Tag Archives: Aiken Fall Festival

Aiken Fall Festival I – Wrap Up

Nicky Galligan and Javas Miss Jordan.

Our feature class of the week, the $25,000 Aiken Saddlery American Standard Grand Prix, was held Saturday evening along with Hospitality under the VIP Tent hosted by Full Circle Farm and Solo Show Stables. Nicky Galligan piloted his own Javas Miss Jordan to the top prize. David Jennings rode Maffitt Lake Farms’ Aventador to second place and Laura Gaither Ulrich earned third aboard her entry Garda.

The $5,000 GGT Footing Welcome Jumper Classic and the $15,000 William E. Howard III Memorial Professional & Junior/Amateur USHJA National Hunter Derbies were held Friday evening along with Hospitality under the VIP Tent hosted by Barb Gould Uskup, Find Aiken Homes and Farms.

David Jennings and Maarten Huygens’ Iliano Van D’Abelendreef took home the win in the $5,000 GGT Footing Welcome Jumper Classic. Laura Gaither Ulrich and her own entry Garda finished in second place and Christina Webb aboard Fox View Farm’s FVF Sailor Man rounded out the top three.

In the $15,000 William E. Howard III Memorial Professional & Junior/Amateur USHJA National Hunter Derbies, Liza Boyd and Finally Farm, Inc.’s Ravello captured the top honors in the Professional Derby. Daniel Geitner rode Caroline Maude Hedges’ Dress Balou to the second place finish and Hunt Tosh earned third place aboard Ceil Wheeler’s Bastogne. Maddie Tosh and Betsee Parker’s Cold Harbor won the Junior/Amateur Derby. Salter Hydinger finished second with her entry Anthem and Christina Fox rode Southland Stables, LLC’s En Tune to the third place honors.

The 2019 SCHJA Governor’s Cup Medal Finals were held Sunday morning along with an Exhibitor Breakfast under the VIP Tent hosted by M&M Sport Horses and SCHJA. Derek Holt, trained by Charles Hairfield, won the competitive finals riding his own entry Let It Go. Grace Baranowski, trained by Courtney Goldstein, rode Joyful LLC’s Diesel to second place and Sophia Strahan, trained by Lynley Reilly, finished third aboard her entry Zeus.

For more information, please visit EquusEvents.com.

Aiken Fall Festival: Week 2 Wrap-Up

Photo: Emilia and David Blake.

There was no shortage of camaraderie and competition during our second week of the Aiken Fall Festival, even with an amended schedule. Like Week 1, our specialty classes saw full fields and we want to congratulate the following horse and rider combinations:

  • $5,000 Aero-Equine Welcome Stake – Brando Du Rouet owned and ridden by Kirk Webby
  • The R. Bruce Duchoissois $25,000 Grand Prix sponsored by Jack Wetzel – Emilia, ridden by David Blake for owner Pine Hollow Farm
  • $2,500 National Derby – String of Pearls, ridden by Gavin Moylan for owner Penny Denegre

Plans are underway for our Tryon show October 10th-14th along with our Holiday Premier Show November 29th – December 2nd at Bruce’s Field. We hope to see all of you in the coming weeks.

Finally, we are elated to announce that we have been awarded the 2019 Zone 3 & 4 Children’s and Adult Hunter Championships to be held Week 2 of the 2019 Aiken Fall Festival. Stay tuned for qualifying details.

All the best,
Megan and JP Godard
Horse Show Managers, Equus Events

Aiken Fall Festival: Week 1 Highlights

Photo: Erin McGuire and Kasarr, Winners of the $5,000 Welcome Stake.

The Aiken Fall Festival, Week 1, was the place to be this past week. With over 400 horses competing in full divisions there was not a quiet moment and the buzz of our busy show resulted in two features on the local news.

Beyond the great competition, we had many new faces taking part in our horse show and getting to know Aiken for the first time.

When they weren’t riding, David Jennings and Freddie Vazquez jumped in as Aiken ambassadors, sharing their excitement for Bruce’s Field as first-time competitors in local press interviews.

Kyle Dewar and Clever Van De Helle came out of the gate with a win in the Saturday night American Standard Grand Prix sponsored by Aiken Saddlery and Gavin Moylan made the trek down from Upperville looking to get his young jumpers some positive miles in their first Grand Prix. Mission accomplished!

Classic Winners from the week include:

  • Lindsay Maxwell and Precedent, A/O Hunter Classic
  • Maggie Hill and Cassanto, Junior Hunter Classic
  • Chloe Watrous and Casual, Children’s Hunter Classic
  • Maddie Tosh and Love Me Tender, Pony Hunter Classic
  • Haley Gassel and Werner 61, 1.30 A/O Jumper Classic
  • Christina Webb and Lalainy, 1.20 A/O Jumper Classic
  • Stephanie King and Co-Starr, High Child/Adult Jumper Classic

We will continue to have exhibitor parties each night, with Friday night set aside for the 7th Annual Bridles & Birdies fundraiser. Tickets can be bought in the show office or by clicking here.

