Horse show showcases Hitchcock Woods

The 93rd edition of the Aiken Horse Show in the Woods will be held April 3-5 and will once again showcase one of Aiken's treasures - Hitchcock Woods.

The event has a dual purpose; in addition to featuring outstanding horses and horsemen in an idyllic setting, the show serves as a fundraiser for the Hitchcock Woods Foundation, which owns, manages and maintains the 2,100 acres that compose one of Aiken's most unique resources. The Hitchcock Woods Fo undation is a private, not-for-profit organization.

It's an event steeped in rich tradition, and spectators will have a chance to enjoy a horse show that has retained its charm and character, evoking images of years past as the exhibitors pay homage to the powerful legacy left by Louise Eustis Hitchcock.

The Aiken Horse Show in the Woods' director is Gail Balding King, and the assistant director is Linda Knox McLean. This year's show's honorary chairmen will be Molly and Peter Gray.

The judge for this year's show will be renowned horseman Bucky Reynolds, who comes from a family of highly respected horsemen; his father is J. Arthur Reynolds, and his sister is Betty Oare. The hunter/jumper trainer has an outstanding eye for a horse and has developed multiple champions.

A member of the Hitchcock family, Stephany Hitchcock, the youngest granchild of Thomas and Louise Hitchcock, has designed and created a piece of custom jewelry that will be presented to the four champions of this year's show.

For more information about the event or to help preserve Hitchcock Woods, call 642-0528 or visit www.aikenhorseshow.org or www.hitchcockwoods.org.