Wateree Hound Challenge Series: Match 3 of 5

Date: May 6th 2024
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Historic Kirkwood Polo Field, Camden, SC

The competition heats up with the third match of the Wateree Hound Challenge Series! As we reach the midpoint of the series, watch as our determined players harness the lessons of the past two matches to bring even more skill, strategy, and spirit to the field.

This match isn’t just another game; it’s the heart of the series where rivalries deepen, and heroes emerge. Each chukka is a testament to the dedication and passion our players have for the sport of polo, set against the iconic backdrop of Camden’s historic Kirkwood Polo Field.

Gather your friends and family for an afternoon of heart-pounding polo action, community spirit, and the chance to see which team will claim victory and set the pace for the remaining matches.

Be there to support your favorites and enjoy a day filled with thrilling sportsmanship, tactical plays, and the vibrant atmosphere that only polo in Camden can offer.

Don’t miss this crucial midpoint match—where the chase for the championship becomes clearer with every swing. Join us for a memorable day at Kirkwood Polo Field!

Gallop into Spring: Wateree Hunt Club's Derby Day Celebration at Finally Farm

Dear Wateree Hunt Club Members,

Get ready to don your finest Derby attire and join us for an unforgettable Derby Day Bash at Finally Farm's outdoor pavilion on May 4th! The festivities will kick off at 5 PM as we gather to enjoy the thrilling "Run for the Roses," indulge in refreshing mint juleps, and revel in the festive atmosphere.

For this special event, we'll be hosting a BYOB pitch-in. We will provide the BBQ, mint juleps, and non-alcoholic beverages, and we invite each of you to bring your favorite appetizer, side, or dessert to share. It’s the perfect opportunity to show off those culinary skills! To ensure a diverse and delightful selection, please follow the link below to RSVP and indicate whether you'll bring an appetizer, side, or dessert. The sooner you sign up, the better your chances of bringing your preferred dish!

Now, a quick reminder: please leave your one and five-dollar bills at home. While our enthusiasm for the race might suggest otherwise, remember that we won't be taking any cash bets at our party because there will absolutely not be any betting going on at this party—wink, wink. 

But the excitement doesn't stop with the race. We're thrilled to introduce you to our new huntsman, Sam, along with his lovely wife, Shannon, and their charming son, William. This is your chance to meet the newest additions to our Wateree family and welcome them with the warmth and camaraderie that define our club.

Please RSVP by April 28th to ensure we have plenty of mint juleps to go around. We can’t wait to see you there, dressed to impress and ready to enjoy a day of tradition, friendship, and maybe a little horseplay.

Cheers to a fantastic Derby Day!

Warm regards,

Wateree Hounds

Wateree Hound Challenge Series: Match 2 of 5

Date: April 22nd, 2024
Time: 5:00 PM
Location: Historic Kirkwood Polo Field, Camden, SC

Join us for the second match in the exhilarating Wateree Hound Challenge Series! Watch as our teams, fresh from their inaugural clash, return to the field with sharpened skills and heightened determination. It’s not just a match; it’s the next chapter in their journey to polo greatness.

This series is quickly becoming the talk of the town, blending fierce competition with the spirit of community camaraderie. Don’t miss out on the action as our players vie for supremacy, supported by the cheers of friends, family, and polo enthusiasts from near and far.

Whether you're a seasoned polo aficionado or new to the sport, this match promises entertainment, thrilling sportsmanship, and a chance to witness the passion and progress of the Camden Polo League firsthand.

Be part of the legacy. Be part of the excitement. See you at Kirkwood Polo Field for a day of unforgettable polo action!

You're Invited: The Wateree Challenge Series Inaugural Match - Where Beginners Dare to Dream!

Hey Polo Fans (and soon-to-be fans),

Guess what? We're diving headfirst into the polo scene with the inaugural match of the Wateree Challenge Series, and you're invited to witness the splash! The Camden Polo League is all geared up to showcase what happens when enthusiastic beginners grab mallets and decide, "How hard can it be, right?"

Come see us in action - where the only thing faster than our ponies is our learning curve. Expect a mix of skill, spills, thrills, and probably a few hilariously missed goals as our local heroes take to the field, fueled by passion and perhaps just a tiny bit of overconfidence.

This isn’t just a polo match; it’s the birth of legends (or at least some really good stories for Tuesday morning). Whether you know your chukker from your chuckle or you thought a mallet was something you found in a toolbox, you'll fit right in. Bring your cheers, your jeers, and your laughter as we embark on this gloriously unpredictable journey together.

Let’s fill the stands with support and maybe a bit of gentle ribbing for our brave players. After all, every great player had to start somewhere, and we're starting at the Kirkwood Polo Field with you as our witnesses (and hopefully, our biggest fans).