Hurricane Florence Update

We are continuing to monitor the ever changing track of Hurricane Florence. The safety and wellness of all of our animals, competitors, and staff is of the upmost importance. At the request of our competitors who will be staying with us through the weekend, we are planning to run a consolidated two day schedule for the Aiken Fall Festival II, starting Thursday and ending Friday.

We encourage those who plan to show to enter as soon as possible. The more information we have from our competitors, the more ability we’ll have to tailor a schedule that effectively addresses the challenges we are facing.

At this time, our team is sorting through stabling. Once all of the horses are resettled, we anticipate having the ability to offer additional stabling to evacuees. Please contact our office at 803-266-8410. We will remain on site throughout the weekend to assist with any feed and bedding orders that our guests might have, as well as to provide hospitality each day.

We know that our competitors are saddened and frustrated about these circumstances, and we share those sentiments. With that in mind, we now turn our focus to making the best of a difficult situation and providing any assistance we can offer to those who may need it.

Thanks to all for your patience and understanding.

Megan & JP Godard,
Horse Show Managers, Equus Events

Aiken Fall Festival II Wrap Up

Winners of the $5,000 Welcome Classic: Vesta de Lavardin, owned by November HIll and ridden by Daniel Geitner.

The two week Aiken Fall Festival Horse Show series saw its final show day last Sunday.  The series brought in over 400 horses to the Aiken area as well as thousands of riders, spectators, sponsors, grooms, and trainers including some of the country’s best.

The $5,000 Welcome Classic on Thursday evening kicked off the feature events for the week.  The November Hill entry of Vesta de Lavardin took top honors giving rider Daniel Geitner his second consecutive win in the Aiken Saddlery Welcome Classics at the Aiken Fall Festival Horse Show.  FVF Sailor Man and Maryann Charles took home second place honors, with Stephen Pack and SKF Just Do It, owned by Ellen Frost, coming home in third place. Complete results are as follows:

  1. Vesta de Lavardin, November HIll & Daniel Geitner
  2. FVF Sailor Man, Fox View Farm & Maryann Charles
  3. SKF Just Do It, Ellen Frost & Stephen Pack
  4. Belle Clara DKS, Dejan Krunic & Holly Shepherd
  5. Criss Cross, Top Line Farm, LLC & Alex Granato
  6. Skymiles, Loretta Paterson & Holly Shepherd
  7. Diederik, Vick Russell & Thomas John Russell
  8. Carlchen W, Page Tredennick & Alex Granato
  9. Sky High, Loretta Paterson & Holly Shepherd
  10. Kenwood, The Kenwood Syndicate & Daniel Geitner
  11. Kasarr & Erin McGuire
  12. Casal I, Mad Season, LLC & Alex Granato

Liza Boyd and Finally Farm’s Shamrock went unchallenged in the USHJA National Hunter Derbies at the Aiken Fall Festival, winning the week I $10,000 Derby presented by Cold Creek Nursery as well the week II Derby presented by Oak Manor Saddlery.  Diane Semur’s Gable Stone and rider Christy Burns took second place honors and Liza Boyd and Maura Thatcher’s Escalante took home the third place ribbon.  Complete results are as follows:

  1. Shamrock, Finally Farm, Inc. & Elizabeth Boyd
  2. Gable Stone, Diane Semer & Christy Burns
  3. Escalante, Maura Thatcher & Elizabeth Boyd
  4. Lucca, Pauline Lampshire & Hunter Kay
  5. Plush, Emma Nichols & Lauren Hill
  6. Askaro, Missy Luczak-Smith, LLC & Missy Luczak-Smith
  7. Capelina Z & Megan Martin
  8. Brigadier & Mary Barben
  9. Galileo, Ann Rice Ervin & Hunter Kay
  10. Rockaway, Lee Cesery & Taylor Adams
  11. Crossroads, Nancy R Merritt & Joy Janouskovec
  12. Whiskey Tango, Lee Cesery & Taylor Adams

Friday evening brought one of the most anticipated events center ring at the Aiken Fall Festival as The First Tee of Aiken’s Bridles and Birdies Charity Event returned for its 5th year.  The night started with a free cocktail hour hosted by The Best Life Real Estate Team with dinner served by Newberry Hall and live music afterwards by The Third Time Charmers.  The First Tee of Aiken Team with rider Nicole Lyvere came home victorious in this year’s relay defeating eight other teams including the defending champions, the Ice Cold Chippers and rider J. F. Gagne.

  1. The First Tee of Aiken – Coaches
  2. Woodside Aiken Realty Hounds
  3. Ice Cold Chippers
  4. The Golf Cart Racers
  5. Equus Events
  6. Horse Riders
  7. The First Tee of Aiken
  8. Aiken Horse Park Foundation
  9. The Best Life Team

The $25,000 “R Bruce Duchossois” Grand Prix presented by Fenwick Equestrian took place on Saturday evening to cap off the week’s big events.  A large crowd was in attendance to enjoy the festivities, including a free “Family Day” where face painting, pony rides, cotton candy, snow cones and carnival games were available free of charge.  The VIP tent was packed as DFG Stables of Aiken, SC sponsored an exhibitors dinner catered by Newberry Hall.

Maryann Charles of Southern Pines, NC and FVF Sailor Man found themselves in the winner’s circle for the second weekend in a row taking home the blue ribbon. The pair was also victorious in the $15,000 Jumper Classic week I of the Fall Festival.  The (2006) Dutch Warmblood began competing at the Grand Prix level in 2014 and has since placed in every Grand Prix they have entered, including a first, second, or third in eight Grand Prix in 2016.  The red rosette went to Page Tredennick’s Carlchen W with rider Alex Granato aboard and third place honors went home to the Ellen Frost entry of SKF Just Do It and rider Stephen Pack. Complete results are as follows:

  1. FVF Sailor Man, Fox View Farm & Maryann Charles
  2. Carlchen W, Page Tredennick & Alex Granato
  3. SKF Just Do It, Ellen Frost & Stephen Pack
  4. Sky High, Loretta Patterson & Holly Shepherd
  5. Catalyst, Katie Barnette & Aide Sanchez Long
  6. Kenwood, The Kenwood Syndicate & Daniel Geitner
  7. Skymiles, Loretta Paterson & Holly Shepherd
  8. Diederik, Vick Russell & Thomas John Russell
  9. Criss Cross, Top Line Farm, LLC & Alex Granato
  10. Kasarr & Erin McGuire
  11. Philadelphia 54, Fox View Farm & Maryann Charles
  12. VDL Crocus, Adrianne Beasley & Thomas John Russell

For complete results and more information on the Aiken Fall Festival, please go to www.equusevents.com.

Aiken Fall Festival I – Wrap Up

Winners of the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby: Shamrock, ridden by Elizabeth Boyd.

Week one of the Aiken Fall series came to a close this past Sunday, capping off a full week of hunter/jumper competition at beautiful Bruce’s Field in Aiken, SC.  The event, managed by Equus Events, was one of the biggest to date and featured top riders and horses from all over the country.

The $5,000 Aiken Saddlery Welcome Classic kicked off the featured events of the week along with a Sangria and Pizza Party under the big tent sponsored by Dr. Sarah Thompson, Ziggy Poplin, and Gatewood Sport Horses.  Aiken, SC professional rider Daniel Geitner and Kenwood, owned by the Kenwood Syndicate, galloped home with top honors in the class narrowly beating out Alabama native Holly Shepherd and Belle Clara DKS, who took home second, and Erin McGuire and Kasarr, who took home third.

Friday morning featured the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby presented by Cold Creek Nursery and a Derby breakfast which was sponsored by Silo Road Farm and Lee Cesery.  A strong contingent of 24 horse rider combinations took to the course to test their skills over the track designed by Joseph Carnicom.  Liza Boyd and Finally Farm, Inc.’s Shamrock had two impressive rounds garnering two scores of 91, both in the classic and handy rounds to capture the win with a total score of 182 points.  Lee Cesery’s Whiskey Tango took home second place honors with Taylor Ann Adams in the irons, and Elizabeth Tarumianz’s Dedicated and Daniel Geitner rounded out the top three.

The $15,000 Jumper Classic sponsored by David Stinson took place Saturday evening along with a dinner sponsored by Maneline Art, Liz Tarumianz, Booth Parker, and Allison Mills.  Spectators were also treated to “Family Day” beginning at 4:30pm which included face painting, a balloon artist, pony rides, free snow cones, and cotton candy, as well as a Maneline Art Kids painting area.  Fox View Farm’s FVF Sailor Man and rider Maryann Charles galloped home with the blue ribbon topping a field of 17 original entries.  Holly Shepherd and Loretta Patterson’s Skymiles were second and Tall Paul owned and ridden by Vick Russell took home third place honors.

Sunday, the final day of the show, brought the much anticipated South Carolina Hunter Jumper Association’s Governor’s Cup Medal Finals and breakfast sponsored by the SCHJA board and Jordan Burton.  Top Equitation riders earned points in the Governor’s Cup classes throughout the year in several states to garner a spot at the finals at the Aiken Fall Festival. The 2016 Governor’s Cup Medal champion was Miss Wynne Weatherly of Charlotte, NC.  Wynne trains with Andrea Guzinski and Cedarhill Farm in Waxaw, NC.  Kayla Jacobs ended up reserve.

For complete results and more information on the Aiken Fall Festival, please go to www.equusevents.com.

