Members of Aiken County Pony Club with team captain and GPE 2023 Champion, Liz Halliday-Sharp, along with #TeamOrange teammates, Shannon Lilley, Sydney Elliot & Woods Baughman | |
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2023 $50,000 Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce's Field
Presented by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services
March 3 & 4, 2023
Bruce's Field
931 Powderhouse Rd Aiken, SC
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LIZ HALLIDAY-SHARP TAKES THIRD VICTORY IN $50,000 GRAND-PRIX EVENTING FESTIVAL AT BRUCE'S FIELD | |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 08, 2023
CONTACT:
Kate Boggan
Director of Marketing & Communications
[email protected]
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AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA - The win came down to 5 seconds on cross-country at the 2023 $50,000 Grand-Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field, presented by Taylor Harris Insurance Services. Liz Halliday-Sharp collected the come-from-behind victory on Deborah Palmer’s and Ocala Horse Properties’ Miks Master C (Mighty Magic - Qui Luma CBF) on a final score of 24.6. She previously won Grand-Prix Eventing in 2019 (Fernhill By Night) and 2020 (Deniro Z). The pair moved up from 3rd following dressage and only added .8 time during their show jump round. | |
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Second in the division were early leaders Doug Payne and Starr Witness (Chello III VDL - Carmen), owned by Laurie McRee, Catherine Winter, and Doug Payne, who added 5 seconds of time over the optimum to collect 2.0 time penalties. This put the pair on a final score of 25.9, proving the rail lowered in Friday’s show jumping to be costly.
Third in the 2023 Grand-Prix Eventing Festival are Boyd Martin and the Annie Goodwin Syndicate’s Fedarman B (Eurocommerce Washington - Paulien B), the winners of this event in 2022. Martin was tasked with climbing the ranks following dressage, which saw him slot into sixth early on. He then moved up to third thanks to a double clear show jumping round Friday afternoon. Two seconds’ worth of time penalties meant Martin wouldn’t climb into second overall, but a podium finish was still significant.
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Full individual scores can be found here. | |
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Winning the Ride for Charity team competition benefiting local nonprofit organizations is Team Orange, made up of Liz Halliday-Sharp and Miks Master C, Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire, Shannon Lilley and Ideal HX, and Woods Baughman and C’est la Vie 135. Team Orange competed to benefit the Aiken County Pony Club, and the win means a purse of $2,500 will be donated to the organization, in addition to further donations supplied by fan voting.
Second in the team competition was Team Blue (Phillip Dutton and Z, Will Faudree and Pfun, Amanda Beale Clement and Carlson 119, Erin Kanara and Campground), receiving $1,500 to benefit Great Oak Equine Assisted Programs in addition to fan donations.
Third was Team Purple (Boyd Martin and Fedarman B + Tsetserleg, Sarah Kuhn and Mr. Cash van de Start, Ryan Wood and Cooley Flight), whose efforts will send a $1,000 donation to Tri-Development Center.
Full team scores can be found here.
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In addition to the funds won in the Ride for Charity, the online fan vote raised the above totals for each team and 100% of the monies raised will go directly back to the participating charitable organizations! | |
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Richard Picken Show Jumping Style Award
Presented by Joanie Morris, Michelle Koppin, Alex Baugh, and Evie & Phillip Dutton
Colleen Loach & FE Golden Eye
"An avid supporter of all the activities at Bruce’s Field, Richard Picken spent every Tuesday each winter at the facility coaching and warming up his students. He was fiercely dedicated to those that he coached and was very committed to utilizing the training and showing opportunities at Bruce’s Field. He coached Olympians and kids with equal interest and dedication, and nothing made him happier than a long, successful day in the warm-up arena – no matter the weather. Highlights of his coaching career included Phillip Dutton’s individual bronze medal at the 2016 Olympic Games on Mighty Nice and Alexandra Baugh’s individual gold at the North American Young Rider Championships. But he enjoyed the day to day as much as he enjoyed major championships and continued to teach until the last weeks of his life. He lost a stubborn battle with cancer in the summer of 2022, but the education that he instilled in hundreds of horses and riders can be seen in show jumping arenas at events across the country. The Richard Picken Style Award is given in his memory, as determined by course designer Michel Vailliancourt."
