Barry’s September Letter
At present, we’ve a few challenges going on here at Stable View. Keeping up with the growth of the grass is a nice problem to have. Normally, at this time of year, we’d have irrigation on 24/7, we’d have a real problem keeping up, and we’d have put away our aeration equipment. As it is, we’re cutting when we can and will be aerating one more time. Having said that, the grass is green and thick.
Another challenge is the final design for the new Office Complex. It’s being designed as flexible space housing the Office, Merchandise Sales, Housing, Show Office, The Trails Club, and Volunteers. But storage is a conundrum along with Toilets and Showers. We’ll work
it out, but there are so many demands on the space.
The Tiny Homes are here and in position - we even have “Christening” bookings - but mattresses, pillows, sheets, toilet paper, and fitting out a Tiny Kitchen is beyond me! Add electric, water, and septic, and it’s going to be a challenge to be ready for Oktoberfest.
Lots of challenges!
With best wishes from the entire Team @ Stable View
Rider Spotlight: Pippa Moon
Pippa Moon has established her business in Aiken and is a Stable View regular. Pippa grew up surrounded by horses in Maine. She shared, “I was very lucky my parents had horses and from the beginning I grew up with them. They had driving horses so I started with that, but was always attracted to jumping. Maine had more eventing and dressage than HJ barns, so that’s what I did as soon as I wasn’t driving Morgans!
As a professional I started a freelance riding business which eventually morphed into a training and sale business a long time ago.”
Photo by Christine Quinn Photography
Pippa’s current business is primarily sales. She said, “We sell around 30 horses out of the barn each year, and one of our specialties is helping a horse figure out a career change, if needed, so that they are happy and suited to their sport long term. Additionally, we help quite a few amateurs with their young horses who are in training for periods of time. We further their training, get them to their first few shows, and help turn them into reliable partners!”
In addition to her sales horses, she has several personal horses in her string. She shared, “There are two of my personal horses that deserve some accolades! One is my dressage horse, LikesLanceAlot, who is working towards a debut at Grand Prix- he is blind in one eye and has had an unlikely ascension to upper level dressage -I’m so proud of him! He has mainly shown at Stable View his whole career! I also adore Super Ball who is currently aimed at a 3*S.”
Super Ball recently won a 1.20m Jumper class at an In and Out show. Pippa said, “This was quite fun as he did his first BN HT at SV Eventing Academy in February 2022. LikesLanceAlot and I won a Prix St George test and completed my USDF Silver Medal in 2021.”
In addition to competing at Stable View, Pippa is also on the Stable View Foundation Board. Regarding her role she said, “My role on the board of the Foundation is very gratifying to help with the selection of local charities to support. I have learned a lot more about the tremendous efforts and kindness of multiple local charities through being a board member. To be a part of Stable View giving to the community is an honor!”
Besides riding horses, she enjoys napping and mowing grass. She laughed, “In all seriousness: I am not a well-rounded person, but I enjoy traveling when it fits in!”
When asked her favorite part about Stable View Pippa shared, “My favorite part about Stable View is the Olliff’s commitment to offering something for everyone and figuring out how to do it well! The ground is also exceptional. The venue is a wonderful asset to Aiken’s horse community because of the investment in
infrastructure and because of their willingness to offer so many showing opportunities! This article is is exactly why Stable View is so deserving of support and attendance from riders, owners, and the community- to be so thoughtful to put these fun articles together, and the regular updates by email, and new projects all the time- it keeps it exciting and vibrant-and I very much appreciate everyone at Stable View.”
Stable View looks forward to seeing Pippa back at many of the upcoming shows. To learn more about Pippa and her sales program check out her website here: https://pippamoon.com/welcome
Stable View Partnerships: Design Builders
Design Builders had been a long-time sponsor of Stable View and have designed a large majority of the buildings at Stable View. Todd Gaul is the president and owner. Regarding his role, he shared, “I stay closely involved in every part of the process—from the first design conversation to the final walk-through.I work directly with our clients to ensure their ideas are fully realized. My role is a balance of leadership, problem-solving, and making sure that what we build isn't just structurally sound—but meaningful. I see every project as a chance to create something lasting and distinctive— something that feels right from the moment our clients walk in the door.”
Todd started Designer Builders back in 1990. He said, “It was just me, a passion for construction, and a drive to build homes that weren’t just beautiful—but personal. I had worked in the industry for years and saw a need for a builder who could combine craftsmanship with clear communication and thoughtful design. What began as a small operation has grown into a full-service design-build firm serving Aiken and the surrounding South Carolina areas, but we’ve never lost sight of our roots. Over the past 30-plus years, we’ve assembled a talented team of office personnel, designers, superintendents, and project managers who share my belief that details matter and that the building process should be as rewarding as the finished product. We’ve been fortunate to earn recognition along the way—from Guildmaster Awards to being named a South Carolina Master Builder—but what I’m most proud of is the trust our clients place in us to bring their vision to life. Every home we build is a reflection of that trust, and that’s what keeps us passionate about what we do.”
