Until recently I was the girl who’s idea of “riding” involved a girl scout uniform and a single row of horses meandering through a pseudo forest.  That was until I began exploring what it means to be “equestrian” in Aiken, South Carolina and the Girl Scout in me got much more than she bargained for!
                                                                                                  
In selecting a “jumping” point into the equestrian scene, I choose initially to lean on the familiar.  Polo was something I had seen in a very good movie once,  and because the venues for this sport in Aiken are plenty and well appointed I  resolved myself to the opinion that Polo was the end all, be all of  ”equestrian.” I could have spent half a lifetime with this equestrian discipline alone.  The numerous polo fields, the many clubs, the organizations focused on giving back to a community they call home, it was mind boggling.

 It was not until a breath of fresh air, with a lot of “horse sense” joined The Team That is True South Communities that I became properly schooled on what equestrian really meant.  Kristy, our resident horse expert, encouraged me to do some research on the many different types of “horse” events and disciplines that make up the culture that is “equestrian” in Aiken, South Carolina. 

Before long, I was mesmerized.  The field of Equestrian Sports is as deep as it is wide and as rough as it is classy.  It speaks a language all its own and it is reserved for those who understand that greatness can be found on dirt road leading next to the Track Kitchen, in a backyard arena, in a community riding ring such as the one at Kings Ridge, on a Polo field, during a fox hunt, or while watching your eight year old during a pony show. 

Greatness in Aiken is found wherever horse hooves meet the earth, and in a town filled with amazing shopping venues, world class culture, and award winning higher learning, that kind of greatness holds a reward all its own.  It is the reward that is found on an early morning ride just as the morning dew is settling on green pastures.  The reward that comes when women grounded in Southern Charm and character, Steel Magnolias to the very core, put on a pair of riding pants, strap on a helmet and eat dust on a trail full gallop all alone and men, women, and children riding atop creatures almost too beautiful for words in a game rich with tradition.

 Yes, in Aiken, there is much greatness to be found!

Dressage-  Competitive dressage has the goal of showing the horse carrying out, on request, the natural movements that it performs without thinking while running loose
United States Dressage Association

Endurance Training- Endurance Racing is one of the fastest growing equestrian sports internationally. This is like a Marathon for horses as opposed to a sprint.  American Endurance Riding Conference    USA Eventing Association

Eventing- Team or individual sport involving dressage, cross country, and jumping.

Equitation-  Reigning refers to a class of English riding in which the rider is judged on maintaining correct riding position and controlling the horse.
Show Jumping- from wikipedia: also known as “stadium jumping” or “jumpers,” is a member of a family of English riding equestrian events that also includes dressage, eventing, hunters and equitation. Jumping classes are commonly seen at horse shows throughout the world, including the Olympics.United States Equestrian Federation

Rodeo- A sporting event where contestants show their skills in riding horses, roping cattle, bull riding, barrel racing, and other activities involved in ranching.and some times pole bending and some other events.  National Pro Rodeo Association

Pole Bending- is a timed event that features a and one mounted rider, running a weaving or serpentine path around six poles arranged in a line.
(from wikipedia) The rider will take up a gallop and run past all the poles turning at the last pole. The rider and horse will make a serpentine path through the poles, that is, passing on alternating hands and leads through the poles. When the last pole is reached, the horse and rider continue in a mirror pattern through the poles back to the first one. When the pattern is completed the horse and rider then gallop back past the poles and through the timer. If the rider knocks over a pole he will be penalized, resulting in either disqualification from the event or a 5-second penalty  National Pole Bending Association

Fox Hunting-Fox hunting is an activity involving the tracking, and chase of a fox, traditionally a red fox, by trained foxhounds or other scent hounds, and a group of followers led by a master of foxhounds, who follow the hounds on foot or on horseback.  Masters of Fox Hunting Association

Polo- from the “free” dictionary:a game like hockey played on horseback with long-handled mallets and a wooden ball.  US Polo Association

Hacking- Riding a horse for pleasure Hitchcock Woods is a great place in Aiken for this!

Steeplechase-  A horse race across open country or over an obstacle course National Steeplechase Association

Carriage Driving Competition-  The driver steers a carriage while a horse or team of horses pulls the carriage during a competition.  This is called, driving a horse rather than riding it. The National Carriage Driving Association

Polocrosse- a goal game combining elements of polo, lacrosse, and netball played by teams of six players mounted on horseback and using a sponge rubber ball and a stick with a head like that of a cross and a handle and shaft like those of a polo stick http://www.americanpolocrosse.org/

Four Board Fences- Like those found in Kings Ridge!  A little more than three four board fencing is also called Kentucky Style fencing and is indicative of an owners willingness to spend a little more protecting his or her livestock and property. 

Aiken, it is everything you hope it will be, and for this girl scout, so very much more!

This Weeks Theme is Spring is Busting out All Over in Aiken, SC!

