Kiawah-Bohicket Real-Estate, in partnership with Poplar Grove, sponsored an art show April 10, 2008 exhibiting more than beautiful works of art, but also their commitment to supporting environmental projects. Well known artist came together, presenting their work to benefit Learning through Loggerheads. LtL, as it is affectionately called, is an amazing educational program headed by biologist Meg Hoyle that utilized local youth in an intern program to study data and trends of the sea turtles on Botany Island. However, the spectacular part of this program is that there is an intern exchange program with Bermuda. Our local youth travel to their island to work with sea turtles, while children of Bermuda arrive here at Edisto to work with Learning through Loggerheads. Susan Ford, President of the Board of Directors for ThT, spoke to the crowd and explained this process. She introduced a young gentleman from Edisto Island that had actually made the trip to Bermuda. Therein lies the phrase…a show of nature to nurture!
Using the natural setting of the Poplar Grove boathouse, art of the lowcountry was offered to the public. From the aerial shots of renowned artist Mary Edna Frazier which depict the barrier islands from the sky, to the colorful talents of new artist such as Olessia Maximenka depicting the pleasures of crabbing; the show covered many angles of the lowcountry. Artist Mark Kelvin Horton actually studied the nature and wildlife of Poplar Grove for his talented rendering of a canal which was originally built to serve the rice plantation that was Poplar Grove. Lita Gatlin, an artist from North Carolina, found the turkeys that abound at Poplar Grove to be good subjects, as well as the beautiful landscapes. And what talk of this region would be complete without home spun stories of being raised on the farm. The artwork of Jeffery Callaham depicted life in McClellanville where he and farm animals, that are now his subject matter, were raised. Jeffery’s favorite models, a couple of roosters to be exact, where actually on display at the entrance to the boathouse. Cristina Bates had a wide range of beautiful coastal species such as Ibis, to sport of the area such as fox hunting. Karen Hewitt Hagan also depicted the leisurely sports that are of the coast, in her beautiful sail boat renderings. Sarah Jane Reynolds offered us the lowcountry under various lightings, including sunset. Finally, the piazza resistance was large oil by William McCullough of marsh and water.
The gentle breeze moved through the boathouse carrying the musical sounds of a guitarist, the sun set as people enjoyed the beauty both man made and natural. Again, Poplar Grove takes action and makes a statement of support for the environment.
On a Sunday afternoon in March, spectators and horse lovers alike gathered from around the South East at Rose Hill Equestrian Center, Hilton Head Island to celebrate the horse in all its capacities. Young and old were equally impressed with the variety of disciplines on display during this annual equestrian gathering. The fourth Equine Expo exhibited not only the talents of the horse but was also a great display of how people enjoy the animal and the art of setting up a table or a tent to undertake this pleasure. Fine linens, champagne flutes and festive themes made watching the spectators almost as much fun as the horses. And of course there were the hats! With horse racing and polo alike, one must have the proper head gear.
From thundering hooves to the finery of dressage this day was all about horses. Commencing with a parade of horses, the various breeds proved that large (Shires) and small animals (miniature horses) bring happiness to their owners. Next the art of dressage was preformed showing total control while being extremely athletic; dressage demands much of the horse and rider. The origins are in the military arena as exercise for the soldiers and their respective horses. From that European discipline to a strictly American talent, the crowd thrilled at barrel racing. A fast horse and great rider race at a full gallop around barrels which are 90 to 105 feet apart. Not a feat for the weak of heart.
While the crowd was catching it’s breathe, they were once again reminded of the refinement and art that horses lend to our lives as Peggi Lyn Noon, Poplar Grove Equestrian Director and a team of Morgan’s took the field with a beautiful European carriage. Carriages have actually been around before horses were domesticated. From war chariots to fine coaches, such as this wagonette from Poplar Grove Equestrian Community, coaching is a fine discipline blending carriage, driver and horse alike. Poplar Grove, which is an environmentally friendly equestrian community developing just south of Charleston, is proud of this carriage and team, believing it makes a statement regarding living life at a slower pace.
Then it was on to flat foot racing which is done just around the polo field at full speed. Quarter horses as well as Thoroughbreds enjoy the opportunity to dig deep and produce as much speed as possible. Racing was followed by the jump off. Unfortunately, a couple of the riders took the ‘off’ part of that exhibition too seriously but it was a great chance to show all those present that getting back in the saddle is the standard for good horsemanship.