Aiken Fall Festival I Highlights

Kenwood and Daniel Geitner. Barry Koster Photography.

September 10th, 2014 – The first week of the Aiken Fall Festival horse show came to a close this past Sunday. The two week series in its 7th year takes place at Highfields Event Center in horse-centric Aiken, SC and is managed by J. P. Godard and Equus Events. Gold Sponsors for this year’s edition include: The Barn Book, Sidelines Magazine, Fenwick Equestrian, Dietrich and Company Equine Insurance, DFG Stables, Equi-Fit, LLC, One K Helmets, Integrity Linens, Oak Manor Saddlery, and The Tack Room.

Aiken based DFG Stables and trainer Daniel Geitner had a banner week, taking home several top honors and championships. Kenwood, an Oldenburg gelding owned by the Kenwood Syndicate with Daniel Geitner aboard, went two for two this week capturing the $5,000 Welcome Stake on Thursday as well as the $15,000 Dietrich and Company Equine Insurance Jumper Classic on Saturday evening. Geitner also piloted Booth Parker’s Zazoe to a second place finish in the Welcome and a 9th place in Saturday’s Jumper Classic. The course, designed by Toledo, Ohio based Joe Carnicom, proved to be tricky as no one in the original field managed a fault free round. In a unique twist, seven horses that finished with a four fault effort were invited back to the jump off. Last proved to be best as Kenwood blazed through the finish line to take home top honors, just edging out second place finishers Kassar and Erin McGuire of Camden, SC. Christina Jason and her Tamino rounded out the top three.

A last minute decision to show Elizabeth Tarumianz’s Dedicated in the $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby Friday evening proved to be a good one as Geitner piloted the 9 year old Oldenburg gelding to the victory. He also placed 6th on Andrea Guzinski’s Salud and 11th with Brenda McKay’s Champagne. “Daniel found ‘Carter’ for me in Europe and I bought him without even trying him,” said owner Liz Tarumianz. “I just trusted him and it turned out to be a great decision. He has done such as amazing job with him; I couldn’t be more pleased.” Tarumianz has ridden with Daniel and his wife Cathy for 6 years, now commuting from Charlotte to Aiken to take lessons and also meeting them at shows. She shows Dedicated in the Amateur Owner Hunter division. Riding is a family affair as her daughter Ella also rides with DFG and shows in the walk/trot division. Fresh off of a repeat International Hunter Derby victory in Kentucky, Camden, SC’s Liza Boyd and a new partner, Finally Farm’s Diamond Rio, took home second place honors in the derby. Karen Kelly of Charleston, SC and Chosen, owned by Reflections Farm, rounded out the top three finishers.

The highly anticipated South Carolina Governor’s Cup Medal Finals took place Sunday morning along with a breakfast sponsored by Equus Events. Darby Pease, a 16 year old from Mt. Pleasant, SC, took home top honors in this prestigious class aboard Caprioso 2. Pease, a junior at Wando High School, trains with Charles Hairfield of Seabrook Equestrian Center. “Being the last rider standing in the middle of the ring was one of the best feelings in the world! Winning this medal was a huge accomplishment for me and the next step in my riding career. It was a dream come true!” quoted an ecstatic Pease. Many of today’s top riders were once Governor’s Cup winners, including Liza Boyd, Jenny Jones, and Gary Young, just to name a few. Proud Grandmother Wiese Robb had a few words to say as well. “The Governor’s Cup has been a goal of Darby’s since she started showing, so it is like the culmination of a dream. She has just gotten this gentle giant of a horse and this is his first a show not being a jumper. (We did a local show in August the week we got him, wanting to get him in the show ring with a tail, etc. once before the finals!) He is the love of her life. Thanks to Equus Events and J. P. Godard for hosting this great class.”

The Aiken Fall Festival series has always been known for its great southern hospitality and this year has been no exception. Daily ring hospitality as well as a Barbeque dinner Friday evening and a Low Country Boil Saturday evening were all brought to you by the 2014 Aiken Fall Festival hospitality sponsors: Allison Mills, Beaver River Farm, Booth Parker, Brick Church Farm, Christison Stables, DFG Stables, Janel Prescott, Mr. and Mrs. William Quinn, Liz Tarumianz, Reflections Farm, Hot To Trot Boutique, and The Tack Room.

Week II of the Aiken Fall Festival kicks off on Thursday with the $5,000 Open Welcome Stake and Pizza Party sponsored by DFG Stables. Friday’s schedule features the 3rd annual Bridles and Birdies Charity Event and Celebrity Ride and Drive Relay Challenge to benefit The First Tee of Aiken. Cocktail hour begins at 5am with the relay class beginning at 6. This unique event combines two of Aiken’s passions, horses and golf, and is not to be missed! For ticket information, see the horse show office or contact the First Tee of Aiken at 803-226-0053. The $15,000 Aiken Fall Festival Jumper Classic will again take place on Saturday evening along with an exhibitor’s dinner at approximately 5:30 pm.

For complete horse show results and more information, please contact 803-643-5698 or visit www.equusevents.com.

Aiken Fall Festival Series Wrap-Up

Angel Karolyi and S-Acorda Donaldson. Photo – David Mullinex.

September 18th, 2013 – The 2013 Aiken Fall Festival horse show series came to a close this past Sunday.  The two week hunter/jumper show ran from September 5-8 and 12-15 at Highfields Event Center in Aiken, SC and was managed by Equus Events and show organizer J. P. Godard.

Gold sponsors of this year’s event included:
The Willcox, The Barn Book, Sidelines Magazine, The Stables Restaurant at Rose Hill, Fenwick Equestrian, Dietrich and Company Equine Insurance The Mark Lexton Collection, DFG Stables, Gamboa Veterinary Services, EquiFit, Inc., One K Helmets, Holley Tractor, Integrity Fine Equestrian Linens

Silver Sponsors:
Aiken Yoga, CrossFit Aiken, Equine Divine, Finally Farm, Oak Manor Saddlery, Sandra Thomas, The Aiken Horse

Hospitality Sponsors:
Allison Mills, Beaver River Farm, Booth Parker, Brick Church Farm, Bridlewood Farm, Christison Stables, DFG Stables, Gagne International, Hot To Trot Boutique, Liz Tarumianz, The Willcox, The Stables Restaurant at Rose Hill

A special thanks to title sponsors Holley Tractor for sponsoring the National Hunter Derby Friday, September 6th; The Willcox for sponsoring the $15,000 Jumper Classic on Saturday, September 14th; and The Tack Room for sponsoring Zone 4 Horse of the Year Finals.

Friday evening featured the 2nd annual Bridles and Birdies Relay Challenge which took place out on the grass field.  The event combines two of Aiken’s greatest passions, horses and golf.  11 teams composed of professional and amateur riders along with 5 local celebrities all competed in a unique relay that combined a jumping course and a golf related course consisting of several golf challenges.  “I’m super excited by the turnout this year; it’s awesome,” said Megan Godard, Equus Events. “I want to thank everyone for their participation and believing in this event.  I think it’s turned into something special and I think it will continue to grow.  I want to thank our Equus Events staff, First Tee members, committee members, and volunteers that have worked tirelessly all year to put this thing together as well as riders that donated their time to do this. We really appreciate it.”  A free cocktail hour took place prior to the event sponsored by Robyn Reilly and Cissy Sullivan’s Aiken Fine Properties as well as a new addition the ”Pony Up” for First Tee headed up by Charlie Herrick which gave attendees a chance to place their bids on the winning team for their own chance to win prizes.

Susie Clarke. Photo - Louisa Davison
Susie Clarke. Photo – Louisa Davison

The Galloping Golfers, a team composed of rider Susie Clarke, Carole Pincavage, Mary Shultz, Chris Wingeier, Karen Vijuk, and Kenny Evenson, claimed the trophy, completing the course in 140.6, a more than 26 second margin advantage over runner-up, the Aiken Department of Public Safety team, anchored by professional rider Casey Mason.  The First Tee of Aiken team placed third.  “I’m speechless at the outpouring of support from our community,” said Elizabeth Smith, First Tee of Aiken executive director. “It’s amazing to watch these two groups of people come together to rally and have fun to benefit 12,000 young people.”  Following the relay dinner and dancing took place under the VIP tent.  For more information on The First Tee of Aiken, please go to www.firstteeaiken.org  or call 803-226-0053.

The culmination of the Aiken Fall series came Saturday night with the $15,000 Aiken Fall Festival Jumper Classic sponsored by The Willcox of Aiken, SC.  An exhibitor’s party also took place under the VIP tent catered by The Willcox and sponsored by DFG Stables, Liz Tarumianz, Allison Mills, and Booth Parker.  In the jump off it came down to the final horse in order S-Acorda Donaldson and rider Angel Karolyi to challenge the time to beat put in by Mario Garcia and Pacha de Nantuel.  In an exciting finish Karolyi crossed the timers in just .146 seconds faster than Garcia to claim the victory.  “It was a very good round for us,” remarked Karolyi of his winning ride.  “The jump-off was tough since the lines were set so you couldn’t really do anything but the correct number of strides.  We had to find other places to cut time.  I knew I was really going to have to push to get the victory, and she really rose to the occasion.”

Sunday, the final day of the series, featured the many of the shows circuit grand champions being awarded.  Points were totaled throughout the two week series in many of the hunter and jumper divisions to crown the grand champions. Earlier in the week the At A Glance Grand Hunter Grand Championship went to Blue Moon owned by Susan Ross and ridden by Elizabeth Boyd.   Courtash Kalidascope and owner/rider Whitney McKinley were awarded the Good Golly Miss Molly Perpetual Trophy for Grand Pony presented by the Cram Family.  The Junior Hunter Grand Champion and Joyce Lineburger Memorial Perpetual Trophy donated by Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Tarumianz was presented to Cool Music and Megan Rosenthal.