Mark your calendars, and let’s make this inaugural match a day to remember - for the triumphs, the faux pas, and everything in between. See you there, where history will be made...or at least attempted!

Cheers to new beginnings and fast learners,

The Camden Polo League

Join the Fun at the Tail Waggin’ Ball: A Night of Fun and Support for Our Four-Legged Friends!

Wateree Hounds members and friends,

Got a cool invite for you all! The Kershaw County Humane Society is throwing a party – the "TAIL WAGGIN’ BALL" on March 15th at the stunning Bloomsbury estate. It's from 6 to 10 PM, and it's shaping up to be a blast!

This isn't just any party. It’s in a gorgeous historic home in Camden – a perfect backdrop for a fun night. Plus, we get to support a great cause that’s close to our hearts: caring for animals, especially dogs. The Humane Society does awesome work with stray dogs and cats, much like our dedication to our 40 fox hounds.

Expect a night with good music, tasty drinks, and even a raffle. It’s a great chance to hang out, enjoy some good company, and help animals in need.

Really hope to see you guys there. Let's make it a night to remember!

Cheers,

NTT

Wateree Hounds

For more information go to kchumanesociety.org

Breakfast to follow. Tally Ho wagon will go out.

Sugarloaf Mountain

Sugarloaf, affectionately known as "The Mountain" locally, is a striking geological marvel rising a hundred feet above the Carolina Sandhills' surrounding landscape. Nestled within the 47,000 acres of Sand Hills State Forest adjacent to U.S. Highway 1, it offers a network of easy riding trails through rolling sand hills. Riders traverse paths of red clay and white sand, winding through diverse forests of dogwoods, pine, and hardwoods, showcasing both new and old growth. This area is part of the Sand Hills State Forest, which spans Chesterfield and Darlington counties, a region formed by deep, infertile sands from an ancient sea, marking a distinct ecosystem in South Carolina.

The history of Sand Hills State Forest began with its purchase by the federal government between 1935 and 1939, as part of a relief effort under the Resettlement Administration, to rehome landowners to more arable lands. Managed by the SC Forestry Commission since 1939, and fully acquired by the state in 1991, Sand Hills has served as a forest management demonstration area. Efforts have focused on land restoration, wildfire protection, and reforestation, particularly emphasizing the native longleaf pine. These conservation efforts, alongside a wildlife management program and a prescribed burning strategy, have transformed the once-degraded land into a thriving habitat for timber production and diverse wildlife species, making it a prime location for the Wateree Hounds' hunting activities.

POLO IN CAMDEN!

The Wateree Hounds presents a Polo Clinic with Matt Sekera and Tiger Kneece

February 25th · 11 AM to 4 PM

$250 per rider, all inclusive

We're excited to extend an invitation to our members for an unforgettable Polo Clinic on February 25th at the Camden Polo Field, LED BY THE RENOWNED POLO PROFESSIONALS MATT SEKERA AND TIGER KNEECE. This clinic is a fantastic opportunity for both seasoned equestrians and those new to the sport, designed to cater to all levels of experience. With everything provided from horses to mallets, participants need only bring their riding boots and a helmet. It's the perfect occasion for novice riders to get a taste of polo in a supportive and educational environment.

To make the day even more fun, we welcome family and friends to come and watch, with TAILGATING HIGHLY ENCOURAGED. It’s not just a clinic; it’s a chance to come together as a community, to support one another, and to enjoy a day filled with the spirit of sport and camaraderie. Whether you're stepping into the saddle or cheering from the sidelines, this event promises to be a day of fun, learning, and equestrian excellence. Join us to broaden your horizons in the equestrian world and to share in this exciting adventure with the Wateree Hounds.

To sign up contact Ned Towell at ned.t.towell@gmail.com or 803-243-3001

Breakfast to follow.

Tuesdays are ratcatcher.

Join us as we hunt our newest fixture H. Cooper Black in Patrick, South Carolina. This is will be our first time hunting these, very promising 7,000 rolling acres of longleaf pine forest and fields, so don’t miss out on what could be a day to remember.

This is the most equestrian-friendly park in South Carolina, with more than 20 miles of trails and sand roads offering top South Carolina horseback riding opportunities and an ample number of equestrian facilities including stables, kennels, corrals and arenas.

Tuesdays are ratcatcher.

Tuesdays are ratcatcher.

Breakfast to follow.

Breakfast to follow.

Tuesdays are ratcatcher.

With breakfast to follow to celebrate Anne Shue’s Birthday!

