Aiken Hounds Donates $5K to Hitchcock Woods

Longtime drag hunting club raises funds for local forest conservation efforts.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:44pm

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A vibrant, abstract silkscreen print depicting a horse and rider jumping over a fallen log in a lush forest, rendered in a bold, neon color palette that evokes the energy and excitement of the equestrian event.The Aiken Hounds' annual Spring Hunter Pace fundraiser helps support the maintenance and preservation of the beloved Hitchcock Woods.Aiken Today

The Aiken Hounds, the oldest drag hunting club in the United States, recently held its annual Spring Hunter Pace fundraiser, with proceeds going to support the maintenance and preservation of Aiken's Hitchcock Woods.

Why it matters

Hitchcock Woods is a beloved 2,100-acre urban forest in Aiken that provides recreational opportunities and environmental benefits to the local community. The Aiken Hounds' donation helps ensure the woods can continue to be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

The details

The Spring Hunter Pace is a competitive equestrian event where riders follow a marked trail through the woods. Participants pay an entry fee, with the funds raised going directly to the Hitchcock Woods Foundation, the nonprofit that manages the forest.

  • The Aiken Hounds held their annual Spring Hunter Pace fundraiser on April 15, 2026.

The players

Aiken Hounds

The oldest drag hunting club in the United States, founded in the 1800s and based in Aiken, South Carolina.

Hitchcock Woods Foundation

The nonprofit organization that manages the 2,100-acre Hitchcock Woods in Aiken, South Carolina.

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What they’re saying

“It takes a lot to maintain the forest, and we're grateful to the Aiken Hounds for their continued support.”

— Olivia Barnwell, Executive Director, Hitchcock Woods Foundation

What’s next

The Hitchcock Woods Foundation plans to use the donation from the Aiken Hounds to fund ongoing maintenance and conservation efforts in the forest.

The takeaway

The partnership between the Aiken Hounds and the Hitchcock Woods Foundation demonstrates how community organizations can work together to protect and preserve local natural resources for the benefit of all.