Just east of Augusta, Georgia, bordered by Interstates 20, 26 and 95, between Atlanta and Charleston are the rolling hills of Thoroughbred Country, South Carolina, consisting of Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg and Barnwell counties. This part of the Palmetto State is an equestrian epicenter with world-renowned horse training, racing and tracks, stable tours and an exciting year-round calendar of events. It’s also a great getaway for discovering less-traveled state parks, gardens and plantation homes, Mennonite culture, folk art and antique shops in charming small towns.
Thoroughbred Country’s epicenter is Aiken, which developed into a snowbirds’ mild-climate winter retreat in the early 1900s, as the railroads pushed farther south. Aiken became the home of the famed Winter Colony where Vanderbilts, Astors, Pinkertons, Goodyears and other Golden Age notables vacationed. Golf, polo and other equestrian pursuits became pastimes that are still treasured today. This genteel and manageable small city admirably combines historic preservation with a contemporary vibe.
Surrounded by a one-of-a-kind parkway system and lush landscaping, walkable and picturesque downtown Aiken offers unique art galleries, antiques, boutiques and more. You’ll also find shops sharing all things equine, from art and photography to tack, clothing and accessories. A truly wide variety of restaurants range from family-friendly to trendy upscale dining in inviting spaces. Many have extensive wine lists, and there’s even a taproom in the dining and entertainment district known as The Alley, with 48 taps for beers, ciders, kombucha and coffee.
Get a great overview of this picture-perfect town on an Aiken Trolley Tour. Discover historic homes and churches, equestrian sites, the Battle of Aiken, the live oak canopy on South Boundary and the remaining Winter Colony residences. This two-hour immersion into the best of Aiken includes a guided walk through Hopelands Gardens. There you’ll also enjoy free admission to the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame, where champions are commemorated. It’s been named the Carolinas’ “Best Equestrian Attraction.”
For more equestrian immersion, visit the Aiken Training Track to watch future winners and past champions exercise in the early morning hours with their trainers. (538 Two Notch Rd SE, Aiken) At the Equine Rescue of Aiken tour the largest refuge of its kind in the Southeast with 80 acres of rolling pastures where volunteers and employees care for rescued horses. (532 Glenwood Drive, Aiken) Horse lovers can find more information on pages 33-34 of the Thoroughbred Country Visitors Guide.
Aiken is one of the most horse and rider-friendly cities around, and cars must yield the right-of-way. Walk or saddle a steed for a ride through an urban forest on 70 miles of sandy trails in historic Hitchcock Woods, larger than Manhattan’s Central Park. Horseback riding is offered by The Trail Riding Company. Horse owners can also explore the trails at Langley Pond Park in Warrenville, and at equestrian facilities like King Creek Campground in Fairfax, where camping and 350 acres of woods await. For more horseback riding ideas go to the Guided Tours section of https://www.tbredcountry.org/Thoroughbred-Country-Visitor-Guide
Equestrian Events, Fall Festivals and More
Horse owners and horse-lovers will find a myriad of fall events, from polo to racing and jumping. Watch the matches at the Aiken Polo Club Sunday afternoons in September through mid-November at historic Whitney Field, 420 Mead Avenue, in Aiken’s horse district. Admission ranges from $5 per person to $75 per person in the pavilion with open bar and catered food. Weekday matches are more informal and free to attend.
The Mustang Summit - Mustang Symposium, September 19-22, 2024 at Aiken Equine Rescue is a fundraiser for the facility that brings the excitement of Mustangs and horse films to Aiken. It’s a weekend of programming including the EQUUS Film Festival, an art and literary event, Equestrian/Mustang demos, lectures, even Cowboy Church.
The Aiken Derby Series is a collaboration between The Vista, Jumping Branch Farms and Dara Knot as a way to create more competitions while joining three great venues together. The dates are September 21, October 5 and November 30, 2024. Each venue will offer the same levels with similar tracks. The Derby course will be 5-6 show jumps that lead riders into a 9-10 jump Cross-Country course.
