Emily Hamel and Corvett. Photo by Shelby Allen.
Coming up this weekend is another major prep for fall 5*/4*-L season with Stable View’s Oktoberfest taking place in Aiken, SC. Oktoberfest runs National levels from Beginner Novice up through Advanced as well as FEI divisions from 2*-S through 4*-S, making it a premier stop for riders at all levels looking to cap off their summer season strong or ramp up for a competitive end of the year.
In the CCI4*-S this weekend, 16 combinations will come forward en route to their respective major fall goals, including pairs heading to Military Boekelo CCIO4*-L, Morven Park’s CCI4*-L, and the Maryland 5 Star.
Featuring on the 4*-S list are Boekelo-bound Phillip Dutton and Possante as well as Mary Bess Davis and Imperio Magic, both of whom will represent the U.S. on the Boekelo Nations Cup team. Representing Great Britain, Lucienne Bellissimo also brings forward her two top horses, Dyri and Tremanton, as she aims them at the Morven Park CCI4*-L in early October. Arden Wildasin is another rider aiming at Morven Park with Sunday Times as she eyes a 5* move-up potentially next year.
Arden Wildasin and Sunday Times. Photo by Sally Spickard.
This weekend also marks a 4* move-up for Colin Gaffney and Baymax, as well as for Kate Sand and Top Shelf. Emily Beshear‘s Rio de Janeiro, who are coming off back to back 3*-S victories at Virginia Horse Center and Fair Hill, will also step up to the 15-year-old geldings first 4*-S. Sweden’s Jennie Jarnstrom-Dennis also has a younger horse in her move-up era, competing in the 4* with the 10-year-old Splash Dance. Jennie will also compete her 4*-S podium finisher, Flower Girl.
Canada is well-represented by Lindsay Traisnel, who brings forward her stalwart partner Bacyrouge, as well as Katie Malensek, competing with two horses in STX Mex and Landjaeger. Rounding out the entry list are British Olympian Leslie Law and Lady Chatterley, Maryland 5 Star-bound Emily Hamel and Corvett, and Phillip Dutton with a second ride in Azure.
You can view the full entry list here.
Katie Malensek and Landjaeger. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Horse & Country will be providing a live stream from show jumping tomorrow (Friday), which for the 4*-S begins at 1:18 p.m. on 9/27. The FEI divisions will conclude competition on Saturday with cross country. We’ll have a full report on the 4*-S coming your way on Sunday, and you can also follow along on Stable View’s Instagram for much more from on the ground.
Tailgaiting and a car show? A real neighborhood event at Stable View! Photo by Christine Quinn.
For spectators, there is much to enjoy during your Oktoberfest experience, including VIP opportunities (click here to see what’s still available). The Aiken Horsepower Association’s Annual Car Show will also be on site adjacent to the Pavilion featuring fast cars and hot rods along with knowledgeable car owners to chat about their wheels. You can also enjoy a bustling Vendor Row for all your shopping needs, and then end the day with friends at the Graze & Gaze happy hour sponsored by StableFeed from 5 pm-7 pm! The Graze & Gaze is hosted downstairs in the Pavilion at Ollie’s Pub. Complimentary food and beverages (beer, wine, non-alcoholic options) for VIP guests, competitors, and families.
Want to lend a helping hand? There are still a handful of volunteer spots open for the taking. Snacks and food are provided to volunteers, and you can also grab a free schooling pass for your time. Click here to view the current open opportunities.
Stable View Oktoberfest 2/3/4* & H.T. (SC): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring] [Volunteer]
