Nashville Iroquois Steeplechase Set for May 2015

THE ULTIMATE IN HORSE PROPERTY AND EQUINE EVENTS

It’s time to break out the “high fashion” Audrey Hepburn chapeau, shine your “heritage” cowboy boots and head to the Music City for the 74th Annual Nashville Iroquois Steeplechase to be held on Saturday, May 9 at the Percy Warner Park in Nashville, Tennessee.  This classic event is not only a cherished Southern tradition but also a great way to help raise money for the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital in Vanderbilt.  For 25 years, Bank of America has sponsored this exhilarating horse racing venue that attracts thousands of fans to the middle of Tennessee annually and their support of this event is highly commendable.   Over the years, The Iroquois Steeplechase has grown in magnitude and is considered “a must” for racing enthusiasts.

There are a variety of ticket options available for those wanting to partake in this exciting equestrian adventure.  While box seats for the event are “SOLD OUT” and there is a waiting list for these prime seats, other seating is still open and ready for anxious race fans to participate in this spectacular venue.  Whether it’s a family reunion or a business alliance, those wanting to attend this “high profile” race may want to consider The Hospitality Village which offers Iroquois Hospitality tents that range in size and can accommodate from 20 up to 120 people.  The Hospitality Tents are located adjacent to the Box seats and offer a close-up view of the many spectators and activities that surround the day.  Another option is offered in the Hunt Club where admission includes a buffet, full beverage service and live music throughout the event.  Book tent reservations NOW for the 2015 race as last year the tents sold out completely.

For those wanting a family outing, picnics are allowed in General Admission for families and friends who want to bring their own “goodies” while watching the race hillside.  This popular seating option is only $15 and children under 12 are FREE!  Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the General Admission entrance on race day.  The gates open at 8am and a complimentary shuttle service from the Highway 100 parking lot will continue throughout the day.  Concessions will also be available for purchase.  NO GLASS is allowed in picnic setups, so be prepared ahead of time.   For more information on General Admission seating call 615-591-2991.

Rain or shine, the race day schedule is as follows:

• 8:00 a.m. RV tailgating and General Admission open
• 8:30 a.m. Inside the track tailgating opens (Topside, Centerfield, Infield Stretch, The Turn, and Midfield)
• 9:00 a.m. Stirrup Club tailgating opens
• 10:30 a.m. RV and ‘inside the track’ tailgating vehicles must be in place
• 11:00 a.m. Stirrup Club vehicles must be in place
• 11:30 a.m. Turf Club and Hunt Club tents open
• 12:00 p.m. Lot M parking vehicles must be in place Iroquois Society and Paddock Club tents open
• 12:30 p.m. Opening Ceremonies
• 1:00 p.m. First race begins There are 7 races with approximately 40 minutes between each race.
• Approx. 4:30 p.m. The races end with the featured race, the Iroquois. Iroquois Society, Paddock Club, Turf Club, and Hunt Club tents close.
• 7:00 p.m. All guests must be off the grounds by dusk. Vehicles may be left on the grounds until noon the next day. Any remaining vehicles will be towed at that time.

Ambitious Baby Boomers not only enjoy these “festive social events” but are also finding a new and exciting pastime, horseback riding can provide an excellent exercise alternative during retirement and active folks are seeking the best places to live with horses.  Equestrian communities are popping up all over the country and adventurous seniors are finding that horseback riding is a great way to enjoy the natural habitat surrounding these amazing communities while getting a “total body” workout at the same time.  When looking for a “horse property” location, several developments have added equestrian amenities so that residents can enjoy the sport and also have a place where they can board these majestic animals.  

