Ned Towell leads the first field of the Wateree Hounds.
After growing up fox hunting in and around Camden, South Carolina, Ned Towell, the oldest son of Jack and Lisa Towell, took the next logical step—in 2020, he established his own hunt and pack of hounds with co-founders Lea S. Edwards and Vince Paschal.
The Wateree Hounds, a pack of Penn-Marydel Foxhounds, now call Camden home at a kennel Ned established on 7 acres behind his family’s Finally Farm. The Towells built an outdoor COVID-19-safe clubhouse in a cleared area where they have a fire pit, well-spaced seating and host parties with live music. “We’ve created something that’s totally cool,” said Ned proudly.
The Wateree Hunt
The Wateree Hounds hunt Tuesdays and Saturdays, from November to March, on several large tracks of land just outside Camden and already have more than 80 members on the roster.
“This has been something I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” said Towell. “I wanted to create a new model fox hunt that takes history and moves it into the present. It will blend the best of tradition and modern technology. We want to attract new people to hunting.”
Towell, who lives in Camden with wife and fellow fox hunter Mary Katherine, has regularly hunted in South Carolina, around the United States and in the United Kingdom. What he’s observed is that the median age of fox hunters continues to increase, and he fears that one day the sport will disappear unless younger people are welcomed and encouraged to become involved.
“I’ve seen other hunts have ‘Try It Day,’ where they invite anyone to join the hunt. Some come in traditional dress, but more often you’ll see them show up in Western saddles or casual attire. I don’t think that works. I think the beauty of fox hunting is the tradition, and young people aren’t looking for a loosening of traditions. They want to get dressed up, wear pretty stock-ties, shine their boots and show off their horses. That adds to the excitement and makes it meaningful—especially when you post the photos on Facebook!”
The Wateree Hounds are a pack of PennMarydels.
In that vein, the Wateree Hounds follow the long-established fox hunting traditions. There’s a detailed dress code, FAQs on their website (soon to be launched), and they encourage new members to study the “fox hunting bible,” a small book called “Riding To Hounds in America—An Introduction For Foxhunters” by William P. Wadsworth, MFH.
But, unlike other hunts, the Wateree Hounds offer a variety of packages and payment plans (and even accept Venmo!) to enable younger people to become members even if they’re just out of college, establishing careers or juggling riding, work and young families. The Wateree Hounds already have a significant presence on social media, where they showcase their special events, the daily life of horses and hounds and member accomplishments.
Ned Towell co-founder of the Wateree Hounds
“Our hunt is intended to be fun! We have a great Advisory Board of fox hunters and business leaders, a Social and Events Committee and a Tally Ho Wagon Committee to oversee the social aspects of the hunt. We even have a ‘Fifth Field Master’ to oversee the entertainment during hunt breakfasts, so those who don’t wish to ride with the hunt can watch and enjoy the camaraderie,” he said.
In addition to hunting activities, the Wateree Hounds plan to host horse shows, hunter paces, polo matches, hunt parties/balls and become involved in community service to expand their reach and integrate into the life of Camden.
“The old way of fox hunting just isn’t going to survive,” said Ned. “We’re creating a different model that opens fox hunting up to young people, other equestrians and establishes a true community. It’s going to benefit people on so many different levels. Lea, Vince and I all grew up in Camden and hunted as juniors. Now we all have businesses here. We have deep roots here, and our goal is to create a place for future generations to enjoy what we all had growing up—horses, hounds and a love of the countryside around Camden.”
For more information about the Wateree Hounds, please visit their website: www.watereehounds.com.
