The Blessing of the Aiken Hounds has been a well attended tradition for many years and is open to the public.  It takes place prior to Aiken Hounds Opening Meet at Memorial Gate in the Hitchcock Woods every Thanksgiving Day.  Horses and Riders are turned out in their formal attire; which is taken very seriously: Horses clipped and manes braided, riders in their best hunt coats and stock ties with polished boots. There will be people donning “pink coats” (red) signifying their rank as a Hunt Master,  green coats identifying Aiken Hounds staff and black and navy coats worn by the hunt members.  There will be a number of members from various hunt clubs, which can be identified with the color of their collars.  Members of various hunts earn their “colors” when they have prove themselves as outstanding members.  Master Linda McLean usually distributes colors after the hound blessing.