First Timer at TIP Championships - Help!

[spurofthemoment]

I’m VERY excited to be making the trip down to Aiken next month for TIP Championships, but as someone with no experience there, I am SO curious about what to expect.

I know it’s technically a “schooling” level show, and the prize list specifies that braiding is not required. I am investing in a braider, however, because this is our one “special” show and I want nice pictures. I am curious about turnout re: body clipping. Does everyone else seem to have the “A” show level of turnout? (He’s an orange-y chestnut so I’m very nervous about what color he’ll turn when clipped)

I’m also curious if anyone has any tips on how the show runs and if there are any definitive do’s and don’ts for Stableview and Aiken, SC in general. This is a mix of a “horse girl vacation” and horse show for me, so I’m all ears for both sets of advice or comments!

[MHM]

I have not been to the TIP show, but I’ve been to Stableview, which is a very nice facility. It is pretty darn big and spread out. It is also well outside of Aiken proper, just so you’re aware of that as you are looking for hotel rooms.

As you are approaching the showgrounds, there is a small building on your left that almost looks like a cabin, which is the horse show office. There are a couple of different driveways into the property, but you would go into that one if you need to pick up your number, locate your stalls, etc., etc.

There are several smallish barns near the horse show office, and then some others further back into the property, and the rings are out past those barns.

I believe the property owners often host exhibitor parties in the big building near the main ring, and they seem to be very interested in running nice events.

Aiken is a very fun town, with lots of different horse activity going on there. There are another two different show facilities that are worth a look while you’re there, Highfields and Bruce’s Field.

There is also a training track for racehorses in Aiken with small farms all around it, so the people ride the horses over to the training track to work them. And there are a lot of small horse properties near Hitchcock Woods, so it’s worth driving around a little bit to see the sights. There are also multiple tack shops in town as well.

Good luck there!!

[spurofthemoment]

Thank you so much for all this!!

Would you recommend a bike to get around Stableview? I was considering renting a golf cart, but I’m going with one other horsey friend and we’re both fairly mobile/don’t mind walking (the cost of the golf cart made us think walking was well worth it).

[MHM]

You could get around on a bike. It’s not a huge place with a zillion rings like WEF or WEC in Florida. It’s just a pretty big property. Which is nice, since there are plenty of places to ride.

[Aussie_2020]

I don’t know about the showgrounds but I saw a sunburnt carrot coated horse turned into a sleek dun colored beauty when clipped. I hope we get pictures!

[kaya842]

When I went in 2019 (in KY) the grooming turnout was all over the place. Some very lax people (bathed but not overly shiny, no braids, not very tidy manes/ tails and others were braided and using tails and dressed for A show. I was somewhere inbetween. I don’t braid, but do tidy clip, bathe everyday, use shine spray, etc. My vote is to groom to your own standards - you won’t be out of place either way I don’t think.

[greysfordays]

I would clip now or next week to get a little regrowth so your horse won’t look quite as naked. It is really hard to look sharp with a long coat and if it’s unseasonably hot, your horse will thank you. If it’s cold, your horse will have had a couple weeks to adjust to the nudity.

[spurofthemoment]

I’ve never clipped personally so I appreciate the advice on the timing!!

Is it typically still pretty warm in Aiken during the first week of October? My guy doesn’t grow too much of a winter coat, and he won’t have too much of it grown in until late October/Early November.

Also, if I clip now, will he still (most likely) grow a decent winter coat? If I can have the best of both worlds (a neatly clipped horse for TIP and a wooly bully come December/January), that would be ideal!

[BraveSC]

It can be fairly warm still in October here I have a chestnut too and when I clipped him in October last year, he stayed pretty dark. I clipped again in December and he was much lighter than the October clip.
As for the office, there is a mobile office in front of the covered arena which is what they have been using lately and you will see the arena when you drive in. Everything is pretty walkable and the atmosphere is pretty laid back. I say get dressed up for some nice pictures too! Have fun and enjoy Aiken!

[beowulf]

Stableview is a lovely facility and the owners are wonderful. I agree that you don’t need a bike, it’s all walkable, and since this is a special show for you, braiding and dressing up sounds lovely. I never regret showing up to a show – even a schooling one – turned out well. It is the cherry on top all your hard work and efforts.

While in Aiken, if you can, make sure to visit Hitchcock Woods. If Eventing is your thing, Full Gallop is a great facility for getting some exposure in. Dara Knot, the former Paradise Farm, is also worth a trip. The polo field is very close to the Aiken Training Track - both worth checking out if you have the time. Highfield’s and Bruce’s Field are also fun to visit, they constantly have shows and events there. I had a lot of fun going there on my off-days to cheer on friends and, honestly, just sit and watch nice horses.

I agree with others, if you’re going to clip do it now - otherwise, don’t. I don’t find unclipped horses unattractive at shows, if anything sometimes a darker coat looks better (IMO clipped horses look mousey to me), it is the first week of October so I doubt your horse would look full on mulish yak yet - my hirsute gelding doesn’t put the yak suit on until December.

Make sure you visit Tako-Sushi and Maria’s - Maria’s is practically a must for a horse-cation. Back in the day we used to stop after XC for a nice margarita (and churros for the horses!). For a proper, fancy sit down restaurant, The Wilcox is nice and makes a bloody mary that will knock your nose off.

Please come back and update us, would love to hear about and see pictures of your trip. Have a wonderful ride!

[leighbo009]

Ohhh, I can answer this!!

I have been to TIP the last 2 years. This would have been my 3rd year, but we have a wedding to attend instead.

What are you showing? I did the CTs but helped some freinds I made with a hunter. Hunters looked to be turned out 100%, CTs where mostly braided from what I could tell. I did not body clip, but I thought about it alot.

Depending on what you are showing and where you are stabled, that will help me recommend if you need a bike/golf cart…

If you get a paddock (or in the perm barns such as workshed/main barn/etc) & you are showing hunters or jumpers, I think you will be fine without a golf cart or bike. If you are in the tent barns, showing dressage, I dont think you would need one. If you are in the tent barns showing hunter/jumpers, it will be more walking, so it maybe nice, but not nessacary. If you are in the paddocks/perm barns and showing dressage, its alot of walking to watch (but if you are going for your test its just a nice warm up) - at least how it was laid out the last couple times.

I know stableview has a new arena, so some of the rings may change this time.

[MHM]

Your horse looks very cute! And attentive!!

Where did they put a new ring? I was there just about a year ago.

[leighbo009]

@MHM

Where did they put a new ring? I was there just about a year ago.

Near the main rings. The box here is where I think it is, but I could be wrong!! Just based on the photos I’ve seen from the ground.

[MHM]

Thanks!

[ParadoxFarm]

No advice, but good luck and have FUN! And post pics when you get back.

[BraveSC]

You’re close but the new ring is in that wooded rectangle next to the Pavillon ring and in front of the smaller ring.

[BraveSC]

OP-have you found a place to stay? there are plenty of AirBnBs with loads of Aiken charm that would be fun!

[spurofthemoment]

We opted for a hotel for the convenience! Maybe next year, I’ll snag an Airbnb.

[evtrmom]

@spurofthemoment go to the Track Kitchen for breakfast. Cash only and very nostalgic. You won’t be disappointed.

[redandwhite]

when’s the championship? any updates/photos?