The Tryon Hounds has named Beth Blackwell as their new

Huntsman as the hunt club starts its 90th season of riding to the hounds. Beth was previously the Huntsman at the De La Brooke Foxhounds in Maryland.

Blackwell began her career in mounted foxhunting after spending many years as a professional hunter/jumper rider and trainer.

“I was convinced by the Master of Cedar Way Bassets, Herb Schneider, whom I had been “basseting” with, to go on a foxhunt in rural Alabama. I have spent the 17 years since as staff for both mounted and foot packs of foxhounds and basset hounds.

“Herb passed away in 2004 and I inherited the Cedar Way Bassets and a horn.  I have hunted hounds as either a visitor or resident in 11 states and served as both honorary and professional whipper-in for five packs and hunted foxhounds professionally at Tennessee Valley and De La Brooke Foxhounds,” Blackwell said.

Blackwell will be hunting a pack of Bassets on foot as well as the Tryon Hounds American Foxhounds pack. She will also take over the daily duties of managing the Tryon Hounds hunting activities.

“We are extremely pleased to have someone as accomplished as Beth join us as the Huntsman for our hunt,” said Joint Master Bonnie Lingerfelt. “She will bring many years of experience to our hunt as we start this most historic year celebrating 90 years of riding to the hounds.”

The Tryon Hounds is one of the oldest and most prestigious hunts in the southeast. It was established in 1926 by the late Carter Brown and was recognized by the Masters of Foxhounds Association in 1935. Today, the hunt enjoys an active membership of both riding and social members and continues to follow the long-standing traditions of fox hunting.

– article submitted by Rebecca Barnes