October-November 2022

A farm w/access to miles of sand trails & roads for riding or driving. Beautiful 2 BR/2BA hardiplank Eric Martin home w/open floor plan, gas fireplace, center island kitchen w/Viking stove, barrel vaulted Douglas Fir ceilings, hardwood floors, accordion glass doors opening to a covered deck w/stone fireplace & screened enclosure w/travertine tile surrounding your 65’ heated gunite lap pool & hot tub. 2 car garage & matted storage area for equipment, carriages, tack & 2 grooming stalls. Wash rack w/hot/cold water, 2 run ins(1 w/stall divider), waterers, mats & fans w/grass paddocks & 3 board fencing & wire w/top board fencing. 2 additional larger paddocks. Dressage ring, greenhouse, appliances, & hazards convey. No HOA fee.

CHIME BELL STATION

Suitable for any equestrian discipline this offering has 34 A w/multiple established fenced pastures, breezy 20-stall center aisle barn w/ tack room, feed room, office, 3 wash racks, hay storage, 120 x 240’ sand arena, & 120’ x 300’ irrigated grass field w/ample room to build a cross country course. New 2 BR/2BA hardiplank house built by Nick Tindall has an open floor plan. No HOA.

PARK ROAD $299,000

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.

WOOD’S END LOTS

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

MASON SPRINGS FARM $700,000

Privately situated on 6+ acres, this 4 BR/2 BA house is a true gem! The 1680 sq. ft. home has an open floor plan, eat-in kitchen, large laundry room, new AC unit, siding (2019), new

and high speed internet.

cleared

location

and

room

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.

KATHRYN

OAK RIDGE FARMS

AIKEN HORSE DISTRICT $1.72 MILLION

WINDSOR

"

OAKWOOD PLANTATION

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

Monica and Mandy were absolutely the greatest sales team we have ever worked with. We looked at so many homes over a large area including SC and GA. These two worked together so well, both showing us homes with incredible patience, paying great attention to our wishes in our home search. Monica was absolutely incredible with closing the deal. She com municates so well and gets things done in a timely manner. She provided lists on what to expect, what to do, professionals recommended and a list of utilities at our new home. It sure made things so much simpler for us. She and Mandy both really stepped up making sure everything was getting done, as the seller's agent went on several trips leaving us all high and dry not following through on anything. We have purchased many homes and this team by FAR is the greatest ever!!!

Scan for Oakwood

VESPERS FARM - 24+ ACRE EQUESTRIAN ESTATE

Superb 2009-Built Custom Brick Home with Stunning Views, 4-Stall Barn, Hay Barn & Established Pastures

ExcEptional craftsmanship and handsomE dEtails distinquish thE 3273 sf, 3 BEdroom, 3.5 Bath homE on thE EquEstrian EstatE known as VEspErs farm with BEautiful EstaBlishEd pasturEs and horsE amEnitiEs in thE hEart of aikEn’s EastsidE 302 horsE country. thoughtfully dEsignEd, ths homE fEaturEs spacious, warm, and inViting rooms with good natural light and stunning Vistas across thE pasturEs and surrounding woodlands. craftsmanship dEtails includE hitchcock cEilings, hEart pinE floors, 11’ cEilings and suBstantial BasEBoard molding. horsE rEady amEnitiEs includE a 2015 Built 4-stall cEntEr aislE Barn with tack room, ½ Bath and storagE arEa; thrEE EstaBlishEd pasturEs ranging in sizE from 3.6 to 4.3 acrEs, connEctEd for Easy flow and rotation; two 4-stall shEd row stylE run in shEds; a conVEniEntly locatEd hay Barn idEal for sEcurE, EnclosEd hay and EquipmEnt storagE and 2 coVErEd Bays for truck & horsE trailEr storagE.VEspErs farm is appropriatEly namEd for thE sErEnity of thE farm’s sEtting. thE location is rEadily accEssiBlE to sEVEral of aikEn, south carolina’s top EVEnting and training VEnuEs, adjoining jumping Branch farm and closE to full gallop farm and thE Vista EVEnt & training facility. thE propErty is an Easy haul to polo fiElds, foxhunting fixturEs and show VEnuEs – BrucE’s fiEld, highfiElds and staBlEViEw – as wEll as aikEn’s BEloVEd hitchcock woods. Enjoy thE charm of aikEn’s downtown just 15 minutEs

Cissie Sullivan Tracey Turner

Aiken

Welcome to the October-November issue of The Aiken Horse. Autumn in Aiken is one of our best times of year, not just for the weather, which is so often perfect, but also for the explosion of horse sports on our calendar. I know I have said it before, but I will say it again: Aiken is rapidly becoming a year-round equestrian destination, with a plethora of horse happenings every month of the year. But the fall and winter are definitely special. We have so much going on: tournament polo, eventing competitions, FEI showjumping, dressage, an annual Combined Driving Event in Windsor, the Aiken Fall Steeplechase, and of course, foxhunting which was one of the sports that first put Aiken on the equestrian map. On top of all this, we have racehorses, both Thoroughbred and Standardbred, returning to their respective tracks in the Aiken historic district, and seasonal visitors arriving from all over the country and the world.

Aiken is growing. Over the past two decades, our horse community has expanded rapidly, and the COVID-19 pandemic only accelerated that growth as many people in larger cities decided to find a more congenial place to live. Horse people naturally gravitate to Aiken, so it is not surprising that more people than ever have decided to move here and join our vibrant horse world. Growth has its pluses and its minuses, and not all the growth in Aiken has been in the equestrian world. You can hardly drive down the roads around the city without noticing new homes and housing developments going in where there were once forests and fields.

We have been lucky in Aiken that City officials and the community at large are generally supportive of the equestrian life and want to keep us here. We are also fortunate that many members of our equestrian community are passionate about Aiken and its history, and so have been instrumental in preserving it. While most would agree that progress is inevitable, horse people are keenly aware of the dangers of unfettered growth, especially for equestrian communities. Aiken certainly has many unique charms: Horse people know that to ensure that equestrianism continues to be among those charms, they need to remain vigilant.

We hope you enjoy this issue. We have an article about Working Equitation, a relatively new discipline that has people talking, a story about the new faces at Aiken County Farm Supply, and a profile of Tom Murray and Steven Schachter of Viola Farm. We also have an invited essay about returning to riding by a guest writer, Elizabeth Letts, who is the New York Times #1 bestselling author of The Perfect Horse and the Eighty Dollar Champion. You will find that in Section One. Section One also includes our brief guide to the fall season – you don’t want to miss it! And Section Two features our annual regional directory of foxhunts, providing important dates and details for anyone who plans to follow the hounds this season. In our pages you will also meet the owner of the new western store Tumbleweed, as well as a retired 25-year old half Arab mare with four National jumping titles to her name. Learn more about the rules of dressage in our popular Ask the Judge column with Amy McElroy. There is more. Read on and find out!

As ever, if you have an idea for a story, or there is something going on out there that we should know about, drop us an email. We want to continue to be your horse newspaper.

Gleason

The Aiken Horse

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Fall Season Highlights

So Much to See

By Pam Gleason

If there was any doubt about why horse people love Aiken, a quick look at the fall equestrian calendar should clear that up. Not only are there a multitude of events, these events represent a wide array of different disciplines. What’s more, all of the venues are close by, making it possible for people to compete in one sport and be fans of another without going very far out of their way.

In Aiken we have dressage riders who love to watch carriage driving, fox hunters who attend a polo match every Sunday, and showjumping riders who dabble in Western events. This cross fertilization can be rare in other places, where the disciplines are more segregated, but Aiken is place for horse people, no matter what the discipline. Curious to see what else is out there? Here are some fall season highlights. Be sure to consult our full calendar in Section Three for more dates, times, events and details. If you are looking for foxhunting, check out our annual Hunt Directory in Section Two.

Polo

Polo often claims to be the oldest team sport in the world, and this may or may not be true. However, it is the oldest organized horse sport in Aiken. Aiken’s first polo match took place in March 1882, and it was a gala event with, reportedly, 10,000 spectators. This was just six years after the sport made its first official appearance in the United States.

Today, Aiken boasts three established polo clubs. Aiken, New Bridge and Wagener Polo Clubs all hold tournaments from September through early November, and all three welcome spectators. The traditional day to go to polo is Sunday, when there are often tournament finals, along with announcers, and sometimes fieldside refreshments, entertainment and entry fees. If you want to attend weekday matches, this is also possible, though amenities are hard to come by. To find a game, check the clubs’ websites for tournament schedules, and/or call the relevant hotlines for day-to-day updates and field assignments.

Remaining highlights this fall include the Aiken Women’s Challenge, with finals on October 16 at Aiken Polo Club. This tournament will include some of the best female players in the country drawn from Aiken, Florida and beyond. New Bridge Polo has the USPA National Arena Chairman’s Cup with finals on October 15, as well as two 12goal tournaments with finals October 9 and 30. Wagener Polo Club features two remaining 6-goal tournaments with finals on October 23 and November 6.

Weekday matches can be pretty much any time, and practices are scheduled regularly at all three clubs as well. The Sunday feature at Aiken Polo Club includes two games; one at 2:00 p.m. and the next at 3:30. The New Bridge Sunday game is generally scheduled for 5 p.m., but is often moved earlier at the end of the season so that the last chukker is not played in the dark. Wagener’s finals are often held on Sunday morning, with 11 a.m. a typical start time.

Consult the websites for more information: aikenpolo.org (Hotline: 803-643-3611); newbridgepolo.com (Hotline: 803-644-7706); wagenerpolo.com (follow on Facebook for the most up-to-date information.)

Aiken Fall Steeplechase

The Aiken Fall Steeplechase returns this year to the new and improved Aiken Steeplechase facility at the corner of Richland Avenue and the bypass. The Fall Steeplechase, held this year on October 29, is sure to be an exciting outing. This will be the second race meet held at the track: the first this spring was a rousing success. The new track is horse and spectator friendly and has more space for viewing, tailgating and parking than the old facility at the Aiken Horse Park.

The Aiken Spring Steeplechase is Aiken’s most popular equestrian event, drawing tens of thousands of spectators to one of the area’s most revered rites of spring. The Fall Steeplechase is somewhat lower key and

not quite so crowded. Attendees tend to be a more local and equestrian focused crowd – some of the spring regulars move their tailgate parties to college football fields when fall rolls around.

In addition to the races, there will be vendors in a Village of Shops as well as tents from local nonprofits such as Aiken Equine Rescue, Friends of the Animal Shelter and the SCPA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare. The event’s date just before Halloween has inspired costume contests at the Village of Shops, as well as 11 a.m. railside trickor-treating. For kids, there are also the ever-popular stick horse races at 11:45 a.m. at the finish line. The first race starts at 1:00 p.m. and there are five races on the card, punctuated by a carriage parade at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets are available online until October 17 at 3 p.m. After this, tickets may only be purchased in-person at local ticket outlets, the Aiken Steeplechase Office, or at the gate on race day.

Visit aikensteeplechase.org.

Show Jumping

Horse shows abound in Aiken, and you can watch people competing on their horses almost any weekend you choose. The only competitions that tend to attract a lot of spectators however, are the high-end jumper classes. Aiken’s premier shows in the spring such as the Aiken Spring Classic at Highfields and the Aiken Charity Horse Show at the Aiken Horse Park each include Grand Prix Jumping contests, which always have good crowds out to watch.

This fall, you can catch Grand Prix jumping at the Fall Finale of the Stableview Hunter/Jumper challenge series on Sunday, November 6. Exact times are hard to come by, but this is the last class of the day in the jumper ring, and will go at approximately 1 p.m. – if you don’t want to miss it, go early!

November also includes one of the most highly anticipated jumping events of the year. This is the Split Rock Jumper Tour, which comes to

the Aiken Horse Park November 9-13, bringing with it an FEI CSI-2star, the Aiken International. This is the only international level jumper show in Aiken to date, and it brings in talented horses and riders from many countries, including current, former and future Olympians from the U.S., Canada, Ireland, South America and more. Visit aikenhorsepark.org for more details and schedules.

Windsor Trace CDE

Combined Driving in the Aiken area is based in Windsor east of town where a driving community sprouted in the environs of Katydid Farm, the location of the annual fall Katydid Combined Driving Event. After Katrina Becker, the owner of Katydid, passed away, the farm was sold and the signature event was moved to a spring date at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in North Carolina.

A new fall CDE has taken Katydid’s place in Windsor however: the

– sometimes the dogs join in. Santa Claus will be there in his carriage, along with an assortment of elves, some of which will have four legs.

The Hoofbeats and Christmas Carols parade was started as an informal gathering of caroling horseback riders and has grown every year since. Although there was a hiatus in 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns, the parade came back in force last year, attracting almost 300 horses and over 100 dogs and their people. The stated purpose is to “fill the air with Christmas cheer and caroling.”

This year the parade is partnering with Beasley Broadcasting’s new Aiken/Augusta FM station, Sunny 102.7 “Music to Feel Good By.” Sunny 102.7 will be playing Christmas music throughout the parade, and organizers have asked Laurens Street businesses to tune in so everyone can listen and sing along. Other partners for the event include Aiken Equine Rescue and the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare.

The parade starts and finishes at the intersection of Barnwell & Greenville streets and travels 2.5 miles. It stops at the Trinity on Laurens Senior Living Residence, then continues on Laurens Street to Park and turns right on Newberry to stop in front of the Willcox, then returns to the staging area via Chesterfield, Park and Laurens. Registration

Windsor Trace CDE, which starts at Greenfields (1060 Curb Chain Lane) and runs through some adjoining farms in the Windsor Trace residential community. This year’s event is held from November 3-6, and features three phases: driven dressage, marathon (cross country driving with obstacles) and cones (like a show jumping class, except that instead of jumping fences, you have to navigate between pairs of cones on a course without knocking down the balls on their tops.) There will be classes for horses and ponies; singles, pairs and four-in-hands, and even a division for miniature horses, which are termed VSEs for “very small equine” in the driving literature.

If you have never been to a CDE, this is a great chance to see what it is all about. Dressage is scheduled for Friday, with cones on Sunday. Marathon is the phase with the action and excitement: that’s on the books for Saturday, November 5. Keep up with Windsor Trace on their Facebook Page: Windsor Trace CDE.

Hoofbeats Parade

Horse people will not want to miss the 13th Annual Hoofbeats & Christmas Carols Parade. Scheduled for Saturday, December 17 from 2-4 p.m., this parade takes over downtown Aiken every year, showcasing riders and drivers of all descriptions, often accompanied by their dogs. The costumes are creative and colorful, and the singing is . . . singing

and horse staging starts at noon at the intersection of Barnwell and Greenville Street. Carriage staging is at Mead Hall School (618 Barnwell Street.) The dog staging area is at Trinity on Laurens.

Interested in participating? The more the merrier. Past paraders have variously described the event as the “best Christmas parade in the country,” “a magical experience,” and a “fun celebration of life.” Like and follow the Facebook page Hoofbeats and Christmas Carols Parade for updates and to find online preregistration forms in the coming weeks.

News and Notes

By Pam Gleason

All the Queen’s Horses

For horse people, the recent death of Queen Elizabeth of England might have felt a little personal. This is because, for all

prestigious wins, and was the champion owner in British flat racing in 1954 and 1957.