Other Grand Champions include:

The Daddy’s Girl Memorial Perpetual Trophy for Grand Amateur Owner Hunter – Divine and Tiffany Brie
Grand Adult Hunter – Springsteen and Alexis Reece
Grand Children’s Hunter – Regalo and Emma Wilson
Grand Children’s/Adult Jumper – Tie: Partizan and Juan Gamboa and Pico Bello and Rebecca Warth

Equus Events continues its fall series with the Harvest Classic in Fairburn, GA, October 11-13 and the November Classic in Aiken, SC, November 22-24.  For complete horse show results and complete Zone 4 Finals results, please go to www.equusevents.com or call 803-643-5698.

Contact:
Equus Events
www.equusevents.com
803-643-5698

Angel Karolyi Speeds to Victory in $15,000 Open Jumper Classic in Aiken

Angel Karolyi rode S-Acorada Donaldson to victory in the $15,000 Open Jumper Classic. Photo by David Mullinix.

Aiken, South Carolina – Venezuela’s Angel Karolyi put in an impressive performance to claim victory in dramatic fashion in the $15,000 Open Jumper Classic on Saturday, September 14, at the Aiken Fall Festival II in Aiken, South Carolina.

Nine of 15 horse and rider combinations would advance through the first round to tackle the shortened jump-off track set by designer J. P. Godard.  Seven would go on to put in double clear performances, making time the deciding factor.  Karolyi advanced to the jump-off aboard two mounts, S-Acorada Donaldson, the eventual winner, and Undercover.

Returning first aboard Undercover, Karolyi put in a solid clear round good enough for seventh place.  He and the 12-year-old gelding by Heartbreaker have only recently begun competing together.

“I’ve had him since mid-summer and we’ve really only done a few 1.20m classes together,” noted Karolyi.  “I haven’t shown him as much as some of my others because we were getting him more fit.  He jumped beautifully and this was a great class for him to get more exposure and for me to get to know him a little better.  He’s a lot of fun to ride and has a very flashy style over the jumps.”

As the final competitor on course, Karolyi knew he and S-Acorada Donaldson would have to put in a near flawless performance to take the lead from Mario Garcia and Pacha de Nantuel, who had set the time to beat at 38.508 seconds.  Rising to the challenge, the 11-year-old Holsteiner mare performed beautifully for Karolyi, shaving 0.146 seconds off Garcia’s time to earn the win.

“It was a very good round for us,” remarked Karolyi of his winning ride.  “The jump-off was tough since the lines were set so you couldn’t really do anything but the correct number of strides.  We had to find other places to cut time.  I knew I was really going to have to push to get the victory, and she really rose to the occasion.”

Karolyi has also only been paired with S-Acorada Donaldson since mid-summer, but the partnership has already produced a number of exciting results.  In addition to Saturday’s win, they also finished fifth in the same class a week earlier.  Both S-Acorada Donaldson and Undercover are owned by Hollow Creek Farm, a large training business Karolyi operates in Aiken with business partner Andrea King.

Karolyi’s student and fellow Venezuelan Victor Segovia also enjoyed success in the $15,000 Open Jumper Classic, capturing fifth aboard his veteran grand prix mount Romeo.  He and the 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, owned by The Romeo Group, captured third in the same class during the Aiken Fall Festival I.

The Hollow Creek Farm team will next head to Argentina where star student 16-year-old Emanuel Andrade, also from Venezuela, will contest the FEI South American Junior Jumping Championship, running September 17 to 22.

Hollow Creek Farm has the unique distinction of winning three prestigious titles at the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL.  Andrade was named the Leading Jumper Rider, King was named the Leading Jumper Trainer, and Hollow Creek Farm was named the Leading Jumper Owner.

For more information on Hollow Creek Farm, please visit www.hollowcreekfarms.com.

Contact:  Jennifer Ward
Starting Gate Communications
Cell: (613) 292-5439
www.startinggate.ca

Aiken Fall Festival I Wrap Up

Liza Boyd and Fenway. David Mullinex Photography.

September 11th, 2013 – The opening week of the 2013 Aiken Fall Festival came to a close on Sunday.  The week was filled with exciting hunter and jumper action and included some of the country’s top riders.  The show, in its 6th year took place September 5-8 at Highfields Event Center in horse-centric Aiken, SC.  The week was jammed packed with events including a $2,500 National Hunter Derby on Friday evening sponsored by Holley Tractor and the $15,000 Aiken Premiere Jumper Classic on Saturday.  Kicking the week off in style was the $5,000 Open Welcome Stake Thursday evening which was won by U-Turn and owner rider Maggie Sjoberg.  Attention then shifted to local Aiken eatery The Stables Restaurant at Rose Hill Estate who hosted the official Aiken Fall Festival Welcome Party.  Riders, trainers, and sponsors were treated to food, libations, and live music by New Holland Road.  Many thanks to The Stables for a fabulous evening.  A great time was had by all.