1) Monday, May 3rd through Saturday, May 8th join in the Celebrate Aiken activities as Jim Harrison “Scenes of Aiken” Exhibition is shown at the Aiken Center for the Arts, 122 Laurens St., Aiken. View the poster nationally know artist, Harrison has completed for the 175th anniversary celebration. For more information call 803-641-9094 or visit www.aikencenterforthearts.org

2) Tuesday, May 4th, 2010 attend an 1830′s Picnic and Lawn Party to be held at the Rye Patch as part of the ongoing Celebrate Aiken event schedule. Admission is free-bring your own lunch.

3) WWE Smackdown at the USCA Convocation Center, 375 Robert Bell Pkwy., Aiken. www.Georgialinatix.com or call 803-643-6901 for more information.

4) Join the Aiken Bicycling Club for a Saturday ride. Rides are held every Saturday beginning at 8:00 a.m. at the Odell Weeks Activity Center. Contact: tjlexc5@aol.com for more information

5) The lobster race will be held again in downtown Aiken. Join the fun and participate in lobster races, music and lots of great food. Call 803.649.9500 or visit www.lobsterrace.com for more information.

6) The Sixth Annual Aiken Garden Show will be held on May 7th and 8th and is sponsored by the Aiken County Historical Society. More information 803.641.6777. Proceeds to benefit Aiken Land Conservancy & Aiken Garden Club Council.

7) The Aiken Library will hold a book signing on Tuesday, May 4th at 6:00 p.m. with author Susan Richards. Richards book Saddled has just been released.

Birds and Butterflies Nature Series Begins at 7:00 pm on May 4th. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED call; 803-649-7999. Shop discounts & special door prizes and refreshments at each seminar at Birds & Butterflies.

9) May 9th and every Sunday attend a polo match at Whitney Field. Matches begin at 3:00 p.m. 803- 643-3611 for more information.

10) Enjoy a weekly vocal review. Hosted by the Wilcox Inn on Saturday’s during the summer beginning at 6:00 p.m. and lasting until 8:00 p.m. Vocals from times long past will be performed in the main lobby of the Hotel. Call 803-648-1898 for more details.

**** for entertainment purposes only. May contain errors.

1)  Attend an evening of dance and art at the USCA Convocation Center on Thursday night the 25th at 7:00.  The Columbia Classical Ballet presents “Cabaret”and evening filled with a variety of dance acumen! 

More Information:  706-262-4573

2)     Enjoy a historical walking tour of downtown Aiken as part of the year long Celebrate Aiken festivities.  The tour begins at Aiken Preparatory School at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 27th, rain or shine!

More Information: 803-648-7612

3)  Have fun at a Jumping Derby… equestrian style!  Hosted by Paradise Farm on Wednesday, February 24th, 2010. 

More Information:  leslie@paradisefarmaiken.com

4)  Enjoy a historical presentation at the Living History Park in North Augusta, SC as they celebrate the “Last Saturday of the Month”.  18th  Century actors and exhibitions will be held throughout the day on Saturday, February 27th.  Opens at 10:30 and runs until 4:00  

More Information:  lynn@colonialtimes.us

5)  Attend a “Great Decisions Discussion”  on U.S.-China Security Relations at the Aiken County Library-Sunday February 28th, 2010 at 2:30 p.m. the discussion will be based on a 30 minute video shown at 2:30. 

More Information:  803-641-6875 

6)  Learn how to cook Gnocchi, Shrimp, Nicoise Salad, Beef Burgundy and Chocolate Mousse with chef Manuel Verney at Manuel’s Bread Cafe on Monday, February 22nd, 2010 at 7:00 p.m..  Open to the first 12 reservations.  Price is $75 per person, which includes dinner and wine.  (Restaurant will be closed that night.) 

More Information:  Call 803-380-1323 or email manuelvc@comcast.net to reserve your spot

7)  “Meet me in St. Louis”will be performed by the Aiken Community Playhouse at the Washington Center for the Arts on Saturday, February 26th, 27th, and 28th 2010. Show times are at 8:00 Friday and Saturday and 3:00 Sunday.

More  Information:  803-648-1438

8)  Join the ARC (Aiken Running Council) as they travel to Lexington for the Lexington Race Against Hunger 10K to be held on Saturday, February 27th, 2010.

More Information:  HERE

9)  Enjoy networking with the Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours.  The event will be held at “The Haven at Market Street Station” on Thursday, February 25th,  5:00 p.m to 7:00 p.m.

More Information:  HERE

10)  Go back in time at the ninth annual Battle of Braxton Bridge reenactment.  The event will be held at the historical Braxton Bridge Plantation on Saturday, February 27th, and Sunday February 28th, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

More Information:  803-625-3585

*** for entertainment purposes only, may contain errors and published by True South Communities.

1)  Aiken County Historical Museum,  Friends of the Museum weekly lecture series.  January 26th, 2010 at 10:30 a.m.  Owen Clary, Chairman of the Aiken Historical Commission will discuss  Aiken County history beginning with the early history and ending with the construction of the “Bomb Plant”.   $30 for non-members of the Friends of the Museum and $25 for current members. 

