Since our founding, Aiken Hounds has preserved a unique legacy of sporting excellence in the heart of South Carolina. Discover the history that shaped us and the leaders who are carrying this tradition into the modern age.
Aiken Hounds was founded in 1914 by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hitchcock of Long Island. Just two years later, the club was formally recognized by the Masters of Foxhounds Association of North America (MFHA). Aiken Hounds holds the unique distinction of being the nation’s longest-running drag hunt.
The Hitchcocks shaped our hunt from the ground up, transforming approximately 3,000 acres of woodland and open fields into miles of drag lines. Before building any fencing, Mrs. Hitchcock was already leaving her mark on the woods, hunting with a pack of beagles across the terrain. It was their green livery packs that inspired the distinctive green worn by Aiken Hounds to this day.
The idea of the drag hunt was conceived by Mrs. Hitchcock herself, born from watching her husband school steeplechasers across the yard. The Old Aiken Drag, as it was formerly known, was conducted at considerable speed, with riders jumping large fences eight abreast.
That’s not founding lore. It’s a reflection of South Carolina’s storied equestrian culture and the steady presence our hunt club has established and continued throughout Aiken. The etiquette, deep bonds, horsemanship, and traditions of Aiken Hounds remain as alive today as they were when the Hitchcocks first laid the drag hunt foundation.
Our Masters and staff oversee every aspect of the hunt, ensuring each ride reflects our club’s care and tradition. Their essential role includes coordinating and organizing meets, maintaining standards in the field, and providing a safe and consistent experience for both members and guests.
Left to right: Larry Byers, Karl McMillan, Sarah Wildasin
Jennifer Buckley & John Tabachka
We remain an active, welcoming, and community-oriented club. We’re proud of where we’ve been, and we look forward to continuing our legacy with drag hunting and events in Aiken, South Carolina.
Aiken Hounds invites a new generation of equestrians to learn about the history of the fox hunt, the drag hunt, and the tradition of riding with hounds across the land. Riders, guests, and supporters of all experience levels are welcome to get involved with our club and become part of our history.
Drag hunting is a form of fox hunting. For anyone wondering, “What is fox hunting without live quarry?” this is the answer.
Instead of following the scent of live foxes, a drag hunt follows an artificial scent trail laid by a designated line layer (the “fox”) over a planned route. This gives the hounds a line to work and the field a course to follow.
Drag hunting looks, feels, and operates almost exactly like traditional fox hunting. Hounds trail the scent with enthusiasm, the field follows the direction of the Masters, and terrain is varied and challenging. Proper etiquette is expected and required, and the atmosphere is unmistakably representative of mounted hunting.
While our format allows for a consistent and organized day of hunting, pacing and conditions vary from meet to meet.
The best way to understand drag hunting is to experience it. Inquire about hunt club membership or request permission to cap as a guest at any scheduled meet throughout the season.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact our hunt secretary at secretary@theaikenhounds.com.