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Annie Goodwin Sportsmanship Award
Presented by Peter Goodwin
Will Faudree
The recipient of the Annie Goodwin Sportsmanship Award is nominated and voted on by their fellow competitors at the showcase. Annie Goodwin was a rising star in the sport of eventing. She was a frequent competitor at Bruce's Field and was a fixture at our winter schooling days since their inception in 2016. Annie invested in our community by volunteering her time at Bruce’s Field. Most recently, she volunteered as a member of the organizing committee for our Grand-Prix Eventing Festival at Bruce's Field, and had her rookie start as a competitor in the March 2021 showcase.
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Top Rookie
Presented by Susan Benson of Somerset Equestrian Trading
Shannon Lilley
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High Point Thoroughbred
Presented by Rebecca Newell
Campground (Erin Kanara)
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Triple Crown Best Turn Out Award
Presented by Kristen Galvan and Amy Hebert
Grace Harris and Sallie Johnson (Phillip Dutton)
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Leading Lady Rider
Presented by Elisabeth Harpham of Ruby Throated Sparrow
Liz Halliday-Sharp
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Top Young Rider
Presented by Susan Benson of Somerset Equestrian Trading
Amanda Beale Clement
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An Event Like No Other offers entertainment like no other! Spectators and competitors alike got to enjoy a full line up of activities in addition to the thrilling competition.
Friday, March 3rd, between the morning dressage and afternoon show jumping, Phillip Dutton lead the public on a Show Jumping Course Walk sponsored by Triple Crown. Participants got to tour Michel Vaillancourt's advanced course with the 7 time Olympian, and hear his insights on how to deliver a clean round in such a big atmosphere.
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Saturday, March 4th, before the start of cross-country, spectators were treated to a variety of additional entertainment!
First up was the Cross-Country Course Walk with Boyd Martin & Doug Payne, sponsored by Purina. The chance to walk alongside two of the best in the business was extremely popular, and there was a spectacular turn out.
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While it's one thing to learn from and admire these heroes of the sport, it's another to have a good natured giggle at their expense! Boyd Martin & Phillip Dutton were the best sports, and traded their breeches for blue jeans during the Cowboy Up exhibition.
Claire Pound graciously offered her reining horse, Guns And Tutus or "Bingo", as the boys western mount. Both eventing Olympians rode a simple reining pattern designed by Claire, as she and Silva Martin critiqued each ride.
While both riders drastically improved by the end of their rounds, neither made any mention of making a bid for the 2023 NRHA Futurity.
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Following the denim clad duo, Golden Carriage Driving and New Heritage Farm Carriages gave the crowd a spectacular combined driving demonstration.
The sport of Combined Driving was created by the late Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh. He loved carriage driving and in the early 1970’s he helped to develop the first comprehensive and standardized rules for the sport patterned after Three-Day Eventing. There are three phases: Dressage, Cones which is meant to simulate stadium jumping, and Marathon which would be the cross-country portion. Each phase is scored then added together to create a single final score. The winner is the entry with the lowest score, or the least number of penalty points. Just like eventing, there are multiple levels: Training, Preliminary, Intermediate and Advanced. Combined Driving is governed at the international level by the FEI, and Nationally by USEF and the American Driving Society.
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Taylor Bradish, of Golden Carriage Driving in Windsor, South Carolina, drove Katydid Duchess, a 13 year old Welsh/TB out of Gold Medal Winning German Riding Pony Stallion Danyloo. Riding on the back of the carriage as her navigator was Amy Hubert, owner of Aiken Saddlery.
Most recently, Taylor and Duchess were selected to represent the United States at the 2022 FEI Combined Driving Single Horse World Championships in Haras Du Pin, France. The pair had a strong marathon, finishing in fourth by just a fraction of a point, and placed fifteenth overall. They were the best finishing American team, and Taylor continually beams with pride when she talks of it.
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Taylor & Duchess were joing in the demonstration by Sock it to Me JND, a 6 year old Dutch Harness Horse driven by Rebecca Gutierrez of New Heritage Farm Carriages. Rebecca and "Oscar" are currently competing at the Preliminary level. They have been together for 3 years and are gradually making their way up the levels. Rebecca previously competed with a very talented sport-type Haflinger pony named Naria BW6. They were a strong force in the pony division at the top Advanced level. Together they earned two Reserve National Championship titles and qualified for the 2017 World Pony Championships in Minden, Germany. Carol Funderburgh, a long-time carriage driver herself, navigated for Rebecca and Oscar.
