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Staff College Draghounds
Draghunting for the first time?
Here are some of the frequently asked questions (and answers). If you have anything else that you would like to know, please contact our friendly Draghound Secretaries, Sophie Gregory & