THOROUGHBRED, SOUTH CAROLINA–FEBRUARY 2019–South Carolina’s Thoroughbred Country is an equestrian lover’s dream destination situated along I-20, between Atlanta and Charleston–just east of Augusta, Georgia. Find amazing panoramas of rolling, picturesque countryside dotted with plantation homes, historical sites and antique shops in this fabulous stretch of real estate. And, if you’re a fan of horsing around, then you’re in the right place with a myriad of events including polo matches, tournaments, races, stable tours and more. Here are five special events and experiences for equestrian enthusiasts to enjoy in Thoroughbred Country.
Polo in Thoroughbred Country
Post-Revolutionary War times found the old Barnwell District knee-deep in raising thoroughbred horses, so it only stands to reason that racing and polo would be popular pastimes in this area of the Carolinas, drawing fans and visitors from all over. Spectators seem to enjoy polo as much as the participants, especially matches played at Whitney Field (where polo has the longest continuous period of play of any field in the country–since 1882) like those associated with the Triple Crown event.
There are two seasons for polo: spring (April to mid-June) and fall (September to mid-November). Each holds a schedule of club matches, special events and practices. Coordinate your travel dates with Aiken Polo Club events and catch a fantastic match sure to be the highlight of your trip.
Harness Races kicks off racing season
In March, McGhee’s Mile Harness Races officially kicks off racing season in Thoroughbred Country. Harness racing is always fun to watch and you can up the ante of your visit by upgrading to a railside ticket. It’s a game changer!
The Aiken Triple Crown–The Trials
March and April are special times of celebrating horses in the City of Aiken with three weekends of racing known as the Aiken Triple Crown. Come and appreciate these races including trials, steeplechasing and polo events that have been a part of the Triple Crown since 1942. Young horses in training garner opportunities for real racing experience in time-honored traditions like the Aiken Trials, the first leg of Aiken’s Triple Crown events attended by many spectators each year. Held at the Aiken Training Track, this fundraising event with a family-friendly atmosphere offers six races throughout the Trials program. An interesting side note is that the jockeys are local exercise riders, so they are genuinely excited to enjoy their time in the spotlight.
The Aiken Triple Crown–Aiken Spring Steeplechase
Steeplechasing has been an Aiken tradition for 53 years and is the most attended portion of the yearly Triple Crown. Held at the Aiken Steeplechase Racecourse, visitors can expect a jam-packed schedule full of exciting events such as hat and crazy pants contests, the carriage parade and, of course, the races.
The Aiken Triple Crown–Pacers and Polo
The third and final leg of the Aiken Triple Crown is Pacers and Polo which consists of an opening ceremony, six seven-minute chukkers, a 20-minute intermission and an awards ceremony. Facilitated by the Aiken Polo Club (along with University of South Carolina Aiken and The Pacer Club), this grand finale event is held at the Powderhouse Polo Field.
Extra, extra. . .
If these five ideas just aren’t enough, BYOH–that’s Bring Your Own Horse! King Creek Campground in Allendale County is popular for trail riding and horse camping with lots of groomed trails and campsites. History buffs should add a visit to Broxton Bridge Plantation near Ehrhardt where horse trails, camping and a huge variety of additional outdoor activities can keep a family busy for days. To both, bring your own horse for trail riding.
Outside of racing season, check out one of the biggest shows of the year–the Aiken Horse Show. At the end of March, spectators may come and view the beautiful show grounds and take in the competition free of charge (the show is free to those who hike in via any of the Woods’s seven main entrances, but drivers will make a $10 parking donation to the Hitchcock Woods Foundation–show beneficiary). Feel free to bring a picnic lunch or choose from local concessions or a catered lunch under the big tent. Enjoy a family-friendly event and support a charity–win-win!
And, last but far from least, Stable View is noteworthy in equestrian-centered Aiken. A new, upscale equestrian training facility, Stable View offers a myriad of amenities designed to offer a comprehensive training center. This grand event and training center is worth a visit with its main barn, covered arena, pastures, kennels, outdoor arena and dressage arena. Gallop and Derby Field are newer additions that bring a new level of training and competition to the area which already attracts folks searching for a high-level of equestrian complements. For more equestrian-related experiences in South Carolina’s Thoroughbred Country, visit the website at www.TBredCountry.org.