Finally, the field went to the dogs…hounds that is. The hounds of the Lowcountry Hunt followed Huntsman Anthony Gibbs onto the field while Huntmaster Nina Burke explained the process of fox hunting and that American fox hunting varies from British fox hunting, in that today they would never kill the quarry. A successful hunt ends when the fox “goes to ground” or gets away to be chased another day. Hounds, riders and horses all enjoy exhilarating chase.
The wonderful day was topped off with a very competitive polo match. The sport of kings, played by Alexander the Great, polo made its way into the hearts of Americans and South Carolinians in the late seventeen hundreds. The excitement of eight horses galloping down a field that is 300 yards long can not be overstated. Everyone settled in, enjoyed the match, and the comradely.
At the end of the day, Dr. Termotto, organizer of this wonderful event was well pleased with the activities and the amount of funds that the event had generated for charity. He very much looks forward to seeing everyone in attendance at next year’s expo.
Join us for an evening of art! Poplar Grove is hosting an art show to benefit “Learning through Loggerheads,” a non-profit sea turtle program. Please check out the art show invitation for details and information about the event. Enjoy!
In a palette of earth tones, tweeds and velvet helmets, on the sunny afternoon of February 19, Lowcountry Hunt proudly welcomed guest hunter, Lieutenant Colonel Dennis Foster, Executive Director of Masters of Foxhounds Association of America. For more than a decade the MFHA has benefited from Lieutenant Colonel Foster’s experience, enthusiasm and advocacy of the sport of fox hunting. He is the author of the book Whipper In. Beautifully illustrated with over 300 photographs, Whipper In combines facts and sound advise with tales of horses, hunts and hounds; it is the reputed gold standard reference for fox hunting.
The MFHA oversees American fox hunting under rules practice, suggested guidelines and, as typifies the sport, a code of conduct and decorum. Even the fox is protected under the MFHA as the sport is practiced with emphasis on the chase and not actually killing the animal. As emphatically stated by Dr. Mark Shambly, Senior Master of Foxhounds for Lowcountry Hunt, “If we killed the fox, we couldn’t chase him the next day!” Indeed, it often seems that the fox enjoys the chase nearly as much as the riders in pursuit. Tuesday’s hunt started with the hounds pursuing a few lines that ultimately went cold, however, the infamous Poplar Grove black coyote made yet another appearance and led the field on an exciting chase; Lowcountry hunts rarely fail to please!
The Lowcountry Hunt club area consists of lands in coastal counties from Charleston south to Beaufort County. Led by Dr. Mark Shambley, Senior Master of Foxhounds and Joint Masters Nina Burke and Melinda Shambley combined with the talents of Huntsman, Anthony Gibbs, Lowcountry Hunt is a relatively new hunt, founded in Spring, 2006, and eighty-four members strong.
In a sport known for camaraderie, it is not unheard of for neighboring hunts to hold joint events and have members and territory in common. Lowcountry has held joint hunts with other clubs from as far as Virginia and as close as the immediate Charleston area. Middleton Place Hounds, another Charleston hunt club, is led by Joint Masters Kathy Wall, Frank Haygood, Margaret McCoy and the talents of Huntsman Jamie Green. Founded in 1977, Middleton Place Hounds is in their third decade of traditional fox hunting. While some might find two hunts in such close proximity to be fertile ground for dispute, both Lowcountry and Middleton have their unique area of expertise; Lowcountry on ‘live’ hunting – seeking to chase live quarry and Middleton on ‘drag’ hunting – riders following a trail of scent laid by an expert dragman. In this, each hunt has its niche and the focus can remain on the love of the sport as evidenced by members of each hunt often attending the other as welcome guests.
With only a few weeks remaining in fox hunting season, Lowcountry Hunt is making plans for the closing meet hunt scheduled for March 15. Stay tuned for a retrospect wrap up of the exciting fox hunting season here in Lowcountry!
Poplar Grove has a limited number of equestrian homesites available for purchase. With lot sizes ranging from 5 to 17 acres, these properties are ideal for horse owners and homeowners who are looking for a little more room to roam. This equestrian phase of development will be conveniently located next to our Equestrian Center, which features the East Coast’s first certified “Green” Barn and a full-time equestrian director. And like all of the residents at Poplar Grove, homeowners will have complete access to all of the community’s amenities, including the boat docks, fitness center and pool areas, and over 50 acres of riding trails.
If you would like more detailed information, please call the Poplar Grove Sales Office at 843.571.3248
Poplar Grove was recently featured in Charleston’s The Post & Courier “Your Lowcountry” section. “Your Lowcountry” highlights news and happenings around the great lowcountry area, and Poplar Grove was featured in the February 7 edition. The story drew attention to the history making fox hunts being held at Poplar Grove. Please check out the “Your Lowcountry” feature in The Post & Courier.
