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Soak Up Aiken's
Southern Charm
Y
ou won't find many towns in the American
south more historically horsey than Aiken, s.C.
it's been a favorite winter getaway for sportsmen
for more than a century, and it's just as popular today
with visiting foxhunters, eventers, hunters and jumpers.
But for many other equestrians, Aiken is the perfect
full-time base. e climate is temperate enough for rid-
ing outdoors year round—the sandy south Carolina soil
rarely freezes—and there's still enough open land for
plenty of cross-country schooling and turnouts galore.
if you're heading to south Carolina this winter look-
ing to compete, there are plenty of options—from the
psJ shows held at the highfields event Center to horse
trials at full gallop farm, paradise farm and sport-
ing days farm. ere are also dressage competitions,
polo, steeplechases and the renowned Aiken hounds,
established in 1914. if you just want plenty of hacking,
make sure to check out the 2,100-acre hitchcock woods
foundation.
"it really is a hidden gem," says grand prix dressage
rider shawna harding of the city where she spends most
of her year. "You can go anywhere in your riding boots,
and no one is going to look at you funny. it's a small town
with everything, and everyone knows everyone. we have
great social gatherings, like the steeplechase twice a year,
that really make the little town come alive."
B y li s A s l A d e
