Going equestrian in Aiken County
With at least one or two more inevitable snowfalls ahead of us, my husband and I decided to look South for a vacation that would give us a jumpstart on spring. Some place we could finally get outdoors and shake off the cabin fever we’d experienced since the holidays. Inspiration struck when I discovered Aiken County, South Carolina, an equestrian destination known for horse-filled days and the slow, relaxing evenings that make the South so ideal for vacations.

A fashionable destination
After more research, I learned that Aiken County had become famous in the late nineteenth century as a winter colony for “American royalty” from the northeast—families with names like Astor and Vanderbilt. Over time, more and more snowbirds were drawn to Aiken County’s moderate climate and horse-friendly sandy soil.

While not exactly royalty, my husband and I are horse lovers, and it was easy to fill up our itinerary with a wish list of activities, from trail rides to fox hunts and polo lessons. This would be a vacation filled with muddy boots and grass stains, and we couldn’t wait.

Compared to all of the other new experiences (like fox hunting and polo) we’d included on our itinerary, trail riding was something I was very familiar with, as I’d spent many a day wandering the trails near our home. One thing I was not expecting was the breathtaking natural beauty we’d encounter on our ride.

Aiken County, which has more than 65 miles of trails for visitors to enjoy, is positioned between the foothills and the famed Lowcountry of South Carolina, which explains the striking variety found in its natural surroundings. One moment, we’d find ourselves under the massive canopy of majestic oaks, and the next we were trotting past dogwoods and wild azaleas. While I was enamored by the landscape, my husband, an amateur birder, could barely contain his excitement each time he spotted a new species. In fact, I must have heard him shout out the names of at least four different types of woodpeckers alone.

Our day on the trails left us both relaxed and energized for the days to come, making it the perfect start to our equestrian vacation.

Running with the dogs
The morning of our fox hunt started with a light mist that gave way just in time to set out, although even a driving rain wouldn’t have been able to dampen our enthusiasm.

Surrounded by horse and hound, the experience felt timeless, with seemingly every detail—down to the designated roles and attire—steeped in tradition. Even though neither of us had ever participated in a hunt, the scene felt familiar, as if having stepped into a painting we’d admired for years. The hunt was organized into two groups of horseback riders—first flight and hill-topper. Even from our “hill-topper” perspective a fair ways behind the dogs and the first group, it was easy to get caught up in the majesty of the experience. We aspired to be “first flight” riders, watching and admiring as they kept a frantic pace behind the hounds, jumping over every obstacle in their way.

Once the quarry had gone to ground, and the hounds had been called off for the last time, we gathered back at the stables with our fellow riders to trade our favorite stories from the day.

When we arrived at Overbrook Farms, located just outside of the city of Aiken, for our polo lessons, I was feeling equally excited and nervous. For me, staying upright on a horse was a good thing. However, having a pro at my side to walk me through the basics of leaning put me at ease right away, and pretty soon the exhilarating thrill of trying something new took over. I found myself as comfortable at the horse’s flank as I had been upright in the saddle!

Suffice it to say, we walked away from the lesson with a new appreciation for the game.

It was with this new appreciation that we watched the professionals do their thing at the Aiken Polo Club, an established polo club with well over 100 years of history. Never ones to turn down hospitality, my husband and I opted to enjoy the match from the social tent, where fashionable dresses and stylish suits meet mouthwatering barbecue and specialty cocktails. Surrounded by such an enthusiastic and friendly crowd, we found that their love for the sport was contagious.

Spending a week playing in this equestrian paradise was truly a vacation unlike any other, and it was just the break we needed from our chilly hometown. And while we were leaving Aiken County no closer to royalty than when we arrived, the memories and experiences we took with us were fit for a king and queen.

The Southeast has something for everyone. Discover the trip that’s perfect for YOU.

Highfields
118 Gaston St., NE, Aiken.
803-649-3505
www.psjshows.com
9am-3pm
Banquet rental facility in covered area equestrian event facility.

Stable View
117 Stable Dr., Aiken.
484-356-3173
Hours 9am – 5pm
www.stableviewfarm.com
1,000-acre recreational venue with premiere training facility for equestrians, 15 miles of trails for bird watchers/nature lovers, LEED Gold certified pavilion for weddings and corporate retreats, and 22 professionally designed accommodations for overnight guests.

Overbrook Farms
2030 Gallop Hill Ln., Wagener.
803-646-8350
Offers a chance to try polo in a beginner friendly relaxed game.

Aiken Equine Rescue
532 Glenwood Dr., Aiken.
803-643-1850
www.aikenequinerescue.org
Tour the Aiken Equine Rescue facility and meet the horses. Tours are on Monday – Saturday from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. Tours are free, donations are welcome.

Great Oak Equine Assisted Programs
1123 Edgefield Hwy., Aiken.
803-226-0056
www.greatoakeap.org
Great Oak provides equine assisted activities that promote the physical, emotional, and psychological health of individuals with disabilities. Our programs are the catalyst for unbridled personal growth and awareness. A proud Member Center of PATH International and all of our instructors are Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors with PATH International.

Devonwood Farm
215 Woodward Dr., Aiken.
803-502-1000
www.devonwoodfarms.com
Offers riding lessons for adults and children and summer camps for children.

Full Gallop Farm
3828 Wagener Rd., Aiken.
www.fullgallopfarm.com
803-215-6590
Hosts events and provides lessons, boarding, and rehab.

Sporting Days Farm
3549 Charleston Hwy., Aiken.
803-649-7075
www.sportingdaysfarm.com
Trails, dressage court, pavilion, stables, electric and water hookups, wash rack, paddocks and cross country obstacles.

The Vista Schooling and Event Center
859 Old Tory Trail., Aiken.
803-262-5263
www.schoolthevista.com
Offering dressage arenas, derby stadium jumping arenas, and cross-country schooling.

Almost Heaven Stables
220 Golf Course Rd., Warrenville.
803-646-1021
Offering 3 obstacle courses, 30 acres of trails, and use of the arena for those who want to haul in their personal horses. For only $30 per person CASH (subject to change). Boarding available. Call Valerie for more information and to schedule use of these amenities.

New Holland Acres
1514 Old 96 Indian Trail, Batesburg.
Offering Rodeos – Broncs, bulls, roping, barrel racing. Partners with New Holland Fire Department to do educational events. Equine education, fall festivals, trunk or treat for Halloween, seasonal events.

Bridlewood Farm
597 Redds Branch Rd., Aiken.
770-309-2210
www.bridlewoodaiken.com
Hunter and jumper facility specializing in training, showing, boarding and horse sales. Open by appointment only.

Daniel Geitner Stables, Inc.
1224 Sizemore Rd., Aiken.
803-270-0574
www.dfgstables.net
Training, boarding, sales and show facility for hunters and jumpers.

Greystone Farms
4230 Wagener Rd., Aiken.
803-522-3648
www.greystonefarmsaiken.com
Boarding and training facility with a focus on hunter/jumper and dressage.

McGhee’s Mile
620 Banks Mill Rd., Aiken.
803-617-8511
Training center with polo accommodations and stalls.

Jumping Branch Farm
179 Fox Pond Rd., Aiken.
240-460-1094
www.JBfarm.com
Best known for its Beginner Novice through Preliminary cross country courses that are inviting, yet challenging to both horse and rider at the various levels. Host of several recognized schooling shows including dressage and combined tests, horse trials and derbies.

New Era Farm, LLC
1720 Wire Rd., Aiken.
803-262-5434
www.newerafarm.com
Riding lessons offered for children 5 yrs. and up, adults of all ages in a safe professional environment. Covered arena, available for rent.