Opening Meet | Belle Meade Hunt | Thomson

EVENT INFORMATION

The Masters and members of Belle Meade Hunt invite you to join us for our 58th annual Opening Meet on November 4th, 2023

Opening Meet is one of the most popular events in Georgia and the largest of its kind in the world. Many of our patrons return each year.

Imagine a luxurious afternoon hayride, watching horses and hounds ‘give chase’ through the countryside.

Enjoy beautiful Hunt Country, mingle with riders as you toast at Champagne Hill, watch the sun set on the leisurely ride back to the barn, and enjoy an evening social before heading back to the big city.

Guests may ride the Tally Ho Wagons on the World’s Largest Rolling Tailgate Party™ or participate on horseback.

Tickets: Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance. Online ticket sales are now closed. To request tickets, please contact Leslie Martin at (706) 817-3655 or leslie@dancingpines.org.

Note: Infants and toddlers may not ride Tally Ho wagons.

Schedule of Events

10am-12pm : Hunt Breakfast

Boots Hall, Belle Meade Hunt Club

1pm (arrive at NOON) Blessing of the Hounds

Larry Knox Country House. Registration Site, BMH Store, and Tally-Ho Wagons departure site.

3:30pm Champagne Stirrup Cup

Champagne toast, deep in Hunt Country on Tally Ho Wagons

6-8pm Evening Social to Support the Hounds

Boots Hall, Belle Meade Hunt Club

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What To Bring

Tally Ho Wagon riders traditionally pack baskets of snacks and beverages to share with friends.

A stadium blanket is appropriate for chilly days and your bottom might appreciate a stadium seat cushion.

Please remember this is a family event. If you choose to drink alcohol, drink in moderation. No alcohol if under 21.

Leave your dogs and cigarettes at home. Smoking is not allowed in Belle Meade hunt country.

What To Wear

This activity will be entirely outdoors. Please dress comfortably in “country casual” attire.

The hunt will go out rain or shine, so be prepared with appropriate outerwear.

Guests who wish to participate in the hunt must wear proper formal attire, pay appropriate capping fees, provide proof of coggins and sign a release form.

Where To Stay

There are numerous hotels available within 30 minutes of Belle Meade Hunt in the Thomson, Evans, and Augusta areas.

For links and additional options, please visit our Lodging page.

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Directions to Larry Knox House

Address: 4018 Wrightsboro Road, Thomson, GA

The Larry Knox Country House is one mile north of Belle Meade Hunt on Wrightsboro Road, on the left. This is the site of the Blessing of the Hounds and where Tally Ho wagons begin.

There is plenty of parking, but no horse trailers are allowed.

It’s recommended to arrive at noon to have time to find your wagon and to be in place for the Blessing of the Hounds. Seating is available.

Look for the registration table and check out the Belle Meade tent store for a commemorative hunt medal, t-shirt or other mementos.

Directions to BMH Clubhouse

Address: 3532 Wrightsboro Road, Thomson, GA

From I-20 take Exit 169 (Three Points Road) north approximately 1.5 miles directly to the Belle Meade entrance on the left.

Breakfast and evening socials will be at the Boots Hall clubhouse. Trailer parking is beyond the stables and kennels.

BELLE MEADE HUNT OPENING MEET