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A crowd favorite at the $50,000 Grand-Prix Eventing at Bruce's Field, presented by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services, the Aiken Hounds, Parade of Hounds kicked off the opening ceremonies on Saturday before the start of cross-country.
The hounds were shown today by Aiken Hounds professional huntsman Chad Wilkes and 1st whipper in Brooke Miller and staff member Dione Carroll.
Aiken Hounds' Masters are Linda Knox McLean, Larry E. Byers, Sarah Greenhill Wildasin and Karl A. McMillan.
The Aiken Hounds, formerly called the Old Aiken Drag, were established in 1914 by Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Hitchcock of Long Island, NY, who came to Aiken in the early 1900's to escape the long New York winters. They brought their fox hunters, race horses, steeplechasers and polo ponies with them to Aiken by train. The Hitchcocks, along with Ambrose Clark and Celestine Eustis, purchased the land we know as the Hitchcock Woods from local farmers and used it as a training ground for their steeplechasers during the winter months. The Woods at that time were four times bigger than they are today, encompassing more than 8,000 acres of sandy land interspersed with long leaf pines.
Mrs. Hitchcock first began hunting a beagle pack in the woods, importing long legged rabbits from the mid-west to be pursued by her beagles. The green livery that is worn by the Aiken Hounds Masters, Huntsman and Staff today harkens back to those days.
One winter the Hitchcocks decided to introduce a drag pack - a pack of foxhounds that would follow a fox's scent over a pre-set route. They had already built miles and miles of 'drag' lines of fences for their steeplechasers - many of the fences were over 5 feet in height - to be jumped in either direction throughout the Woods, so introducing hounds into the mix only added to the fun.
The tradition continues today. The fences are lower, and the Woods is smaller, but enthusiasm for the chase has not diminished. Aiken's hounds are Pennmarydel and American hounds, they are well suited to the mostly sandy and dry conditions in the Hitchcock Woods and are best known for their discerning noses, obedience, and great cry.
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Prior to the top 10, another crowd favorite at the GPE, the USC Aiken Polo Team demonstrated their skills for the crowd.
Aiken is world-renowned for its abundance of equestrian opportunities, with polo being central to the town’s identity. Home to Whitney Field, considered the oldest existing polo field in the country, Aiken is a hub for players in the fall and spring of each year. USC Aiken students have the chance to take advantage of these opportunities during the school year with the men and women’s club polo teams.
The team is open to men and women of all experience levels, and participates in the United States Polo Association's Intercollegiate Tournaments. The USC Aiken Polo Team plays against schools in the Southeastern region during the regular season, and nationally when qualified.
The team attracts a variety of players, some with their own string and others new to the sport. Horses are provided for players to practice and compete on for those without their own. Practices are held weekly at the New Bridge Polo and Country Club arena or at Winthrop Field, weather permitting. Outside of the spring intercollegiate season, players often participate in tournaments and practices hosted by Aiken Polo Club.
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Thursday, March 2nd, before the Thursday Night Rider Welcome Party, the AHPF office building was officially dedicated "Jack's House". Members of the Aiken Horse Park Foundation Board, as well as the Duchossois family, were present and gave speeches in honor of Jack Wetzel's long standing dedication to Bruce's Field and the Aiken community. | |
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Jack’s House
Dedicated March 2, 2023
Jack Wetzel
This building will forever be known as “Jack’s House” in honor of Aiken Horse Park Foundation co-founder Jack Wetzel, in recognition of his unwavering commitment to Aiken, outstanding leadership of the Aiken Horse Park Foundation, and tireless efforts to preserve Bruce’s legacy.
Jack's impact on the community will be remembered for generations to come; his legacy intertwined with Bruce and the Aiken Horse Park Foundation. Through their dedication to improving the quality of life for people and animals alike, Jack and Bruce have left a lasting impact on Aiken, inspiring people of all ages to grow through their participation in the equine community. This building will stand as a testament to their shared vision and passion.
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ANNIE GOODWIN RISING STAR FUND BENEFIT | |
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Friday night, March 3rd, following the conclusion of Show Jumping, friends and family of Annie Goodwin, along with the competitors and event sponsors, gathered in the Sponsor Tent. The AHPF leadership informed the guests on the status of the Annie Goodwin fund, which to date has raised over $125,000.
