Jim grew up in Virginia participating in a variety of sports including showing hunters on the state circuit. College, law school, raising a family and building a career took him away from horses for nearly thirty years. When his youngest child left for Clemson, he decided it was time to get back into riding and equestrian sport. Jim joined Tryon Hounds in 2019 and has become a highly active member. He and his Cleveland Bay, Statesman, ride in first flight and Jim serves as Vice President of the Tryon Hounds Board.

Jim is the head of Ritchie & Associates a law firm that serves business and equine law clients across the Carolinas. His equine law practice focuses on the specific legal needs of equestrian-related businesses, horse owners, professional equestrians, and event organizers. In addition to his professional career, Jim has devoted much of his life to public service. He served in the South Carolina Senate for eight years and as Majority Whip for the last four years of his tenure.

Jim and his wife, Evelyn, live in Spartanburg. They have three adult children and enjoy travel and entertaining. Tryon Hounds has given the Ritchies a wonderful opportunity to share the equestrian lifestyle by combining Jim’s love of horses and foxhunting and Evelyn’s love of fun with good friends.