Riding was the Queen’s passion, and she rode regularly throughout her life, appearing for decades at the annual Trooping of the Color in London, dressed in a military uniform and riding sidesaddle.

throughout the country – she often owned horses that were competing, after all. Her favorite place to visit in the United States was Kentucky and she made her final trip there in 2007 with her late husband, Prince Philip. The couple stayed with their friend, the polo player and Thoroughbred breeder Will Farish at Lanes End Farm in Lexington, then traveled to Louisville to watch Street Sense win the Kentucky Derby.

The Queen’s immediate family shared her equestrian passion. Prince Philip was a polo player and skilled whip who is credited with helping to invent the modern sport of combined driving. Her son, King Charles III, played polo, as do her grandsons the Princes William and Harry. Her daughter, Princess Anne, was formerly an eventer and the first member of the royal family to ride on a British Olympic team. Her granddaughter Zara Phillips, repeated the accomplishment, winning eventing team silver at the 2012 Olympics in London.

A supporter of native British breeds, Queen Elizabeth owned Cleveland Bay horses and was instrumental in saving the breed from extinction. In her later years she became devoted to pony breeds, particularly to Highland, Fell and Shetland Ponies and she worked carefully to preserve rare British bloodlines. She was a patron of the Fell Pony Society for 40 years, owning and riding Fells regularly through her 90s, usually accompanied by her groom Terry Pendry. She took her last ride on her favorite pony, Emma, on July 18, 2022 at the age of 96. Emma was the black Fell mare that stood with Pendry at the Queen’s funeral.

“The Queen adored Emma and rode her for more than 20 years so it was only right she should have been there, and she behaved impeccably,” Pendry told the British MailOnline

her royal upbringing, her ceremonial duties and her formal public presence, Queen Elizabeth was clearly a horse girl at heart.

Growing up the crown princess in an equestrian family, she was riding by the age of three and got her first pony, Peggy, on her fourth birthday as a present from her grandfather, King George V. As a teenager she was often photographed riding with her father, King George VI and her younger sister Princess Margaret. She inherited her father’s racing and breeding stock after his death, and owned and campaigned flat racers and steeplechasers her entire life. She had hundreds of

Her favorite mount for this ceremony was a black Hanoverian Thoroughbred mare named Burmese, given to her by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. In her younger days she used to lead the opening procession on the racecourse before the start of the Royal Ascot meet, and even often galloped on the track itself. As was her custom, she never wore a helmet: protective headgear for the Queen was always a simple headscarf.

The Queen was a frequent spectator at the Royal Windsor Horse show, and she attended polo matches, bloodstock sales, and occasional smaller horse shows

“I think she probably had some sort of sixth sense that Her Majesty wouldn’t be riding her anymore and she did her proud by standing there so respectfully. The Queen always rode with a white sheepskin saddle, it was her favorite, so I made sure Emma had that on as well. Then for the finishing touch I put Her Majesty’s Hermes headscarf on the saddle. It was her favorite and had the horses and carriages printed on it.”

When she died, the Queen owned about 100 horses. Her son, King Charles III, inherited her racing stable and has already had his first winner. There is no public word yet on who takes possession of her many personal horses.

Queen Elizabeth in her 96th birthday portrait, with two of her Fell ponies, Bybeck Katie and Bybeck Nightingale, taken last month on the grounds of Windsor Castle. Photography by Henry Dallal.

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SCHJA Governor’s Cup Equitation Championship, 2022

A total of 21 finalists arrived at Bruce’s Field in the Aiken Horse Park for the South Carolina Hunter Jumper Association Governor’s Cup Equitation Finals.

These riders were winnowed from a total of 89 who took part in preliminary competitions throughout the year and they represented some of the top junior riders in South Carolina.

There were three rounds: riders jumped a course, then the top contenders were called back for a flat class, and the top six returned for another round over fences.

Amelia Turner on her own horse Fantastic emerged the winner, with Sarah Rabb the runner up. Amelia is from Greenville, South Carolina.

stainless appliances, an island with a bar sink, a breakfast bar and room for a large table and

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additional bedrooms share a Jack-and-Jill bath, with the 4th bedroom featuring a private en-suite bath and a walk in closet. An oversized 2-car garage with bonus area with a half bath above complete the main residence. The backyard is beautifully enclosed entertainer’s delight with lovely landscaping, a fiberglass pool, a hot tub, a pergola, a gazebo, and more. A 600 square foot pool house with attached large workshop/garage includes a large living area, kitchenette, a full bath and laundry hookups. For your horses and other pets there are 3 paddocks/pastures and a 2-stall barn (with room for a 3rd stall) with ample storage, surrounded by a 4th paddock, and hydrants for water in each paddock and pasture. The front pasture has excellent footing providing an ideal spot to ride as well as use as a turn out pasture. The quiet road provides a lovely spot to walk out after a work session. A chicken coop, fruit trees and other miscellaneous outbuildings are all there for a variety of uses. Mechanicals include an emergency back-up generator, an underground propane tank, a well and 2 septics. Come and “set a spell,” and enjoy the peaceful paradise of Pine Hill Farm. $825,000

Re-Rider A Return to Eventing

By Elizabeth Letts

“You’ll come off.”

I didn’t think much of it when she said it, but Vicki Baker, my new trainer, was telling the truth. Part of riding when you’re young is ignoring the risks. Part of riding when you’re older is understanding the stakes.

I am a former child rider, and not just a casual one. Decades ago, I was one of the top junior eventers in California—but that was ancient history. I did not show up at my first lesson with Vicki Baker expecting ribbons or medals. I was just hoping I would not embarrass myself too much. My days of competitive riding were so long ago. Since then, I quit riding, raised a family, trained as a nurse and then embarked on a successful career as an author. But riding stayed in my bones—the desire to go back to it never left me. I knew what was holding me back. It was fear.

A year ago, after years of re-riding fits and starts, I bought a 16-year-old western-trained quarter horse mare named Lucy. I was told that she had belonged to a series of older women, all of whom were afraid of her and “let her get away with stuff.” I had been looking for a lovey companion who would let me shower her with kisses, but when I met Lucy, she flicked a single ear back and looked at me with a jaded eye, as if to say, “Oh, this again? Another timid gray-hair for me to push around.”

But I was taken in by her rich bay coat and long, floaty tail. When I rode her, she seemed unbothered by my deficits. Two

older ladies, both on the chunky side. I figured we’d get along. At the time, I had no real aspirations beyond safely riding the trails around my Wyoming ranch.

She had a few tricks—all of which she tried on me. She spooked at every large rock or fallen tree stump. And I was not exactly the rider I used to be. I could hardly post the trot and felt like a pogo stick at the canter. But, as I grew in confidence, sometimes my former fearlessness

reemerged and I didn’t know my limits--like when I galloped up a trail in a half-seat and jammed my thumb into her neck hard enough to break it. That’s when I decided that I needed professional help.

I found an eventing barn not too distant from my rural home and forced myself to schedule a lesson. I’ll admit, I showed up terrified. I wasn’t sure how to describe myself— former advanced rider, or rank beginner? Timid adult, or recovering daredevil? Riding into that first lesson I was mortified to demonstrate the full measure of my incompetence. But I was lucky to find Vicky Baker, who treats every rider with the same degree of seriousness, the same high expectations, no matter where you happen to be at the present moment. This gave me confidence that starting up again was not a crazy endeavor.

Why set low expectations, something I never would have done to my younger self? Recognizing the stakes doesn’t mean that I have to set limitations. So, I’m strapping on my helmet, grabbing mane, and going for it. I haven’t jumped anything higher than a pole on the ground so far, but in my mind, I still know how to fly. Now, to relearn how to do it, safely, one step at a time.

Elizabeth Letts is a graduate H-A Pony Clubber, aspiring eventer, and #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of The Ride of Her Life, The Perfect Horse, and The Eighty-Dollar Champion. She lives in Wyoming. We invited her to write this essay because we thought it would strike a chord with Aiken’s mature riders, now returning to the equestrian passions of their youth.

Best of the West Returns

The Best of the West horse sale returned to Aiken on Saturday, October 1, bringing with it 56 head of horses, each one handselected by some of the top consignors from Texas to Montana. The Best of the West sale made its first appearance in Aiken last year, when the horses, and the show that went along with it, were the talk of the town. The sale is one of a trio of horse sales produced by Ike Sankey’s Wyoming-based Horse Resource Sales company. The other two are Cowgirl Cadillacs in Wickenburg, Arizona and the Bots Sots Remount held in Sheridan, Wyoming. All three sales are known for attracting quality stock along with people who are willing to shell out relatively stratospheric prices for a horse.

The sale was once again held at the Aiken Training Track on Two Notch Road in the historic horse district. Horses began arriving in the middle of the week, giving prospective buyers a chance to try them out. There was a soft preview on Friday followed by a buyer social and a “Pitchfork Fondue” dinner. The sale preview was on Saturday at 1 p.m., and the sale itself was held at 3. Horses were once again stabled at the track’s training barn.

Last year, the Best of the West attracted a very enthusiastic crowd, including serious buyers, along with people who were curious to see what it was all about. Coinciding with the loosening of COVID restrictions, it provided an exciting and novel outing for people eager to get back into the swing of things. The weather cooperated, though it was a little on the warm side for some people. There were blue skies with puffy white clouds as a backdrop to the festivities, which were held on the Training Track infield near Blue Peter’s tree. The whole affair had a distinct party feeling, contributing, perhaps, to the overwhelming success of the enterprise.

This year, conditions were not quite so favorable. Just as consignors began making the trek to Aiken, meteorologists reported that a massive storm, soon dubbed Hurricane Ian, would be making landfall in Florida during the week, and by the weekend would hit the Carolinas. No one was entirely sure of the hurricane’s path, but it looked as though it very well might make a direct hit on Aiken on Friday and Saturday, bringing high winds and possibly inches of rain.

It was not news that anyone wanted to hear. However, everyone rallied to ensure that the show could go on. The sales ring was relocated to the courtyard of the training barn so that horses would not have far

to walk exposed to the elements. All Star Tents and Events brought in a huge party tent to cover the sales ring and surrounding bleachers. By Thursday, when winds started whipping through Aiken County, everything was under cover and ready to go.

As it turned out, the hurricane track turned East, sparing the Aiken area much rain on Friday. On Saturday, the storm had moved on, leaving behind scattered clouds and no rain or wind to speak of. Everything was set up to hold the sale in the tent, however, and there was no time to make adjustments.

Putting the sale under cover definitely altered the atmosphere. Hundreds of people had come to see it, many more than could fit into the area circumscribed by the tents, and it was hard to see much of the sales ring from the outside. Last year, consignors had put on a real show, demonstrating how quiet their

Relief for Ukrainian Horses

Ever since Russia invaded Ukraine in February, horses in many parts of that country have been in an especially precarious position. Early in the invasion, some people fleeing the war zones felt they had little choice but to walk their horses into the forest and abandon them before evacuating to safer areas. In some parts of the country, horses have been shut off from their pastures, and hayfields have become unusable because of land mines. Still other horses have been killed directly in bombing attacks, or shot by Russian soldiers. Before the war, there were about 100,000 horses in Ukraine. It is unknown how many have survived to this day.

Equine rescue organizations both within Ukraine and in other countries have been working assiduously to save as many horses as they can. There are groups that conduct dangerous rescue missions into Russian occupied areas to bring horses to the relative safety of western Ukraine. There are other groups that have helped evacuate horses to other countries, and some that provide financial and other assistance to horse owners in the country. The approach of winter is especially concerning because feed and forage shortages are expected to be severe.

There are many groups that are collecting financial donations for Ukrainian horses and horse owners. One of these is Brooke USA Foundation, whose Ukrainian Emergency Relief Fund helps to relocate horses in danger and gathers and distributes feed and other supplies to horse owners.

horses could be as they bounced beach balls over them or fired guns off their backs. There was less of that this year, and a more subdued feeling over all.

In the end, prices were about 20% lower than last year, and many horses changed hands for what appeared to be respectable, but very reasonable prices in today’s market. Although organizers and consignors might have hoped for higher figures, the sale was definitely a success, with at least two horses fetching $100,000 or more and the top five average was over $82,000. If last year’s prices had not been quite so stunning, this year’s would have seemed remarkable. After all, the average sale price overall was close to $35,000, and that is not exactly spare change.

The sales topper this year was a Lot 13, SM Oreo Dream, a 16.2 hand, 9-year old black and white draft cross gelding consigned by Mozaun and Sarah McKibben from Scottsdale, Arizona. Paula diCampo traveled all the way from Eureka, Missouri to attend the sale and purchase her dream horse for $135,000.

If you missed the Best of the West sale this year, you will have your chance to make up for it next year, because the sale will be back.

Brooke operates a hotline for equestrians in Ukraine, connecting those who need help with organizations that want to help them.

Last month, according to their website, they helped distribute more than 375 tons of feed, haylage and bedding to 30 different stables across the country. (Brookeusa.org)

Fleet of Angels is another charity that has been providing funds “directly to owners of over 900 horses trapped in Ukraine’s most dangerous and damaged areas.” Fleet of Angels, based in Colorado, started out in 2011 as a networking organization that helped people with horses to evacuate from floods, hurricanes and other natural disasters by connecting them to offers of help nationwide. Over the past 11 years, the charity has expanded to become a major national and international horse rescue organization. After taking custody of 907 “wild, starving and neglected horses that had been seized by authorities” in 2017-2018, the organization set two records: the most horses rescued in a single event, and the most horses adopted to approved homes in a year. For this, they were honored with the ASPCA Equine Welfare Award. In Ukraine, Fleet of Angels has given grants to horse owners

in the country totaling about $140,000. (Fleetofangels.org)

The largest of the relief efforts for Ukrainian horses was established by Federation International Equestre, the international body governing equestrian sport. The FEI set aside the equivalent of a little over $1 million for its Ukraine Solidarity Relief Fund shortly after the invasion began. By mid-March, the United States Equestrian Federation announced that it would be joining the effort, establishing the USEF Ukraine Relief Fund to support Ukrainian horses and equestrians. Donations to this fund go to the FEI’s relief efforts “to be distributed by the FEI for specific projects approved by the USEF.”

This September, the FEI announced that, with the help of the USEF, it had purchased over $100,000 worth of equine medicines and veterinary supplies for distribution to Ukrainian veterinarians through the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation Charity Foundation (UEFCF). “Supplies include aid for emergency cases, including colic, infections, lameness, and other common diseases. All donated medicines have been delivered to Ukraine and distributed to equine veterinarians free of charge. This corresponds to over seven tons of supplies, which will ensure treatment for 5,700 horses all over Ukraine,” according to a USEF press release.

“Prior to the launch of the project in Ukraine, the UEF-CF reached out to the majority of equine veterinarians from Ukrainian regions to map the horse welfare situation and assess the help needed. Several problem areas were highlighted, including a lack of medicines, such as painkillers, anesthetics, sedatives, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory drugs; a general lack of equipment, including portable x-rays, ultrasound, endoscope machines; and the very limited financial resources of horse owners to pay for treatment. . .

“Assistance for veterinarians is extremely important in Ukraine,” the press release continued. “For many horse owners, even simple veterinary care is out of reach now, and veterinarians often work on a volunteer basis. Free medicines will make it possible to save and help many horses in this difficult time.”

