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 throughout the entire weekend.
Driving into the Woods is only permitted for the show. A donation for trail maintenance of $10 per car/day or $25 for all 3 days is requested. Parking passes can be purchased in the office before the show or during the event at Memorial Gate, which you pass driving into the show.
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 Riding 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.
