Old Barnwell Golf Plantation.

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. 803522-5752. southernridgex@gmail. com. 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

$250,000 firm 803-640-8330

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 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 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

June-July 2022

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 803-8270864. email garymcelmurray@ glmconstruction.net 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 81

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.

June-July 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

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

Steeplechase Cottage

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.

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, Aiken’s 2,200 acre riding reserve with over 60 miles of sandy trails.

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.

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!

Latigo Ranch

BARB GOULD USKUP 803.295.3199 | $824,000

Modern rustic log home with over 3300 feet of living space situated on 50 glorious acres features an open floor plan with cozy wood burning stove in front of soaring windows with panoramic views. Main level includes custom kitchen with granite counter tops & stainless appliances open to main living/dining area, spacious primary bedroom with en-suite bath and 2 walk-in closets, laundry, and an additional bedroom and bath. New contemporary staircase provides access to the loft, 2 bedrooms, and bath. Large yard fenced with no-climb for furry friends. For horses, there are 2 large pastures, 4 ample paddocks (each with its own large run-in shed), round pen and wide open spaces to ride. Large covered open pole barn for farm equipment and parking, and 2 storage sheds.

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

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

Paddocks Bend

BARB GOULD USKUP 803.295.3199 | $642,600

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!

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.

Three Runs Plantation JACK ROTH 803.341.8787 | $879,000

Wonderful equestrian property in coveted Three Runs Plantation. This home has everything that an equestrian needs and wants including over 5 acres of fenced pastures (with no climb wire on the entire perimeter), 3 stalls, heated water wash bay, air conditioned and heated tack and feed rooms and workshop. The home is 2185 square feet and has 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms plus powder room. Master bath has walk in whirlpool tub, kitchen has new gas cooktop/oven with warming drawer. Newly completed all-season room is 30x14 with vaulted ceiling and spectacular views of the rear pastures, barn and horses. Includes Generac 15KW generator for well and home.

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 | $220,000

Photo representative of similar home

Bridle Creek New Construction JACK ROTH 803.341.8787 | $801,500

Construction is starting for this beautiful home on a great lot in Phase 3A. Comfortable split floor plan with quality construction by Sean Wolf Homes. Main floor has 3 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths, including spacious master suite, great room with gas fireplace, dining room, mud room, and chef's kitchen. Upstairs has bedroom/bonus room with full bath, covered rear porch also has a gas fireplace. Property has 5.86 acres and three car garage. Entire house is either oak wood floors, ceramic tile or carpet in bedrooms. Community amenities include miles of trails, dressage & jump arenas, and fitness center.

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

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 | $725,000

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