Donations to the USEF Ukraine Relief Fund can be made on the USEF website: USEF.org/donate.

Oktoberfest at Stable View

Oktoberfest, Stable View’s signature fall event, continues to draw top eventing competitors from near and far. The competition, held this year from September 23-25, featured a Beginner-Novice through Intermediate USEA/USEF Horse Trials

along with a two-through-four-star CCI-S. In 2014, the event’s inaugural year, a total of 127 horse and rider combinations took to the course. This year, there were over 350 entrants. Prize money and gift certificates were awarded to winners, and there were also a number of less traditional awards, such as an award for the trainer with the most horses, and one for the person who travelled the farthest to get to the event. That honor went to April Hays, who trailered in from Lexington, Kentucky.

Some of Aiken’s most recognizable upperlevel regulars were not in attendance, since the competition calendar required them to be elsewhere (there was no Boyd Martin,

The national divisions included many familiar local Aiken riders who had a chance to compete with and against the best in the country. Local winners included Morgan Batton, who owns the Hitch and Tow trailer dealership along with her husband. Morgan, a professional eventing trainer as well as the owner of The Vista Schooling and Event Center, rode Nicholas Cardamone’s Slieve Callan Alpha to the top of the leaderboard in the Modified B division.

Henry Pickens Cato, II

The Aiken and polo communities were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Henry Pickens Cato, II on Tuesday, August 16.

Henry was a longtime member of Aiken Polo Club, where he formerly sat on the Board of Directors. An enthusiastic player, he campaigned his Cato Farms polo team in many Aiken Polo Club tournaments over the years, frequently playing with his brother Joe. Henry was known for his determined playing style and his ability to work well with his team. He was a gentleman player in every sense, with a deep love for his horses and genuine affection for his teammates

who makes Stable View a winter home, and no Phillip Dutton, for instance.) However, elite members of America’s international teams were there. These included Doug Payne, a local favorite who has lived in Aiken part time and regularly shows in our horse trials and show jumping competitions. Doug, a member of the gold-medal winning Pan Am games and the Olympic squad that went to Tokyo in 2021, rode Quantum Leap to second place in the CCI-4 Star. Doug finished just behind the British Olympian Leslie Law, who won the top prize on Jackie Brown’s mare Lady Chatterley. Liz HallidaySharp, another Aiken favorite, came in third in the division, riding Cooley Nutcracker. Other marquee names at the event included Will Coleman, fresh off a team silver medal at the FEI World Eventing Championships in Pratoni del Vivaro, Italy. Coleman, finishing seventh overall at the championships, and had the highest score of the U.S. team. At Stableview, he did not disappoint, winning the 3-star with Chin Tonic HS. He also finished third in the division with Cold Red Rum, while Liz Halliday-Sharp and Shanroe Cooley took the red ribbon.

In the 2-star, Jenny Caras and Trendy Fernhill were the winners, followed by Leslie Law with Countess Cooley and Dominic Schramm aboard Adomo’s Fuwina.

Formerly the president of Charlotte Polo Club, Henry hosted many games and charity matches at the North Carolina-based Cato Farms and also opened his Cato Farms II polo field on Route 302 in Aiken to games and tournaments, whether he was playing in them or not.

Henry was a true friend to polo, known for his warm smile, friendly demeanor, welcoming personality and relentlessly positive attitude, even in the face of his long illness. A true Southern gentleman, he will be greatly missed in the club and beyond. He is pictured here with his wife Lisa Jones Cato and his beloved “heart dog” Bonnie Blue, who passed away about a decade ago.

A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting www.jhenrystuhr.com.

Morgan Batton on Slieve Callan Alpha

New Opportunities at Equine Rescue Facing Challenges Head On

By Pam Gleason

It has certainly been an eventful couple of years at Aiken Equine Rescue, a nonprofit based on Aiken’s Southside that is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming horses in need.

First came the COVID-19 pandemic, which shut down the organization’s fundraising events as well as the programs that it traditionally ran to help veterans and other members of the community who benefitted from interacting with horses. Adoptions went up, but donations plummeted with the result that the rescue had to limit the population at the farm in order to stay on budget.

Then in April 2021, the rescue’s barn caught fire and burned to the ground, along with feed, hay, tack, equipment and myriad stable supplies. Thankfully, only one horse was inside at the time, the mini horse Whistle, who was recovering from surgery. Debbie Rhodes, who is married to the rescue’s president Jim Rhodes, rushed in to save him. Although he had some injuries from the fire, Whistle recovered completely and has since been adopted. Not long after the fire, the longtime senior staff at the rescue left for other opportunities, meaning that a whole new set of people had to come in.

All of these blows, taken one after another, could have devastated the rescue. But instead something else happened. Jim Rhodes put out a call for help, and help arrived. It came in donations for a fund to replace the barn, and in equipment and supplies to run the rescue, and in feed and hay from local tack and feed stores. But most of all it came in the form of volunteers.

“Our volunteers really stepped up after the fire,” said Pam Patron, who does marketing and media outreach for the rescue. “We went from having about 235 volunteers to having 625 volunteers right now. Every week, we have over 100 volunteers out here.”

Volunteers have always done many different jobs at AER, from cleaning stalls and brushing horses to fixing fences and whacking weeds. But now there is a difference in the way these volunteers are regarded.

“I wasn’t as aware of it as I probably should have been,” said Jim Rhodes. “But we were not utilizing our volunteers as good as we could have. With everything that has happened to us, we have morphed into a different kind of organization, where now we couldn’t survive without the volunteers.”

“One thing we did was that we changed our volunteer application to identify special interests and skills,” added Pam. “And then we give the volunteers a list of opportunities to help, so they can be more than just farm hands.”

Pam, who has degrees in equine management as well as in industrial management and marketing, retired after 30 years of marketing national accounts. When she first came to the rescue, she was put to work mucking stalls. After the fire, when the organization needed more help spreading the word about their needs, they welcomed her input. Other

volunteers are photographers, or writers who help with the newsletter. Although many volunteers enjoy the important jobs of mucking stalls and grooming horses, being able to contribute professional expertise is especially fulfilling.

“Now it’s a personal passion for many of us,” Pam said. “If someone has an idea, they bring it to Jim, and he says, Run with it.”

“The biggest problem that I’ve always had is that everybody has these fantastic ideas, but they want to dump them in your lap so that you have to do the work,” said Jim. “So I started saying, okay, do it. And guess what? They are doing it, and they’re doing it very successfully.”

New initiatives that have come out of volunteer efforts include Pony Pals, a horse camp that introduces community children to horses – this program was conceived by a retired grade school principal. There are programs with Sertoma club for young people with hearing impairment. Then there is the Trust and Release program, which was developed for people who have experienced trauma, including active duty military, veterans and their families, first responders and battered women’s groups. According to the website. “By engaging with the horses oneon-one, participants and their families increase their coping strategies, interpersonal skills, and mindfulness, as well as self-confidence and leadership.”

Seeing how much value can come from talented volunteers, the rescue has developed a system to make sure that everyone who wants to lend a hand feels as though their willingness and their efforts are appreciated. A database includes information about each volunteer’s skills and interests so that if there is a specific need it is easy to identify who might be able to fill it. There is also a volunteer who calls all the new applicants to thank them and to steer them to projects that might interest them. This is especially important because nonprofits such as AER are often understaffed and it becomes easy to overlook volunteers. This often leaves them feeling left out: they take the time to fill out an application, but if no one follows up with them, they might feel unwelcome or unneeded.

Although the new volunteer programs have made an immense and positive impact on the rescue, there are still challenges ahead. The rescue has broken ground on a new barn, but they still need donations to complete the project. There are various naming opportunities available, starting with simple commemorative bricks and going up to naming the barn itself. Meanwhile, there is an urgent need for donations to help feed and care for the horses on the property. Money that comes in for the barn can’t help with day-to-day expenses, so even though donations might be up a bit, this does not buy hay or grain.

“We’ve always relied on small dollar donations – $5, $10, $20,” said Jim. “If we get in a $1,000, I’m so excited I’m screaming. And with inflation the way it is, it’s those small dollar donors who are hurt the most.”

The inflationary economy has also meant that many people are now struggling to feed their horses, with the result that there is an increase in people wanting to do owner surrenders. There are also more horses in need of help. Just since mid-August, AER has taken in 13 starvation cases from three different situations. The rehabilitation protocol that the rescue uses for these horses relies on copious amounts of alfalfa hay, the price of which has almost doubled from last year. The cost just to feed each horse is upwards of $20 per day.

“I look at the price of hay, and I’m worried,” said Jim, noting that the rescue has been lucky this summer because there has been enough rainfall to provide lush grass in the pastures, reducing the amount of hay they need to feed. “When it gets to be winter, then it’s going to be tough for a lot of people.”

Aiken Equine Rescue will hold its primary fundraiser, the Mane and Shell Oyster roast on Thursday October 20 at the rescue, 1520 Glenwood Drive in Aiken. Tickets are $80 in advance and may be purchased online or at Aiken Saddlery, Equine Divine or JC’s Seafood. Visit aikenequinerescue.org for more information, or to learn about naming opportunities, or how to donate or volunteer.

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Southeastern Circuit Women’s Challenge

Winners: Crescent Clearing

USPA Association Cup 8 Goal September 14-October 2

National Arena Chairman’s Cup October 3-15

National President’s Cup 8 Goal October 5-23

Copa de Plata 8 Goal October 26-November 6

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

New Bridge is an 860-acre gated equestrian community nestled among rolling pasture lands on New Bridge Road just 15 minutes from downtown Aiken, South Carolina. Born from the excitement, intensity and tradition of polo, New Bridge is the home of New Bridge Polo & Country Club and of Aiken Youth Polo. It embraces equestrians of all disciplines as well as those who simply love the outdoors.

Residents enjoy an array of equestrian amenities including five meticulously groomed polo fields, stick and ball areas, an exercise track, polo arena, riding trails, all-weather GGT dressage and jumping arenas, miles of groomed roads made for riding and The Stables, our full-care, premier 24-stall boarding facility.

A swimming pool with lounge area, a clay tennis court, and an Argentinian colonial-style Clubhouse with restaurant/bar (open spring and fall), balcony, porch, and outdoor spaces round out the perfect setting for everyonefrom families to empty nesters, casual riders to competitive athletes, and those simply seeking solace from a busy world.

Working Equitation

Developing an Aiken Following

By Pam Gleason, photography by Gary Knoll

If you have not encountered Working Equitation already, you probably will soon. Relatively new as an organized competition, WE claims to be the fastest growing equestrian sport in America. The discipline has its roots in Europe, most especially Spain and Portugal, where it is derived from the skills needed to work and tend to cattle.

A working equitation trial normally has three or four phases. First, there is a typical dressage test held in a small arena, with standard dressage movements, each one scored on a range of 0-10. Collective marks are given for gaits, impulsion, submission, rider’s position, effectiveness of the aids, and overall presentation. Second comes the Ease of Handling phase, in which riders negotiate a designated series of obstacles. Each obstacle is given a numerical score, and collective marks are given for

Riders and horses came from different disciplines and in different sizes. There was an Arabian, a Western Quarter Horse, a P.R.E. (Spanish) stallion, an 18-hand warmblood jumper and a Hannoverian Grand Prix Dressage horse, among others. The riders had different tack and equipment and different riding backgrounds.

“The great thing about Working Equitation is that anyone can do it,” said Sam Spitler, remarking that a friend of hers who was a polo player had come out once and whipped through the obstacles faster than anyone. Even gaited horses are welcome in WE.

The first two days of the clinic were devoted to learning the particulars of the sport, especially the dressage trial and the Ease of Handling trial. WE dressage is similar to standard USDF dressage, with a

transitions/navigation, gaits, impulsion, submission and rider/ presentation. “The goal of this trial is to negotiate the obstacles with accuracy, ease, and smoothness,” according to the rules of USAWE, the sport’s governing body in this country. Third is a Speed class, in which horses and riders repeat the obstacle course against the clock. The objective is to negotiate the course with no errors, in the correct order, as quickly and efficiently as possible. Individual scores are based on elapsed time through the obstacles plus time penalties, and minus various bonuses that can be earned for difficult maneuvers.

In Europe, there is often a fourth phase that involves handling cattle, sometimes as single horse and rider, sometimes in a group. Typically, this is similar to an American team penning competition. In the U.S., however, the cattle portion is often absent, and, if a cattle phase is included, it is scored as a separate event. Working equitation has been making some inroads on the Aiken equestrian scene recently, with some clinics and low level trials at Dancing Horses Equestrian in Williston among other places. At the end of October, there will be a working equitation schooling day and trial at The Vista Schooling and Event Center. In September 2021 Samantha Spitler put on a threeday introductory clinic for those interested in the sport at her facility in Hatchaway Farms. The clinic was so popular, she repeated it this September. The clinic was once again conducted by Carlos Carneiro, who recently relocated to Aiken from the West Coast.

Carlos, who was born in Portugal, is a classical dressage rider and trainer who has competed in Working Equitation trials in the United States and Europe and has conducted clinics all over the world. Almost as soon as Samantha announced that the clinic would take place, all 18 available spots were taken. Samantha, who has been practicing WE for some time and recently bought an experienced horse from Carlos, was one of the few in the clinic who had much experience with the sport.

few differences. For instance, some movements such as the rein back are considered elementary in WE, while they don’t come onto a USDF test until Second Level. Additionally, in Working Equitation, upper level riders are expected to complete their tests while riding one-handed.

The real fun of the WE trial is the Ease of Handling phase. In some ways, this is similar to a Western trail class, with wooden bridges to walk over, gates to open and close and bells to ring. Other obstacles include small jumps, corridors of poles to walk, trot or canter into and back out of, and barrels set close together around which you must perform a cloverleaf pattern at a trot or canter depending on your level. There are also sets of poles to weave through at the trot or canter, and a small round pen to ride into and around. The most exciting obstacle for many people was the metal buffalo cutout, upon which was balanced a ring. Riders picked up a long metal pole from a barrel, held it under their arm like and lance, and then trotted or cantered up to the buffalo to skewer the ring. The USAWE has a list of 20 legal obstacles for an Ease of Handling trial, and in competition riders go out and walk the course first the same way jumper riders might walk their jumping courses.

Although Working Equitation is a serious discipline that requires a well-trained horse and dedicated horsemanship, most participants came away chiefly impressed by how much fun they had. Before the clinic, Carlos Carneiro had explained that one of things that he liked about Working Equitation is that it gives both horses and riders a purpose in their training. For instance, it is easier and more fun for everyone to learn something like a turn on the haunches and a sidepass if it is being used to facilitate opening a gate.

“I’ve always thought that Aiken is a natural for Working Equitation,” said Sam as she watched one of the clinic participants. At one obstacle, the rider was required to halt and lift a jug off a barrel and into the air. Was it a jug of tequila? Rumor has it the answer was yes. It sounds like Aiken might have a new favorite sport.

Carlos Carneiro demonstrates Ease of Handling aboard Samantha Spitler’s Beleza

Secret Lives Of Horses

Katie, the Little Horse That Could

By Nancy Johnson

Although Baron’s Lady Katherine, 25, turned out to be a horse of a lifetime, her owner, Maria Smith, certainly had her doubts early on. Maria chuckles as she recalls the story of purchasing “Katie” as a 10-month-old filly.

Maria’s mother showed on the Arabian circuit, and so Maria had always had an affinity for the breed. “I had a purebred Arabian which we had just retired. He was a nice horse, but only 15.1. My husband, Paul, was showing warmbloods on the hunter/jumper circuit, and I wanted something that could jump the bigger fences,” she says.

“This was before people were buying horses on the Internet,” Maria continues. “I was in a tack shop near our home in Wisconsin and picked up one of those free publications advertising horses for sale.” She was drawn to an ad for “Arabian Sport Horse Crosses.” When she contacted the farm, they talked up their breeding program and emphasized that the Percheron crosses they had were going to be really big and fancy. And they told her there was only one left, a weanling filly, solid black –Maria’s favorite color. Paul didn’t think it wise to consider such a young horse, since it would be a long time until Maria could do much with it, but he finally agreed to accompany her to look.

“When we pulled into the farm, my first thought was the place looked like it should be condemned,” Maria says. “It was half flooded, and the rest was rocks and trees, not a blade of grass anywhere. Paul didn’t even want to get out of the truck!”

Things didn’t get any better when they saw the filly. Maria remembers, “The poor little thing looked absolutely awful. She was obviously full of worms and had never had any vaccinations or really any basic foal care for 10 months. She wasn’t weaned and was existing solely on her mother’s milk.”

Paul flatly told his wife that since the filly was so malnourished and basically had no shoulder or neck, he had no idea what she would look like at maturity. “He knew I wanted to save this poor little horse, but he was trying to be honest and realistic by telling me that she would never be anything more than a trail horse due to her terrible start in life,” Maria says.

Despite Paul’s reservations, they bought the filly and took her home. Maria says, “We did our best to kick start her, getting her shots, regular worming, and of course, we fed her quality grain and hay.” By the time she was 2, Katie was gorgeous, but there was one drawback – she never grew even close to the size Maria had anticipated. “Honestly, on her very best day, with shoes, she was 15.2. We chalked it up to her first 10 months of life and decided, it is what it is.”

They started Katie when she was 2. Paul, who had worked with dozens of young horses, claimed she was the easiest one ever. “Once we started her, we just let her be for almost two years, still hoping she would grow,” Maria says. When they brought her back into work as a 4-year-old, she wasn’t much bigger, but Maria and Paul were impressed with her attitude and were eager to start her over fences.

“When we started jumping her, Katie was very willing,” Maria says. “But, she just didn’t have any scope over fences. She really tried and never stopped, but for some reason, it just wasn’t coming together. We took her to a few horse shows and oh, the photos of her were just hideous.”

Maria had pretty much decided that despite their efforts, Katie was never going to be able to compete in the jumpers. “Then, one day she had an ‘aha moment’. Something just clicked for her when she was about 5 and a half,” Maria says. “It was like suddenly she just got it, and from then on there was no turning back.”

Maria believes that once Katie’s jumping ability blossomed, her diminutive size became an advantage in the jumper division. “She was so handy in the turns. Her short stride, coupled with a big, powerful

Percheron rear end, allowed her to pivot around turns, shaving seconds off the clock.”

As a registered Half Arab, Katie showed consistently in the jumper divisions for many years at the Arabian shows with both Maria and Paul. While the couple was living in Wisconsin, they competed in the Midwest, mostly Wisconsin, Illinois, and Kentucky. After they moved to Aiken in 2010, they showed predominantly in Atlanta or Virginia throughout the year and at the Arabian Nationals, which were held in either Virginia or Kentucky. “Katie actually had a huge fan club at the Arabian shows,” Maria says. “When she came into the ring, there was a cheering section waiting to watch her jump.” Maria describes the little mare as being the Arab poster child. In fact, for many years there was a photo of her jumping displayed on the Arabian Horse Association’s website.

During her career at the Arabian shows, Katie won over 40 Regional awards, over 10 Top Ten National awards, and three National Championship jumper awards. Maria emphasizes, “All of those awards are great, but the best was in 2013 when she was honored with the Legion of Excellence Award, the top award a horse can achieve on the Arabian circuit.” This designation is based on the accumulation of points at recognized Arabian shows with only first and second place finishes counting. A horse must amass 60 points, win a specific number of Top-Five Regional awards, and win at least one National award to qualify.

In addition to the Arabian circuit, Katie also competed successfully at A-rated hunter/jumper shows in the High Children’s/Adult Jumper division, 3’6”-3’9” with Paul aboard. Maria smiles as she recalls some big classes in which Katie and Paul beat some very fancy, expensive warmbloods. “It really is a shame that she wasn’t just a little bigger; I believe she could have been a top Amateur Owner jumper if she was just two inches taller.”

Maria and Paul retired Katie from show jumping in 2016 when she was 19 years old. “It was not because of any soundness issue; we just felt we had been so successful with her and that there was nothing else to prove. She gave us 15 great years of showing and deserved the wonderful retirement that she has here on our farm,” Maria explains.

Maria then did some dressage with Katie for a couple of years. Again, the mare was all heart and very willing. “We went through Training Level, but with her short little Percheron neck and movement, she was limited,” Maria says, adding, “It was good for me, though, because I learned some basics of dressage on a nice, safe horse and then was able to move on to a warmblood that is more suitable to dressage.”

Katie is very healthy and happy living with her pasture buddies, Paul’s retired 27-year-old warmblood mare and a donkey named Daisy Mae.

Maria concludes, “When I was a kid and I’d go to the Arab shows with my mom, and I remember thinking that I wanted to win a National trophy. How amazing is it that I got three! And the Legion of Excellence award is more than I could ever have hoped for. I’ll never have another horse like Katie in my life.”

Helping you and your horse develop a confident,

Ask the Judge Questions about Dressage

With Amy McElroy

Dear Amy,

I was wondering if spurs really do have an “up” and “down” side, and if it makes a difference which way you wear them. I heard you could be eliminated if you had them on wrong. Also, I like to ride my horse with a small whip only, and like to carry it only in my right hand. I know there is a maximum length but is there a minimum length for competition? I am also concerned about what to do when saluting. Would I receive a deduction for saluting with my whip? Could you please advise?

Detail-Oriented in Aiken

Dear Detail-Oriented

These are very interesting questions and it is always important to know the regulations regarding dress and equipment items. Keep in mind that all rules can be found in your USEF rulebook and that it is also a good idea to check for any changes that might go into effect for the year 2023, which is upon us.

Let’s start with your question about spurs, which falls under dress code rules. With many spurs there is indeed an “up” and “down” side. And yes, if you wear them incorrectly you would be eliminated. According to the USEF rulebook for the 2022 competition year, DR 120.4 -120.4, the shank may be either curved or straight but must point directly back from the center of the spur when on the rider’s boot. If the shank is curved, the spurs must be worn with the shank directed downwards. This ruling applies to spurs that are made to curve down: if you wear them with the shank curved up, you will be wearing them upside down, and this is illegal. However, there are some spurs that are purposely made to curve upwards. These are called swan neck spurs. Perhaps surprisingly, this type of spur is legal: if you wear them with the shank curved upwards, they will be correctly fitted and you may use them in your test.

Here is some additional interesting information regarding permitted spurs. First, they must be made of metal and must be English type spurs. In addition to swan neck spurs, other legal styles include armless spurs, dummy spurs (spurs with no shank), Impuls Spurs (these are metal spurs with hard round plastic knobs on the shank), and spurs with rowels as long as they are blunt or smooth and free to rotate. The arms of all spurs (the part that goes on your foot) are allowed to be covered in rubber. Keep in mind that it is optional to wear a spur unless you are riding an FEI test, in which they are mandatory, except in the case of Children, Pony, and 4-year-old tests. In these tests spurs are optional. If you are not confident that you are wearing your spur correctly, please check with the show technical delegate prior to your ride so there is plenty of time to make an adjustment.

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.

Let’s now investigate your question regarding your whip. The whip regulations can be found under saddlery and equipment rules. According to the 2022 USEF rule book under DR 121.17, a whip may not be longer than 120 cm (47.2 inches). This length does include the lash. You are correct that a shorter version is acceptable. What is not permitted is an adjustable length whip, and if you carry one you may be under penalty of elimination. A jumping bat or crop with a flap on the end instead of a lash is permitted for competition. Even a neon whip, crop, bat, and a bat with flapper are all legal! However, I would recommend staying more traditional with a dressage whip. What would make a whip or bat illegal are added appendages: as long as the whip is made of manufactured parts, it is considered legal. Whips are optional to use in most standard classes. However, there are some shows and classes where a whip is forbidden, such as USEF/USDF championships, USEF National Dressage Championships, and USEF High Performance qualifying and championships. Once again it is important to know the current rules and if in doubt to check with the show technical delegate.

Saluting while carrying a whip can be overwhelming for some riders. You can learn more about the salute in the USEF rule book under Execution and Judging of Tests, DR122.2. All that is required is that you take the reins in one hand and “Riders shall let one arm drop loosely along his/her body and then incline their head in a slight bow.” There is no a rule regarding which arm to drop or what to do with your whip when saluting. A lot of this has to do with tradition. Most important is that you perform a clear salute. Forgetting to salute (which happens) will be considered an error, but will not be cause for elimination. Tradition suggests saluting with your right arm, but this not required. You may even salute with your whip, and this will have no effect to your score unless you scare your horse and he moves (the halt is supposed to be immobile.) So if you do choose to salute with the whip, be careful! During your test, you may carry the whip in either hand, and even swap hands during the test if you so choose. But is not necessary or advisable to swap excessively during a test.

I hope I have been able to give you some insight about how to wear spurs and what is legal. To recap the regulations regarding whips, any size or style English whip or bat under the maximum length is permitted in classes where whips are legal. If you do choose to carry a whip, you may salute with the whip in your hand with no penalty, as long as this does not interfere with the quality and immobility of your halt. With all this in mind, I hope you will be on your way in a dressage competition feeling confident. See you in the arena!

Tumbleweed Brings Western Flair Fashion and Function

By Pam Gleason

Jessica Reeves says that there are three main criteria that she uses when deciding what to bring into her store, Tumbleweed, located at 216 Park Avenue in downtown Aiken. Tumbleweed, which opened in July, is primarily a Western apparel store. It carries boots, hats, Western clothing and accoutrements, as well as a selection of hand-picked Western tack and equipment, along with some unique all-natural horse health products.

“First, I am committed to bringing in other women-owned companies,” she said. “Then I want to bring in local artisans or artisans from out west with items that are made in a sustainable way. Finally, I am committed to made in the U.S. That’s a big thing for me, but it is pretty difficult with clothing. I want to make sure that I am staying in a decent price range for customers — I don’t want to be too high end, but I want to have good quality, too.”

Jessica and her husband Joel relocated to Aiken from the Atlanta area for Joel’s job in pharmaceutical sales eight years ago. After their move, Jessica, who is a brand and product marketing specialist, continued to work remotely for Atlanta companies off and on, and also got a taste of retail by working at various equestrian stores in Aiken. She decided to open Tumbleweed about a year ago.

“I always knew that I wanted to start my own thing,” she said. “I knew

and it is currently located in the front of the shop where Adrianne Till creates one-of-a-kind leather bags and accessories for her popular Gypsy Belt Company. Tumbleweed’s top selling items so far include unique handmade hair-on-hide boots, as well as fashion-meets-function cowboy boots from such makers as Macie Bean and Top Hand – Olathe styles are coming soon. There are women’s western dresses, shirts and jeans, along with a selection of quality men’s apparel that you can’t find anywhere else in town. On the function side, Jessica took a suggestion from some of her horse friends and started carrying Blundstone paddock boots from Australia. In the equipment category, there are colorful, handmade mohair breast collars and cinches, rope halters and patterned saddle blankets. Custom Tumbleweed T-Shirts made by the local artists at Bravefriend, décor items, knives and jewelry complete the selection.

Cowboy hats have also been very popular, though Jessica says that there are currently still supply chain issue in the hat market, making it difficult to keep too much in stock. But cowboy hats are expected to become a big draw, especially after the store has set up its hat bar and steamer.

“Joel has taken some hat shaping classes,” said Jessica. “So we are looking forward to having that set up. Adrianne will be making hat bands for us, so once you have your hat shaped for you, you’ll be able to personalize it however you want it.”

Joel, who still has his pharmaceutical job, has found himself spending more time than he anticipated at the store. “He loves selling!” said Jessica, also noting that he is a very dedicated shopper.

Jessica and Joel live on a horse farm east of Aiken in the 302 equestrian corridor along with their eight horses: a mix of quarter horses and mustangs. Jessica did not grow up with horses, though she had cousins in Atlanta who were barrel racers. After the couple moved to Aiken, Jessica started riding at Valerie Beard’s Almost Heaven Stables and soon bought her own horse from her friend, Nicola Bolt who is an accomplished local horse trainer. Joel’s Quarter Horse followed and “It’s been horses ever since,” said Jessica.

“Nicola has gotten me into mustangs,” she continued, “And it’s a bit of an addiction now. If I could just own all mustangs forever, that would be the best thing. Once you get their trust, they’ll do anything for you.”

there are more and more Western riders coming in to Aiken, and so there was a need for more Western tack. But I also have a lot of friends who ride English, who said that they liked to wear the Western clothes. When I opened the store, I wanted to make sure we were bringing something different to the table. So my concept was to offer fashionable clothing, as well as functional items for people that do ride Western. There are a lot of stores that carry Western in Aiken now, and I am careful not to bring in brands that are already here. Aiken is growing and there’s space for everyone, and brands for everyone.”

The store is a few blocks down Park Avenue from Laurens Street,

Jessica said that the reception the store has received has been awesome. “Everybody is super excited and welcoming. It’s a new thing, and everybody likes that. I hope that we can expand in the next few years, to have a place for Western riders to come get their gear for their shows, and a place for English rider to get some of the fashion that the Western people wear.”

As for the name of the store, Jessica says that she was inspired by photographs of tumbleweeds that a photographer friend sent her from out West.

“Tumbleweeds roam freely and create their own path,” she said. “I thought that was very cool, and I kept coming back to the word Tumbleweed in my mind. It just stuck with me.”

JANUARY

JULY

CALENDAR

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

Photography by Pam Gleason & Gary Knoll

NEW STORE IS HERE!!!

in and enjoy all the deals you love plus a new and HUGE selection of top selling brands with great prices. We have everything from Western wear to English fashion, feed, products and equipment for horses, dogs, and all your barnyard friends. Enjoy the convenience of our drive through warehouse making pick ups a breeze!

Memberships

Keeping the Harmony at Viola Farm Dressage, Eventing and Breeding

By Nancy Johnson, Photos by Meghan Benge & Jane Jennings

The sign at the entrance reads “Tom Murray Dressage”, but Tom Murray and Steven Schachter’s Viola Farm in the 302 corridor east of Aiken is so much more. In addition to competing at Grand Prix himself, Tom teaches all levels of dressage. Steven prefers eventing. In addition, there’s the breeding program that has produced dozens of top Hanoverian sport horses for various disciplines. Both Tom and Steven are actively involved in all aspects of producing young horses – studying bloodlines, breeding, foaling, imprinting, handling, and starting under saddle.

On top of all that, Tom, with 25 years of experience, is a realtor with Carolina Real Estate Company, predominantly focusing on horse properties.

