Aiken Driving Club holds used tack sale for Gaston Livery Stable
Nov. 19—Being a horse rider can be expensive, but Aiken resident Brooke Tadlock got a sweet deal on used equestrian items, while supporting a local livery stable.
"It's Black Friday shopping for horse people and it's more affordable," Tadlock said.
The Aiken Driving Club held its first-ever tack sale Saturday to raise funds that will help with a downpayment for the mortgage for the barn at Gaston Livery Stable.
Horse riders, drivers and enthusiasts shopped for used hats, blankets, saddles, paintings of horses and other items.
Built in 1893 as a full-service livery stable, the Gaston Livery Stable is one of only two in the United States with a carriage lift.
During its time of operation it served as an important asset to the equestrian and carriage businesses of the Winter Colony and for year-round Aiken residents. It was also a working farm.
The livery stable was purchased by the Friends of the Gaston Livery Stable in 2011 to protect and restore the barn.
In 2012, the barn was designated a historical landmark in Aiken and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2020.
"You are getting something maybe 30 percent of what it really is," Tadlock, originally from Delaware, said. "Usually horse people take real good care of their stuff because it is so expensive."
While looking for blankets for her thoroughbreds , Aiken resident Sarah Bridges said she able to get horsing items at a good price and the money is going to a good cause.
"It's a great piece of Aiken history," Bridges said.
Aiken Driving Club member Pat Gilbert was selling some items because she collected a lot over the years.
"When you have horses you accumulate a bunch of stuff," Pat Gilbert. "I brought my stuff so I can sell it."
Lisa Gower, from Columbia, came to the event because it is hard to find used tack sales.
"When there is a used tack sale, we make sure to make the drive down," she said.
Sue Dougherty, with the Aiken Driving Club, said because the club holds meetings at the livery stable , they thought the tack sale would be a good way to benefit it.
Dougherty said even though the event was a fund-raiser,, she hoped people learned about a piece of Aiken's history.
"I was hoping that people will become more aware that we have a livery stable here," Dougherty said.
