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Aiken Horse Show has forest setting, interesting classes



One of the largest urban forests in the nation is the setting for the 99th Aiken Horse Show on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Competition starts at 9 a.m. each day in Hitchcock Woods, and spectators are allowed to take their vehicles into the forest through the South Boundary Avenue entrance.

"It's probably the most unique horse show in America because of where it's held, and it's very old-fashioned in its way," said Gail Balding King, who shares the show director duties with Dana Massey. "You can't drive all over the woods, obviously - there is a designated route in and a designated route out - but it's a great opportunity to see the woods and what it's all about."

The show has 47 classes that are expected to attract around 200 exhibitors.

"The Costume Class and the Family Class on Saturday are show traditions," Massey said. "In the Costume Class, anyone can enter, and they dress up their horses and themselves. In the Family Class, family members participate together as a team. We usually have at least three generations of a lot of families riding."

Saturday's classes also include a new one this year for STAR Riding participants. STAR Riding is a local nonprofit that helps people with disabilities improve their quality of lives through interaction with horses.

King described the Foxhunter Handy Working Class on Sunday as "probably the most fun" competition to watch at the show.

"They have to jump out of the ring and sort of take a little route through the woods, and then they jump back into the ring," King said. "They also have to open a gate, and they jump down off of a bank. Another fun class is the (Aiken Driving Club) Silver Fox Challenge; you have to 55 or older to ride in that."

In addition, "we have sidesaddle classes Sunday, and the riders dress in full formal sidesaddle attire," Massey said. "In the Foxhunter Pairs and Teams classes, the riders and horses actually jump at the same time and have to be in unison with each other."

There is no general admission charge, but parking is $10 per vehicle. Show programs cost $5 apiece.

Food will be available for purchase, but spectators also can bring picnics. No grills are allowed.

Proceeds from the show benefit Hitchcock Woods.

For more information, visit www.aikenhorse.org.

Dede Biles is a general assignment reporter for the Aiken Standard.

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