Friday evening featured the popular USHJA National Hunter Derby class sponsored by Holley Tractor and low country boil under the Aiken Fall Festival tent sponsored by the 2103 Aiken Fall Festival Hospitality Sponsors.  This year’s hospitality sponsors include: Allison Mills, Beaver River Farm, Booth Parker, Brick Church Farm, Bridlewood Farm, Christison Stables, DFG Stables, Gagne International, Hot To Trot Boutique, Liz Tarumianz, The Willcox, and The Stables Restaurant at Rose Hill.  A field of 40 competitors tried their luck against the course designed by Toledo, OH native Joseph Carnicom out on the derby field.  The hunter derbies are designed to showcase the hunter horse and rider over an outside course that usually consists of natural obstacles encountered in the hunt field.  The top 12 horse rider teams out of the original field are invited to return for a second handy hunter round that includes a shortened more technical route.  Camden, SC native and current USHJA International Hunter Derby finals champion rider Liza Boyd and Jennifer Gates’ Fenway took home the top call of the night with scores of 91 and 94.  Jennifer is the daughter of Bill Gates and trains with Boyd’s Finally Farm and trainer Jack Towell out of Camden, SC.  Local Aiken rider Daniel Geitner and Robin Hughes Living Color took home second place honors, and Alpharetta, GA’s Julie Curtain and Golinski Equine’s Rainbow Row rounded out the top three in this challenging class.

The $15,000 Aiken Premiere Jumper Classic took center stage Saturday evening out on the grass field.  Exhibitors, trainers, and sponsors were also treated to a VIP dinner under the AFF tent during the class.  Corona Du Domaine Z owned by Mistletoe Farms, LLC and rider Mario Garcia found themselves in the winner’s circle again taking home the blue ribbon and smoking the competition with a speedy jump off time of 42.976.  Christina Jason and her Tamino were second with a time of 45.823 and Victor Segovia and The Romeo Group’s Romeo rounded out the top three crossing the markers in 48.414.

Rachel Bethea and Wakefield. David Mullinex Photography
Rachel Bethea and Wakefield. David Mullinex Photography

Focus shifted back to the hunter ring Sunday morning as the prestigious South Carolina Hunter Jumper Association’s Governors Cup Medal Finals took place as well as a rider’s breakfast sponsored by Equus Events.  16 entries were on hand to compete in the finals.  Riders have been competing all year in the Governor’s Cup Medal classes accumulating points to have the opportunity to be invited to compete in the finals at the Aiken Fall Festival.  18 year old Rachel Bethea took home top honors this year aboard her Wakefield.  “It was a huge accomplishment to me in more ways than one because I trained my horse myself,” quoted Bethea.  “Being able to show her in the medal finals and to do so well felt amazing and I am definitely a proud mom.”  Bethea trains with Bruce and Amy Christison of Christison Stables out of Camden, SC.  Second place went to Maddy Parker, third place to Jordan Heithold, and fourth place went to Hallie Anderson.

For complete horse show results and more information, please go to www.equusevents.com.  Week II of the Aiken Fall Festival kicks off on Thursday with another week packed full of events.  Friday will feature the second annual Bridles and Birdies Celebrity Ride and Drive Relay Challenge and Saturday night will host the $15,000 Jumper Classic sponsored by the Willcox along with exhibitor dinner catered by the Willcox and sponsored by DFG Stables, Liz Tarumianz, Booth Parker, and Allison Mills.  The Barn Book and Sidelines Magazine are also offering a special treat with their shabby chic riders lounge located under the VIP tent.  They along with The Stables restaurant will host an ice cream, lemonade, and cookie party on Saturday afternoon.

Contact:
Equus Events
www.equusevents.com
803-643-5698

2013 Aiken Fall Festival Kick-off

September 4th, 2013 Aiken, SC – The exciting hunter and jumper action of the 2013 Aiken Fall Festival Horse Show is set to kick off this Thursday.  The event in its 6th year will take place at Highfields Event Center in Aiken, SC with J. P. Godard and his Equus Events, Inc. handling the managing duties.  The show carries a USEF A rating and a jumper 3 star and will run September 5th-8th and 12th-15th.  “This year’s show is our biggest to date and with two sold out events we are looking forward to two busy weeks,” said show organizer J. P. Godard.

