For over two centuries, South Carolina’s oldest inland city has been known for its southern charm with rich history, vibrant art community and thriving horse culture. Many art and horse events are held throughout the year. One event, in particular, combines the art and horse world. A soiree at the historic Bloomsbury in downtown Camden will kick-off the weekend for the 3rd annual Camden Horse and Hound. 

Local artist, Beth Woodall, is the featured artist this year. She appreciates the support from the Carolina Cup Racing Association where she takes pictures as inspiration for her art.  The chosen piece of artwork for the silent auction at the Denim and Diamonds soiree is titled “Maiden Race.” Beth said “you could feel the earth tremble as the horses thundered by. The jockey in this drawing is a lovely young woman, riding in a race for fillies.” 

Beth grew up in West Texas. According to family, she was born loving horses. “She’ll grow out of it” her mom said. As you can see…it hasn’t happened yet. Growing up in a family of teachers, summer vacations included many “educational opportunities.” Sure enough, when Beth was in 2nd grade, her family made a trip to Denver and planned to visit the Denver Museum of Art. When she learned about this plan, she pitched a fit. She did NOT want to go to a museum. Her father, a very wise man, mentioned there would be paintings of horses at the museum. She quickly changed her mind and decided she’d give it a try after all. At the museum, she was introduced to the art of Charles M. Russell and Frederic Remington. And that was it. She went straight home and created a “studio” in her bedroom, back home.

After getting married, she and her family have moved thirteen times. This gave her the opportunity to study art at The University of North Texas, West Chester University and receive her Masters of Art Education from Southern Connecticut State University. In addition to showing her work locally, she has shown art all over the USA, as well as in Europe, and where her artwork has been sold to individuals and businesses. Beth enjoys painting horses of all breeds and disciplines. She is currently working on a quarter horse collection from pictures that she took at the South Carolina Equine Center. Beth enjoys living on a horse farm in South Carolina with her husband, Bruce, 4 horses, 3 dogs and 2 cats. 

Learn more at bethwoodall.com.

Grass Roots Equestrian Vaulting, located in Fort Mill, SC,  was founded in 2020. The team includes beginners through upper level divisions and prioritizes growth as a group regardless of age or ability. In addition to competing, Grass Roots loves to play! From field days to an annual Murder Mystery Practice, this team works together to seek new ways to make learning fun! Stay tuned to find out the results of the National Championships and the riders who will be exhibiting their trot and canter routines at the Camden Horse and Hound Expo.

Follow Grass Roots Vaulters on Facebook for more photos and videos.

Back by popular demand, the South Carolina State Heritage Horse, the Marsh Tacky, will be represented by a group of riders and their Marsh Tackies. Look for these small, sturdy, gentle horses in the Opening Ceremony and learn more about this unique breed here.

Leading the Marsh Tacky Parade in the Opening Ceremony at the Expo will be Wylie Bell. She will be riding 14-year-old CMTO Southern Cross, also known as Faith, her barn name. She is owned by Wylie and Leighton Bell of Bell Broke Stables in Bennettsville. Faith has been lightly schooled in dressage and hunter jumpers. She is rather large per the breed standard, and she can be a bit flighty and nervous when away from home. However, she is a tough, gritty, powerhouse jumper. She has also been trained for liberty work and bridle-less riding.  

Margaret Clay will be riding 19-year-old Sweet Home Alabama or simply “Bama.” He is owned by Wylie and Leighton Bell of Bell Broke Stables in Bennettsville. He came to their farm as a fat, lazy, green-broke, 6-year-old gelding. He has since been used extensively for hog hunting, trail riding and riding lessons for novice riders. He competed in multiple Marsh Tacky Beach races, winning the gelding heat at Daufuskie Island in 2013 and winning the overall championship at Kiawah Island in 2017. In addition, Bama has been used lightly in hunter jumper shows and mostly does backyard jumping for fun. He is everyone’s favorite who comes to ride with the Bells.

Helen Clay will be riding 3-year-old Bell Broke Stables Island Boy, also known as Pirate, his barn name. He is owned by Wylie and Leighton Bell of Bell Broke Stables in Bennettsville. He was started under saddle as a 2-year-old, but he has been handled and molded since the day he was born. As far as Marsh Tackies go, he is big for his age, but he is a good example of the steady mindset and calm demeanor that the breed often exhibits. He is only being ridden lightly at this age as we wait for him to fully mature.

Read more about Wylie and Leighton’s adventures with their Marsh Tackies here.

Whether you’re a horse lover or enjoy the excitement of a skilled horse show, The Camden Hunt invites you to compete in the Eighty-eigth annual Hunter Trials on Sunday, November 5, at 9:00 a.m. This exciting event brings together some of the region’s finest riders, who will take their horses over a challenging cross-country course. And if you’re looking for a beautiful outdoor location, there’s no better spot than Hunt Hunter Trial Hill in Camden—right next to Springdale Race Course. So bring a lawn chair and picnic and experience the thrills and splendor of the Camden Hunt Hunter Trials!