An Unforgettable Trip to Low Country by Kelsey Venditozzi

Hello MRC readers!

I'm Kelsey, a Southern California native living in NYC and eternally thankful for MRC in allowing me to be a part of an equestrian community again. 


The drive into Airy Hall

I was lucky to be one of the three Manhattan Riding Club members that got to experience the trip of a lifetime at the Low Country Hunt in South Carolina. MRC took the reins (literally!) on planning each step of the trip from arranging our horses with Ericka Rose of Galloping Guru, organizing all travel arrangements, and making sure all Covid precautions were addressed.


First day hack at Airy Hall

We arrived on Thursday to greet our horses at the breathtaking Airy Hall, where the Low Country Hunt was based and the stunning property our horses got to call home for the weekend. This Spanish Moss dreamland was a picturesque welcome, along with the over the top Southern hospitality of the Low Country Hunt members from the moment we arrived. 


Zengi and I on the beach ride

Our Thursday ride was a hack on the property trails which allowed us to get to see some of the 1500+ acres of Airy Hall. We were up and out early on Friday for a beach field trip! We trailered up the horses and drove an hour and a half to Hunting Island, a state park which allows horses in the off season. We had the beach to ourselves and our horses were in their elements! From beach gallops to a log jump course in the sand, and then going fully into the water with our horses swimming underneath us, this was a day I'll never forget. 


Me and Zengi and Hanna and Charlie in our Ratcatcher Attire for the hunt

The hunting days to follow allowed us to get to know the Low Country Hunt members and other riders who came to ride from near and far. We were quickly coined as the New York crew! Over 100 riders were out on the hunts both days. Saturday was a casual Ratcatcher Day on the Airy Hall property and Sunday was a Formal Hunt at the nearby Ravenwood Plantation. Dressing up in our finest hunt attire was a blast and so fun to see everyone and their horses looking their best. Our MRC team rode with Ericka in the first hunting flight both days, the most advanced group following right after the Huntsman and the hounds through these stunning properties. 

On top of these four days of riding were the outdoor social events - we were always well fed with a drink nearby! We shucked oysters, bought one too many souvenirs, and got some great pieces at the auction benefiting the hounds and the preservation of land and wildlife in the Ace Basin of South Carolina.

Evening cocktail reception around the pool

Shucking my first oyster!

MRC and Ericka Rose of Galloping Guru are to thank for making this an experience one that I'll always cherish. Already counting down the days to Low Country Hunt weekend next year and other MRC trips to come! 

-Kelsey