The Oktoberfest Horse Trials, September 27-29, 2024 at Stable View is a festive event with food trucks and vendor booths, the Aiken Horsepower Car Show, free admission and more. A ticketed VIP luncheon is also held on September 28. (USEF/USEA Oktoberfest FEI CCI-S Horse Trials)
November 23, 2024 is the National Steeplechase Association’s final race of the season, The Aiken Fall Steeplechase Championship, which will determine the top trainer, jockey and horse of the year. (Aiken Steeplechase Racecourse, 2020 Richland Ave E, Aiken) Bruce’s Field at Aiken Horse Park hosts a variety of dressage, eventing and hunter/jumper shows throughout the year. To find more equestrian events, visit the Thoroughbred Country calendar.
More don’t miss events center around music, food and fun for all. Shoutfest, October 19, 2024 is the Central Savannah River Area's largest, free outdoor, family-focused gospel festival that boasts national and regional gospel recording artists, a Kidszone, food and merchandise vendors. BBQ, Blues & Boos, October 25-26, is a Halloween weekend extravaganza. Profits go directly to free and low cost programs to support emerging entrepreneurs and small businesses around Barnwell and Allendale Counties. Free admission for kids under 12 in costume. Check the Thoroughbred Country calendar for the Aiken Symphony, The Etherredge Center, museums and more.
Where to Stay
Amongst the trees, experience the charm of The Birdnest Inn in an urban farm close to downtown Aiken, golf courses and equestrian competitions. This tranquil bed and breakfast is full of upscale adornments, antiques and unique artwork 5200 Sizemore Circle, Aiken, South Carolina 979-530-3900. Rates from $217.
Want to bring your horse or want to be around horse-lovers? Magnolia Shadows, a Ridge Spring bed and breakfast offers horse boarding and is pet-friendly. The 1895 historic plantation home has restored interiors surrounded by pastures, magnolia trees, a pool and manicured gardens. 595 Engineer Rd, Ridge Spring, South Carolina 29129; 803-522-1226. B&B rooms start at $160, cottages from $180/night. Broxton Bridge Plantation in Ehrhardt is an 1850s plantation home with bedrooms and baths and 125 RV campsites, most with water, electric and sewage hookups, along with horse corrals. Guests can enjoy walking trails around a 10 acre lake, hunting, fishing and sporting clays. 1685 Broxton Bridge Hwy, Ehrhardt, South Carolina 29081; 803-267-3882.
Want to be right in the middle of all the equestrian action? Stay at Stable View Farm. Sprawling over 1,000 acres of gently rolling hills and bordered by canopies of forests, Stable View hosts an array of horse trials, dressage, hunter and other events. Cottages, barn residences, loft-like “hunt boxes” and cozy apartments are available for short- or long-term stays. RV hookups are also available throughout the property. Stable View Farm, 117 Stable View Drive, Aiken
For a classic Southern mansion-style stay, Lookaway Inn nobly presides over the historic town center of North Augusta, just over the bridge from Augusta This classic Beaux-Arts jewel from the 1800s is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Guests enjoy a sumptuous breakfast, large, elegant bedrooms, private bathrooms and landscaped courtyard and gardens. 103 W Forest Avenue, North Augusta, South Carolina; 803-426-1030. $139-229 per night.
In 1934 during the Great Depression, Aiken State Park was built by an African American detachment of the Civilian Conservation Corps. No-WiFi encourages guests to enjoy nature trails, birding, a playground, orienteering and seasonal swimming. Bring or rent a canoe to paddle a scenic 1.7-mile canoe/kayak trail along the south fork of the Edisto River. Pet friendly except for bath house. Sites are convenient to restrooms with hot showers. All have water and electrical hookups; some have sewer hookups and can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet. 1145 State Park Road, Windsor, South Carolina 29856; 803-649-2857. Campsites, $18-45/night, Nominal admission fee for day use.
Room rates were accurate as of September 2024. For more on where to dine and what to do, go to www.TBredCountry.org
