Bruce’s Field Ready for 2016 Season (With Schooling Shows for Eventers!)

The sunset after the first show held at Bruce's Field in September. Photo courtesy of Aiken Horse Park Foundation. The sunset after the first show held at Bruce's Field in September. Photo courtesy of Aiken Horse Park Foundation.

With construction complete on the spectacular facility at Bruce’s Field and the first horse shows held at the venue hailed a huge success, the Aiken Horse Park is gearing up for the 2016 season with an exciting announcement for eventers.

Starting Jan. 5, 2016, Bruce’s Field will host schooling jumper shows every Tuesday through the first week of March, following the same format Boyd Martin uses for the popular schooling shows he offers at Windurra USA.

Tara Bostwick, vice president of the Aiken Horse Park Foundation, said the idea emerged in February when Boyd and Phillip Dutton named the foundation one of the beneficiaries of their inaugural Aiken Masterclass.

“We chatted about what types of things they would like to see at the horse park to help promote the eventing community,” Tara said. “They both agreed that schooling days would be wonderful to have right downtown in the wonderful new arenas.”

The arenas at Bruce's Field feature top quality GGT footing. Photo courtesy of the Aiken Horse Park Foundation.

The arenas at Bruce’s Field feature top quality GGT footing. Photo courtesy of the Aiken Horse Park Foundation.

A new set of aluminum jumps has been ordered from Germany specifically for the schooling shows. Between the new jumps and the  top quality GGT footing in the rings, the schooling jumper shows will offer an ideal setting for eventers to gear up for the new season.

“We had our first hunter/jumper shows in September to rave reviews for the facility,” Tara said. “We are really excited about having the same amenities available to eventers.”

Each show will run under the same format, with Beginner Novice rounds starting the day at 8:30 a.m., followed by Novice at 10 a.m., Training at 11:30 a.m., Preliminary at 1 p.m. and Intermediate at 2:30 p.m., with the show concluding at 4 p.m. Each round will cost $25.

Tara said the horse park also plans to offer dressage schooling shows next year, with a tentative start date of April. As for what else is new at Bruce’s Field, construction is nearly complete on the administrative building, which will now offer permanent restrooms at the facility.

Construction on the new administrative building at Bruce's Field is expected to be completed soon. Photo courtesy of Aiken Horse Park Foundation.

Construction on the new administrative building at Bruce’s Field is expected to be completed soon. Photo courtesy of Aiken Horse Park Foundation.

Bruce’s Field features 220 permanent stalls with room to expand to 300 stalls, as well as three competitions arenas, two schooling arenas, and a Grand Prix and derby field.

“Aiken is a horse town, and it recognizes the importance of an equestrian community. The city has been very supportive of Bruce’s Field. It’s breathing new life into Aiken,” Tara said.

“You have to stay current and continue providing facilities and opportunities for equestrians, or they’re going to look elsewhere. We really hope Bruce’s Field is the catalyst to reinvigorate hunter/jumpers and eventers and keep Aiken on the map.”

Mark your calendars for the first schooling jumper show at Bruce’s Field on Tuesday, Jan. 5, and then plan to keep attending each Tuesday through March 1. Click here for more information on Bruce’s Field at the Aiken Horse Park.