Over the past year and a half, the two men have turned a 31-acre farm into an oasis for their horses and dogs, as well as for themselves. Steven emphasizes, “I’m into the design aspect of the farm.” Tom chimes in, “I’m into the horse aspect.” He adds with a grin, “Between the two of us, we get it done.”

Tom and Steven relocated to the Aiken area from California a few years ago. After almost two years of searching for just the right property, they knew the moment they saw the farm on Coleman Bridge Road that it was the one. “We bought it the day it went on the market,” Tom says. “We fell in love with the land . . . . It’s like three beautiful 10-acre pastures with plenty of shade for the summer.”

In a former life, Steven had a career in Hollywood, co-writing scripts with William H. Macy and directing made-for-television movies that garnered him two Emmys. “I had a wonderful and creative life making films. When I felt that was coming to an end, I realized I would always enjoy creating.” He says that designing and building their three previous farms in Los Angeles and Oregon, and now in Aiken, has given him plenty of opportunity to use his creativity.

“For a retired guy, I’ve never been busier in my life, but not so much stress busy - just good busy,” he says.

Leading a handsome weanling colt away from his buddies in the 10-acre pond pasture, Tom says, “This is number 80 of the 81 foals I’ve delivered.” In the round pen, the colt, Divertimento VF (Dudley) trots about while Tom free lunges him briefly before returning him to his pasture “We handle the babies every day and get them used to leaving the others, but a few minutes of actual work is all they need at this age,” he explains.

Then a student arrives for a lesson. She is an advanced rider with a horse of her own that she is bringing up through the levels. “I am teaching her today on my former Grand Prix horse, Balanchine, so she can practice upper level movements,” says Tom.

Known as Mr. B. in the barn, Balanchine is a Dutch Carriage/ Thoroughbred cross, bred at Iron Spring Farm in Pennsylvania that Tom and Steven stumbled upon in 2014. At the time, they were actually looking for a horse for Steven to event, when they found him, a very green 5-year-old living in a backyard. They bought him, and it soon became obvious that he had “not the least interest in jumping,” so Steven gave him to Tom. Starting from the ground up, Tom brought him all the way to the Grand Prix level.

Now 14, Mr. B. has recently been sold to Valerie Haskell who lives in Ohio and Wellington, Florida. She plans to go up the levels with him and earn her USDF medals.

“What really made me feel good about selling him is that we had done everything together we could do,” says Tom. “I equate it to running a car at full speed; what else is there? I want him to have dignity, be proud of himself and teach somebody else. He is an incredibly patient horse.”

Steven currently has two event horses, Dowdston Guidam, an

experienced Selle Francais/Irish Sporthorse cross, and Norman, a 17.2 hand Irish Draft cross making the transition from the hunt field. “Gui” (Steven’s “horse of a lifetime”) has had some time off due to an injury, and Norman is recovering from an injury himself, but should be sound and ready to go in the near future. “I can’t wait to actually ride him!” Steven says. “He looks glorious!”

Tom, meanwhile, had a great plan for his next Grand Prix dressage horse. He and Steven bred one of their State’s Premium mares to Deniro, the number one producer of dressage horses in the world. They were ecstatic with the result -- a big, gorgeous filly they named Denira VF. “But it turns out that she loves to jump,” says Steven with a grin. Now 5, Denira is currently with Mike Pendelton, an up-and-coming trainer of event horses in Virginia. He has just started to show her and she appears to have immense athleticism and talent.

Tom is currently on the hunt for another horse to move up to Grand Prix. So, he and his trainer, Charlotte Bayley Schindelholz, are on their way to Holland and Germany to look for his next prospect. “I have a State’s Premium mare, SPS Walina, that has 8.5 on her mare performance test; and my other brood mare, Wilhelmina was among

the top Hanoverian 2-year-olds in the country. When I go to Germany, I’m looking for one that is better than that, or I’m not bringing it back,” Tom says emphatically. He specifically wants a mare so he can breed her as well, most likely through embryo transfer. In addition to horse shopping, while in Europe, Tom hopes to establish connections for shipping semen. He also has plans with Lara Anderson, the owner of Full Gallop Farm, to create a young sport horse auction here in Aiken.

“My goal is to continue to breed,” Tom says. He and Steven also want to use their nice young horses to give back to the industry. “We want to help some motivated, young riders that may not have the funds to buy a top horse,” Tom explains. “They can learn how to build a horse properly from the ground up.”

Last winter, Tom’s “Dressage for Eventers Clinic” at the farm was very well received; they plan to offer it again this year. They also co-hosted (with Aiken Saddlery) a clinic with Christine Traurig, an Olympic dressage rider, which they want to repeat as well. Finally, Steven is looking into inviting one or two big name jumping clinicians to round out their winter schedule.

For information on young horses for sale, training, internships, breeding or upcoming events, contact: Tom Murray (626) 644-3008; Tommurraydressage@gmail.com or Steven Schachter (213) 434 3704; sydnyk2@sbcglobal.net

Aiken Area Hunt Directory

Welcome to the annual Aiken Horse Hunt Directory for 20222023, providing important dates, information and contact numbers for eight of our regional hunts. For those ready to follow the hounds, cubbing is already well underway and formal hunting is just around the corner. As ever, the area’s formal season starts in late October and wraps up in early March. The crisp fall and winter weather facilitates good scenting for the hounds and inspires fresh, energetic horses. Combine that with the excellent sandy footing and abundance of quarry in the South Carolina region, and this is the perfect place for hunt junkies from up north, as well as for our local enthusiasts.

Aiken Hounds

Drag Hunt

Hitchcock Woods and Aiken County, SC. Hunt attire: Green coat with a chamois collar. Evening: Scarlet with green facings, chamois collar.

Master of Foxhounds: Ms. Linda Knox McLean, Mr. Larry Byers, Ms. Sarah Greenhill Wildasin, Mr. Karl McMillan Huntsman: Mr. Chad Wilkes

Contact: Hon. Sec. Dr. Linda C. Hickey, 803.270.7392, lchickey63@ gmail.com. Hotline: 803.643.DRAG  www.facebook.com/aikenhounds; www.theaikenhounds.com

Season: Mid-October through mid-March

Fall Hunter Pace: October 23, 2022

Opening Meet: Thursday, November 24, 2022, 9 AM

Children’s Drag and Christmas Hunt: December 17, 2022

Aiken Hounds Hunt Ball: February 18, 2023

Aiken Horse Show in the Woods: March 31, 2023

Aiken Hounds Spring Hunter Pace: April 8, 2023 Caps should contact the hunt secretary.  Hunt days: Tuesdays and Saturdays

The Aiken Hounds is the longest running hunt in South Carolina. It was established in 1914 by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hitchcock and recognized by the MFHA in 1916. During drag hunt days, the AH hunts the 2,200 acres of the Hitchcock Woods. These Tuesday and Saturday meets are well-suited for riders on a fixed schedule as drag hunts typically only take a couple of hours. The Aiken Hounds also conduct periodic live hunts in Aiken County.

The Aiken Hounds Opening Meet and Blessing of the Hounds is traditionally held at Memorial Gate in the Hitchcock Woods on Thanksgiving Morning, drawing over 100 riders and many more spectators. COVID-19 curtailed that tradition for the past two years, but it will return this fall.

For information about events, visit www.theaikenhounds.com. Prospective guests are requested to please contact the hunt secretary. Cancellations and changes are posted on the hotline within two hours of the event.

Belle Meade Hun Live Hunt

Thomson and McDuffie Counties, GA.

Hunt attire: Scarlet coat with a Confederate Cavalry yellow collar. Evening: Same Master of Foxhounds: Mr. Charles W. Lewis, Mr. Ed Maxwell, Dr. Gary Wilkes, Mr. Edgar S. (Epp) Wilson

Contact: Hon. Sec. Mrs. Angela Smith, 706.833.3104, ke4nnr@ classicsouth.net, www.bellemeadehunt.org

Hunt Office: 706.595.2525

Season: November through mid-March

Opening Meet: November 5, 2022

Caps are invited to contact the hunt secretary.

Hunt Week: February 12-18, 2023

Hunt Ball: February 18, 2023

Hunt days: Wednesdays, Saturdays and some Sundays

The Belle Meade Hunt was established in 1966 and recognized by the MFHA in 1970. Belle Meade is a large, fast moving hunt that takes riders through the hills, fields and woodlands of northwestern Georgia. The hunts often have fields of 50 to 75, which are divided into four flights including two jumping and two non-jumping flights. In nonpandemic years, Belle Meade boasts a well-attended opening meet with over 100 riders and 500 spectators. Belle Meade keeps English and Crossbred foxhounds.

Camden Hunt

Live Hunt

Kershaw County, SC

Hunt attire: Black Melton or Oxford gray coat with gold collar and charcoal piping. Evening: Scarlet with gold lapels.

Master of Foxhounds: Ms. Sue Sensor, Ms. Amy Cantey, Ms Janet Butcher and Mr Richard Osworth

Huntsman: Ms. Melissa Rice

Contact: Hon. Sec. Ms. Amy Cantey, 803.420.6860, therealcamdenhunt@gmail.com

Season: October through mid-March

Opening Meet: Thanksgiving, November 25, 2021

Hunt days: Wednesdays and Saturdays

Opening Cub Hunt- JNAFHC Qualifying Hunt: October 15, 2022TCH Hunter Trials: November 6, 2022

Opening Hunt: November 24

Boxing Day- December 26, 2022

TCH Hunt Ball: February 18, 2023

Closing Hunt: March 11, 2023

TCH Horse Show: March 19, 2023

The Camden Hunt is the second oldest hunt in South Carolina and was recognized by the Master of Foxhounds Association in 1926. The hunt maintains a professional huntsman, a kennel, and between 20 to 25 couple of crossbred hounds. The terrain in hunt country is a mix of lush swamps, hardwood forests and mature pine woods. Hunt country is well paneled with coops, Aikens and Camdens. The footing is mostly sandy and very horse friendly. There are three fields: the first, which jumps; the second, which goes at a slower pace and can avoid jumping; and the third field which does not jump. Game consists of red and gray foxes as well as coyote.

Lowcountry Hunt

Live Hunt

Beaufort, Charleston, Colleton, Bamberg, and Jasper counties, SC Hunt attire: Black coat with gold piped indigo collar (to represent historical crops of indigo and Carolina gold rice)

Master of Foxhounds: Ms. Christina Bates, Mrs. Nina S. Burke, Mrs. Melinda F. Shambley, Dr. Mark O. Shambley

Huntsman: Mr. Tony Gammell

Prof. Whipper-in

Elizabeth Howard

Contact: Hon. Sec. Elizabeth Howard, 434-531-5843, lowcountryhunt@gmail.com. www.thelowcountryhunt.com Hunt Monitor: 843-608-HUNT

Opening Meet: November 11, 2022

Boxing Day: December 26, 2022

Lowcountry Plantation Hunt Weekend: January 12-15, 2023

Season: Cubbing October through mid-November; Formal midNovember through mid-March

Hunt days: Tuesdays, Thursday, Saturdays, and sometimes Sunday

The Lowcountry Hunt was founded in 2006. Hunt country includes some of the oldest and most beautiful estates in the ACE Basin with terrain ranging from freshwater marshes and tidal creeks to ancient live oak groves and hardwood forests. Fox and coyote are hunted with frequent sightings of alligators, bald eagles, and many types of waterfowl. The Lowcountry Hunt keeps American and Crossbred foxhounds.

Rose Tree-Blue Mountain Hunt

Live Hunt

Salley, SC

Master of Foxhounds: Sean Cully, Maryann Cully, Edward Franco, Michael Wright Huntsman: Sean Cully, MFH Marion Thorne, MFH (Guest Huntsman from Genesee Valley Hunt)

To Hunt, Contact: Maryann Cully, MFH/Hon. Secretary mkcully@ yahoo.com

Season: January – mid March

Hunt Days: Monday, Wednesday & Saturday

Attire: Casual attire except for joint meets, otherwise be neat and tidy. Formal attire for joint meets will include black coats/tan breeches.  Rose Tree-Blue Mountain hunt is based in central Pennsylvania and spends time hunting in Salley, SC from January to mid-March. The hunt territory is the former Saxonburg Hunt fixtures which were passed on to Rose Tree in 2020.  The huntsman duties are shared by Sean Cully, MFH - RT-BMH and Marion Thorne, MFH – Genesee Valley Hunt. This partnership provided some fabulous hunting during the past two seasons.

The territory consists of fixtures in and around Salley and Wagener. There are usually two fields; a third field is available occasionally.

Shakerag Hounds

Live Hunt

Madison, Franklin, and Wilkes counties, GA.

Hunt attire: Black coat with Dove Gray collar with gold piping

Master of Foxhounds: Mr. Daryl Buffenstein & Mr. Wayne Thrush Huntsman: Mr. John Eaton

Professional Whip: Kelly Eaton

Contact: Hunt Sec. Dr. Tara Stricko, 770.312.3438, huntsecretary@ shakeraghounds.com. www.shakeraghounds.com

October 29: 78th Opening Hunt

December 26: Boxing Day

January 7: Junior/Novice Hunt

Season: Labor Day through mid-March

Opening Meet: October 29, 2022. Details for the hunt breakfast & tally-go wagons are to be determined.

Guests must sign a COVID-19 release in addition to the standard liability release. Both are available on the website.

Closing Hunt: mid-March

Hunt days: Tuesdays and Saturdays

The Shakerag Hounds is the oldest recognized hunt in Georgia. It was established in 1943, when a group of horse and hunting enthusiasts at Atlanta’s historic Chastain Park started the Atlanta Hunt Club, the

precursor of the Shakerag Hounds of today. In 1950, the hunt was officially recognized by the MFHA. Facilities include a large clubhouse, kennels, a barn for staff horses, and a home for the professional huntsman. Shakerag Hounds employ a pack of 40+ PennMaryDel and Crossbred foxhounds that hunt red and gray fox, coyotes, hogs, and bobcat. Fox hunting with Shakerag is a family sport, with riders 8 to 80 participating in one of up to four fields.

Wateree Hounds

Live Hunt

Macburn Plantation, in Bishopville, SC  and Skufful Farm, in Darlington, SC

Hunt attire: Black or Navy coat.  For members with colors, LadiesNavy Coat with buff collar and navy piping,  Gentleman- Scarlet coat with buff collar and navy piping

Honorary Huntsman: Mr. Vince Paschal

Founders: Ms. Lea Edwards, Mr. Ned Towell, and Mr. Vince Paschal Honorary Whipper-In:  Ms. Virginia Ipock MD, Dr. Nicole Cunningham BVSc MRCVS, Ms. Sara Dill, Ms. Meredith Somerset DVM,  Ms. Erin Trimmier DMV

Contact: watereehounds@gmail.com

Season Kickoff Oyster Roast: October 15

Opening Cubbing: October 29

Opening Formal Meet: November 26

Closing Meet at Macburn: March 5

Other Events: Wine tasting, Hunt Ball, Horse Show

Hunt days: Wednesdays and Saturdays

The Wateree Hounds is a new hunt established in 2020, to blend the best of tradition and technology for amazing sport. Wateree Hounds offers a first, second and third field, and employs a small pack of Penn-MaryDel foxhounds.  On special occasions, the Tally Ho wagon will follow the hunt offering the non- riders a chance to enjoy beautiful vistas, and the pageantry of the hunt as well as libations.

