Doug Payne competing in the $25,000 City of Aiken Grand Prix in May 2017. Photo courtesy of the Aiken Horse Park Foundation.
The Aiken Horse Park Foundation has announced that Bruce’s Field will play host to Aiken’s first Eventing Showcase on March 1-2, 2019. Invitations will be extended to the top 40 riders in the world to compete in Grand Prix Eventing, a fast-paced and spectator-friendly two-day competition featuring a morning of dressage and an evening of show jumping followed by an afternoon of cross country.
The Showcase will run at Advanced level with a shortened cross country course of approximately 2,500 meters with 25-30 jumping efforts. Captain Mark Phillips has been named cross country course designer and Michel Vaillancourt as the show jumping course designer. Shelley Page will serve as competition manager. The organizing committee is chaired by Phillip Dutton and also includes Doug Payne, Mike Laver, Evie Dutton, Jack Wetzel, Fernanda Kellogg, Shelley Page and Tara Bostwick.
“The Grand Prix Eventing Showcase will be a great addition to the eventing calendar and the Aiken horse community,” Phillip Dutton says. “Added to this – Bruce’s Field is a world class venue to host this exciting new event.”
Doug Payne adds, “We are extremely lucky to have such a prestigious competition that will draw the best international horses and riders to Aiken. The shortened format and the great atmosphere will make it a fabulous opportunity for spectators and riders alike. The unique layout allows people to get up close to all the action and to appreciate the shear athleticism and speed of the horses. Certainly this will be a can’t miss date on everyone’s calendar.”
Visit the Aiken Horse Park Foundation website here, and of course we’ll bring you updates as they develop!