In the spirit of Annie’s vision and legacy, the Aiken Horse Park Foundation has established the Annie Goodwin Rising Star Fund, to foster, support and develop Aiken’s young equestrians who embody Annie’s character and dedication in their respective sports.
That evening, $2,000 was raised to benefit the fund. Thank you to the following contributors:
2024 Tuesdays in the Park Season Pass
1 trip per schooling day: $350.00 value
Lesson with Michel Vaillancourt
Olympic Silver Medalist & FEI Level 4 Course
Designer: $150.00 value
Aiken Saddlery Gift Card
$100 value
Boyd Martin signed Fedarman B hat
Priceless!!!
Aiken Saddlery Pallet of Feed (x2)
40 bags each
Canna Horse Legends Series presented by Aiken Saddlery
William Fox-Pitt/Jay Hayes Clinic Spot
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The Sponsor Chalets have become one of the most popular ways to enjoy #AnEventLikeNoOther. Each year we encourage our chalet holders to decorate their space and make it their own.
Saturday's sunny and beautiful weather was reflected in Jane & Jerry Mount's chalet with their tropical paradise theme! Congrats on the win and thank you for your support!
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(L-R) Kim Duchossois (Bruce's Sister), John Stephens (AHPF Board Chair), Dayle Duchossois (Bruce's Sister), and Jack Wetzel (AHPF President), enjoying the gorgeous weather and spectacular competition during Saturday's cross-country | |
2023 GPE Champions, Liz Halliday-Sharp & Miks Master C, strutting their stuff in dressage | |
(L-R) Amy Hebert & Taylor Bradish, during the combined driving demo | |
Members of the Aiken Hounds Hunt during the Parade of Hounds | |
Overnight leaders, Doug Payne & Starr Witness, with scope to spare over the THIS Show Jump | |
"Please keep your arms and legs inside the ride at all times. Thank you!" Colleen Loach and FE Golden Eye, winners of the inaugural Richard Picken Show Jumping Style Award, showing off that style on cross-country | |
Claire Pound and Silva Martin critiquing the rides in Boyd Martin & Phillip Dutton, Cowboy Up! | |
Boyd Martin & Tsetserleg giving a final salute in front of the Dutta Corp Air Traffic Control Tower | |
British eventing legend William Fox- Pitt & Vincent Chase, through the water on XC day | |
Aiken locals and GPE first timers, Sarah Kuhn & Mr. Cash van de Start, over the Aiken Tennis Court | |
Event Director Joanie Morris, enjoying the sunshine, entertainment, and a horse hug during the Boyd Martin & Phillip Dutton Cowboy Up! | |
Pats for Fedarman B or "Bruno" after a spectacular show jump round | |
Amanda Beale Clement & Carlson 119, making easy work of the Battler of Aiken Cannon | |
Fan favorites, Emily Hamel & Corvett or "Barry" the jumping bean! | |
Sara Kozumplik & her unicorn, Rubens D'ysieux over the Aiken Post Office | |
Queen of the GPE, Liz Halliday-Sharp has really perfected her victory first pump! | |
Thank you for your support! | |
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Morgan & Paul Batton - Amy Borun - Tara & Charlie Bostwick - Sharer Dale
Lauren Davis - Annie Dewitt - Eden Dedrick - Evie & Phillip Dutton - Tracy Egan
Donna & Mike Fanning - Candace & Holland Garrett - Tina & Putter Goodwin
Nancy Hathaway - Angela Hambrick - The Hansen Family - Amy Hebert & CP Doremus
Jane & Bob Hottensen - Annie Jones - Michelle & John Koppin - Deborah Kuhn
Anne Laver - Mike Laver - The Douglas Luke Family - Karl McMillan
Caroline Merison - Kelly Morgan - Joanie Morris - Jane & Jerry Mount
Rebecca T. Newell & William L. Griffin - Jessica & Doug Payne - Amy Peloquin
Christine Quinn - Darlene Reichard - Mandeep Sing - Cat Stumberg - Chacea Sundman Barb Gould Uskup - Olivia van Melle Kamp - Deirdre & Michel Viallancourt - Jack Wetze Ryan Wicker - Gretchen & George Wintersteen
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THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR GENEROUS PARK SPONSORS | |
Promoting Aiken’s equestrian way of life and encouraging the community’s civic, educational,
and charitable endeavors.
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