AIKEN, S.C. — On Thanksgiving morning, the community of Aiken gathered to celebrate the cherished tradition of the Blessing of the Hounds.

This annual event serves as a tribute to the rich heritage of foxhunting in Aiken and honors the hounds that are central to this historic practice. A local clergy member presides over the ceremony, which has become a staple of Aiken’s cultural landscape.

Larry Byers, the senior master of the Aiken Hounds, explained the significance of the event, saying, “Every year, as we kick off the formal season, we hold a blessing of the hounds to ensure the safety of the hounds, horses, and riders, as well as the lands we traverse. This has been a proud tradition in Aiken for 111 years.”

Andrew Siders of the Aiken County Council emphasized the importance of the event, stating, “For anyone living in Aiken, experiencing this tradition right before the Thanksgiving festivities is a must. With over a century of history, we’re delighted to be part of it.”

The Aiken Hounds also boast the distinction of hosting the nation’s oldest drag hunt. In this unique form of hunting, a cloth imbued with fox scent is dragged across the landscape to lay a trail for the hounds to follow.

Photojournalist credit: Gary Hipps