Avid horse lovers who have chosen the equestrian lifestyle have found that it is a “non-traditional” way to strengthen the core by stabilizing the trunk as well as an excellent resource for developing balance and coordination.  With each movement of the horse, the rider must adapt his/her body in unison which requires isometric exercises to stay mounted while riding.  When cantering or galloping and jumping, there is more work involved in centering on the horse and requires additional skills when attaining this level of ridership.   Muscle tone and flexibility are also developed by using the inner thighs, quads, pelvic muscles to stay centered on the saddle.  Depending on the speed and agility and the type of ride, cardiovascular conditioning is also improved by this “free spirited” exercise.  Stable work also requires stamina and strength to care for the horses and also can provide a “total body workout.”  Whether it’s lifting a 50 lb. feed bag, hauling hay or simply leading the horse in and out of the barn, daily care contributes greatly to the overall workout.  Interacting with this statuesque animal is also mentally challenging and requires focus and intuition.  Many find horseback riding “uplifting” as spending time outdoors replenishes the soul and enlightens the spirit.  There are some great locations that offer equestrian communities.  Here are a few to consider when shopping for the best places to live with horses.

SPRING ISLAND - Okatie, South Carolina

Spring Island is a 3,000 acre private island located upstream from the Port Royal Sound and the Colleton River, a private community we named 2015 Best Equestrian Community of the Year.  Here the historic “Tabby Ruins” and the Edwards’ Family Mansion set the backdrop for this fascinating property location. The Spring Island Equestrian Center features a 24 stall bar, 2 tack rooms, 16 paddocks and pastures, two training arenas, wash rooms and 35 miles of horse trails. The 31-acre Equestrian Center also provides full boarding, instruction and has “club horses” for lessons and trail rides. The island has dedicated 1,200 acres as the Colleton Nature Preserve and the Chechesee Nature Preserve.  At the equestrian center, 20 year veteran Lacey Halstead with a B.S. in Animal Science, an M.S. in Rangeland Ecology leads the equestrian program.  When seeking the ultimate riding experience, Spring Island offers unspoiled terrain and beautiful scenery for enjoying the ultimate equestrian lifestyle.

Bestowed with many awards, Spring Island received the “Winner of the Urban Land Institute’s Award for Excellence” and offers other great amenities to compliment the lifestyle found here.  This master planned community features 2 amazing clubhouses with both formal and casual dining, a “first class” golf course, wellness center and swimming pools, tennis courts, ball fields,  community garden and art barn. The Spring Island golf course recently jumped 15 spots to #28 “Best Residential Golf Course” in Golfweek’s Top 100 Residential golf courses.   Other activities popular here are quail hunting, crab boils, oyster roasts and gardening in the community garden where residents receive “free produce” seasonally.  This is truly a place where retirees will never get bored.

BALSAM MOUNTAIN PRESERVE – Sylva, North Carolina

True “Urban Cowboys” looking for an awesome equestrian community should look no further than Balsam Mountain Preserve.  With only 400 home sites, this gated community and private residence club features properties that average 12 acres in this magnificent mountain paradise.  With elevations ranging from 3,000 to over 4,700 feet, majestic mountain views captivate home owners who have located here. Balsam Mountain Preserve has also received a Bliss Award in the years prior for Best Equestrian Community of the Year. 

Cowboys and outdoor adventurers will appreciate the Balsam Mountain Preserve Equestrian Center which has 30 miles of private riding trails inside within this gated community accented by spectacular rustic mountain homes. The 14 stall stable provides full boarding services and the use of club horses. The trail system is ideal for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. Trails lead up to the top of “Doubletop Mountain” at Balsam Mountain Preserve to an elevation of 5,400 feet displaying views of one of the best mountain towns in North Carolina and Waynesville real estate.  Dark Ridge Camp is the community’s outdoor camp site which allows an “overnight adventure” for families living here as outdoor grills, hot showers, bathrooms and a horse paddock are provided.  What a great way to distress and spend quality time with loved ones!

Along the trails, waterways abound making it an ideal destination for fly fishing for southern brook trout.  Two cascading waterfalls, Log Falls and Sugar Loaf Falls, adorn the property as well.  The “western theme” is accented with unpaved roads at Balsam Mountain and help preserve the harmony with the landscape found here. 