Whiskey Road Foxhounds

Live Hunt

Aiken, Allendale, and Lexington counties, SC. Hunt attire: Scarlet with Aiken green velvet collar. Evening: Same with scarlet facings.

Master of Foxhounds: Mr. David Smith, Mr Joseph Hardiman & Ms Betsy Minton

Huntsman: Mr. Joseph Hardiman

Contact: Hon. Sec. Betsy Minton, 803.617.8353, elizabethminton@ att.net, www.whiskeyroadhounds.com

Field Secretary Shannon Burke 630 480 1610

Season: October through March

Opening Meet: November 13, 2022

Hunt Week: February 1-8, 2023

Hunt days: Thursdays and Sundays

Established in 1976 and registered with the MFHA in 1977, the Whiskey Road Foxhounds regularly hunt large tracts in Aiken, Allendale, and Lexington counties. WRFH fields three flights over wooded and grassy terrain, through cattle farms and timber properties peppered with coops, logs, and cross-country style jumps. Whiskey Road keeps 30 couple of English and Crossbred hounds. Guests are invited to wear their colors. For directions and more information, email whiskeyroadfoxhounds@gmail.com.

FIP World Cup Polo Aiken polo players take center stage

By Sarah Eakin

The much-anticipated XII FIP World Polo Championship will take place in Wellington, Florida from October 29-November 6. This is an international tournament that features eight teams, winnowed from 25 participating countries. The Federation of International Polo Championships have a 10-14 goal handicap level, which makes it possible for more countries to participate and also gives younger upand-coming players the opportunity to compete at an international level. Another distinguishing feature of the tournament is that the players do not bring their own horses. Instead, each team is assigned a designated group of horses from a common pool. The horse master for this year’s tournament is Adam Snow, an Aiken resident and former 10goal player.

“There are 182 horses and my role is to try to divide them into 8 equal pools for the teams to draw,” said Snow. “It’s in everybody’s interest to have them as even as possible, since it’s a lottery straight out of a hat.”

A single organization, J5 Equestrian - based in Wellington out of Bob Jornayvaz’s Valiente Polo - is providing all of the horses for the tournament. “We are putting in a lot of resources to make this a world-class event,” said Tony Coppola, who is the FIP United States Ambassador and the president of the Unites States Polo Association. “No stone has been left unturned. The string of horses we are going to provide will be great, and the facilities will be fantastic and at their prime.”

As with any polo tournament, the FIP World Cup is likely to be won by the team that makes the best use of its horsepower. With teams assigned some 22 horses - each of them allowed to play a half chukker twice - string management will be essential. It is Snow’s mission to see that the horsepower is distributed evenly from the start.

“It’s going to be a tough job,” Snow said. “But I guess I have confidence that my whole career I’ve been looking at horses, assessing horses and trying to decide what I would want to play. Here are a bunch of horses that I don’t necessarily know and I have two weeks to assess them and get a feel for all of them and do the best I can to get them in even pools so everyone has a fair shake at the tournament.”

were selected to try out over two months of 14-goal competition at Port Mayaca Polo Club (Okeechobee, Florida) this past winter.

Julio Arellano a former 9-goal player and winner of the FIP World Championship representing USA in 1989, is in charge of selecting the final four. Julio, who is Carlos Arellano’s brother and Hope and Agustin’s father, is also an Aiken resident.

“I have observed these players competing together and I’ve watched how they’ve played individually,” said Julio. “From the eight I will focus on which groups have the best team chemistry but I was looking for players who would be able to play well on pooled horses and are team players.”

Hope Arellano, seen here at the Ponies & Pearls benefit at New Bridge Polo Club, is the first woman ever to be considered for a place on a United States F.I.P. team.

Carlucho Arellano, who is the USPA Executive Director of Services said: “The horses have been played during the summer in California and Colorado. They have had some rest time and will then come to Wellington in advance of the championship for the legging-up process. The final two weeks of that process will consist of practices that increase in intensity. The teams all arrive by October 26, and they will get to ride their string once and play them in one practice before their first game on October 29.”

Adam Snow will be in Wellington two weeks prior to the start of the tournament, but in the meantime he has been doing his homework, speaking to Robert Tito Zedda, the Valiente polo manager, who knows the horses well. He has also consulted with his Aiken neighbor, Owen Rinehart, also a former 10-goaler, who has a history with some of them. “Owen has helped me with the horses because there’s about 12 of them that were trained across the road at [Owen’s farm] Isinya, as they are doing the training and breeding for Bob Jornayvaz.”

The U.S. team has not yet been finalized, but a shortlist of eight players includes Aiken’s Hope and Agustin Arellano as well as Keko Magrini, who played in Aiken as a child. Ranging in age from 17 to 25, six other players are vying for a spot on the starting roster: Nico Diaz Alberdi, Joaquin Avendaño, Lucas Escobar, Nico Escobar and Jake Klentner. Hope Arellano has the distinction of being the first woman ever to be considered for the American team. Beginning with a list of over 250 Americans handicapped from 2- to 5-goals, 35 players

The FIP World Cup, first played in 1987 and normally held every three or four years, was originally scheduled for 2021 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualification for the championship began with five zone playoffs. The defending champions (Argentina in 2017) and host country (United States) are automatically qualified, and the remaining teams advanced from six different zones; namely Mexico (Zone A - North America and Central America), Uruguay (Zone B - South America), Spain and Italy (Zone C - Europe), Australia (Zone D - Asia and Oceania) and Pakistan (Zone E - Africa, Pakistan and India).

Preliminary games will be held at Valiente Polo Farm in Wellington and the opening ceremony, semifinals and final will take place at the newly named National Polo Center [NPC] - formerly the International Polo Club, recently purchased by the United States Polo Association. The FIP World Cup provides the inaugural event for this new venture. “The USPA’s goal is to make this a world-class tournament and showcase what we have now that we own NPC,” said Coppola.

Ticketed NPC events will include the Opening Ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 29, and the XII FIP World Polo Championship Final on Sunday, November 6. Tickets can be bought at nationalpolocenter.com Semifinals and finals will be broadcast on ESPN and all games will also be available for free on GlobalPolo.com.

The Federation of International Polo was created by Argentina’s Marcos Uranga in 1982, to broaden the scope of international polo and restore the sport’s Olympic status - polo was last played at the Berlin Olympics in 1936. FIP is officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee.

All in the Family

The Next Generation at ACFS

By Pam Gleason

This August marked the dawn of a new era in Aiken when Reid and Jeph Watson officially purchased Aiken County Farm Supply from their uncle, Pace Kneece. Aiken County Farm Supply was founded by Pace’s father (and Reid and Jeph’s grandfather) Julian Pace Kneece, known as JP, back in 1958. The store was first opened in Montmorenci, but was soon moved to its current location on Park Avenue along the train tracks just outside the Aiken Historic District. Pace started working at the store when he was very young, and then bought it from his father for the sum of one dollar after finishing college. He worked there ever since.

“It’s been 45 years,” said Pace, who took over the store when he was just 22. “Retiring is something I’ve been thinking about.”

Reid and Jeph Watson, for their part, grew up working on their family peach farm in nearby Monetta. They purchased the store together as partners, but Jeph will continue to work in the peach business and act as CFO of the store while Reid will be its manager, responsible for day-to-day operations. The entre ACFS staff has stayed on through the transition.

“I would not have done this if it weren’t for the staff and if they hadn’t stayed,” said Reid, who admits to having no horse experience. “I totally rely on their expertise. If someone comes in here and they need something for a horse, or a horse has a problem, they know exactly what that horse needs, and they’ve already stocked it and it is already on the shelf.”

This is important because of the nature of the store. When JP Kneece first opened ACFS, it dealt in agricultural products and did not have a horse supply side at all. Back in the mid-1980s, however, when the equestrian population in Aiken was just starting its meteoric rise, a Seminole Feeds supplier approached Pace and suggested that he needed to start selling horse feed. He hesitated before agreeing, and the salesman had to promise to take backall the feed that didn’t sell.

But Pace need not have worried. The feed sold out immediately, and he soon was ordering more and more to keep up with demand. Today ACFS still sells fertilizer, as well as seeds and vegetable seedlings, in addition to fence posts and boards, gates, and supplies for livestock. But about 90% of the business is centered on horses. Not only are there 11 different brands of horse feed and a wide selection of different types of hay, there is also a range of horse health and grooming supplies, along with tack and equipment. A variety of pet foods and other pet products completes the selection. “Anything you need on a farm, we’ve got it,” said Reid.

Like many horse-focused businesses in the area, the store is growing steadily as more equestrians come to Aiken

“We catch new customers pretty much every week,” Reid said.

After buying the store, Reid, his wife Reagan and their two sons, Mac (9) and Hays (6) relocated to Aiken from Greenville where the

family had been living for about a decade. There, Reid who studied architecture at Clemson University, worked for a commercial architectural firm, a job that entailed traveling around the country. Back in Greenville, Reagan worked as an occupational therapist. Both now work together at the store, and Reid said that the chance to spend more time with family while also perpetuating the family-owned nature of ACFS was a major factor in deciding to purchase the business.

“Both my wife and I grew up in the Aiken area, and our families are here, both the boys’ grandmas are here,” said Reid. “It was also important to us to keep the store in the family, and I know Pace was happy that we were the ones who bought it.”

Pace had always hoped to pass the store down to his own children, Jake and Lindsay, who had worked there when they were growing up. Tragically, however, Jake passed away a decade ago at the age of 27. His sister did not want to take over the store by herself. The Watson brothers who used to visit the store and play in the warehouses with their cousins when they were children, have a deep connection to the place that goes beyond just running a business.

Although on the surface, running Aiken County Farm Supply and working for an architectural firm might seem to be very different, Reid said that at the base they are actually quite similar.

“I think that ultimately, both businesses are customer service businesses,” he said. “It’s about keeping the client happy, keeping things on schedule, and that’s what we hope to do well.”

Reid says that he and his brother don’t have any current plans to change anything, beyond possibly adding more staff and another delivery truck to keep up with demand. They do hope to have some kind of grand re-opening celebration later in the fall, complete with food trucks and live music. Reid, who played guitar with a band in

Greenville, might even help provide some of the entertainment. Their main goal for the future is a commitment to maintain great service to their customers.

“People should know that we’re here, that we’re a family-owned business, and we’re fully committed,” said Reid.

Is there a chance that Reid’s own sons will take over the store one day?

“Likely so,” said Reid. “My older son Mac is already trying to figure out what he can sell –

He wants to open up a lemonade stand on the porch, or something like that. And my wife has them working here already. I had to pay them the other day: they were scooping seeds and putting them into pouches. They aren’t ready yet, but someday, maybe.”

Right: Pace Kneece, Reagan & Reid Watson with Birdie.

J.P. Kneece, founder

Brad Stauffer, Trainer

Horsing Around or Gone to the Dogs

By Nancy Johnson; Photography by Gary Knoll

If you are looking for Brad Stauffer in Aiken, he’s not too difficult to find. First try Legacy Stables on Two Notch Road or across the street at the Aiken Training Track. If he’s not there, the other place to look is in the Palmetto Dog Club’s training fields off Beaufort Street North. Brad Stauffer is best known in the horse world as a trainer of Thoroughbred racehorses. But he has almost equal renown as a dog trainer.

Brad describes his daily routine. “My alarm goes off at 3:45 a.m. and I’m at the barn at 4:30; feeding, medicating, turning out. First set goes to the track at 6:00.”

Typically, the horses are worked in the morning and the afternoons are quiet at the barn. But Brad’s afternoons are anything but, since he spends most of them at Palmetto Dog Club training fields. On weekdays, he typically teaches a couple of private or semi-private lessons to club members. On Sunday afternoons he hosts an open session, in either obedience or agility. During the club’s public training classes (sixweek sessions that are offered three times a year) he teaches a couple of classes every Saturday.

It’s ironic that a man whose entire adult life has revolved around horses and dogs had neither while growing up. “We never had a dog when I was young. About the closest thing the six of us kids had to pets was a tankful of tropical fish,” Brad says.

Growing up in the Pennsylvania Amish country, he liked watching the horses pulling buggies. “Especially the fancy ‘Sunday horses’ they drove to church,” he recalls. Brad’s first real introduction to caring for horses was through a school club that was organized by his sixth-grade English teacher. Soon, Brad was working at the teacher’s farm on weekends and after school in exchange for riding lessons. By the time he was in high school, it became a real job. “I mainly learned to ride on ex-racehorses that were bought off-the-track to be re-trained and sold. Riding them taught me a lot about their speed and reaction time and I learned how soft you had to be,” he says.

After graduating from high school, he took the advice of his guidance counsellor and attended a two-year program at Stoneridge Riding Instructors School in Cortland, New York. This led to a position at a stable in Cooperstown, New York where he “Did a little bit of everything, from cleaning stalls to breaking babies. I taught a few lessons, mowed fields and mended fences,” he says, adding, “It was a good start.”

Brad married while in New York, but his wife missed her family, so the couple moved to the suburbs of Chicago to be near them. Although she was not into horses, her whole family loved dogs. Her father, who was on the board of the prestigious German Shepherd Dog Training Club of Chicago, encouraged Brad to get involved. Brad explains that the club was serious about obedience training and expected members to compete and attain titles with their dogs. As he was preparing to attend his first class, his wife saw him practicing and burst out laughing. “You have the dog in the wrong hand!” she chastised. “That’s how much I knew about training a dog,” Brad laughs. “I figured it was the same as leading a horse.”

The move to Illinois also led to a big break for Brad when he took a position with Richard Duchossois’s Hill ‘N Dale Farms in Barrington Hills, a well-known breeding and racing stable. “I started cleaning stalls and taking mares and foals out to the paddocks. Within a year I was handling the stallions,” Brad says. “I moved from the stallion barn to the racehorse barn during the off-season. Then, I started riding and soon they put me in charge of that barn.”

There were many experiences and opportunities for Brad at Hill ‘N’ Dale. He fondly remembers Bruce Duchossois’s favorite horse, the

hunter champion Kim’s Song. (This is the horse you see at Bruce’s Field in the Aiken Horse Park immortalized in bronze, along with Bruce and his dog Chummy.) “I broke her first foal,” Brad recalls with a smile.

Brad’s introduction to Aiken came when Hill N’ Dale started sending groups of young racehorses to train in Aiken’s milder climate during the winter months. By this time, Brad and his first wife were divorced. “That’s when I met Ann, my second wife. She was working for Mrs. Paxson at the next stable over,” he says. They married in 1987 and moved to Aiken full time in 1990 when Brad began working at the Aiken-based Dogwood Stables, where Ron Stevens was the trainer. “I started out as Ron’s foreman, then became his assistant,” Brad begins. “About 10 years ago we switched places with Ron becoming my assistant.”

A past president of Aiken Training Track, Brad has had a wide variety of experiences here. He remembers training Cot Campbell’s Palace

Malice, who went on to win the Belmont Stakes in 2013. Brad had Palace Malice as a 2-year-old and says that it was obvious from the beginning that the horse was exceptionally fast.

