WHAT IS DRAG HUNTING?

Drag Hunting is a thrilling sport which should not to be confused with Fox Hunting which is equally exciting but in a different way. In Drag Hunting, a pack of hounds follows a scent laid by a human rather than pursuing a live quarry. The line is laid over a pre-deterrnined route to take advantage of  the best opportunities for jumping offered by the land crossed. These include all the types of obstacle one might encounter out Fox Hunting.

Fox Hunters often say they ride in order to hunt. With Drag Hunting, we hunt to ride.

WHAT HAPPENS?

The meet starts at 12.3Opm and if it is a Lawn Meet drinks will be offered by the host. Before moving off, the Huntsman will inform the followers (the 'Field') of anything they need to know about the first line.

You should find out who the Field Master is (you should not go in front of this rider). The Hounds will then move off and when they pick up the scent and start to run, the rest of the field follows jumping the fences along the way. At the end of the line, there will be a fifteen minute break to allow the horses and riders to recover before the second line begins. A normal meet has three or four lines covering up to six or more miles but riders can miss out a line if they feel it will be too much for their horses. At the end of the day there will often be tea at the host's house or in a local pub.

WHAT SORT OF HORSE DO I NEED:

All sorts of horses and ponies come out Drag Hunting. You don't have to have a fast horse, but you do need one capable of jumping at least 29". Meets vary in the difficulty of the fences offered and it is easy' to see from the meet card those which are suitable for novice horses. Just as with fox hunting, though. you should make sure your horse is fit before coming out and put a green ribbon in its tail if it

 hasn't been hunting before so other riders know it is inexperienced. (If you have any concern that your horse might kick, you should always have a red ribbon in its tail.)

WHAT DO I WEAR?

The dress is the same as for Fox Hunting. A hacking Jacket and tie with buff britches is perfectly correct at any time during the season. Many people wear a black jacket ~vith a white stock but red coats are only worn by hunt officials. As with any cross country riding, you should make sure you wear the best crash hat available and back protectors are advisable.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

If you enjoy yourself and intend to come out regularly, it is much cheaper to take out a subscription which costs as little as £395 for an individual, or £650 for a family. For students the cost is £240 and Juniors £125.

If you wish to come out for the occasional day, The cost is £50 per day all season,. Boxing Day £55 includes £10 Hunt Staff Collection..Students (Under 21) £20, Juniors (Under 18) £15.