Equestrians / Trail Riding Clubs / Seasonal Equestrians / Eventers > Visitor Guidelines

Equestrians / Trail Riding Clubs / Seasonal Equestrians / Eventers

The Hitchcock Woods Foundation acknowledges the rich history and tradition of individual riders, trail riding clubs, and events in Hitchcock Woods and will uphold these traditions to the fullest extent possible. All riders should be aware of and sensitive to the Foundation’s financial needs and are encouraged to support the Hitchcock Woods Foundation.

Following are the guidelines for all equestrians and trail riding clubs:

All equestrians will honor guidelines in this section and all other guidelines and rules of etiquette in the Visitors Guide, as well as those in the Hitchcock Woods Foundation’s brochures and maps.
Follow instructions on all “yield” signage as described in this document.
Be responsible for awareness of the times of special events.
Be responsible for awareness of prohibited activities and uses in the Woods.
Careless riding is prohibited as it may hinder others’ ability to control their horses.
Groups of 10 or more must register with the Hitchcock Woods Foundation office prior to the day of the ride if 10 or more riders are riding together. Indicate entrance to be used and general area in which the group plans to ride.
Stay on trails.
Riders are advised to wear hard hats when riding in the Woods.
Riders are advised to use identification for both the rider and the horse to assist in reuniting the two in the event that they become separated in the Woods.
The Hitchcock Woods Foundation is willing to have a representative speak to clubs or provide them with an educational presentation package.
Dogs are permitted to be walked with horses, but the rider must adhere to the guidelines as stated in the section entitled Dog Walkers.
The field for any given ride or event is limited to a maximum of 100.
Local riders, seasonal equestrians, and eventers alike will be asked to volunteer with Axe Club.
Riders may secure a copy of the Hitchcock Woods Foundation’s educational presentation package from any of the following contacts:
- Linda McLean, Mike Rubin, Bob White, or Gina Salatino, Freddie Gilligan
- Aiken Chamber of Commerce
- Annie’s Inn
- Ashbrooke Equestrian Center
- Carriage House Inn
- Clark Stable
- Foxchase Homeowners Association
- Holly Berries
- McGee Miles Track
- The Green Boundary
- The Willcox Inn
- Whitney Trust

Following are the guidelines for seasonal equestrians and eventers:

All seasonal equestrians and eventers training in Aiken during the winter will adhere to all of the above guidelines and as well as those in this section.
Because the numbers of seasonal equestrians and eventers are increasing, these individuals will be asked to cooperate with the Hitchcock Woods Foundation in identifying users of the Woods to ensure communication and education.
Seasonal equestrians and eventers will be asked to assist in the education of users and will be asked to provide educational presentation packages to stables where they board their horses.

Local trainers and livery stables (for-profit activities) that use Hitchcock Woods will adhere to all of the guidelines listed above as well as these related topics listed in this document: Carriages, Dog Walkers, For-Profit Users, Polo Ponies.

See guidelines for related topics / issues:
Aiken Hounds, Alcohol, Carriages, Dog Walkers, Etiquette / Behavior, For-Profit Activities, Jumps, Polo Ponies, Prohibited Uses, Trails, Volunteers

Hitchcock Woods Foundation

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Equestrians / Trail Riding Clubs / Seasonal Equestrians / Eventers