Shortly after settling into Aiken, Brad’s interest in dogs was rekindled. “Ron had this Australian Shepherd puppy, and I just couldn’t get over how attentive he was, even without any formal training.” Inspired, Brad bought his own Australian Shepherd and got involved in training, and then teaching at local dog clubs. Over the years, there have been numerous Aussies in the Stauffer family, several of which earned obedience and agility titles with Brad, Ann, and their son, Teddy. Brad was part of a small group that founded the Palmetto Dog Club 15 years ago. The club recently moved to its own property with four large training fields.

“There is definitely a connection between horse people and dog people,” Brad says. “And there are similarities in working with dogs, horses, and their people.”

He cites as an example a group of women who ride in the mornings and then train their dogs with him in the afternoons. “They all say how much dog agility training has helped their riding,” he says. “Both involve correct body position, pointing or looking the right direction, ability to change pace, and proper signaling. Dogs pick up from the way the handler moves; just like a rider’s movements affect how a horse reacts. The main difference is that the dog is in your hand and the horse is underneath you.”

Although he says dogs have higher intelligence than horses, Brad has seen both dogs and horses learn at greatly varying rates. “I’ve had horses that learn really fast, and some not and it’s the same with dogs. But with both horses and dogs it’s repetition, repetition, repetition.”

There are some specific similarities he sees in training the two species; one he sees frequently is that most horses and dogs have a preferred direction. “Dogs that do obedience and then start agility have more trouble going to the right as they are used to being on handler’s left side. And of course, most horses have a preferred lead.”

At 62, Brad does not foresee giving up training horses or dogs any time soon. “It’s a busy, but good life here in Aiken,” he concludes. “And I’m lucky my house, the Training Track, and the dog training fields are all so close together.”

Classifieds

2020 Bay Gypsy Cross Gelding,

will mature to 15 hands. Super all around prospect and wonderful Low-key attitude $12,000

Located in Aiken, SC. alison@eeint.com 978-808-9966

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.

Stalls and paddocks available for winter rental. Four stalls, two paddocks on horse farm in 302 area available for winter rental. Call of text 803-295-8687.

FARM SERVICES

Southern Ridge Excavation. Drainage, grading, small clearing, pad prep, utility ditching, pond mowing. Third generation family operated; Licensed & insured. Member Aiken Chamber of Commerce. Call Alex Koegel. 803-522-5752. southernridgex@ gmail.com.

Fox Services. Land Maintenance: Mulching, Grading, Excavation Bush hogging, Clearing, Driveway repair, Erosion control, Gravel placement, Storm cleanup. 706.990.0231

G. L. Williams & Daughter. Serving the CSRA for over 54 years. Specializing in hauling, grading, clearing, property maintenance, and excavation. We provide everything from

several types of fill dirt, top soil, compost, mortar sands, crushed asphalt/concrete, to screenings and a variety of rocks. Roll-off containers and manure removal available. (803) 663-3715. Certified DBE. WOSB. www. glwdtrucking.com

BM Maintenance and More LLC. Allow us to do that honey do list. BBB accredited. Free estimates within Aiken County. (864) 275-7180 billymathis@ billymathis-maintenance.com or bmmaint21@gmail.com; 17166 Atomic Rd, Aiken SC 29803(803) 257-1202

Patterson’s Lawn Care services the Aiken area with irrigation, french drains, and routine lawn maintenance. If we start a job we finish it. Text or call for service: 803.840.7765.

RSR Pressure Washing: Residential & Commercial. Homes, buildings, driveways, patios, RVs, campers and more. Raleigh S Reardon. 803-6182452.

HAY

Hoss Luva Hay. Exceptional quality local Coastal Bermuda Hay, Alfalfa mix and Canadian Timothy. Competitively priced. Will deliver state-wide.

Satisfaction Guaranteed. Jim McClain: 803.247.4803

LB Performance Hay. From Farm to Stable. Local and imported hay; large or small quantities. Hay delivery and unloading. Lou Berizzi: 803-640-5484.

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

HELP WANTED

Active Equestrian Farm Looking for full time working Western Equitation or Hunter/Jumper or Eventer rider/Farm manager with or without horse(s) married or single, housing for both. Health plan plus salary & internet. In Aiken SC. Potential Sponsorship opportunity. Send resume to theaikenhorse@gmail.com. Please put “Farm Position” in the subject line.

PETS

Trinity Farms Terriers: Irish Russell Terriers. Old World, Healthy 100 year old. Bloodlines

Retiring Polo Ponies

Several retiring polo ponies soon to be available. Well-trained and well-mannered teenaged horses looking for trail or pleasure riding homes. Plenty of active years left for a lower-level activity. 803-295-8687

Flashy Friesian Morgan

for sale.

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

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

Directory of Services

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

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

HAY

LB Performance Hay. From Farm to Stable. Local and imported hay; large or small quantities. Hay delivery and unloading. Lou Berizzi: 803-640-5484.

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 803.6404207.

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, Keller Williams Realty Aiken Partners. “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. 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.

Index of Advertisers

Advertiser Page SectionAdvertiser

Page Section

Adams Horse and Pet Supplies 47 2

Aiken County Farm Supply 63 2

Aiken Fine Homes and Land 21 1

Aiken Horse Park Foundation 35 2

Aiken Horsemanship Academy 40 2

Aiken Luxury Rentals 27 1

Aiken Polo Club 77 3

Aiken Saddlery, Inc. 51 2

Aiken Steeplechase Association 19 1

Aiken Tack Exchange 41 2

American National Insurance 23 1

Auto Tech 70 3

B & K Grading and Paving 25 1

Banixx 52 2

Barnware 50 2

Be Fly Free 50 2

Brenda’s Angels 25 1

Bridle Creek 32 1

Carol Gillis, DVM 40 2

Carolina Company RE 19 1

Carolina Company RE 92 3

CHAPS 68 3

Clint Bertalan Farms LLC 68 3

Creekside Show Stable 19 1

Decorative Concrete Solutions 45 2

DFG Stables 45 2

Engineered Equine Performance 47 2

Epona 27 1

Equine Divine 53 2

Equine Expressions 11 1

Equine Rescue of Aiken 91 3

Fences by George 44 2

Fields Sawmill 68 3

FOTAS Aiken 66 3

Fox Services 15 1

G L Williams and Daughter 15 1

Grass Court 31 1

Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce 46 2 Highfields 46 2

Janice Holmes 29 1

Jill Diaz Polo 80 3

Jim Fox 23 1

Kate Hutchings 23 1

Keller Williams Stinson 4 1

Keller Williams- Gutierrez 29 1

LEGISequine.com 28 1

Lightning Protection Systems 40 2

LOC Equestrian 53 2

Malvern Federal 29 1

Mark Lexton 27 1

Meybohm RE (Sullivan/Turner) 6 1

Meybohm RE (Sullivan/Turner) 7 1

Meybohm RE Haslup 3 1

Meybohm RE Vaillancourt 2 1

New Bridge Polo Club 34 2

NibbleNet 47 2

Oak Manor Saddlery 40 2

Progressive Show Jumping, Inc 67 3

S & K Keto Foods and Sweets 23 1

Shane Doyle 64 2

Sharer Dale Team RE 12 1

Sharer Dale Team RE 13 1

SNE Cleaning 15 1

South Carolina Equine Park 52 2

Southern Equine Service 71 3

Southern Ridge Excavation 50 2

SPCA Albrecht Center 30 1

Sporting Days Farm 53 2

Stable View, LLC 44 2

Stephen Moss Butler Service 5 1

Supreme Top Form 58 2

Teddi Ismond 50 2

The Kneaded Edge 29 1

The Kneaded Edge 41 2

The Tack Room 58 2

The Vista 53 2

The Willcox/Greystone Inn 5 1

Three Star Vineyard 15 1

Tryon Equine Law 23 1

Whisper Farm 59 2

Horse

Photography by Gary Knoll

October

1 Best of the West Horse Sale. Aiken Training Track, Two Notch Road, Aiken. bestofthewesthorses.com

1 Open Hunt. Shakerag Hounds. 3898 Neese Commerce Rd, Hull, GA. Tara Stricko, 770.312.3438, huntsecretary@ shakeraghounds.com, shakeraghounds.org

1 Schooling Show, Sporting Days Farm, 3549 Charleston Hwy. Aiken, SC Cindy Wood (410) 726 8926 cindy@firefoxfarm. com SportingDaysFarm.com

1 Southern Series. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon. 828.859.9021. frcshows@gmail. com, fence.org

1-2 Cheryl & Co. 9445 Browns Lake Rd, Fairburn, GA. 770.892.2117, info@chatthillseventing.com, chatthillseventing. com

1-2 Palmetto Paint Horse Club. Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden, 803.486.4938, scequinepark. com

2 Fall Hunter Pace. Camden Hunt. Camden. therealcamdenhunt@gmail.com, camdenhunt.com

3-15 National Arena Chairman’s Cup. New Bridge Polo Club. 862 New Bridge Rd, Aiken. 803.644.7706, hbryan2485@aol.com, newbridgepolo.com

5 Schooling Jumpers. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com

5-9 Tryon Fall III. TIEC. Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1011, sarpke@ tryon.com, tryon.com

5-23 National President’s Cup. New Bridge Polo Club. 862 New Bridge Rd, Aiken. 803.644.7706, hbryan2485@aol.com, newbridgepolo.com

7-9 T.I.P. Championships. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com

7-9 Palmetto Pony Club. Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden, 803.486.4938, scequinepark. com

8 Ridge Spring Open Classic Horse Show. 604 Boatwright Road, Ridge Sprng, SC. Ridgespringhorseshow@gmail.com. 843-9571600.

8 Eventing & Dressage Schooling Show.. 9445 Browns Lake Rd, Fairburn, GA. 770.892.2117, info@chatthillseventing.com, chatthillseventing.com

8 Southern Eighths Farm Trail Ride. Wateree Hounds. Camden. 803.669.1590. watereehounds@gmail.com. watereehounds. com

8-9 Cheryl & Co Hunter Jumper Show. Poplar Place Farm, 8191 Highway 27, Hamilton, GA. 706.681.8748, poplarplacefarm. com

8-9 PSJ. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon. 828.859.9021. frcshows@gmail.com, fence.org

8-9 USEF/USDF Fall Dressage by Viewpoint Dressage. Pinehurst Harness Track. Pinehurst, NC. Carolinadressage.com

8-9 Augusta Kennel Club Dog Show. 100 Riverview Park Drive North Augusta. augustakennelclub.org.

9 R adway Eventing Pony Club Show. 4627 Whiskey Road, Aiken. radwayeventing.com

9 Hunter Pace. 9445 Browns Lake Rd, Fairburn, GA. 770.892.2117, info@chatthillseventing.com, chatthillseventing. com

9 Wags, Wine, and Whiskers: 10 Year Celebration of the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare. The Constantine House 3406 Richland Ave W, Aiken, SC. letlovelive.org.

10-16 Aiken Women’s Challenge. Aiken Polo Club, Whitney Field, 420 Mead Ave, Aiken. 803.643.3611. aikenpoloclub@gmail.com, aikenpolo.org

11-16 Tryon Fall III. TIEC. Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1011, sarpke@ tryon.com, tryon.com

12 Schooling Dressage. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com

12-23 Kim Snider Memorial 6-Goal. Wagener Polo Club. 5720 Wagener Rd, Wagener. 803.566.8610, bkrpolo@aol.com,

12-23 USPA George Patton Cup 6- Goal. Aiken Polo Club, Whitney Field, 420 Mead Ave, Aiken. 803.643.3611. aikenpoloclub@gmail.com, aikenpolo.org

12-30 USPA Northrup Knox Cup. New Bridge Polo Club. 862 New Bridge Rd, Aiken. 803.644.7706, hbryan2485@aol.com, newbridgepolo.com

14 Eventing Academy XC Day. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com

14 Fall Bash. Camden Hunt. Camden. therealcamdenhunt@gmail. com, camdenhunt.com

15 Cubbing Starts. Camden Hunt. Camden. therealcamdenhunt@ gmail.com, camdenhunt.com

15 NBHA Barrel Racing. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon. 828.859.9021. frcshows@ gmail.com, fence.org

15 Eventing Academy Schooling Day. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com

15 Twin Chestnuts Farn Fall Festival. 803 Williston Way, Williston, SC. Twinchestnutsfarm@gmail.com.

15 Season Kickoff Oyster Roast. Wateree Hounds. Camden. 803.669.1590. watereehounds@gmail.com. watereehounds. com

16 Grand Opening, Tally-ho Exchange. 2623 Broad St, Camden. 803.427.5425, tallyhoexchange@gmail.com, facebook.com/ tallyhoexchange

15-16 Four Beats for Pleasure. Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden, 803.486.4938, scequinepark. com

15-16 Sedgefield at the Park Fall Show. WHES Schooling Day. Carolina Horse Park. 2814 Montrose rd, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2075, info@carolinahorsepark.com, carolinahorsepark.com

15-16 USEF/USEA Horse Trials. Poplar Place Farm, 8191 Highway 27, Hamilton, GA. 706.681.8748, poplarplacefarm.com

16 Eventing Academy Horse Trials. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com

17-19 Koos de Rinde Driving Clinic at Chateau Log Farm. Horses, ponies, VSEs. Lisa Singer. www.windsortrececde.com; windsortracecde@gmail.com. 610-960-8695.

18-23 Tryon Fall IV. TIEC. Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1011, sarpke@ tryon.com, tryon.com

20 Mane & Shell Oyster Roadt and Low Country Boil at Aiken Equine Rescue. 532 Glenwood Drive, Aiken. Beer, wine, live music, silent auction and raffles. Tickets $80 in advance., available Equine Divine, Aiken Saddlery, JC’s Seafood. aikenequinerescue.com.

20 Whiskey Road Hunt. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com

20 Divertimentos & Dressage. TIEC. Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1011, sarpke@tryon.com, tryon.com

22 Spooktacular Classic. Poplar Place Farm, 8191 Highway 27, Hamilton, GA. 706.681.8748, poplarplacefarm.com

20-30 October at Bruce’s Field I & II. Aiken Horse Park Foundation, 931 Powderhouse Rd, Aiken. 803.830.7077. tara@ aikenhorsepark.org, aikenhorsepark.org

21-23 SCDCTA Championships Show. Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden, 803.486.4938, scequinepark.com

22 Mini Horse Trial at The Vista. 859 Old Tory Trail, Aiken. 803.262.5263, vistaschooling@gmail.com, schoolthevista.com

22-23 T RHC Horse Trials. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon. 828.859.9021. frcshows@gmail. com, fence.org

22-23

WHES October Horse Trials. Carolina Horse Park. 2814 Montrose rd, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2075, info@ carolinahorsepark.com, carolinahorsepark.com

23 Fall Hunter Pace at Fox Nation. Aiken Hounds. Aiken. 803.643.3724, lchickey@gmail.com, theaikenhounds.com

23 Camden Horse & Hound Expo. Camden Hunt. Camden. therealcamdenhunt@gmail.com, camdenhunt.com

26-30 Tryon Fall 6. TIEC. Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1011, sarpke@ tryon.com, tryon.com

26-6

26-6

Eloy Escapite Memorial. Wagener Polo Club. 5720 Wagener Rd, Wagener. 803.566.8610, bkrpolo@aol.com, wagenerpolo. com

USPA Player’s Cup 4-Goal. Aiken Polo Club, Whitney Field, 420 Mead Ave, Aiken. 803.643.3611. aikenpoloclub@gmail.com, aikenpolo.org

26-6 Copa de Plata. New Bridge Polo Club. 862 New Bridge Rd, Aiken. 803.644.7706, hbryan2485@aol.com, newbridgepolo. com

27 Whiskey Road Hunt. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com

28-29 Looking Glass Farm Working Equitation Schooling Day (Saturday) and show (Sunday.) At The Vista. 859 Old Tory Trail, Aiken. Kelly Sigler: ks@kellysigler.com. 803-522-4395.