Balsam Mountain Preserve also boasts one of the best Ashville golf communities and a Nature Center that provides educational events and outdoor activities.  The Boarding House Restaurant is the perfect location to round out this sought after horse property.  An “eye opening” breakfast can help jumpstart the day or settle in to an elegant five course dinner to complete a day of riding.  With seating both inside and out, the amazing mountain views add ambiance to the dining experience here.  The menu is constantly updated to insure a truly memorable experience for residents.  So saddle up and visit Balsam Mountain Preserve, it’s definitely one of the best places to live with horses.

PALMETTO BLUFF – Bluffton, South Carolina

Another “horse friendly” property can be found at the Palmetto Bluff considered a benchmark in Lowcountry living.  Located near Hilton Head Island, this community filled with old world charm features seasoned oak trees, historic lanterns and the scent of salty sea air to stimulate the senses.  This quaint and sophisticated neighborhood has a history that dates back to 10,000 B.C. when early settles found this beautiful region located along the serene May River connecting to the Calibogue Sound.  Here equine enthusiasts will find the established 173-acre Longfield Stables which is one of the best boarding and training facilities in the country opening this Spring.

Longfield Stables offers 24 hour equestrian care and is professionally maintained and staffed.  They offer a wide array of diversified programming and activities for property owners and their guests.  The Stables include a covered arena, an Olympic Size FEI regulation outdoor dressage arena, a 5-acre turf event field used for training and special events, a 24-stall main barn and a 14-stall receiving barn.  A 15-mile scenic trail compliments the Stables and allows for constant adventure and endless exploration of the magnificent terrain that surrounds the region.

In addition to horseback riding, residents here can also enjoy yachting, golf, tennis and a village green.  Surrounded by maritime forests, this property also features a town village.  Wilson Village is a great place to dine with friends and neighbors and features several restaurants to choose from.  Also found nearby, is the Palmetto Bluff Inn & Spa for folks who want to indulge in some fantastic spa services and simply indulge their palates at some of the impeccable eateries offered. 

So when considering a place to “saddle up” in the Lowcountry and enjoy the good life, Palmetto Bluff is a charming place to call home.

RARITY BAY - Vonore, Tennessee

Another great horse property can be found at Rarity Bay on Tellio Lake.  With an incredible backdrop of The Smoky Mountains, this 960 acre lakefront neighborhood is surrounded by 10 miles of shoreline on the massive 16,000 acre pristine Tellico Lake.  This federally protected lake offers the perfect setting for developing that perfect retirement home.  With amenities that include championship golf, tennis, a luxurious swimming, fine dining establishments, a dog park and an equestrian center, there is no reason that the ultimate lifestyle cannot be found here.  For avid exercisers and outdoor enthusiasts there are over 15 miles of walking and hiking trails available.

Located at the entrance to this estate, folks will find the former Rarity Bay Equestrian Center, now called White Stables.  With a mission to provide the ultimate level of care, the 40 acres of lush pasture provides the perfect place for horses to roam and be pampered.  Here a seasoned staff will also care for your horse with track exercise, grooming, meds and any special needs that may be required.  Instruction is also provided on pleasure riding, hunter/jumper, event preparation, dressage, English, western, driving and natural horsemanship.  Clinics, shows and educational programming are also provided.  Residents can also enjoy horse camps, barrel races and horse shows that are offered throughout the year.  The stalls are airy, well-lit, and impeccably clean and stall horses are given ample opportunity to stretch their legs, whether by being hand-walked and exercised, or through daily turnout.

This highly social community offers more than 50 social clubs such as “Dinner for Eight” and the “Rarity Bay Women’s” and is considered one of the friendliest waterfront retirement communities in the region.  For a nice relaxing evening after a horseback ride through the property, diners can enjoy some spectaculars food selections at the Rarity Bay Clubhouse which is a popular meeting spot. 

