Written Judy Heinrich; Photos by Don West

Frosted grass crunching underfoot, tri-color foxhounds swirling in anticipation, riders impeccably attired in formal dress, and the breath of waiting horses visible in the air as a robed clergyman offers his blessing of the hounds.

This scene could have been painted in 8th century Europe or 17th century America. And it can be witnessed in person on November 24 at the Tryon Hounds’ annual Thanksgiving Day Blessing of the Hounds and Opening Hunt of their formal hunting season.

A Thanksgiving Day opening is a tradition shared by many US hunts, and Tryon Hounds has held theirs for 44 years. For 27 years the ceremony and hunt have been held at a property on Jackson Grove Road near Jackson Grove Methodist Church, at a hunting fixture long known as “Thanksgiving Hill.” In fact, the new owners of the property, Jenny and Alan Taylor, named it “Thanksgiving Hill Farm” in recognition of its special history.

In addition to the blessing, the morning’s ceremonies include the distribution of St. Hubert medals to riding hunt members who have not yet received one from Tryon Hounds. St. Hubert is the patron saint of hunters. Joint Masters of the Hunt also award “colors” to riding members who have newly earned theirs, signifying that they are full members of the hunt. Every hunt has its particular color, which is worn on the collar of a black hunting jacket and on the collar and lapel of a scarlet coat. Members are awarded their colors based on their time and skill in the hunt field, support of the hunt, and time spent volunteering.

Formal dress for the hunt includes black coats for women riders and scarlet coats for men. Those red coats are called “pinks” because, as the fable has it, they were first created by a tailor named Mr. Pinque.

Public Invited

The public has always been welcome to enjoy the Tryon Hounds Thanksgiving ceremony, to watch the riders depart behind the hounds, and to follow the hunt by road. There will be hot chocolate and cookies for the children,  and ham biscuits with champagne or port for the adults. The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. and the hunt usually starts around 10:30.

But please note: if we’ve had lots of rain prior to Thanksgiving Day, check www.tryonhounds.com to be sure the hunt hasn’t been postponed!

What’s in that flask?

It’s a foxhunting tradition to both carry and share a flask during a hunt, and many members pride themselves on their personal drink recipes. Here are a few from Tryon Hounds members.

Roberta McKinney, Field Secretary and Second Flight Field Master: Our daughter Katie gave us a very nice bottle of Grahams 20-year-old tawny port, which we’ll share with the hunt field this season. When we hunt in freezing temperatures I go to “McKinney Mix II” – 2/3 Remy Martin VSOP Fine Champagne Cognac and 1/3 Apricot Brandy. Very smooth indeed.

Nelson Minnick, Member: A Spanish liquor called “Cuarenta y Tres” (43).

Martha Hall, Board Member and Hunt Staff: A favorite of my fellow Tryon Hounds riders: ½ Remy Martin and ½ Chambord Raspberry liquor (recipe courtesy of Kate Manno). Cheers!

Dean McKinney, Joint Master and First Flight Field Master: 80 percent good brandy and 20 percent blackberry brandy. Best served in brisk weather and guaranteed to warm your toes and fight off the common cold.

CeeCee Wilmanns, Member: It is a secret. A treat that’s sure to make you happy, with Southern flair. There is a bit of a warning with the first gulp.