AIKEN DRAG is one of America's oldest hunts and the Masters are all female. There is something to be said for girl-power (or another phrase not suitable for printing).
The photo of a hand colored aquatint, right, is of Mrs. Thomas Hitchcock(Louise) riding to the drag in the Woods. She founded the pack and is also said to have been the Mother of American Polo and a great champion of Steeplechasing. Her Aunt Celestine Eustis, bought the pine forests in Aiken and left them to Louise and that legacy is still a vital part of Aiken, today. This Aquatint was auctioned off to benefit the 2100 acre Hitchcock Woods, courtesy of Arthur Liese at The Sporting Gallery in New Jersey. It is thanks to current supporters, wildlife enthusiasts and avid foxhunters, like Arthur, from all over the country, that support the efforts to maintain the Nation's largest privately owned Urban Forest. The other ways to support the Woods are through the Friends of program or by attending the Aiken Horse Show in April, just the weekend before The Master's Golf Tournement, across the river in Augusta.
The Aiken Drag is a wonderful Aiken Tradition, their Blessing of the hounds on Thanksgiving morning puts you in a grateful mood. And we are certainly that- grateful. The Hitchcock Woods are so unique and provide so much joy to so many- they are a blessing in and of themselves. And yes, The Woods take on a persona all their own within the lives of each and every person that walks among her trees. And it is the activity of the Aiken Drag that ensures wonderful trails to walk and ride along- even though the labor comes from a few very special woodsmen.
So, when I hear the phrase: "What a Drag" I can not help but smile and with great enthusiasm and joy say: Oh Yes! If you would like to experience What a Drag Aiken can be, I'd be happy to show you, stirrup cup included.
[Here the green coated staff of the Aiken Drag and members bow their heads at the annual Blessing of the Hounds at Memorial Gate in The Hitchcock Woods.]
All the masters are women - cool!! I had no idea that Mrs. Hitchcock started the whole thing. Thanks for the info JP :)
Jane I am familiar with the Aiken Drag and of course the Camden Cup. South Carolina has alot more in the way of equine traditions then most people know. I can remember when we started polo back up in Charleston out at Boones Farm. Then they started having the steeplechase. I do miss that part of living in Charleston.
Hello Larry! I love to go to Charleston for the joint meet at Middleton Place. If you miss the races, remember you are only and hour & a half from The Queens Cup in Charlotte and the races in Southern Pines. Thanks for reading my blog, I am new to all of this. Check out the new AR group I started for Foxhunters. Have a great day!!
Jane, the photograph looks like a it could turn into a painting at the National Gallery! Looks like great fun!
The Hitchcock Woods are worthy of a Museum and the subject matter is in the process of being painted for a charity art auction to benefit the local arts center and The Woods. The artwork is being painted by local artists and put into a calender and the originals will be auctioned off, too.
Jane, I'll never be able to use the term "What a Drag" again without thinking about this Post. Great history, Bearutifully done, Great Photos.
Also, Thanks for commenting on my Blog Post.
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