Rarity Bay definitely makes the list of the best equestrian communities.

THE CLIFFS AT KEOWEE VINEYARDS – Sunset, South Carolina

Horse lovers have another great location option at The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards.  This is the first Cliffs development built on Lake Keowee and is ranked 7th as the “Best Private Golf Course in the Nation”.   Amenities abound here and the residents can enjoy access to all 7 properties with one single membership.  The 20,000 square foot “lodge-style” Keowee Vineyards Clubhouse overlooks the golf course and the spectacular views can be enjoyed from the large outdoor patios.  The club offers both casual and fine dining and provides the perfect place to relax after a challenging ride at the Keowee Vineyards Equestrian Center.

A full service boarding facility, the Equestrian Center is adjacent to 16 miles of nature trails and offers 7 miles stretching into Jocassee Gorges State Park.  The facility is a 10-stall “Post and Beam” style barn with a vaulted ceiling design to facilitate air flow and ventilation with ceiling fans.  The barn stalls are equipped with Dutch doors on the rear and the barn has 3 heated areas, a tack room and utility room.  Many special services are offered free of charge.  Feed programs are individualized for each animal for first class care.  Annual festivities such as the “Kentucky Derby party” and an “Octoberfest Party” make “horsing around” even more fun!

Be sure to put The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards on your list of best places to live with horses, golf and boating.

SEABROOK ISLAND – Charleston, South Carolina

Equestrians looking for a place where they can ride on the beach in their own backyard should consider the gated community of Seabrook Island.  Even in South Carolina, horse owners can live the dream in this gated Sea Island community located next to Kiawah Island.  This upscale coastal community known as one of the “finest racquet clubs in the world” also features, superb golf, a new 36,000 square foot golf clubhouse, first class tennis and horse activities near the beach.  There are also 2 clubhouses, The Lake House wellness center, The Beach Club featuring 2 oceanfront swimming pools, outdoor dining and bar, gift shop, indoor pool and a gorgeous library.  There is no reason to ever leave this piece of paradise, unless of course it’s a horseback ride on the beach.

The equestrian center is quite impressive and features 42 stalls, short-term boarding and virtually everything expected from a modern equestrian facility.  And of course, don’t forget about the scenic ride oceanfront.

When selecting the best equestrian retirement center, it’s hard to beat Seabrook Island on the southern side of Charleston.

FORD PLANTATION - Savannah, Georgia

Yet another fabulous horse property can be found in the country club setting found at Ford Plantation.  Formerly Henry Ford’s winter estate, this development sprawls over 1,800 acres on Lake Clara and is only 30 minutes from the historic downtown of Savannah, Georgia.  With captivating river views and live oak trees cascading with Spanish moss, this cozy Lowcounty community offers amenities that will surely spoil it residents.  There is a 6,000 square foot fitness enter, heated outdoor swimming pool, Lake Dye Grill and 3 Har-Tru tennis courts.  Fitness classes, men and ladies locker rooms with saunas, a full service hair salon, spa treatments and personal training are also available. 

Horse owners will enjoy the Ford Plantation Equestrian Center which is a full service boarding facility that features 22 stalls, 24-hour surveillance, climate controlled tack rooms, a sprinkler system, showers and horse care conveniences for the more serious equestrian.  There are 22 acres of paddocks, outdoor arenas and practice jumps which further enhance the facility.   The 10 miles of riding trails located with the gates include the Lake Clara Trails that meanders along the eastern edge of the property by Ford’s Island and features exotic wildlife, a bird sanctuary and the Georgian Ford Mansion.

The Main House is a pace to curl up and enjoy a great novel while enjoying the gardens and fountains found here.  For the active Boomer, kayaking and canoeing are popular in the protected inner waterways.  Hiking and biking are also great ways to stay in shape and also explore the magnificent 1,800 acres found inside the gates of this Savannah community.