More Information:  Call 803-642-2015

2)   “Visions of the Great Plains” at Main Street Souvenirs on January 27th, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. there will be a Concert and Art Exhibit, featuring Scott Kirby a Visual artist and composer.  The event will be held at the  Etherredge Center  Tickets: $15 per person (students admitted free w/ID). 

More Information:  803-641-3305. 

3)  ‘Squabbles’ - A play at the Aiken Community Playhouse a comedy about a  father-in-law who is pitted against a mother and their resulting squabbles. Friday the 29th and Saturday the 30th at  8pm. 

More Information: 803-648-1438

4)  Saturdays in the Park at the Living History Park will feature a living history demonstration.  January 30th, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. (providing weather is good) Free to the general public.Saturday in the Park, Living History Park, 299 W. Spring Grove Ave., North Augusta.

More Information:   www.colonialtimes.us  or  (803)-279-7560
 

5)  Red Nose Run 5K, 10K sponsored by the ARC (Aiken Running Council)  Saturday, January 30th 8:00 am to 10:00 am.  

More Information: http://www.runaiken.com/events/red_nose_app_10.pdf  or Alex Nicyper 803-254-0118

6)  Pinch Gut Puffer Run in  Augusta, GA  on Saturday, January 30, 8am – 11am at the Augusta Museum of History. The XC course for runners and walkers traces the historic path of Private Puffer. This 7.5K (4.7 mile) run will begin at Standard Textile at Goodrich Street and end at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church in downtown Augusta. Shuttle bus starts @ 7:45 am, Race at 9 am.

More Information:  HERE

7)  Polo, Polo, and more Polo  The Winter I Recognized Horse Trials for Beg. Novice – Novice – Training will be held on January 30th, 2010 at the Pinetop Farm

More Information:  Gwen Urbanik gsupmu@aol.com

8)  Live Performance by Caroline McIntyreas she portrays  Mary Draper Ingles, Survivor of the Wilderness, 1755.  The program is told Chautauqua-style,which encourages questions from the audience. It is sponsored by the Speaker’s Bureau Program of the SC Humanities Council. This program is intended for ages 12 to adult on Saturday January 30th, 2010 at 2:00 p.m.

More Information:  HERE

9)  At the Aiken County Public Library join the Great Decisions Discussion – Special Envoys – This popular current events discussion returns to the Aiken Library with new topics for 2010.  Sunday, January 30th, 2010 at 2:30 p.m.

More Information:  call 641-6875

10)  Aiken Standard Battle of the Bands registration is due on January 29th, 2010. Register your band now for the great Spring Event! 

Registration Form:  HERE

 

Week Beginning December 7th, 2009

Happy Pearl Harbor Day- we appreciate the members of our armed forces who work tirelessly to

provide us with security and freedom!

1)  Night of 1000 Lights in Downtown Aiken on Thursday, December 10th beginning at 5:00 p.m.  Downtown vendors will offer special holiday shopping sales while shoppers enjoy an evening lit by thousands of luminaries that will line the streets. 

2)  Enjoy an evening of Jazzat the Ethridge Center at USCA.  Beginning at 7:00 on Friday, December 11ththe concert will feature Preston and Weston with Sandara Simmons.

3)  Enjoy a choral performance by the Masterworks Chorale of Aiken at 5:00 on Sunday, December 13th.  Tickets are available at the Ethridge Center box office for 10.00 each.

4)  Nightly venture to Hopeland Gardens for their annual Christmas in Hopelands light display.  The lighting begins at 5:30 with a shuttle running from Whisky Road (Goodwill) until 9:00 p.m.

5)  Join the Aiken Choral Society for their annual Holiday Home Tour.  Tour begins at 4:00 with maps available at 3:30 from the Chamber of Commerce and other partner vendors.  803-642-0467 for more information.

6)  It’s a Wonderful Life! Enjoy the play at the Washington Center of the Arts December 11th and 12th at 8:00 p.m.

7) On Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 2:00pm  Have fun at the Reptiles and Turtles Program with Book Signing The authors Whit Gibbons and Judy Green will introduce The Animal Answer Guide and Lizards and Crocodiles of the Southeast their two newest offerings to the public.

8)  Attend the Nutcracker Ballet at the Ethridge Center 803-641-3305 for more information.  Performance by the Aiken Civic Ballet Group will begin at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 12th.

9) Go to the Aiken Farmers Market for Holly Days! Vendors will have wreaths and other holiday wears as well as the usually fabulous selection of winter produce.  Saturday December 12th from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

10)  Pony Up! At the Highlands Horse Show progressive jumping will be in full spring!  http://www.psjshows.comfor more information. December 12th and 13th admission is free.