Grand-Prix Eventing at Bruce's Field
Enjoy “an event like no other” with two days of dressage, show jumping and cross-country on Bruce’s Field at Aiken Horse Park. This equestrian triathlon, held in late February or early March, presents a prime opportunity for top eventing riders to kick start their competition season, and to welcome the public to an exciting fast-paced equestrian event.
In 2019, The Aiken Horse Park Foundation introduced Aiken’s first Eventing Showcase. An Eventing “Showcase” is a unique version of Eventing competition that condenses the traditional country-side Eventing environment into a spectator friendly venue. The showcase format allows the general public the chance to be up close and personal, right next to the galloping lanes and massive fences, and experience the thrilling sport of Eventing in a whole new way.
The first phase – dressage – shows the graceful partnership of horse and rider through a sequence of movements on the flat. The next phase – cross-country – challenges the pair’s bravery, fitness, and determination as combinations navigate a series of solid obstacles and varied terrain. In the final phase – show jumping – pairs must again prove their precision as they clear a course of delicate fences. Competitors accumulate penalty points in each phase, and at the end of the event, the pair with the lowest score takes home top honors.
As Bruce’s Field is an outdoor venue, comfortable, weather-appropriate attire is recommended. ADA accommodations are available. Well-behaved dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a leash at all times.