Drag hunting - worth a try?!

[Bernster]

I've been out with the Kimblewick a few times in the last few seasons and loved it. I've always wondered about having a go at drag hunting but got the impression it's hell for leather, involving hurling yourself (preferably with horse) over whopping great jumps and generally having a slightly mental time of it.

Now, whilst part of that appeals to the adrenalin junkie in me, the slightly creaky middle aged me feels like maybe it's not the best idea.

My horse is quick into a fence at the best of times, so I don't want to blow her mind, but she is brave and loves xc. Shame her rider is a bit of a chicken!

So, just how big are the jumps and is it possible to miss them out and go non jumping? Would I be billy no mates if I decide not to jump the bigger stuff, with my mare getting in a tizz when all the others shoot off without us?!

Would love to hear your experiences. It would be RMS Sandhurst or Berks and Bucks I think, unless there's another closer to Hertfordshire?

 

[Sparkles]

I used to take my old two out with the b&b. I loved it, and jumping was mostly optional bar the odd one.

Fast yes, but very fun and not too extreme as you think. And a bit 'safer' I guess, as the lines are mapped out so ground covered etc

 

[Lynds]

Closer to Hertfordshire is the Cambridge University Drag Hounds. Absolutely great fun, but yes fast and furious! Im planning to go out on 9th November at Horseheath, near Haverhill. Otherwise perhaps the East Anglian Blood Hounds? Although I think they might be a bit too far for you. Both hunts have meets detailed on their websites and imo are friendlier than foxhound packs I have ran with.

 

[Scarlett]

I went out with the RMA and it was absolutely bloody amazing!

There were a mixture of horses, some folk did hammer off at the front - inc my friend on my other horse - but I stayed with the second master who stays at the back and accompanies the folk who want to keep a steadier pace. The jumps varied in height and none were compulsory, there was always a route round.

It was quite simply the best days riding I've ever had and I cannot wait to go again.

 

[Bernster]

Ooh sounds like fun. I like the fact you can go round things, that's the bit that had worried me as I think jumping on a drag hunt is bolder generally than what I've been used to. Had a look on the Cambs Univ site and some of the south/west meets would be do-able, so will keep my eye out from now on.

Lynds - do you know what the horseheath one is like? I might be able to make that one.

 

[5379]

I went out with the RMA and it was absolutely bloody amazing!

There were a mixture of horses, some folk did hammer off at the front - inc my friend on my other horse - but I stayed with the second master who stays at the back and accompanies the folk who want to keep a steadier pace. The jumps varied in height and none were compulsory, there was always a route round.

It was quite simply the best days riding I've ever had and I cannot wait to go again.[/QUOTE

I couldn't agree more! I went out with the RMA couple of weeks ago and they were great. I stayed with the second field, they were really friendly and always options to jump or not, was perfect for my mare's first time out. Had the most fab afternoon, cannot wait to go again!

 

[Lynds]

Lynds - do you know what the horseheath one is like? I might be able to make that one.[/QUOTE]

Their Facebook page says there is plenty of avoidable jumping at Horseheath.

Their Semer meet is a big hedge jumping day - they run over the open team chase course and sometimes you can't go round.

I'm going to both - ill be on a small hogged bay that jumps like a stag!

 

[Bernster]

Now that is what slight y freaks me out if you end up not having a way round. But then again maybe that's what I need to get my back side into gear ! But I suppose it's a case of checking beforehand what the day will be like.

Sounds fab for you lynds! Report back

 

[vallin]

Their Facebook page says there is plenty of avoidable jumping at Horseheath.

Their Semer meet is a big hedge jumping day - they run over the open team chase course and sometimes you can't go round.

I'm going to both - ill be on a small hogged bay that jumps like a stag!

You didn't also have red tape in you horses tail and start the day at horsheath at that back on the back talking to a girl on a black horse about the obedience (or lack there of) of the hounds did you? If so it was me on the black horse *waves*

 

[vallin]

I've been out twice with CUDH this season so far as my introduction to hunting and it's been good fun. I haven't found them that fast and furious (though don't have anything to cpare to) and all jumps have been avoidable BUT both of the meets have been children's meets. Worth noting that they don't provide a non-jumping master so of you do go round any of the non-portable jumps you'll sometimes have to find your own way. Semer is a jumping only meet and imagine it will be big, fast and furious - kick on if you do go! (The field master was telling me that I should go, close my eyes and kick, luckily I'm away this weekend )