Whether you are an equestrian, outdoor enthusiast, history buff, local business, or simply appreciate rich new experiences, the Aiken Horse Show has something for you! Established by Mrs. Hitchcock in 1916, the Aiken Horse Show has retained its rustic charm and remains one of the foremost equestrian competitions in Aiken. Best of all, this prestigious show takes place where it has for the last 110 years—in the middle of beautiful Hitchcock Woods!
Spectators are invited to enjoy the beautiful show grounds, setting, horses, classes, and courses FREE throughout the entire weekend. The show is free for those who hike in through any of the Woods’ seven main entrances. Hiking in is not encouraged via the South Boundary entrance due to vehicular traffic.
Spectators can enjoy three full days of competition while taking in the unique atmosphere of Hitchcock Woods. Bring your own picnic lunch to enjoy on the picnic tables, purchase lunch from the concession stand, or reserve a ticket for a beautiful catered luncheon under the Big Hitchcock Tent.
Whether you are an equestrian, outdoor enthusiast, history buff, local business, or simply appreciate rich new experiences, the Aiken Horse Show has something for you! Established by Mrs. Hitchcock in 1916, the Aiken Horse Show has retained its rustic charm and remains one of the foremost equestrian competitions in Aiken. Best of all, this prestigious show takes place where it has for the last 110 years—in the middle of beautiful Hitchcock Woods!
Attracts some of the most polished performances of the weekend. The day starts with the $750 Aiken Hounds Welcome Stakes and ends with the $1,000 Aiken Horse Show Open Handy Hunter Stakes. During the day, the Open Hunter and Amateur divisions bring in accomplished competitors from around the region. Because there are only eight classes on this day, expect the action to be over rather early in the afternoon.
First up is the Children’s Walk Trot division open to children 12 and under. Next comes the Walk-Trot- Canter, followed by Open Pleasure, Pairs, and then two divisions for young horses. Leadline, featuring the smallest and youngest children begins around noon. The ever-popular Costume Class comes soon afterward: there is always something inventive and interesting to see here. Saturday is also the day for Family Class, a Therapeutic Ricing class and the Junior Hunter division. The most prestigious class of the day is the last one, the $500 Aiken Horse Show Junior Handy Stakes.
Tailored to active Foxhunting riders and their horses. For many of the exhibitors on Sunday, their sport is riding to hounds rather than showing, and this may be the only time all year they enter a show ring. This day also includes popular classes such as the Gentleman’s Hunter Under Saddle Challenge and the $250 Aiken Driving Club Silver Fox Challenge, for senior riders. Don’t miss the sidesaddle division Sunday afternoon: Aiken has an active population of sidesaddle riders, and their division includes a formal under saddle class, as well as an over fences class.
The Foxhunter Division, also on Sunday afternoon, is possibly the most hotly contested of the show. This division is open to horses and riders that have hunted at least three times together during the season. Not only does this division offer attractive prize money, it also has a special distinction. Everyone is always eager to see who will be crowned Foxhunter Champion, earning the right to be featured on the cover of next year’s Aiken Horse Show program.
