HISTORY

THE HISTORY OF TRYON HOUNDS

The Tryon Hounds began as a drag hunting pack in the 1920s when the late Carter P. Brown recognized that Polk County countryside, ideal for pleasure and trail riding, had a potential for riding to hounds when the sport was curtailed by the severe weather in the north and mid-west. With the cooperation of fellow sportsmen, landowners, and the Tryon business community, he founded the Tryon Riding and Hunt Club, to further equestrian sports in the area.

After a few years, the Tryon Hounds became a separate organization, and in 1935 it was recognized by the Masters of Foxhounds Association. The Tryon Riding & Hunt Club remained active, as it is today, encouraging programs of interest to horsemen in the area. Cooperation between the two organizations continues to enhance Polk County for those who live in, or visit the Thermal Belt region because of their interest in equestrian sports.

It was through the joint efforts of the Tryon Hounds and the Tryon Riding & Hunt Club that the U.S. Equestrian teams came to Tryon to train for the 1956 Olympics, with horsemen and businessmen of the community providing stabling, lodging, courses and show rings.

While the early drag hunts, which raced over jumps in what is now known as the “Old Hunt Country,” provided fun for participants and spectators, it wasn’t long before the hunt branched out into the pursuit of live native red and grey foxed. Since the 1930s the Hunt has retained professional huntsmen to enhance the quality of the sport.

Just as Carter Brown was instrumental in founding Tryon Hounds, Arthur Farwell was a powerful force in keeping the club together despite the disruption of World War II, financial problems and drastic changes in the hunting country. Farwell served as Master of Joint Master for some ten different seasons between 1952 and 1976 and was later named an Honorary Director for Life of the Tryon Hounds, Inc.

Through Farwell’s leadership and that on Joint Master Centre W. (Bud) Holmberg from 1971-1975, the Tryon Hounds was incorporated with its primary purpose “to engage and participate in the sport of foxhunting, horseback riding, and the maintenance of trails and bypaths for the aforesaid purposes.” Property near Little Mountain was acquired for a kennel and small clubhouse which was expanded in 1981.

Under Louise Hughston’s early mastership, an interest in hound show participation was established with Tryon Hounds traveling to the Carolina Hound Show in Southern Pines and the Virginia Foxhound Show. During the joint mastership of Louise Hughston, George Webster, and Robert Ashcom there was much emphasis on hound breeding. When Ashcom introduced the Piedmont bloodlines to an already dominate American bred pack, a great foundation was set. The breeding program continued with an occasional out-cross, as necessary and was fine tuned as Joint Master, Bonnie Lingerfelt and huntsman, Chip Anderson joined Hughston to develop the award-winning American pack we have today.