Aiken Training Track

Surprisingly close to downtown Aiken, SC, not very far from the corner of Whiskey Road and Easy Street, thoroughbred horses train for their shot at the national and regional races. If you’ve been lucky enough to catch a glimpse of them training, you know how beautiful these magnificent animals are.

After asking permission, my group headed to the track to photograph the two year olds training. They come out in small groups of two or three horses, make a run or two around the track, then head back to their stables.

Three horses on the Aiken Training Track with Blue Peter's Tree in the background. — Three riders on the track

Watching these beautiful horses learn to run around the track is amazing. When a horse is skittish, trainers often pair them with a more experienced horse for the session.

Two horses running on the track. All eight hooves are off of the ground. — Two horses on the track.

The symbol of the track, Blue Peter’s Tree, is in the middle of the track, a beautiful memorial to a thoroughbred champion who trained here and is buried underneath the tree.

A beautiful live oak tree stands in the infield of the Aiken Training Track. Underneath, Blue Peter, a champion thoroughbred who trained at the track, is buried. Early morning clouds clutter the sky as the sun peeks over the horizon. — Blue Peter’s Tree, Aiken Training Track, Aiken, SC