Mount Pleasant Magazine Nov/Dec 2017

85 www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.ILoveMountPleasant.com | www.BestofMP.com feature term “pink” refers to the English tailor Thomas Pink and not the color of the coat. The huntsman is the leader in the field. He or she controls the hounds and sets the pace of the hunt. The huntsman is supported by whippers-in, who assist in controlling the hounds and maintaining the integrity of the field during the hunt. Field masters lead the field, comprised of three flights of riders. Each flight consists of riders with varying levels of skill and ability. The first flight, the most skilled and experienced riders, follow their field master and typically jump every obstacle he jumps while maintaining the fastest pace of the three flights. Second flight riders follow their field master, but jumping is optional. Third flight riders are generally less experienced or young riders on ponies – or those who choose to ride at a slower pace. The huntsman controls the route and tempo of the field, making adjustments as needed and as directed by the master and the ever-changing conditions. The secretary supports the field master and documents and reports all necessary information for the good of the club and owner of the land where the hunt is taking place. The two styles of fox hunting are live hunting and drag hunting. Clubs that practice live hunting in the field hope to pursue a red or gray fox, or, more commonly today, a coyote. This hunting style is dynamic and unpredictable. The “fox” in drag hunting is a rider who uses a synthetic scent to mark areas along a pre-determined route for the hounds and field to follow. Mounted fox hunting has grown in popularity since the Colonial period. According to the Masters of Foxhounds Association & Foundation, there currently are more than 156 organized clubs in North America, and hunts take place in 37 states. Equestrian organizations such as White Horses, LLC, in Huger, South Carolina, owned and operated by Michael and Natasha “Tash” McCarthy, use mounted fox hunting as a means of teaching and training their students. “Fox hunting allows our students to leave the competition ring and hit the galloping woods for a little while,” said McCarthy. The McCarthys are members of the local Middleton Place Hounds, which has been an organized club in the Charleston area since 1977. Middleton Place Hounds hunts at Middleton Plantation and Millbrook Plantation. A drag hunt club, Middleton hunts three days per week during the season. According to McCarthy, guests and visitors are both welcome and encouraged. Visitors may ride along in the Tallyho Wagon, watching the action and enjoying fine food and drink during intermissions along the way.