Aiken Horse Park Gives Back While Looking Forward

Photo by Shelby Allen.

It’s been a bit too quiet at Aiken Horse Park this spring. Whereas the venue would usually be bustling with horses and their people, the COVID-19 pandemic has cast a long shadow on its normally vibrant calendar of activities.

In the face of this adversity, Aiken Horse Park is doing what it an to make a difference in its community in this difficult moment, and at the same time looking forward to the future. A few notes from the Park:

 Supporting the Aiken Community During COVID-19

Bruce Duchossois, Aiken Horse Park’s late founder, was well known for his kindness and generosity. His legacy was honored this week by The Duchossois Family Foundation, which awarded $50,000 in grant money to two Aiken County organizations that are working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. The United Way of Aiken County received $25,000 with a portion designated to the Meals on Wheels program and the remainder of the funds to their COVID-19 Emergency Fund, and another $25,000 grant was sent to The Salvation Army of Aiken, Allendale, Barnwell, and Edgefield counties. Both organizations have taken huge leadership roles to help Aiken’s most vulnerable citizens.

Ashley Duchossois Joyce, President of The Duchossois Family Foundation said, “We are delighted to support the Aiken community in this time of need. Aiken is truly a beautiful place, and holds a warm place in all of our hearts. Aiken was so meaningful to Bruce in his lifetime and still to his partner Jack.”

Jack Wetzel, President of the Aiken Horse Park Foundation, said, “All of us at The Aiken Horse Park Foundation are delighted with The Duchossois Family Foundation’s thoughtful initiative to help make a difference to those in Aiken most in need. We hope their efforts stimulate others in the community to support these and other similar activities.”

Bruce’s legacy of paying it forward remains strong, and we thank board member Bobby Hottensen and Mayor Rick Osbon for their initiative in getting the grants off the ground. If you are in a position to give to an organization that is supporting individuals affected by COVID-19 please consider making a gift — every dollar makes a difference.

Looking Ahead to the Future

  • Dressage in the Spring at Bruce’s Field, a USEF/USDF Level 3 competition (May 16-17, 2020), has been rescheduled. The new date is July 22-23, 2020. For more information please contact show manager Teresa Uddo.
  • AHP hopes that conditions will be favorable to run the Classic Company’s Aiken Summer Classics I & II (June 10-21, 2020). Please visit The Classic Company Ltd. for more information.
  • Equus Events’ Fall Festivals are scheduled for Sept. 2-13, 2020. This year both shows will be held at the Premier AA level. The December Classic I will take place Dec. 3-6, 2020. For more information on those shows please visit Equus Events Inc.
  • The Split Rock Jumping Tour is coming to Aiken (Nov. 4-8, 2020)! Bruce’s Field will be the site of Aiken’s very first FEI Show Jumping event featuring a $100,000 Grand-Prix. For more information visit Aiken International CSI2*.
  • Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field is a highlight of the spring eventing calendar, and it’s coming back around next year March 5-6, 2021, so mark your calendar! Joanie Morris has assumed the role as event director — she will oversee the overall “spectacular” and assist Shelley Page with the running of the competition.
  • View a complete competition calendar here.

Learn more at Aiken Horse Park.