AIKEN - The thundering of thoroughbred hooves on the soft sandy soil of the Aiken Training Track is a sign the equestrian tradition of the Winter Colony lives on.
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Every year, people flock to the dirt streets lining the heart of the city for the Aiken Triple Crown events. Though many cities have lost industry, the livelihood that brought some of the first families to Aiken not only is alive and thriving but also is growing as people continue to visit and settle in the horse community.
Many kinds of people come for the racing events, said Ann Willison, the director of administration and finance for the Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce.
"I think there is a community out there that recognizes that Aiken is a strong horse community and is well-established," Ms. Willison said. "And there is a variety of things in the area from saddles to farriers to private farms to riding lessons to the boarding of horses."
Horses still are trained and boarded the same as they were in the late 19th century when well-off politicians, lawyers and company executives began building houses in the railroad town. It was dubbed the Winter Colony, and the warm climate that provided a break from brutal Northern winters proved to be an ideal place to raise horses.
The Aiken Trials still are held every year at the Aiken Training Track, which was built in 1941, and the tradition of the Aiken Steeplechase at the Steeplechase Track continues as it has for 75 years. This will be the second year that polo replaces harness races for the third leg of the Aiken Triple Crown, but polo has been played in Aiken since the 1800s.
Though there are no guided tours through the Horse District, it is something the chamber is working toward, Ms. Willison said. For now, though, visitors can take a self-guided tour of the farms, stables and tracks using a map provided by the chamber.
Visitors also can catch a glimpse of horse racing history at the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum.
"One of the main things that makes it unique is that we've had 38 national champions come to Aiken to train - a really large amount of horses coming from one area," said Lisa Hall, the recreation program supervisor and museum tour guide.
The museum is free to the public and has trophies, photos and silks belonging to Hall of Fame horses.
"I hope visitors come away with a sense of how special Aiken is and what an important part horse racing is to this town," Ms. Hall said.
Reach Karen Ethridge at (803) 648-1395, ext. 109, or karen.ethridge@augustachronicle.com.
Getting around
Maps of Aiken's Horse District are available at the Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce, 121 Richland Ave. E. Write to P.O. Box 892, Aiken, SC 29802 or call (803) 641-1111. Visit the Web site www.aikenchamber.net.
IF YOU GO
What: The Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame & Museum
Where: Inside Hopelands Gardens at Dupree Place (off Whiskey Road)Hours: 2-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday and by appointment
How much: Admission is free; donations are welcome.
Contact: (803) 642-7650 or (803) 642-7631 or visit www.aikenracinghalloffame.com.
