Drag hunting- whats it like??!!

[kateD]

Hi guys im thinking about taking my horse drag hunting next year- as ive heard its great fun- lots of jumping. I currentley hunt occasionally with the beaufort and the horse im gona take has team chased and event. Just wanted to know what to expect in terms of speed jumps and how long they stay out for?? Im based in the south west and willprob go withe the berks and bucks- are there any other drag hunts in my area? thanks! x

 

[MizElz]

Hello there, I'm not much use to you I'm afraid as I have never been - but I am hoping to go out with the Berks & Bucks for the first time in January, so may see you there!

 

[Gucci_b]

It's great fun with the hounds chasing the runner's, who have the cent on a piece of rag. Can be quite fast at times!! but you usually hunt in lines, at the end of a line you stop and if your happy to carry on then do so.. usually have optional jumping (certain days hunting) best to check the hunts website. You get a lot of foot followers that can lend a hand should you need one.

 

[kateD]

thanks for the advise Gucci_B - sounds just what my horse needs! Hi MizEltoe- I will def look out for you- I will prob try an go to the Berks and Bucks too as they seem to be the nearst to me- have they got a website-so I can look up meets etc?

 

[Gucci_b]

Why don't you go out on foot 1st, gives you a great insight to what goes on and how you and the horse will be...

 

[nicky_jakey]

Hi,
I went with the Berks & Bucks today - great fun!!
Kingsclere estate, 4 lines with plenty of jumping. Ranging from approx 2'6 up to....! Plenty of bigger jumps (3'6 +) if you wanted. I tend to stick to 3ft max.
It's fairly quick but you can go steady at the back. There's always a break - 15/20 mins - between lines.
There's also a big mixture of ability / braveness!
Lucinda Green was also out with the hunt today & was very friendly!

 

[star]

i went out with the sandhurst draghunt for my 1st ever time hunting last week and it was seriously fast and a tad scary as horse kept yanking the wet reins out of my hands. i have improved our brakes for next time and hopefully it wont be quite so scary!

 

[nicky_jakey]

Hi Star,
Just out of interest how much was the Sandhurst draghunt? The Berks & Bucks have just put their prices up (£60). They do organise a great day, but it is costly to do often!
I'm in South Bucks but most of the Berks & Bucks meets are W Berks - either Newbury or Marlborough way - so a fair treck in deisel.
Thanks

 

[star]

it was £15 for a first timer, £25 next time then it's £45 each time. most meets seem to be quite local to me (i'm near Aldershot) but they do meet further down in hampshire as well. dont think they do anything in berks, but could be wrong.

 

[Gucci_b]

Hi,
I went with the Berks & Bucks today - great fun!!
Kingsclere estate, 4 lines with plenty of jumping. Ranging from approx 2'6 up to....! Plenty of bigger jumps (3'6 +) if you wanted. I tend to stick to 3ft max.
It's fairly quick but you can go steady at the back. There's always a break - 15/20 mins - between lines.
There's also a big mixture of ability / braveness!
Lucinda Green was also out with the hunt today & was very friendly!

We was hunting at Kingsclere a few months back on the MBDA Charity Meet with H&H and Lucinda Green. Have some pic's on here some where....
Found the link for the pic's.....
http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/foru...ucci_B&topic=&Search=true#Post3640000

 

[kateD]

do some hunts do a student rate? I live nr Badminton and was wondering which drag hunt would be nearst to me? Sounds great though so will def be coming!!

 

[MizElz]

Berks and Bucks do a rate for students (which I will be taking full advantage of, lol!) - £30 for a student/under 21. It's £60 otherwise so pretty good saving!

Here is the website:
http://www.bb-draghounds.co.uk/

I would say it would probably be your best bet....although from Badminton I'm not sure if there are any Glos-based hunts that may be a bit closer for you? I am south of Chippenham, so it is closer for me (although I work in Malmesbury!) web page

 

[star]

according to my list, farmers bloodhounds cover glouc otherwise it looks like the B&B draghounds are your closest.

 

[joey3074]

For details of drag hunts and bloodhoundpacks across the UK try the Masters of Draghound and Bloodhound Association web site - www.mdbassociation.co.uk. It has contact details and links to the hunt's web sites.

 

[kateD]

thats great thanks for the links guys!

 

[Springback]

A lot of people say that from a riding point of view drag hunting is what real hunting used to be before it got sterilised. It's fast and frenetic and if you are in good country you get to guarantee a passage over the best hedges and fences. WARNING - have a go before you come and jump Cottesmore/Quorn hedges with the Cambridge Uni Draghounds (who do seem to have the most amazing country to hunt) as 8ft drops and 4ft spreads can offend!