Bruce’s Field-Aiken,SC August 17-20 and 24-27, 2023
Equus Event’s 2023 Aiken Summerfest series wrapped up this weekend with an exciting two weeks of hunter and show jumping competition featuring horses and riders from throughout the south east. The Aiken Horse Park, home to Bruce’s Field, is a favorite amongst competitors, trainers, sponsors, and spectators alike. From the state of the art footing, to the top notch stabling, the welcoming staff and the quaint southern town, it is hard to beat attending an event at this lovely facility.
Fabian Harrera and Accelerator
Ava Hartman and Impression
Over in the jumper ring there was a lot of exciting action and unforgettable moments with several local seasoned veterans and some up and coming riders coming away with blue ribbons.
Week I featured Emma Irwin and her Chacothago owned entry out of Aiken, SC topping a competitive field of horses and riders in the $1,000 Open Jumper Welcome Stake. Emma also finished second place in the $9,999 Jumper Classic sponsored by Barb Uskup and Aiken Find Homes and Farms. The winner of the Week I Jumper Classic was WH Capri and owner rider Claire Connighan in the irons with Claire also picking up third place honors on Figment.
Emma Irwin and Chacothago
Claire Connighan with WH Capri and Figment
16 year old Madelyn Godard made her debut in the open jumper division a memorable one during the Aiken Summerfest II by taking home first place honors in the $1,000 Open Jumper Welcome Stake on her MTM Conan G. Godard also took home 8th place in the $9,999 Jumper Classic having the second fastest time with just one rail down in the jump off. Godard, a junior at Mead Hall Episcopal School in Aiken SC trains with Daniel and Cathy Geitner and just recently partnered with the 12 year old Oldenburg gelding earlier this year.
The final weekend was capped off by Aiken’s own hometown veteran rider Daniel Geitner and his own entry of Quative E (pictured above) capturing the win in the $9,999 Open Jumper Classic sponsored by Deirdre Vaillancourt and Aiken, SC Properties.
Madelyn Godard and MTM Conan G
Daniel Geitner and Quative E
Equus Events would like to thank this year's sponsors for their continued support of the Aiken Summerfest series; Deirdre Vaillancourt and Aiken, SC Properties, Barb Uskup and Aiken Find Homes and Farms, The Tack Room, Aiken Saddlery, Braemer Road, DFG Stables, and Hillford Farm. Many thanks to our friends at Board in Aiken for providing our exhibitors with fabulous hospitality during both weeks of competition.
Looking for photos? A&S photography has you covered! Thank you to Ann and Sara Stanton for the beautiful photos of our winners and for your continued support as Equus Events official horse show photographer. Complete horse show results can be found at www.horseshowsinline.com