28-30 South Carolina Quarter Horse Association. Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden, 803.486.4938, scequinepark.com

28-30 Sedgefield at the Park Haunted Classic. Carolina Horse Park. 2814 Montrose rd, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2075, info@ carolinahorsepark.com, carolinahorsepark.com

28-30 BRHJ. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon. 828.859.9021. frcshows@gmail.com, fence.org 28-30 Tryon Fall Dressage 3. TIEC. Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1011, sarpke@tryon.com, tryon.com 29-30 Recognized Horse Trials. 9445 Browns Lake Rd, Fairburn, GA. 770.892.2117, info@chatthillseventing.com, chatthillseventing. com

29 Opening Hunt. Shakerag Hounds. 3898 Neese Commerce Rd, Hull, GA. Tara Stricko, 770.312.3438, huntsecretary@ shakeraghounds.com, shakeraghounds.org

29 Opening Cubbing and Halloween Hunt. Wateree Hounds. Camden. 803.669.1590. watereehounds@gmail.com. watereehounds.com

29 Halloween Joint Meet with Goodwin Hounds. Camden Hunt. Camden. therealcamdenhunt@gmail.com, camdenhunt.com

29 Fall Steeplechase. Steeplechase Racecourse, 2020 Richland Ave East, Aiken. Jessical Miller: 803.648.9641. info@ aikensteeplechase.com, aikensteeplechase.com

30 Dancing Horses Equestrian Center Horse Trials and Dressage Show. 149 Moseley Road, Williston, SC. dancinghorsesaiken. com. (207) 210-7900. dancinghorses@rocketmail.com

30 Halloween Fun and Games Show. Full Gallop Farm, 3828 Wagener Rd, Aiken. Lara Anderson: 803. 215.6590, fullgallopfarm@yahoo.com, fullgallopfarm.com

November

2 Schooling Jumpers. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com

3 Whiskey Road Hunt. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com

3-4 Eventing & Dressage Schooling Show, SESSC.. 9445 Browns Lake Rd, Fairburn, GA. 770.892.2117, info@ chatthillseventing.com, chatthillseventing.com

3-6 Windsor Trace CDE. Chateau Log Farm; 1060 Curb Chain Lane. Lisa Singer. www.windsortrececde.com; windsortracecde@gmail.com. 610-960-8695.

3-6 USEF/USHJA B-Rated Hunter/Jumper Fall Finale. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@ stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com

3-6 ECCO. 9445 Browns Lake Rd, Fairburn, GA. 770.892.2117, info@chatthillseventing.com, chatthillseventing.com

4 Picnic at Tea Cottage. Aiken Hounds. Aiken. 803.643.3724, lchickey@gmail.com, theaikenhounds.com

4-6 Alabama Hunter Jumper Finals. Poplar Place Farm, 8191 Highway 27, Hamilton, GA. 706.681.8748, poplarplacefarm. com

4-6 Tryon Fall 7. TIEC. Mill Spring, NC. 828.863.1011, sarpke@ tryon.com, tryon.com

5 Schooling Show and Awards Banquet. Sporting Days Farm, 3549 Charleston Hwy. Aiken, SC Cindy Wood (410) 726 8926 cindy@firefoxfarm.com SportingDaysFarm.com

5 Dressage T-o-C. Full Gallop Farm, 3828 Wagener Rd, Aiken. Lara Anderson: 803. 215.6590, fullgallopfarm@yahoo.com, fullgallopfarm.com

5 Combined Test. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon. 828.859.9021. frcshows@gmail. com, fence.org

5 Opening Meet. Belle Meade Hunt. 4018 Writsboro rd, Thomson, GA. ke4nnr@classicsouth.net, bellemeadehunt.org

5-6 NCDCTA Autumn Leaves USEF/USDF Dressage. Carolina Horse Park. 2814 Montrose rd, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2075, info@carolinahorsepark.com, carolinahorsepark.com

5-6 Hammond Interscholastic Equestrian Association. Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden, 803.486.4938, scequinepark.com

6 Recognized Horse Trials. Full Gallop Farm, 3828 Wagener Rd, Aiken. Lara Anderson: 803. 215.6590, fullgallopfarm@yahoo. com, fullgallopfarm.com

6 Celebration Series Hunter Pace. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com

6 87th Annual Hunter Trials. Camden Hunt. Camden. therealcamdenhunt@gmail.com, camdenhunt.com

7 Tiki Bow Wow: A Hawaiian Holiday Thrift Store Party. SPCA Mitchell Plaza Thrift Store 1589 Whiskey Road, Aiken, SC letlovelive.org.

9 Schooling Dressage. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com

9-13 Aiken International CSI2*. Aiken Horse Park Foundation, 931 Powderhouse Rd, Aiken. 803.830.7077. tara@aikenhorsepark. org, aikenhorsepark.org

9-13 Wonderful Weekend in Ward. The Ward Trail Ride. 209 Ward Ave. Ward ,SC. Joanne: jandastables@gmail.com. thewardride. com.

10-20 Equus Events. 9445 Browns Lake Rd, Fairburn, GA. 770.892.2117, info@chatthillseventing.com, chatthillseventing. com

11 WHES Schooling Day. Carolina Horse Park. 2814 Montrose rd, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2075, info@carolinahorsepark.com, carolinahorsepark.com

11 ADC Fall Weekend. Aiken Driving Club, Aiken. Peggy Dils, 803-295-6785 dilsaiken@gmail.com aikendrivingclub.com americandrivingsociety.org

12 CT & Dressage at The Vista. 859 Old Tory Trail, Aiken. 803.262.5263, vistaschooling@gmail.com, schoolthevista.com

12

Trot Horse Show. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon. 828.859.9021. frcshows@gmail. com, fence.org

12 Hunt Night at Camden Winter Classic. Wateree Hounds. Camden. 803.669.1590. watereehounds@gmail.com. watereehounds.com

12-13 Doma Menorquina Dressage Cinic. Mounted clinic and Dressage demo by Maite Bonet followed by wine and appetisers Magnolia Shadows Equestrian Resort. Ridge Spring, SC. kellysigler.com. Kelly Sigler: ks@kellysigler.com. 803-522-4395. 12-13 WHES Championships. Carolina Horse Park. 2814 Montrose rd, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2075, info@carolinahorsepark.com, carolinahorsepark.com

12-13 Cheryl & Co Hunter Jumper Show. Poplar Place Farm, 8191 Highway 27, Hamilton, GA. 706.681.8748, poplarplacefarm. com

12-13

Camden Winter Classic Hunter Jumper. Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden, 803.486.4938, scequinepark.com

13 Fall Gathering. Camden Hunt. Camden. therealcamdenhunt@ gmail.com, camdenhunt.com

13 ADC Fall Audubon Drive. Aiken Driving Club. Audubon Silver Bluff Center, Jackson, SC. Peggy Dils, 803-2956785 dilsaiken@gmail.com aikendrivingclub.com americandrivingsociety.org

13 Combined Test. Full Gallop Farm, 3828 Wagener Rd, Aiken. Lara Anderson: 803. 215.6590, fullgallopfarm@yahoo.com, fullgallopfarm.com

13 R adway Eventing Pony Club Show. 4627 Whiskey Road, Aiken. radwayeventing.com

18 Eventing Academy XC Day. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com

19 The V ista HunterPace. Closing date November 15; late entries accepted. 859 Old Tory Trail, Aiken. 803.262.5263, vistaschooling@gmail.com, schoolthevista.com

19 Eventing Academy Schooling Day. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com

19 Twin Chestnuts Farm Fun Show. Hunter and Jumper schooling show for all ages and experience levels. 803 Williston Way, Williston, SC. Twinchestnutsfarm@gmail.com.

19 Fall Tack Sale to benefit the Gaston Livery Stable. 1315 Richland Avenue East. Aiken. Sponsored by the Aiken Driving Club. Sellers fees: $25 per table. Sue Dougherty, 803-5226914.

19 Year End Schooling Show Harvest Classic. Poplar Place Farm, 8191 Highway 27, Hamilton, GA. 706.681.8748, poplarplacefarm.com

19 Southern Series. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon. 828.859.9021. frcshows@gmail. com, fence.org

20 Eventing Academy Horse Trials. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com

24 Opening Meet and Blessing of the Hounds at Memorial Gate. Aiken Hounds. Aiken. 803.643.3724, lchickey@gmail.com, theaikenhounds.com

24 Opening Meet. Camden Hunt. Camden. therealcamdenhunt@ gmail.com, camdenhunt.com

25 Horses and Hero’s at Historic Camden. Wateree Hounds. Camden. 803.669.1590. watereehounds@gmail.com. watereehounds.com

26 Opening Meet at Macburn. Wateree Hounds. Camden. 803.669.1590. watereehounds@gmail.com. watereehounds. com

27

Towell-Ellis Clinic at Finally Farm. Wateree Hounds. Camden. 803.669.1590. watereehounds@gmail.com. watereehounds. com

27 Whiskey Road Hunt. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com

27 Aiken Dog Walk at the Steeplechase Course. 1-3 PM. Wak for Charity. Find Aiken Dog Walks on Facebook.

December

1-4 South Carolina Hunter Jumper Association Finals. Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden, 803.486.4938, scequinepark.com

1-18 Aiken December Classics I, II, & III. Aiken Horse Park Foundation, 931 Powderhouse Rd, Aiken. 803.830.7077. tara@ aikenhorsepark.org, aikenhorsepark.org

3 USEA/USEF Horse Trials. Sporting Days Farm, 3549 Charleston Hwy. Aiken, SC Cindy Wood (410) 726 8926 cindy@firefoxfarm.com SportingDaysFarm.com

3-4 Sedgefield at the Park Winter Classic. Carolina Horse Park. 2814 Montrose rd, Raeford, NC. 910.875.2075, info@ carolinahorsepark.com, carolinahorsepark.com

4 Whiskey Road Hunt. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com

7 Schooling Jumpers. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com

8 2023 New Dressage Test Clinic. Guest Judge/Commentator: Kristi Wysocki “S” Dressage Judge Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aik en. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm. com, stableviewfarm.com

10 NBHA Barrel Racing. Foothills Equestrian Nature Center. 3381 Hunting Country Rd, Tryon. 828.859.9021. frcshows@ gmail.com, fence.org

10 The Wateree Christmas Party. Wateree Hounds. Camden. 803.669.1590. watereehounds@gmail.com. watereehounds. com

10 Joint Meet with Whiskey Rd. Camden Hunt. Camden. therealcamdenhunt@gmail.com, camdenhunt.com

10 Christmas Drive. Aiken Driving Club. The Vista, 859 Old Tory Trail, Aiken. Peggy Dils, 803-295-6785 dilsaiken@gmail.com aikendrivingclub.com americandrivingsociety.org

10-11 USEF/USDF “Winter Wonderland” Dressage. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@ stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com

10-11 USDF/USEF Winter Series Dressage I & II. Poplar Place Farm, 8191 Highway 27, Hamilton, GA. 706.681.8748, poplarplacefarm.com

10-11 IEA Show. Carolina Equine Park (SCEP), 443 Cleveland School Road, Camden, 803.486.4938, scequinepark.com

11 R adway Eventing Pony Club Show & Year End Awards.. 4627 Whiskey Road, Aiken. radwayeventing.com

12-14 L ilo Fore Clinic. Poplar Place Farm, 8191 Highway 27, Hamilton, GA. 706.681.8748, poplarplacefarm.com

16 Eventing Academy XC Day. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com

17 Eventing Academy Schooling Day. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com

17 13th Annual Hoofbeats & Christmas Carols Parade. Santa Claus, horses, carriages, dogs, and elves parading through downtown Aiken. 2:00-4:00 PM. sam@samandjerry.com

17 Children’s Drag and Christmas Hunt at Green Boundary Club. Aiken Hounds. Aiken. 803.643.3724, ] lchickey@gmail.com, theaikenhounds.com

17 Twin Chestnuts Farm Fun Show. Hunter and Jumper schooling show for all ages and experience levels. 803 Williston Way, Williston, SC. Twinchestnutsfarm@gmail.com.

17 Junior Hunt. Camden Hunt. Camden. therealcamdenhunt@ gmail.com, camdenhunt.com

18 Eventing Academy Horse Trials. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com

18 Christmas Party. Camden Hunt. Camden. therealcamdenhunt@gmail.com, camdenhunt.com

21 Junior Hunt at Macburn. Wateree Hounds. Camden. 803.669.1590. watereehounds@gmail.com. watereehounds. com

26 Whiskey Road Hunt. Stable View, LLC 117 Stable Drive, Aiken. 484.356.3173, info@stableviewfarm.com, stableviewfarm.com

26 Boxing Day Hunt at Fox Nation. Aiken Hounds. Aiken. 803.643.3724, lchickey@gmail.com, theaikenhounds.com

28 Junior Hunt. Camden Hunt. Camden. therealcamdenhunt@ gmail.com, camdenhunt.com

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Thomas and Louise Hitchcock on the Hunt

Louise and Thomas Hitchcock started spending the colder months in Aiken soon after they were married in 1891. Louise had passed her childhood winters in Aiken, brought there by her aunt and guardian Celestine Eustis after the death of her parents in France. Both Louise’s parents had died of tuberculosis and Aiken’s climate was thought to be protective against the disease. To guard against any sickly tendencies, Louise was encouraged to spend as much time as possible engaged in outdoor activities, horseback riding being chief among them.

Both Hitchcocks were passionate equestrians as well as sociable people, and they immediately started inviting their New York friends down to spend the winters with them enjoying horses, the outdoors and Aiken’s mild winter climate. The Hitchcocks were not the founders of the Aiken Winter Colony (after all, residents of Northern states had already been coming to Aiken for decades when the Hitchcocks first arrived) but they did become the colony’s guiding lights. They played polo, foxhunted and shot quail. Mr. Hitchcock used the woods that would later bear his name to train his steeplechase horses. Mrs. Hitchcock taught polo to the students of Aiken Prep which she founded (boys) and the Fermata

School (girls), created by her niece Marie Eustis Hofmann. They established the Aiken Hounds and were instrumental in the creation and running of the Aiken Horse Show. Most of all they were forward thinking people, dedicated to preserving the sporting life in the city that they loved so much.

Even with all that has changed and developed since the days of the first Aiken Winter Colony, it would be impossible to enjoy Aiken’s equestrian life without acknowledging a debt to Thomas and Louise Hitchcock, who, along with their friend William Collins Whitney, established the foundations of Aiken’s horse culture and were generous enough to put their land in trust for future generations to enjoy, giving us the Hitchcock Woods and Whitney Polo Field among other things.

The Hitchcocks continued to come to Aiken and participate in all the horse sports the city offered until Mrs. Hitchcock’s death in 1934 and Mr. Hitchcock’s in 1941. Both are members of the Museum of Polo Hall of Fame, and both are remembered as inspirational people with an unconditional love for horses and the equestrian life.

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