SEA PINES PLANTATION – Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Looking for a great spot to be spoiled in retirement?  Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island is the place.  With over 5,000 private acres to explore, this well-established gated community offers resort-style living near the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean on the 14-mile Hilton Head Island barrier. There are 5 enchanting and distinctive communities offered at Sea Pines including Central (Plantation), Club Course, Harbour Town, Ocean Side, and South Beach.  Each has its own special style and character. 

The amenities found here include 3 Championship golf courses, a 23,000 square foot Plantation Golf Clubhouse, a 2,400 square foot golf learning center, Sea Pines Racquet Club, a full service marina with 100 deep water slips, a 20,000 square foot Sea Pines Beach Club with oceanfront swimming pool and Harbour Town Shops with over 20 stores.  Additionally, there are 6 restaurants, 5 miles of private beach and 25 miles of bike and nature trails for exercise enthusiasts.  For exploration and hiking there is also the 605 acre Sea Pines Forest Preserve.

For horse owners, Lawton Stables offers horseback riding through the scenic Sea Pines Forest.  The hour long escorted Western style trail ride offers novice riders a chance to explore this incredibly scenic area.   Pony rides are also offered for the kids and a collection of small animals are available in the animal farm at Lawton Stables.  Lawton Stables is also the home of a non-profit therapeutic riding center “Wish Upon a Horse” and an International Riding Academy specializing in hunters and jumpers.

Baby Boomers who love the beach, boating and horses should consider a home at Sea Pines for an active retirement destination.

BRIGHT'S CREEK - Mill Spring, North Carolina

One more community to consider is Bright's Creek. This scenic Blue Ridge Mountain community spread over 5,000 acres was also named the “Best Equestrian Community in 2008” by Southern Style magazine.

Bright Creek’s equestrian center is a full boarding facility that provides expert horse care, lessons and 12 miles of groomed riding trails.  The neighboring town of Tyron hosts horse competitions with events held at the Foothills Equestrian Nature Center.   Featured here are picturesque waterfalls, the Green River and natural spring creeks that provide watering holes along the hiking and horse trails.  The Cliffield Mountain trail climbs 1,000 feet to a 70 foot cascading water fall.  This spectacular and scenic trail is worth a visit. 

Also in the planning stages is a Sportsman Club providing fishing and shooting opportunities with 12 shooting stations planned for sportsmen target practice from trap, skeet and sporting clays.  For the more serious hunter there is 14,000 acres of state-owned gaming area adjacent to the property. A post and beam lodge with 25 rustic cabins and a dining room are planned for the Bright Creek Sportsman Club.

With so many high quality options available, home buyers can find ample equestrian communities to choose from in the south. Don’t forget to put the Nashville Iroquois Steeplechase Race on the calendar for Saturday, May 9th. 

For those seeking to secure Box Seats for future races, here are the options:

Box Seats - A long-standing tradition of the Iroquois, dating back to the inaugural race in 1941, Box Seats are currently SOLD OUT for the next several years. 

IROQUOIS SOCIETY | $500 Member, $275 Guest, $100 Youth |  An exclusive venue for Box Seat ticket holders only, the Iroquois Society offers premium viewing of the races. Your Iroquois Society tent pass provides you with all-day gourmet food and beverage service in a luxury atmosphere, with exclusive VALET PARKING and private restrooms.

PADDOCK CLUB | $200 Adults, $75 Youth | This private party area, open exclusively to Box Seat guests, has sold out each year, so order your tickets early. The Paddock Club pass includes all-day food and beverage service in a private tent located at the top of the Box Seat area.

TURF CLUB | $50 Box Lunch plus Bar, $50 Box Lunch only | Leave your picnic planning to us by adding this box lunch service to your Box Seat ticket.  Includes a delicious boxed lunch with or without full beverage service throughout the day.