August, 25th 2011 – The closing date for the 2011 Aiken Fall Festival Horse Show is just under a week away, but crew and staff at Equus Events have been busily preparing for the event all summer long. The show, a USEF “A” rated event will take place September 8-11 and 15-18 at Highfields Event Center in horse-centric Aiken, SC. The show has become a “staple” on the fall social and event calendar according to the Aiken Standard and it’s easy to see why. Aiken’s famous horse community, its eclectic shops and restaurants, and events such as the 2011 Aiken’s Makin’ Festival (September 9th-10th) makes this town a prime stop on the horse show calendar. Horses and riders will be competing for awards and prizes in upwards to $100,000 throughout the two week show series and vying to have their name engraved on many perpetual trophies. Some of last year’s Grand Champion and Perpetual Trophy winner’s included:
*At A Glance Memorial Perpetual Trophy for Grand Champion Hunter – Cezanne owned by Lilly Haun and ridden by Vick Russell
*Joyce Lineburger Memorial Perpetual Trophy for Grand Junior Hunter – Babette and Noel Fauntleroy
*Good Golly Miss Molly Perpetual Trophy for Grand Pony Hunter – Caroline Hargreaves and That’s It
*Grand Amateur Owner Hunter – Onassis and Sarah Ward
*Grand Adult Hunter – Westside and Cindy Prestage
*Grand Children’s Hunter – Ransom and Lily Foy
*Grand Children’s/Adult Jumper – Oh My Lord and Terrell McKey
*Grand Junior/AO Jumper – Fargo and Mary Huitt
This year’s show will have no shortage of special events taking place. The prestigious 2011 South Carolina Hunter Jumper Association Governor’s Cup Medal Finals will be held Sunday September 11th along with breakfast sponsored by the Godard Family. Aiken Fall Festival’s annual Hunt Night is always a fixture on the local social scene featuring local hunt riders and teams competing over courses reminiscent of the hunt Field on Friday September 16th. Jumper riders will be showcasing their skills in a $15,000 Open Jumper Classic each Saturday evening (September 10th and 17th), and not to be left out, the hunters will be featured in a $2,500 USHJA National Hunter Derby on Friday September 9th along with Derby Party sponsored by Liz Tarumianz, Booth Parker, and Debi Friedman.
The Stable Restaurant and Beer Garden will be sponsoring an exhibitor’s welcome party on Thursday, September 8th. “Beer, Brats, and Bring Your Dog” from 7-9 at the Stable Restaurant at Rose Hill Estate. Come as you are and all canine friends invited as well! Travinia Italian Kitchen will also be sponsoring an exhibitor and sponsor dinner during the $15,000 Jumper Classic on Saturday, September 10th. Please make sure to consult the Social Schedule during the show for a complete list of daily special events and parties. Other feature classes include:
-$5,000 Open Welcome Stake each week
-$2,500 Jr/AO Jumper Classic each week
-$2,500 NAL/WIHS Ch/Ad Jumper Classic each week
-$500 Pony Classic each week
-$500 NAL/WIHS Children’s Hunter Classic each week
-$500 NA/WIHS Adult Hunter Classic each week
Sponsors are always an intricate part of a successful show series and that support is greatly appreciated. Fenwick Equestrian has partnered with the Aiken Fall Festival as a major sponsor and Equus Events is delighted to have them aboard. Other sponsors include: Dietrich Insurance, Juan Gamboa DVM, Integrity Fine Equestrian Linens, The Farm House, Equi In Style, LLC, Finish Line Horse Products Banixx, and Carolina Outdoors and Golfcarts.
For more information on the Aiken Fall Festival, its many sponsors, and a complete schedule of events please contact Equus Events at 803-643-5698 or go to www.equusevents.com.
Megan Godard
Equus Events, Inc.
803-295-2094
www.equusevents.com
Meganvgodard@gmail.com