What’s New from the Crew at Stable View - September Edition Rider Spotlight: Cole Horn
Stable View Partnerships:
Deirdre Stoker Vaillancourt
In this edition you will find:
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Did You Know? Barry's September Letter...............................................3 Rider Spotlight: Cole Horn......................................5 Stable View Partnerships: Deirdre Stoker Vaillancourt............8 Stable View Spotlight: Shelley Ryan..................11 November Bluegrass @ Stable View........................13 New Year’s Eve @ Stable View..................................14
Did You Know? Runners can run on the trails by joining the Aiken Trails Club at Stable View.
Barry’s September Letter
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From a business perspective, Stable View continues to go from strength to strength. Despite everything going on in the economy, Entries are up, Takings at the Bistro have increased, and new Events are having a beneficial effect. The real problem is inflation, with Gas, Diesel, Insurance, Fertilizer, Remuneration and Workman's Comp increasing by double digits. The Trails Club is also going from strength to strength. We have new events, growth in Membership, and increased recognition. This area of diversification has shown us that there can be a very fast and enthusiastic local response to a good idea.
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Next on the list is Eco Tours. These have been on the back burner for six months, as we've not had the right [human] resources in place to take the next step. Having at last found the right person, we're probably six months away from implementation. If you're around for Oktoberfest, why not try the Stable View Off-Road Track? Land Rover Columbia will be here with brand-new Land Rover Defenders. You can book a slot via the Office for Friday or Saturday. Thanks for your support; it’s really appreciated - the Stable View Team
Rider Spotlight: Cole Horn
Q. All horses are special, but is there a particular horse of yours that stands out to you? A. MBF Cooley Permission to Land is very special to me. I’ve had him since he was a three-year-old. He’s very talented, and the most willing kind animal. I think he’s just incredible. He’s a character though, and is the boss on the farm. We all work for him. He’s quite special to be around, and I’m lucky to have met him so early on!
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Q. What is your favorite memory from competing at Stable View? A. When MBF Cooley Permission To Land and I won the Advanced at the Local Charities Horse Trial. That was a little bit of a redemption ride for me. At the previous show, which was the April FEI, we had a bit of a runaway problem, and got into trouble pretty early on course. So it was pretty special to be able to come back with a new plan, and put it into action.
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1. Q. What is your favorite part about the facility? A. I mean, I love the arenas. I think that the availability of schooling competitions are awesome. To be able to have schooling competitions at this level of facility is pretty much non-existent elsewhere. I think the cross country is great. It runs well. The ground is always perfect and it’s very consistent. Q. Alot of Equestrians start young. When did you begin your riding journey? A. I began riding when I was only two years old, and I was just thrown on a pony. I am primarily an event rider but I’ve branched out to more disciplines since coming to Aiken.
Stable View Partnerships: Deirdre Stoker Vaillancourt
Deirdre Stoker Vaillancourt is one of Aiken, South Carolina’s most respected and well-connected real estate professionals, with more than 20 years of experience serving buyers, sellers, investors, and relocating clients. Known for her deep market knowledge, trusted reputation, and extensive local and equestrian connections, she has built a career on delivering exceptional service with professionalism, discretion, and results.
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Deirdre Stoker Vaillancourt brings a rare blend of luxury real estate expertise, refined market knowledge, and an exceptional business foundation to the Aiken market. With more than 20 years of experience and a distinguished background as an investment advisor with one of Canada’s leading investment firms, she offers clients a level of strategic insight and financial sophistication that sets her apart in high-end real estate.
Her approach is shaped by a career spent advising discerning clients, assessing value with precision, and navigating complex transactions with confidence and discretion. That investment brokerage background translates seamlessly into real estate, where she is known for providing thoughtful counsel, identifying opportunity, and guiding buyers and sellers through transactions with professionalism and calm authority. Widely recognized as one of Aiken’s most informed and connected real estate professionals, Deirdre is especially trusted by clients seeking equestrian properties. A lifelong equestrian, Deirdre has been a successful rider throughout her life across multiple disciplines. From hunter/jumper and now eventing through the Championship levels, she often travels to the top equestrian events in North America with her husband, Canadian Olympic silver medalist in show jumping and renowned course designer Michel Vaillancourt. Deirdre’s extensive equestrian lifestyle is an important asset to her business as well as her clients.
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“Cyndy and Barry Olliff have done an outstanding job over the past 15 years creating this exceptional facility here in Aiken. We are incredibly fortunate to have Stable View as a resource for training and as a fixture on the equestrian circuit. What impresses me most is their constant desire to bring Stable View to the next level. They are putting their resources and energy into making it a truly international-caliber eventing competition and events/hospitality venue. They see the bigger picture. Developing ecotours and a spa to bring people to Aiken and their 1,000-acre property not only for horses and not only on the weekends speaks to their vision and determination for our community.” A polished and highly trusted advisor, Deirdre offers more than representation—she delivers insight, access, and a refined level of service designed for clients who expect excellence at every stage of the process.
Stable View Spotlight: Shelley Ryan
Q. How long have you been involved with the Emerging Athlete Under 21 program and your role? A. I became an Area 8 YR coordinator in 2018, so I have been supportive of the EA21 program from the start. I attended the first Morven Park Clinic since we had 2 Area 8 Riders attending. I learned later that help was needed at Stable View for the clinics there, so I signed up and have been helping there ever since.
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Q. What inspired you to become involved the program? A. As a Young Rider Coordinator, I wanted to support Area 8's riders. I can't attend all the clinics, but I do try to attend the clinic at Stable View to help out and support all the riders attending.
Q. What makes the Emerging Athlete program different from other educational opportunities in eventing? A. I look at the EA21 program as a stepping stone to the Emerging Athlete 25 and under program. The EA 21 program puts the rider in the spotlight prouto watch going forward as serious horsemen wanting to make it as successful professionals. It is a very exciting time and opportunity for these Young Riders. I am proud to help in any way.
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New Year’s Eve @ Stable View Dave - could you replace this picture with an image of the disco saddle from your unboxing reel
After the unforgettable New Year’s Eve party last year, it’s time to gear up for an even more spectacular celebration to ring in 2027 at Stable View! Get ready to dance the night away to the high energy tunes of Lola Grace and the Night, all under the dazzling disco saddle. This year promises to be packed with even more fun, featuring more bubble guns and a delectable full dinner catered by The Bistro @ Stable View. So, gather your friends and prepare for a night filled with laughter, music, and unforgettable memories as we welcome the new year in style! For more information or to purchas your tickets, click HERE.