By Tess Malijenovsky
Tucked away in the Beaufort countryside is a 350-acre equestrian park called Huspa Plantation. Visiting horse riders nearing its white picket fence continue down a long dirt road lined with giant oak trees. They’ll pass the horse arenas, then the owner Nick’s collection of small private planes and finally some open pastors before reaching the horse barn.
The stunning property was always tended by horse lovers, but until more recently expanded its equestrian passion to the public.
In a memorial of sorts to Nick’s former wife and daughter, both big equestrians who passed away in separate car accidents, Nick has begun to expand the cross-country trails they once started with his new wife Christina. Nick and Christina would ride horses daily together and recently became married. With Christina’s encouragement and a visit from an Irish horse trainer friend, the three made plans to open up the expansive property to others.
“Having such a beautiful place, it seemed sort of selfish to be able to enjoy it daily and I wanted other people to enjoy it as well,” Christina said.
Recently they’ve brought on Gini Quade, former manager of the Palmetto Bluff equestrian center, whom Christina said has made great strides in improving Huspa Plantation. Gini has developed more pastors and cross-country trails as well as coordinated their first Combined Test horse show scheduled for September 15, which consists of dressage and show jumping. Huspa is also a huge sponsor of the Wounded Warriors event with horseback riding, crabbing and kayaking on the plantation.
Gini has coordinated several community events like this Thursday’s Ladies Night Out. Ladies can come out for a trail ride through the gorgeous Huspa property and meet other women that enjoy horseback riding. Afterwards, there will be cocktails and hors d’oeuvres potluck style. It’s only $15 if you trailer your horse and an extra $40 if you need one.
This summer the plantation is also sprawling with kids at the Riding and Horsemanship Camp, from daily riding lessons, to broom-ball polo to horse soccer with a giant red ball. “The horses actually push the ball with their nose and legs. We had so much fun!” said Gini. There are still three sessions left July 9-13, July 16-20 and the Pee Wee three-day mini session July 26-28 for riders aged 5-8 years old.
Also, Huspa’s beautiful horse barn is ready for more friends if you’re looking to board your horse. The trail rides offer an intimate experience through the Lowcountry and are diverse with wooded shade, wide open spaces, river views and the sporadic cluster of grazing cattle that keep the rattlesnakes away.
For more information, check out Huspa Equestrian Park on Facebook, online at www.huspaequestrianpark.com, or contact Gini Quade at 843-812-4225 or giniquade@me.com.
