April 30, 2016 – Aiken, SC – The inaugural Aiken Charity Horse Shows are just under a week away and the excitement is building. The brand new hunter/jumper event takes place May 4-8 and 11-15 in beautiful Aiken, SC at “Bruce’s Field” at the Aiken Horse Park located at 931 Powder House Rd. Final details are being put on just about everything from the jumps and the tents to landscaping and hospitality; this event will truly be one of a kind!
Since its groundbreaking on November 8th, 2014, Bruce’s Field has proved itself to be a field of dreams. Equus Events, Inc., and J. P. and Megan Godard held the new facilities first new hunter/jumper event last September to rave reviews and the momentum has not stopped.
Bruce’s Field also hosted the Aiken Steeplechase Association’s Fall Steeplechase in October as well as the one of Aiken’s crown jewels, the Spring Steeplechase in April.
“I really envision Bruce’s Field as being a haven for equestrians set here in Aiken and abroad,” said show manager J. P. Godard. “Just come and take a seat in one of the rocking chairs on the office porch and you will see what I mean. The pace is relaxed; we plan to be done by 4:30 PM every day to allow exhibitors to enjoy the daily hospitality party and then go and enjoy all that Aiken has to offer. This is really a very unique event and I am very happy to be a part of it,” quoted Godard.
Aiken Horse Park Foundation Board member R. Scot Evans went on to say, “It’s rare to visit any town in the United States and witness horse sports flourishing in every discipline like it is in Aiken. There’s something for everybody and continues throughout the year in various locations from Highfields, polo fields and the training track as well as the Hitchcock Woods. Now Bruce’s field is one of those locations that promises to maintain a level of tradition at the highest level for years to come, which was Bruce Duchossois’ dream.”
Week 1 Featured Events Include:
Wednesday, May 4th
4:30PM ~ Welcome Reception
Sponsored by: Bruce Christison Stables
Thursday, May 5th
4:30PM ~ $10,000 Goshen Hill Future Hunter Stake and Afternoon Hospitality
Sponsored by: The Lovely Ladies of DFG
Friday, May 6th
12PM ~ $5,000 Welcome Stake
Presented by: Aiken Saddlery
5PM ~ $25,000 Aiken Charity Hunter Classic
Presented by: Cold Creek Nursery
and Afternoon Hospitality
Sponsored by: DFG Stables
Saturday, May 7th
7AM ~ Grooms Breakfast (ACHS Office Porch)
Sponsored by: Shapleys
5PM ~ $25,000 Aiken Premiere Grand Prix “The Inaugural Cup”
Presented by: The City of Aiken
and Afternoon Hospitality
Sponsored by: Townsend Farm and Jacinda Purrington
Family Activities: Face painting, balloon artist, snow cones, cotton candy and pony rides
Sponsored by: Aiken Educational Services
Sunday, May 8th
11AM ~ Sunday Brunch
Sponsored by: Milestone and Goshen Hill Farm
Week 2 Featured Events Include:
Wednesday, May 11th
4:30PM ~ Welcome Reception
Sponsored by: Finally Farm
Thursday, May 12th
4:30PM ~ Afternoon Hospitality
Sponsored by: Sims Hill Farm
Friday, May 13th
12PM ~ $5,000 Welcome Stake
Presented by: Aiken Saddlery
5PM ~ Grand Opening Festivities
$25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby “The RBD Classic Cup”
Presented by: Jack Wetzel
and Afternoon Hospitality
Sponsored by: Janney Montgomery Scott and Kenneth Wiland
Saturday, May 14th
7AM ~ Grooms Breakfast(ACHS Office Porch)
Sponsored by: Gagne International and Pennyless Farm
5PM ~ $25,000 Aiken Charity Horse Show Grand Prix
Presented by: First Citizens Bank
and Afternoon Hospitality
Sponsored by: The Carriage House Inn, Dickens Mitchner, and The Tack Room
Family Activities: Face painting, balloon artist, snow cones, cotton candy and pony rides
Sponsored by: Aiken Educational Services
Sunday, May 15th
11AM ~ Sunday Brunch
Sponsored by: Equus Events
Contact: Aiken Charity Horse Shows
803-295-2094 or aikenhorsepark.org
Aiken, SC