Help us write The Next Chapter of Aiken's equestrian legacy
The Next Chapter
Once you drive through those gates, there is a certain feel that makes it special and unique. It's been well thought out for now and for the next generation. The future is very bright for Bruce's Field.
- Phillip Dutton
The Next Chapter
Bruce’s Field is nestled in the historic horse district of Aiken.
Born from the vision and generosity of Bruce Duchossois, it has quickly become a venue of choice for discerning equestrians in multiple disciplines. Under the direction of the Aiken Horse Park Foundation Board, Bruce’s Field was built to be a premier facility, guaranteeing a memorable experience for horse and rider alike. Since our first horse show in 2015, our reputation has attracted top level amateur, professional and Olympic equestrians from across the country and the world. This unprecedented reception and growth has quickly outpaced our current permanent facilities. We have depended on temporary solutions to accommodate the growing number of horses and the thousands of their human counterparts who travel to Aiken on a regular basis to enjoy all that Bruce’s Field offers. To maintain our standard of excellence and remain a favored destination, we must expand our permanent facility and continue to incorporate state-of-the-art improvements.
Bruce Duchossois purchased a tract of land in the year 2000
With the immediate goal of preventing residential development, his dream was to grow it into South Carolina’s premier equestrian facility and pay forward the generosity of his predecessors whose gifts created the Aiken he loved… a town with a special heart for horses and riders, competition and training. He envisioned a modern, progressive facility yet filled with ambiance and traditions that were precious to him; events infused with hospitality, character and integrity. Bruce wanted the venue to be a place where the community’s many charitable and civic endeavors could be accommodated for the benefit and enjoyment of all residents and visitors. Bruce established the Aiken Horse Park Foundation in June of 2013 to carry on his vision. He did not live long enough to see his dream realized, but the Foundation he created has carried forward his vision and is committed to maintaining the his expectations.
Expanding Bruce's Dream
Our foundation’s long term development plan plays in concert with our mission and Bruce’s vision.
His dream; to nurture and develop this property into South Carolina’s premier equestrian facility yet maintain its historic character has been met with enthusiastic reception by the equestrian community.
As stewards of Bruce’s vision, additional permanent barns and a grand-prix arena have been designed and developed by the Foundation with the same level of sensitivity as have the existing structures.
Sustainability was Bruce’s goal.
He wanted to build a community resource, a community asset for generations to come. Bruce always tried to do the best he could with his animals, with his friends, and with his competition. We are dedicated to his wishes and committed to taking Aiken Horse Park, Bruce’s Field, to a never ending higher level of attractiveness and of competitiveness.
– Craig J. Duchossois
Staying Relevant in a Growing Regional Market
Aiken has long been a popular winter destination for equestrians,
as have locations in Florida and North Carolina. The debate as to which location is more accommodating for equestrians is not new. What is new is the infusion of major capital investments by for profit entities into the equestrian infrastructures that are now offered in these alternate locations; investments that position other communities to become the premier equestrian lifestyle destinations of the Southeast.
Since our first horse show in 2015, Bruce’s Field has quietly but steadily impacted the economy of Aiken. Most residents do not realize the thousands of visitors nor the millions of dollars Bruce’s Field infuses into our local economy on an annual basis through the direct use of local equestrian support services and businesses, local hotels and restaurants, utilization of local retail opportunities and the resulting sales, accommodation and hospitality taxes that support education and local municipal projects.
Bruce’s Field has certainly helped keep Aiken relevant in the region, and although we don’t plan to compete with investments in infrastructure on the scale of Ocala and Tryon, we will continue to improve what we do best and be THE park-like venue known for embracing hospitality, old fashioned values and integrity. That said, we cannot simply stand still either, or we risk Aiken and Bruce’s Field being left behind.
Not only did Bruce create a first-class equestrian facility, his legacy continues to support the city that he loved; a city staying true to its heritage to this very day.
This facility is top notch.
We have the best footing in the country. It can rain buckets or it can be dry and the footing is always the same. The open park like atmosphere of this place really causes horses to take a deep breath, relax and just enjoy their time here. It is very natural for horses. There is nothing artificial about this place.
– Daniel Geitner
Park Sponsors
