Recommendations for South East - travelling from Hertfordshire area

[Bernster]

Reading a couple of threads has got me thinking about local hunt country and who else goes out near(ish) to me. I'm fairly new to hunting and, despite the odd wobbles (as some of you now know!), have really enjoyed it.

I remember checking out areas last year and found the Puckeridge and Kimblewick. I am a subscriber to K and it's fairly close to me, as we travel around an hour or so.

Would also be interested in recommendations for others within reasonable distance. I'm based in South Herts (M25/A1 junction) and happy to travel to East Essex, South Cambridge, NE end of Bucks/Berks/Oxf and similar.

I'm pretty sure Kimblewick is the best for me in terms of area, but would love to pay a visit to another some time. Also interested in trying out draghunting, unless it's even more bonkers than non-drag??

Basically interested in whoever is mad/bad enough to welcome a newbie, slightly scaredy-pants but friendly, port-carrying set of riders

 

[Bernster]

PS Meant to say I have checked out Bailys and found Sandhurst, Essex Farmers, Essex FH and Windsor & Chiltern - but would really appreciate personal experiences/views please, thank you!

 

[star]

could recommend the Sandhurst and the Berks and Bucks draghounds. Would generally say that draghounds are probably the fastest of all though - there's no checking - it's just fast as possible across the country over as many jumps as possible. I haven't done much with fox packs (only been out with the Kimblewick) but drag has definitely been faster. bloodhounds also good fun, but steadier but doesn't necessarily mean jumps any smaller so still great fun.

 

[Bernster]

Gulp! Hmm...think more xc training needed before I venture out drag hunting then, I'm windy enough out with the Kimblewick!!

I like your hedge jumping piccie btw - very impressive.

 

[star]

i thought that was huge until I went out with the Kent and Surrey bloodhounds - check out their website for pics as I cant post any as copyright. The hedges we jumped out with them are mahoosive!

Would say the good thing about both drag packs I've been out with is that although fast, most of the jumps are optional so you can pick and choose what you fancy jumping.

 

[tractor]

Essex Farmers and Union.....but then I'm biased as I'm their Secretary

You will have a good day with any of the Essex Packs, ask for the type of day you want then the Secretary should point you in the right direction - Essex, EFUH or East Essex, Essex & Suffolk is also worth a visit.....

Have fun!

 

[Bernster]

Very helpful, thank you. We have so far 'gone west' but I quite fancy having a mini tour and heading over east for a wee visit. Given that we're contemplating Yorkshire and Wiltshire too maybe next season, it would be churlish not to go out a bit closer to home

 

[HuntingB]

Come over to the East Essex or EFUH. Both are really friendly packs. Look forward to seeing you!