Unleashing Excitement: Wateree Hounds Hosts Big Sky Hounds and Lowcountry Hunt in a Grand January Gathering

January is one to get excited about! As members of the Wateree Hounds, you have the unique opportunity to hunt alongside some of the best in the country. Mark your calendars for January 16th, as we are hosting an extraordinary event at Brewers Spring Plantation in Kershaw, SC. We're honored to welcome Big Sky Hounds and Lowcountry Hunt to join us on what is sure to be a remarkable day of hunting.

Big Sky Hounds, located near Three Forks, MT, bring a wealth of experience and expertise in hunting difficult territories. Their hunt country spans throughout Montana and the West, making them seasoned travelers in diverse terrains. In the winter months, Big Sky Hounds becomes a traveling pack, showcasing their adaptability and skill.

This event promises to be a great one, another hunt not to be missed. Angela Murray, the esteemed huntsman and Master from Big Sky, will be leading the hounds. Let's come together to share in this thrilling pursuit and make it a memorable day for everyone involved. Join us in celebrating the spirit of hunting and the joy of camaraderie. We look forward to seeing you there!

H. COOPER BLACK JR. MEMORIAL FIELD TRIAL AND RECREATION AREA

Covering 7,000 rolling acres of longleaf pine forest and fields, the H. Cooper Black Jr. Memorial Field Trial and Recreation Area is the setting for national-level field trial and retriever competitions.

In South Carolina, horseback riding is a popular activity, and this park is one of the most equestrian-friendly, with more than 20 miles of trails and sand roads offering top South Carolina horseback riding and an ample number of equestrian facilities including stables, kennels, corrals and arenas.

🚨 Date Change Alert: Joint Meet with Lowcountry Now Sunday, January 7th 🚨

Due to weather conditions, our Joint Meet with Lowcountry at Lee Farms in Alcolu has been rescheduled to Sunday, January 7th. We look forward to seeing you there for an amazing hunting experience!

#JointMeet #DateChange #FoxHunting

Some folks hunt to ride while others ride to hunt. If you enjoy the later than this is a hunt you won't want to miss. On Saturday, Lowcountry Huntsman Tony Gammell, a veteran huntsman with seventeen seasons at Keswick Hunt and deep Irish hunting roots, will join Wateree and lead the way with the Lowcountry Hounds, guaranteeing a hunt of unmatched precision and skill. The well-trained pack of Lowcountry Hounds are renowned for their exceptional discipline and efficiency.

We are honored to finally have the opportunity, after three seasons, to officially have a Joint Meet with Lowcountry and strongly encourage all of you to take advantage of this opportunity to hunt with a legendary huntsman. Don’t forget that next weekend is the Lowcountry Hunt Weekend, which never disappoints. If you’re interested, go to the Lowcountry website or reach out to one of their Masters this weekend. The registration cut off date has passed however you can Capp throughout the weekend.

We will be Leaving from Wateree Member Ashley Mooneyham’s farm, Fool’s Errand Farm, which adjoins Lee Farms, which is 7,000 acres of farm and woodland sprawling through the Sumter County countryside.

For those of you driving from Camden be aware sure to take 378 to Plowden Mill Rd and not the GPS Map directions to Brogden Rd which becomes a dirt road. If you have trouble call Ashley at 803-565-2078.

Following the hunt there will be a Joint Breakfast Hosted by members of both Hunts. Wateree hosts: Brittany Newman, Ashley Mooneyham, and Sherry Wood, Jody Fate. Low Country hosts: Dani Niedzielski, Ahna Phelps, and Maesie Wilford.

Join us as we hunt our newest fixture H. Cooper Black in Patrick, South Carolina. This is will be our first time hunting these, very promising 7,000 rolling acres of longleaf pine forest and fields, so don’t miss out on what could be a day to remember.

This is the most equestrian-friendly park in South Carolina, with more than 20 miles of trails and sand roads offering top South Carolina horseback riding opportunities and an ample number of equestrian facilities including stables, kennels, corrals and arenas.

Joint Meet with Mecklenburg Hounds on December 30th, 2023: The meet will be held at Thrailkill, which is rumored to be one of the most beautiful fixtures in the Midlands, and Mecklenburg is without a doubt the most hospitable group of Fox Hunters you will find in the Southeast, so do yourself a favor and don’t miss this event, hosted by Mecklenburg Hounds. Following the Hunt will be a breakfast so please RSVP to Mary Katherine Towell at 803-427-5425 as soon as you can so that we can get the members of Mecklenburg putting on the breakfast can get a head count.

They cast at 9 am - not 10 am like we have been so don’t over sleep. The Meet is only 45 minutes from Camden and will be attire is formal. We look forward to seeing you there.