In the brisk morning hours last Friday, South Carolina history was made on the lush and generous 6000 acres of marshland, woods, ponds and waterways that comprise Poplar Grove, Charleston. The Lowcountry Hunt hosted its annual hunt weekend January 25 - 27 and welcomed guests from fourteen hunt clubs from Virginia, North Carolina and Florida to name a few. In a setting described as “breathtaking”, “magnificent” and “an outdoor wonderland,” over 135 riders, horses and more than 60 hounds came together for the largest known fox hunt in the greater Charleston area and, moreover, in the state of South Carolina. Poplar Grove is proud to host Lowcountry Hunt as well as Middleton Place Hounds.
The Lowcountry Hunt club area consists of lands in coastal counties from Charleston south to Beaufort County. Led by Dr. Mark Shambley, Senior Master of Foxhounds and Joint Masters Nina Burke and Melinda Shambley, combined with the talents of Huntsman, Anthony Gibbs, The Lowcountry Hunt is a relatively new hunt group, founded in Spring 2006. Don’t let the relative youth of Lowcountry Hunt fool you, though - gracious, genuine and growing - Lowcountry is a club to watch if you are intereted in South Carolina fox hunting.
Among the hunt clubs in attendance were Middleton Place Hounds, Four Winds Hunt, Flat Branch Fox Hounds, Rappahannock Hunt, Green Creek Hounds, Tryon Fox Hounds, Mecklenburg Hounds and Aiken Hunts.
The field reflected a diverse array of horses; Andalusian, Hanoverian, Belgian and warm blood mixes, Irish Sport Horse, Friesian, Shire, Spotted Amerian Saddle bred, McGurdy, Thoroughbred, Palomino, Paints, Quarter Horses to name a few. Peggi Lyn Noon, Equestrian Director at Poplar Grove, was pleased with the variety of horses and hunt clubs present. “A beautiful day, glorious land, charmin people and a morning spent on horseback - what more could a person want.”
In a state known for gentility, plenty and hospitality, the traditions of fox hunting - impeccable dress, beautiful, well cared for hound and horses and a unique blend of elegance and etiquette - are entirely at home. In contrast with the stereotype of a stuffed shirt sport, fox hunting brings together a broad array of breeds and beauty, people and protocol and even fun and frolic. Were one to be a fly on the wall, or, more likely, an on-looking rabbit - you would witness a group who loves animals, is passionate about the outdoors, and enjoys tradition without a hint of pretenstion coming together in what can only be described as an adventure guranteed to please both novice and expert, riger and tally-ho caravan and horse and hound alike. Even the fox, protected by the strict guidelines of the Master of Fox Hounds Association (http://www.mfha.com/), seems to enjoy the thrill of leading the field on what can often be described as a wild goose chase, or, in this case, a wild fox chase.
Friday’s hunt did not fail to please - while the fox apparently chose to decline his invitation to the hunt weekend; a black coyote took the riders on an extensive tour of the Poplar Grove landscape.
In the fox hunting community, a hunt club’s “Hunt Weekend” is a major event. Planning begins months in advance and includes selecting the date, the locations for the hunt held each of the three (four) days of the hunt weekend, and, most importantly what will be served at each breakfast. A hunt breakfast is traditionally held following the morning’s hunt and, regardless of the outcome of the hunt - fox or no, the components of a hunt breakfast always include engaging conversations, delicious food and drink, telling and retelling the tales of the morning and excitement about the next day’s event. As is often tradition at a Lowcountry breakfast, Dr. Mark Shambley provided entertainment with his retelling of the historical Battle of Cowpens known as being an American tactical masterpiece of the American Revolutionary war.
Friday’s hunt breakfast, held in the spacious Poplar Grove boathouse was attended by over 200 riders, hunt masters, huntsman and guests. Vic Mills, principal in Poplar Grove, was, once again, a welcoming host and emulated the charm and plenty for which Poplar Grove’s residents and landscape are known. When asked previously about Poplar Grove’s vision, Mr. Mills stated, “Poplar Grove is committed to the type of growth that will protect the environmental integrity of the land, such that activities including fox hunting, trail riding and even carriage rides alongside beautiful homes, will all take place with a respect for our environment in mind.”
Melinda Shambley, Joint Master of Lowcountry Hunt, summed up the day of the thundering stampedes of hooves, blizzards of dirt clods and the baying of hounds by saying, “Poplar Grove provided great sport, everyone was safe and we are already receiving reservations for next year!”
