The World’s Largest Rolling Tailgate Party™

Every year for 58 years, the Belle Meade Hunt has proudly started fox hunting season in Thomson, Georgia with the biggest opening meet in the world. This special day happens on the first Saturday of November. It's a day full of tradition and celebration, where you can ride across beautiful fields, pecan orchards, and historic countryside in McDuffie County. The event is also known for its fun tailgating party, where people bring coolers and baskets of food and drinks to share from Tally-Ho wagons. It's a chance to enjoy the outdoors and experience the fashionable side of fox hunting.

The day begins with a Blessing of the Hounds ceremony at 1p.m. At fox hunting gatherings, it is common for hunters to receive a special medal from Saint Hubert, who is the patron saint of hunters. The hunt chaplain performs a formal ceremony on the lawn of a white cottage with pecan orchards on both sides. The riders dismount and stand next to their horses, holding the reins, creating a grassy pathway. The joint masters of the hunt, accompanied by the hounds, approach while everyone strains to hear the words that officially mark the start of the hunt season. Belle Meade's joint master, Epp Wilson, says, "We present to you the Belle Meade pack of 2023."

Tally-ho wagons line up to caravan alongside the horses and hounds. When the horn sounds, the hounds start running, sniffing and barking, with hunters close behind. There are four groups of riders, from experienced to inexperienced. After the wagons leave, they go to different planned stops, passing landmarks like the Bowdre-Reese-Knox House, the Rock Dam, and the Gentleman of Virginia's grave. At these stops, you can take photos, rest, and chat with others, including the hunters in red coats on horses. The big finale, near sunset, is at "Champagne Hill," where everyone celebrates with sparkling drinks while watching the horses, hounds, and hunters toast to the day and the upcoming season.

"It's the grandest sport and the greatest thrill,
To chase the fox from hill to hill.
Through countryside rolling o’er fields and streams,
It's the kind of a course that fulfills sportsmen's dreams.
The hunters impatiently ride to and fro,
But dash like the wind  at the cry tally-ho!
The horses are lathered they too seem to sense
The joy and excitement of clearing a fence.
So here at the close of a wonderful day,
Of foxhunting and fellowship, may I tribute pay
To the M aster, his Staff and the keeper of hounds,
Our toasts and our praises to all know no bounds.
Tonight with the stirrup cup full and o'er flowing, 
We toast one and all who keep foxhunting going!
Who join in the chase though they may take a spill,
And who keep coming back whether sunny or chill. 
May the joy that results from this sporting event
Make us healthy and happy and always content!!"

-          Belle Meade Toast

For more information about the Belle Meade Hunt opening meet or Thomson, GA visit www.bellemeadehunt.org