Sam Clifton - The Huntsman’s Huntsman
As the first professional huntsman of the Wateree Hounds, Sam Clifton brings a wealth of experience, dedication, and a rich hunting pedigree to the Camden, South Carolina, countryside. A third-generation hunt staffer, Sam began his career at the age of 15, whipping-in under the guidance of his father, Steve Clifton, a career huntsman with over 48 years of experience. Hailing from England, where his family has deep roots in hunting and horse racing, Sam’s lifelong dedication to the sport is evident in his exceptional horsemanship and his deep understanding of hound management.
Sam’s career has taken him across North America, starting as a whip for the Toronto and North York Hunts in Canada, followed by positions at Blue Ridge Hunt and Mr. Stewart’s Cheshire Foxhounds in Pennsylvania. He served as huntsman for 11 years in Maryland before spending seven successful seasons with the Rolling Rock Hunt in western Pennsylvania. Along the way, Sam has worked with legendary huntsmen and developed his own distinguished pack of hounds, blending pedigrees such as PenMaryDel to create versatile hounds capable of excelling in diverse terrains. His move to the Wateree Hounds marks an exciting new chapter in his career, one that combines his expertise with the club’s growing reputation. Sam brings with him five couples of seasoned hounds from his pack at Rolling Rock, as well as a passion for the future of the Wateree Hounds. “The journey for Wateree to succeed and the vision they have down there to really make it work, that’s very impressive for me,” he says. He sees immense potential in the Wateree hunt country, from its sandy, flat terrain to the temperate climate that provides a stark contrast to the rocky, unforgiving landscapes of Pennsylvania. Sam is committed to strengthening relationships with local landowners, recognizing their vital role in land conservation and the sport’s success. Beyond his skills as a huntsman, Sam has a remarkable talent for importing and developing exceptional hunt horses. Over the years, he has bred and trained Irish Draft Sport Horses and Thoroughbreds for both personal and professional use, ensuring his mounts are as skilled and versatile as the hounds he leads. While he left behind some beloved horses and hounds in Pennsylvania, he looks forward to building a new legacy in Camden.
Sam’s wife, Shannon Clifton, and their young son, William, have joined him in the move to South Carolina. Shannon, a Georgia native and accomplished whip, is thrilled to return to the South’s more temperate climate and to be closer to family. Together, the Cliftons are not only continuing the traditions of foxhunting but also expanding their breeding business to develop and train hunt horses for the Camden area. With his unmatched experience, strong hunting pedigree, and deep respect for tradition, Sam Clifton is poised to help the Wateree Hounds grow into one of the premier hunts in the region. As Master Ned Towell notes, “We just got so lucky to get him."
Shannon Clifton – The Lady of the Pack
Known as “The Lady of the Pack,” Shannon Clifton brings grace, strength, and a deep love for foxhunting to the Wateree Hounds. A native of Newnan, Georgia, Shannon embodies the heart and soul of Southern sporting life, with a lifetime of experience in the saddle and an unwavering dedication to the traditions of the hunt. Her quiet strength and warm personality have made her an indispensable part of the Clifton family’s legacy in the sport.
Shannon’s journey began as a horse-loving girl who grew up just down the road from Bear Creek Farm. Her passion for horses and hunting blossomed early, as she worked after school at the farm and began hunting with the Midland Hounds. Her first professional experience was as a whip for the Bear Creek Hounds, where her love for the sport grew even stronger. It was at Green Spring Valley Hunt and Hounds in Maryland where Shannon met Sam Clifton, a huntsman from across the pond who would soon become her husband. Together, they forged a life centered on their shared love for foxhunting and the animals that make it possible.
Shannon’s role as “The Lady of the Pack” goes far beyond her time in the field. She is a pillar of support for her family and their shared passion, bringing a sense of balance and warmth to everything they do. After enduring years of cold winters while Sam served as huntsman for the Rolling Rock Hunt in Pennsylvania, Shannon is thrilled to return to the South’s more temperate climate and closer proximity to her family. “I didn’t realize how much I missed the South until I got back here,” she says. “I’m so happy to be back.”
Shannon also plays an integral role in the Clifton family’s horse breeding and training business, where they focus on developing Irish Draft Sport Horses and OTTBs into exceptional hunt horses. Her deep understanding of horses and her commitment to producing mounts that are both reliable and athletic reflect her love for the sport and her desire to help others experience the joys of hunting.
“The people of Camden have been so welcoming,” Shannon says. “It’s been so warm, just like we’ve always been here. They’ve made a perfect little spot for us.” As “The Lady of the Pack,” Shannon Clifton is not only a cornerstone of her family’s hunting life but also a cherished member of the Wateree Hounds community, ensuring the traditions of foxhunting remain alive and thriving for generations to come.
Steve Clifton
The Sage of the Kennels
Steve Clifton, fondly known as “The Sage of the Kennels”, is a living embodiment of foxhunting tradition, with over 48 years of experience guiding hounds and riders through the field. A career huntsman of legendary status, Steve’s wisdom, patience, and deep connection with his hounds have earned him this honorary title among the Wateree Hounds community.
Steve’s remarkable journey began in England, where he served as huntsman for the Curre Hunt, building a foundation of skills and expertise that would carry him through a lifetime of foxhunting. His career eventually brought him across the Atlantic, where he continued to make his mark with the Bear Creek Hounds in Georgia. From the rolling hills of England to the sandy pinewoods of the American South, Steve has proven time and again his ability to adapt to new landscapes and challenges, all while preserving the sport’s rich traditions.
As a mentor, Steve’s influence extends far beyond the field. He passed his love for hunting down to his son, Sam Clifton, now the huntsman for the Wateree Hounds. Although their careers kept them apart for much of their professional lives, Steve and Sam share an extraordinary bond forged through their mutual passion for hounds and horses. Steve humbly credits Sam as the superior horseman, quipping, “He didn’t get it from me. I sat on them; I wouldn’t say I was riding.”
Returning to the South after a stint in Pennsylvania, Steve is thrilled to once again enjoy the warmth—both of the climate and the people. “In the South, everybody’s so nice. Everybody fishes or shoots or hunts down here,” Steve notes. “And we’re not going to freeze our butts off down here.” His time with the Wateree Hounds has allowed him to reconnect with his son and share his unparalleled experience in a new chapter of his storied career.
As “The Sage of the Kennels,” Steve is more than just a huntsman—he is a keeper of tradition, a source of guidance, and a mentor to the next generation of horsemen and hound enthusiasts. His quiet wisdom, combined with his rich knowledge of foxhunting, continues to inspire and shape the Wateree Hounds, ensuring that the sport’s legacy remains vibrant for years to come.