This past weekend I traveled on over to South Carolina with my daughter and mom for a friend's wedding. We explored the charming area that is Aiken, SC and marveled at all of the horsey things to do and see in the area. While Aiken is a pretty big horse center, a lesser-known town called Camden which is just a few hours away, has it's own equestrian treasure known as Idle Hour Farm, owned by Marilla van Beuren. On our way back home, we made a stop to visit a dear friend, Alex Potter and her husband Bob Russell, who now manages the farm.
Both Alex and Bob share a deep love for horses and their life was full of excitement and adventure as they traveled the world in international competition. Both have impressive credentials and awards they have won over the years. Meeting later in life, they married in 2015 after many years together. Idle Hour Farm is now their home and have made it a little piece of heaven for the retired horses who now also call it home.
Alex pictured above in San Jose, Costa Rica bringing home the blue
at an International Grand Prix competition
and Bob, Below, showing his skills off taking his mount over a classic car)
Tucked into a beautiful setting of 126 acres surrounded by tall pines, is a once-thriving show facility. Beautiful gazebos border the many large arenas that once held grand prix competitions, polo events, and other riding competitions. Weathered jumps rest along the white fence lines that no longer see the excitement that once was a bustling show grounds.
Though the farm is no longer hosting shows or has a string of show horses, it now has another use. One that I feel is quite fitting and honorable to many a horse who now call it their home. Here, in the peaceful quietness, show horses find their retirement to live out their golden years. The equine retirement farm is affectionately referred to by Bob as an "assisted living for horses." From famous equines to lesser-known mounts, the horses that now call this home, live out the rest of their lives in large, grassy pastures with all the comforts of getting the attention they need as they age. The horses here are not just tossed out into the back 40 and forgotten, they are cared for daily and enjoy TLC grooming sessions from time to time to make sure they are still in tip top shape!
(One of Idle Hour Farm's more famous equine residents, Alvaretto - pictured below -
who won Olympic medals with his rider, Margie Goldstein-Engle.)
When they finally reach the end of their days, they are laid to rest in a private, grassy area that is their final resting place with a simple, white cross to mark their spot. It is hard to handle what to do when you have to put your horse down. They are just so large, it leaves a limited number of options to choose from, with most not being ideal for providing closure for their human partners left behind to mourn their passing. At Idle Hour Farm, however, this service, I feel, is truly a soothing thought to know your beloved show horse who carried you to many blue ribbons over the years, has a resting place that is fitting of the lifetime of service they gave and the endless devotion they showed taking care of their riders through all of life's journey. Here, surrounded by tall pines, they can be at peace until you meet again on the other side.
If you have an older horse needing retirement, I highly recommend Idle Hour Farm in Camden, SC. Your horse will love it here during their golden years. For more information, you can contact Bob at the following: (561) 758-9938