Design Builders have been responsible for the Main Barn, Covered Riding Arena, multiple sets of temporary stalls completed across several phases, the Observation Pavilion, Pavilion Office, and the Coordinator’s Office—each designed to support both the operational and hospitality needs of the venue. On the residential side, they have built the Groom’s Quarters, a multi-unit Guest
House, a private Home, the Pond Barn, and the distinctive Wavy Cedar Barn. In the early stages of Stable View, they helped in building the Bungalow, Cottage, and an extensive kennel remodel. Todd shared, “What makes this partnership especially meaningful is the consistency and trust that has developed over the years. Designer Builders has been called upon repeatedly—not just for large-scale projects, but also for ongoing improvements and specialty work—demonstrating the depth of collaboration and the quality of work delivered. Each project has been tailored to fit Stable View’s evolving needs, blending functionality with aesthetic detail. This relationship, which began back in 2010, has grown alongside Barry and Cyndy Olliff’s vision for Stable View.
As owners, their dedication to creating a world-class facility has aligned seamlessly with Designer Builders’ commitment to delivering excellence. Working closely with Barry and Cyndy over the years has been a key part of the partnership’s success, allowing us to contribute meaningfully to the continued growth and transformation of the property. Together, Designer Builders and owners, Barry and Cyndy have built more than structures in Stable View—we’ve built a relationship grounded in shared values, longterm vision, and a mutual dedication to creating something exceptional for the equestrian community and beyond.”
2025 Stable View Fall Bucket List
With Fall comes cooler weather and a busy calendar at Stable View. For those in Aiken or those considering a trip, check out the 2025 Stable View Fall Bucket List below.
1. Purchase an Oktoberfest VIP Ticket. Join us Saturday, September 27 from 11:00am - 4:00pm. Ticket Holders receive picnic lunch consisting of Stable View's signature charcuterie from the Stable View Bistro, open bar with beer + wine, access to the Pavilion upstairs, and a stainless steel Stable View tumbler. Purchase your ticket (s) at this link.
2. Attend TIP. Come watch some of the best thoroughbreds compete in dressage, hunters, jumpers, trail classes, and more October 2 -5 . nd th
3. Run in the Fall Trailblazer. Celebrate Halloween with a Half Marathon, 10K, 5K/Steeplechase and Kids Fun Run on the trails at the beautiful Stable View equestrian facility, sprawling over 1,000 acres of gently rolling hills bordered by canopies of forest. Find out more and register here.
4. Attend a Combined Driving Event. Gather at Stable View November 6 - 9 to spectate at Stable View’s second th th annual combined driving event. More information will be released as it gets closer.
5. Have lunch at the Bistro at Stable View. Come for one of the above events and enjoy lunch afterwards. Click here to see the menu and order online.
Stable View to Host Yeti's Dark Horse
24/48 Ultra Run in 2026
Yeti Trail Runners was founded by ultramarathoner Jason Green, who has completed over 100 ultramarathons. Despite his extensive experience, he humorously claims that he still hasn't learned much about running them. Through Yeti events, he ensures that the Yeti community is accessible to everyone. Whether you are an experienced ultrarunner or just starting out on the trails, Yeti events provide a welcoming and challenging atmosphere that celebrates the joy of running in nature. Besides being a supportive community, Yetis are renowned for their excellent taste for craft beers—though they assure you they are not a cult… at least not
The Dark Horse 24/48 Ultra at Stable View will take place from February 27-March 1, 2026 on a 4-mile loop in Stable View’s trail system, with options for both solo participants and team relays. This event is more than just a race; it's an opportunity to test your limits, discover your strength in the dark, and connect with a community that supports one another—loop after loop, mile after mile.
Registration opens on September 13. For more information and to sign up: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=129124
Intercollegiate Corner: Stable View Alumni Cup to Return in 2026
The Stable View Alumni Cup will return for the third year next Spring. It will take place May 15 -17 the same weekend as the now stand-alone USEA Intercollegiate and Interscholastic Eventing Championships. th th,
Due to the expected number of entries, the Alumni Cup will be limited to only those who attended a school that has had or currently has an Intercollegiate eventing program. For other college alumni, please enter the Local Charities Horses Trials two weeks earlier and compete in the Stable View Adult Team Cup! Same venue, same scoring, and the opportunity for anyone to be on your team.
Stable View Spotlight: Kati Williams
Kati has worked at Stable View for a little over three months now. She is a show secretary, my role primarily consists of processing entries for competitors and ensuring that they have all the required documents to show. She shared, “When I am not processing entries or answering emails, I update the Stable View website, record show attendance and scores, and help develop financial insights.”
Kati attended Augusta University and received her undergraduate degree in Cybersecurity. She said, “This helped me develop strong technical proficiencies and helped me find my interest in data collection and analysis. My college experience was always eventful, and I was lucky enough to stay friends with the people I met in freshman year throughout the whole four years. I learned a lot about myself and who I want to be, especially the more active I became on campus.”
In Kati’s free time, she enjoys hiking, biking, going to the gym, and camping. She also enjoys reading and playing video games.
Kati and her roommate own an orange tabby cat named Biscuit. They found him during her senior year of college, around her college dorm. She shared, “He’s super clingy and loves people. He’s also very vocal and likes to talk to you if you talk to him.”
Kati was asked her favorite part about Stable View. She answered, “Stable View is a gorgeous property, and I appreciate the amount of work that goes into it to always strive for excellence. I also love
that Stable View always has something new happening every day, which makes each day interesting.“ She added, ”I knew absolutely nothing about horses and eventing prior to working at Stable View, but boy I have learned more than I ever imagined in just three months. And I know this is just the beginning!”