Many exciting events are on tap including a $15,000 Jumper Classic each week (Saturday, September 7thth and 14thth), a $5,000 Welcome Stake each week (Thursday, September 5th and 12th), a $2,500 USHJA National Hunter (Friday September 6th), and the SCHJA Governor’s Cup Medal Finals (Sunday, September 8th).  Back by popular demand is the Celebrity Ride and Drive Relay Challenge and “Bridles and Birdies” event to benefit the First Tee of Aiken which will take place Friday, September 13th.  Tickets for this wonderful event are available in the horse show office or by calling 803-226-0053.  Tickets are $30 per person and include the relay event, dinner, and live music all to benefit the First Tee of Aiken.

The Aiken Fall Festival is also excited to announce some exciting new classes to this year’s line-up with the addition of the TAKE2 Thoroughbred classes and the prestigious Zone 4 Horse of the Year Finals.  TAKE2 offers prize money in hunter and jumper classes restricted to Thoroughbreds that are eligible to be registered with The Jockey Club. The 2013 plan expanded the program nationwide to include 10 of the 12 USEF zones at more than 40 horse shows in 17 states. The goal is to create a market for retired racehorses, ensuring happy and productive lives beyond the racetrack.  “We felt that bringing the TAKE2 classes to Aiken was a great fit seeing the large thoroughbred population we have locally,” quoted Godard.  Zone 4 Horse of the Year Finals encompasses Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama offering finals classes in all USEF A rated divisions for all eligible horses.  The Tack Room of Camden South Carolina is the official sponsor of this year’s Zone 4 Finals which also includes a $2,500 Handy Hunter Stake Class.

The Aiken Fall Festival is known for its special events and hospitality and this year is no exception.  This year’s schedule includes:

Thursday, September 5th

$5,000 Open Welcome Jumper Stake
Not before 3 pm

Aiken Fall Festival Welcome Party at The Stables Restaurant @ Rose Hill Estate
Come as you are, all canine friends invited as well!
Live music by New Holland Rd! 7-9 pm

Friday, September 6th

$2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby sponsored by Holley Tractor
Low Country Boil sponsored by The Aiken Fall Festival Hospitality Sponsors
5:30 pm

Saturday, September 9th

Ice Cream and Popsicle Party 2 pm

Wine and Cheese sponsored by Hot To Trot Boutique 4 pm

$15,000 Aiken Premiere Jumper Classic
Exhibitor’s Party sponsored by The Aiken Fall Festival Hospitality Sponsors
5:30 pm

Sunday, September 10th

2013 SCHJA Governor’s Cup Medal Finals and Breakfast
8:00 am

Thursday, September 12th

$5,000 Open Welcome Jumper Stake
Pizza Party sponsored by Gagne International
Approximately 4:30 pm

Friday, September 13th

Celebrity Ride and Drive Challenge Relay Class
“Bridles and Birdies” to benefit The First Tee of Aiken
Tent opens at 5 pm – Relay to start at 6 pm

Saturday, September 14th

Ice Cream and Popsicle Party 2 pm

Wine and Cheese sponsored by Hot To Trot Boutique 4 pm

$15,000 Aiken Fall Jumper Classic sponsored by The Willcox
Exhibitor’s dinner sponsored by DFG Stables, Liz Tarumianz, Booth Parker, and Allison Mills
5:30 pm

AikenDSC_1148AngelWEBSponsors are an integral part to any event’s success.  Equus Events and The Aiken Fall Festival would like to thank the following sponsors for their patronage:

Gold Sponsors-

The Willcox, The Barn Book, Sidelines Magazine, The Stables Restaurant at Rose Hill, Fenwick Equestrian, Dietrich and Company Equine Insurance, The Mark Lexton Collection, DFG Stables, Gamboa Veterinary Services, EquiFit, Inc., One K Helmets, Holley Tractor, Integrity Fine Equestrian Linens

Silver Sponsors-

Aiken Yoga, CrossFit Aiken, Equine Divine, Finally Farm, Oak Manor Saddlery, Sandra Thomas, The Aiken Horse

Hospitality Sponsors-

Allison Mills, Beaver River Farm, Booth Parker, Brick Church Farm, Bridlewood Farm, Christison Stables, DFG Stables, Gagne International, Hot To Trot Boutique, Liz Tarumianz, The Willcox, The Stables Restaurant at Rose Hill

A special thanks to our title sponsors: Holley Tractor for sponsoring the National Hunter Derby Friday, September 6th, The Willcox for sponsoring the $15,000 Jumper Classic on Saturday, September 14th; and The Tack Room for sponsoring Zone 4 Horse of the Year Finals.

For directions, more information and a complete horse show schedule, please go to www.equusevents.com or call 803-295-2094.  The event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

Equus Events is a horse show production company based in Aiken, SC. We are committed to producing unique exhibitor friendly events that excel in a high level of quality, competition, and hospitality.  Equus Events is the current USHJA Members Choice award winning horse show company in zone 4 for an AA rated horse show.

Contact:
Equus Events
www.equusevents.com
803-643-5698