Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.
The fall season is kicking off, but it won’t be long before the 2024 competition season is wrapped up and locked away into the recesses of photo albums and memories. Make the most of the remainder of the competition season and head to Stable View in Aiken, South Carolina.
As part of Eventing Nation’s team of reporters, I’ve been lucky enough to visit Stable View several times now, and it’s become a dream of mine to go with one of my horses, just for fun. Here’s why it’s on my bucket list and why it should be on yours, too.
World-Class Competition
We would be absolutely remiss if the number one reason to visit Stable View wasn’t their world class lineup of competitions. There’s a reason why Stable View was chosen as the location of Team USA’s last outing prior to the Paris Olympics. Stable View hosts a variety of amazing competitions to take advantage, from kicking off the spring season with the USEF/USEA Aiken Spring Opener Horse Trials to the April $60,000 FEI CCI-S 2/3/4* & USEF/USEA Horse Trials and finally, ending the season with their Oktoberfest CCI4* at the end of September, Stable View’s summer calendar is filled with action for every level of competitor.
Stable View isn’t just an eventing mecca. It’s also home to a series of dressage and hunter/jumper competitions. If you’d like to work on your show jumping or dressage phases, you’ll have double the opportunity you would if you stayed at a straight eventing venue. Or, if you really feel like switching things up, try your hand at a hunter derby.
Endless Schooling Opportunities
If you’re looking for schooling opportunities in Aiken, South Carolina, start with Stable View. Even Olympians take advantage of schooling Stable View’s cross country fields and atmospheric arenas. Boyd Martin spends his winter months at the Aiken horse farm, taking full advantage of all that Stable View has to offer. The Boyd Martin/ETB Schooling Field is available to everyone who wants to come to Stable View to school cross country.
If you’re looking for a schooling competition, take advantage of Stable View’s Eventing Academy series. Designed for riders of all levels, this unique schooling competition allows riders to train on the cross country course and in the dressage and/or show jumping rings two days prior to an unrecognized competition.
Tailgaiting and a car show? A real neighborhood event at Stable View! Photo by Christine Quinn.
Be Part of an Active Community
Unlike many other competitions, Stable View creates opportunities for competitors to stay and talk to other riders and staff after competition has ended. Most evenings, they host a free Gaze & Graze at the eco-friendly pavilion with amazing food right from their kitchen and drinks from the downstairs bar. Last season, a mechanical bull even made an appearance!
Stay with Your Horse
Make every night a sleepover at the barn. Stable View offers luxurious accommodations for horses and riders alike. In many cases, you can stay just feet away from your horse or opt for luxurious accommodations in the upstairs apartment above the main barn. Whether you choose to board in the Work Shed, Kennel, Main Barn, or East Barn, you’ll have an option to stay close to your horse.
Affordable Training Opportunities
Despite having so many amazing facilities, Stable View is able to keep their prices relatively low. The Eventing Academy is a great way to get in some schooling and competition time without spending the hundreds of dollars you would burn at a recognized event. You can also take advantage of Stable View’s integrated training program, which costs $100 per horse per day and includes the use of the Boyd Martin/ETB Cross Country field and the outdoor arena for dressage and stadium. Otherwise, use of the Boyd Martin/ETB Cross Country Field alone is $60.
Train on Top Notch Footing
The footing you ride on matters! Good footing can mean the difference between a soft tissue injury and a sound horse. Stable View has six arenas that feature premiere Attwood Footing. As the world’s leading equestrian surfaces company, Attwood works hard to stay ahead of the latest technological developments when it comes to footing. When you ride in one of Stable View’s arenas, you know you’re riding on the gold standard of equestrian footing.
Explore Beautiful Aiken, South Carolina
Stable View calls beautiful Aiken, South Carolina home. With streets lined with Live Oaks draped in Spanish Moss and a thriving downtown community, Aiken is worth the time away from your horse. Every week there’s something new going on downtown, from art exhibits to live music to farmer’s markets and more, everyone will find something to enjoy during an evening in downtown Aiken.
Veronica Green-Gott and Carolyn Weinheimer in the Hitchcock Woods
Enjoy Hitchcock Woods
Just a short 20 minute drive away from Stable View, you’ll find the iconic Hitchcock Woods. One of the largest urban forests in the nation, the Hitchcock Woods is a paradise for equestrians, especially eventers. With 70 miles of sandy trails, you’ll find cross country fences scattered throughout the 2100 acres. Feel like a kid again as you gallop through the trails, jump cross country fences, and trail ride through scenic woods
Visit The Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame
Are you a history buff? The Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame is perfect for those equestrians who love history and horse racing. The Racing Hall of Fame celebrates Thoroughbreds who were trained in Aiken and who have gone on to become national champions. Once inside, you’ll find a large collection of trophies and photographs from Thoroughbred race horses who played polo, ran steeplechase, and pounded down the track to victory. Admission is free!
Fun for the Whole Family
Are you a blended family of equestrians and non-equestrians? Lucky for you, it’s become easier than ever to convince your non-horsey family members to visit Stable View with you. Stable View isn’t just for equestrians– it’s for everyone. Spanning 1,000 acres, Stable View also plays host to a series of foot races, great for the runner in your family. Spend time in their Healing Arts Center, where they host yoga classes and more. With the recent development of an environmental program, Stable View is also the perfect retreat for avid birdwatchers. You may even catch a glimpse of the rare Red-Cockaged Woodpecker!
Eventing Nation is proud to be sponsored by Stable View, Aiken’s Gathering Place. To learn more about all that Stable View has to offer you, your family, and your horse, take a look at their website. Get in touch with Stable View here.
