About Us

Bruce's Legacy

To ensure its tradition as an equestrian venue in Aiken’s Historic Horse District, Bruce Duchossois purchased the 66 acres, now known as Bruce’s Field in the year 2000. His dream was to nurture the property into South Carolina’s premier equestrian facility yet maintain its historic character. Following the examples of stewardship and generosity by the generations of previous owners, and knowing that he might not live long enough to see his dream realized, Bruce created a foundation to ensure the long-term survival of his dream. The Aiken Horse Park Foundation is proud of Bruce’s Field; its facilities that enable equestrian sport at its finest, but more importantly its character holding fast to the values of tradition and integrity.

Bruce dearly loved Aiken and was so thankful for what it gave him. He offered this gift to the community knowing that he would not be able to enjoy it himself, and asking nothing in return but that others enjoy it in his stead.

Facilities

Nestled in the heart of Aiken’s historic district, Bruce’s Field at the Aiken Horse Park offers an unparalleled experience of premier equestrian facilities with the comfort and charm of an iconic Southern town.

Bruce’s Field rests at the intersection of the best Aiken has to offer. Its premier facilities and rich heritage provide an unmatched hospitality for horse and rider alike. There are six all weather rings and three schooling arenas all featuring GGT Footing, 624 permanent stalls, space for additional temporary stabling, and an administrative building housing the Foundation office with access to permanent restrooms. Sitting upon sixty-six acres of grass field, the Horse Park enjoys an open and spacious atmosphere, with plenty of room inviting horses and riders to stretch their legs outside of the rings.

Stately longleaf pines give way to the towering live oaks that line the short drive down Powderhouse Road and South Boundary Avenue to Aiken’s charming downtown district, known for its vibrant cultural scene and boutique shopping, dining, and nightlife attractions. Historic hotels provide accommodation in the heart of downtown, and an easy, inviting pace pervades the cosmopolitan yet relaxed atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at kate@aikenhorsepark.org if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Do you offer horseback riding experiences?

We get this question a lot, and understand that in a beautiful equestrian community like Aiken, people are often looking for opportunities to get in on the action themselves. Bruce's Field does not offer horseback riding experiences. We are strictly a horse show facility, so if there is not an event going on, there are no horses on property. Bruce's Field is closed to the public outside of scheduled events. The City of Aiken website, visitaikensc.com offers some local options.

Can I ride my horse at Bruce's Field?

Bruce's Field is closed to the public outside of scheduled events. Any and all equestrian enthusiasts wanting to ride their horses at Bruce's Field must be officially entered in one of the many events held throughout the year. Please see our Calendar page for a full list of upcoming horse shows and events. No horses are allowed on the property outside of official Bruce's Field events.

When can I come visit Bruce's Field?

We encourage everyone to participate in all of the wonderful horse shows and events here at Bruce's Field. Most events are FREE and open to spectators! A few events throughout the year require tickets for entry. To see a full schedule please visit our Calendar page. Bruce's Field is closed to the public outside of scheduled events.

How do I watch a horse show?

Spectators are encouraged at ALL of our events at Bruce's Field! Most events are FREE and open to spectators! A few events throughout the year require tickets for entry. To see a full schedule please visit our Calendar page. Visitors should use the Audubon Dr gate and follow the signs for parking. While there is limited bleacher seating scattered around the park, we encourage guests to bring a bag chair, maybe even a picnic blanket, and enjoy the action from all angles around the park. At many events our onsite food vendor, Perks With A Twist, is open for business and ready to serve you some of the most delicious food you'll ever find at a horse show!

Are dogs allowed at Bruce's Field?

Well behaved dogs are always welcome at Bruce's Field. While on property, all dogs must be on a leash at ALL times! Please be prepared to clean up after your four legged friend. Bruce's Field is closed to the public outside of scheduled events.

What kind of horse shows take place at Bruce's Field?

Bruce's Field caters to a variety of equestrian disciplines. The majority of the shows on our Calendar are Hunter/Jumper shows.

In the "Hunter" classes the horse and rider jump a course, and the judges give each round a score based on the pair's form, movement, harmony, and jumping ability.
In the "Jumper" classes the horse and rider jump a course and often a jump-off course. The scoring is based on the pair's speed and accuracy (avoid knocking the jumps down). If the horse and rider complete the first round without any faults, they move on to the jump-off.

Bruce's Field also hosts a series of Dressage shows, our Eventing Showcase, and our Tuesday's in the Park winter schooling days.

AHPF Photography Policy

In order to protect the business of our official show photographers, the AHPF has established this photography policy. In this social media, smart phone, day and age, capturing and sharing images from events has never been easier. We want to encourage all our guests at Bruce’s Field to fully enjoy their experiences here and treasure the special memories for generations to come. However it is still extremely important that we protect and respect the contracted show photographers that make their livelihoods providing high quality, professional images for our exhibitors.

The following guidelines are expected to be abided by ALL visitors to Bruce’s Field:

Visitors, spectators and exhibitors at Bruce’s Field are permitted to take photographs and record video for personal use only
Only our official appointed event photographers are allowed to take competitor images and sell them to the public
No other individual or company has permission to take images of multiple competitors and sell them to members of the public or publish online/on social media
Professional photography equipment, including, but not limited to, cameras with lenses longer than 4 inches, tripods, monopods, or any video camera mounted on a tripod or other stabilizing device are not permitted under any circumstances
Media representatives with approved credentials are the only exception
“Private” photographers must go through the proper channels for approval to be on premises PER EVENT. Please contact kate@aikenhorsepark.org for further details

Any individual found in violation of these guidelines will be asked to leave the premises and could be subject to bans from future Bruce’s Field events.

Support

Interested in Sponsorship opportunities? Please visit our Sponsorship Page

Gifts to the annual fund help offset the cost of maintaining the facility while also making it affordable for other charitable organizations’ use.

Knowing he may not live to see his dream realized, Bruce created a Foundation to carry on his vision that “Bruce’s Field” may provide future generations with a place to hold the kinds of events that he cherished—old-fashioned venues with character and integrity - not limited in its use, but a place where the City of Aiken’s many charitable and civic endeavors may be held for the benefit and enjoyment of all residents and visitors.

Now it is our turn to help ensure his legacy continues…

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Stay up to date with all the goings on at Bruce's Field

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Bruce's Legacy

Facilities

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Support

Hurricane Evacuation

Park Sponsors

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