By: Marykay Antenen
Photo Credits: Griffon Photography - Ravenel, South Carolina
Join us for a Lowcountry Hunt on Wednesday, December 26, 2007, at Poplar Grove Plantation as we celebrate the gracious tradition of fox hunting.
The rich tradition that is fox hunting is only embellished by the holidays, in particular Boxing Day.The term originates in Victorian era Britain, for the day after Christmas, when the rich would box up gifts and bring them to the poor, and also to their own servants (for whom Boxing Day, unlike Christmas Day, was a holiday).In the world of Fox Hunting it is a day to celebrate the Huntsman.Please join the Lowcountry Hunt in honoring Huntsman Anthony Gibbs for his generous efforts.
For more information or for reservations, call Peggi Lyn Noon at 843.422.6486.
Directions to the Plantation Pasture of Poplar Grove:Turn off Davidson Road off of Highway 17.Continue past the main gate to Poplar Grove to County Line Road.Turn right on Oaks Road and follow it to the end.The Plantation Pasture will be on the right.Parking is available in the pasture.
Poplar Grove is 6,000 acres of pristine wooded lands, canals and marshlands that is home to more than 20 miles of equestrian trails. Experience this natural wonderland at your own pace during the Middleton Place Hounds Trail Ride & Cookout.
Saturday, January 19, 2008 at 11:00 AM
The cose to attend is $50
For more information or to R.S.V.P, please visit MiddletonPlaceHounds.com or call Bev Ballinger at 843.722.0479.
On Sunday, December 9, 2007, history was made at Poplar Grove in the world of Charleston Fox Hunting.The two fox hunting organizations associated with the Charleston low country, Middleton Place Hounds and The Lowcountry Hunt held their first joint meet on the 6000 lush acres which comprise Poplar Grove.
Mr. Vic Mills, principal in Poplar Grove, was a gracious host and emulated the charm and plenty for which Poplar Grove’s residents and landscape are known.When asked, Mr. Mills confirmed that, “Poplar Grove is committed to the type of growth that will protect the environmental integrity of the land, such that activities including fox hunting, trail riding and even carriage rides alongside beautiful homes, will all take place with a respect for our environment in mind.”
Middleton Place Hounds hunt country consists of land in Charleston and Dorchester Counties, containing over 10,000 acres on Middleton Place and Millbrook Plantation.Founded in 1977 and led by Joint Masters Kathy Wall, Frank Haygood, Margaret McCoy and with the talents of Huntsman Jamie Green, Middleton Place Hounds is in their third decade of traditional fox hunting.
The Lowcountry Hunt area consists of lands in coastal counties from Charleston south to Beaufort County. Led by Dr. Mark Shambley, Senior Master of Foxhounds and Joint Masters Nina Burke and Melinda Shambley combined with the talents of Huntsman, Anthony Gibbs, The Lowcountry Hunt is a relatively new hunt group, founded in spring, 2006.
A field of over eighty riders enjoyed the thrill of riding through our beautiful South Carolina countryside on a broad variety of horses; Thoroughbred, Quarterhorse, Clydesdale, American Saddlebred, Andalusian and Percheron to name a few.A pack of nineteen hounds were cast.
Peggi Noon, Equestrian Director for Poplar Grove, stated she was “very pleased with the number of horses in the field.”All in attendance enjoyed the 2 ½ hour ride over the beautiful landscape; from riding along side salt marshes to the groves of ancient live oaks.The riders completed long gallops and many jumps without anyone coming out of the saddle. “It was truly a red letter day!” Ms. Noon stated enthusiastically.
The Hunt adheres as closely as possible to centuries-old aesthetic traditions of foxhunting while ensuring a safe foxhunting experience.Were guests to ask, they would be told the history, tradition and purpose of the stock tie and pin, the hair nets worn by the ladies of the hunt and the differences between formal hunt and the informal ‘ratcatcher’ attire.Each aspect of the carefully designed hunt attire has a history and a purpose. The stock tie, for example, is a very useful part of a fox-hunter’s kit. In case of injury, it can be used as bandage, sling, tourniquet or headlight reflector when hung behind at night.
Despite some degree of controversy regarding the welfare of the animals who participate in the hunt, namely the fox, rarely is a fox harmed in the course of a hunt.For hunt groups in the United States and Canada to be officially recognized by the MFHA, pursuing the quarry for the sheer purpose of killing is strictly forbidden.As such, the hunt continues until either the fox evades the hounds, “goes to ground.”In the US, the object is not to kill the fox, and once the fox goes to ground, he is left alone.Drag hunting is also popular, either instead of, or in addition to, live quarry hunting. Drag hunting involves dragging an object, often a leather chamois over the ground to lay a scent for the hounds to follow.
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