Interior view of the National Steeplechase Museum - Camden, South Carolina

Tours & Events

Visitors to The National Steeplechase Museum have a panoramic view of a working steeplechase training facility and one of America’s enduringly favorite race courses. The grounds around the Museum boast a life size bronze of steeplechaser, Lonesome Glory, gardens and tall pines.

Inside, the Great Room welcomes visitors with a colorful display of the silks of all owners who have capped National Eclipse Awards with their “steeplechaser of the year” since 1948. Exhibits from photographs, film and memorabilia of steeplechasing history rotate twice a year. The Museum houses the NSA Ambrose Clark Award wall of winners representing those who have been bestowed with steeplechasings highest recognition for contributions to the sport. There is also a timber racing gallery and a film and education room.

Lonesome and Weathervane - Outside front of the National Steeplechase Museum - Camden, South Carolina The story goes back further as one peruses the handsome library dedicated to the late J.V.H. (Bobby) Davis who was a rider and trainer of tremendous reputation. Volumes disclose the earliest roots of steeplechasing, its relationship to fox hunting, and its annual records from the late 19th century until present.

Nearby, the “Victorian Hill” trophy room houses winners’ trophies from the last 70 years. In the Spring of 2006 The Museum will welcome the addition of Irvin S. Naylor Family Timber Steeplechasing Room with exhibits and memorabilia exclusively devoted to racing over timber fences.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Thursday, March 13th, 2008 5:30 P.M. True Hearts, True Hands. Reception and opening of a retrospective exhibit about the unsung heroes on the backside whose loving care produced champions. Call 432-6513 for more.
Monday, March 24, 2008 Yappy Hour 5:00. Enjoy cocktails with your canines at a gathering to benefit the Walter Crowe Animal Shelter. Call
803 425-6016 for details.
Friday, March 28th. 6:00 P.M. Fish Fry by the 5/8. Pre-race fun at the backside of the Museum overlooking the 5/8 mile track. Informal party with southern fish fry, horseshoe pitching and more. $25 per person, $10 for children under 12. Call 803 432-6513 for reservations.
Saturday,March 29th, 2008. Carolina Cup Races.See www.carolina-cup.org
Sunday, November 16, 2008 Colonial Cup Races.

Fun is to be had riding the “Equisizer” built to improve jockey’s fitness, watching films, and having the jockey mannequin tell about his day at the races. There are also souvenirs for sale and finally, an opportunity to tour Springdale Racecourse itself. So…escape to an earlier day remembering the emerald courses and the wonderful horses of steeplechase.

LOCAL EQUINE TOURS INFORMATION

The Camden area has a wealth of equestrian facilities and assets. There are events and sites that showcase steeplechasing, flat racing , fox hunting, show horse training, carriage rides. Special packages are designed according to interest and length of tour desired. Please contact us with your areas of interest and we will quote you cost and options. We are also very resourceful on any questions about the horse industry in Camden and Kershaw County.