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Fox Hunting Season in the Upstate

Marie McAden Marie McAden
A former staffer with The Miami Herald, Marie moved to SC in 1992. She is passionate about the outdoors, and enjoys exploring the state’s many natural treasures from the Lowcountry to the Upstate.
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Since Colonial times, huntsmen and their dogs have chased fox for the sheer sport of it. Mounted foxhunting club Tryon Hounds continues the tradition with weekly hunts every Spring.

The club's hunting territory encompasses miles of countryside straddling North and South Carolina and includes wooded terrain with some open fields and rolling hills. Jumps are available at various locations seasonally.

A group will sometimes ride in Gowensville on 190 acres of property owned by The Red Horse Inn, a AAA Four-Diamond bed and breakfast in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Spectators are welcome to follow the chase by car and meet the masters of the hounds for a post-hunt brunch at noon at the inn. There is no additional charge for the brunch.

The main inn features six beautifully decorated rooms each with its own cozy fireplace sitting area and view of the rolling hills surrounding the property. There also are six private cottages complete with kitchen, living room, bedroom, fireplace, whirlpool, deck and/or patio.

Reservations can be made online or by phone at (864) 895-4968.

To ride as part of the mounted field, you must be an experienced rider with appropriate hunting license. Cost to join the group for the day is $50. Contact Honorary Secretary Roberta McKinney at (864) 457-5497 to secure your spot.

The woodland animals are never caught or shot - it's all about the chase.

Established in 1926, the Tryon Hounds was recognized by the Masters of Foxhounds Association in 1935. For a full schedule of their meets and additional information on the club, click here.

Marie McAden
A former staffer with The Miami Herald, Marie moved to SC in 1992. She is passionate about the outdoors, and enjoys exploring the state’s many natural treasures from the Lowcountry to the Upstate.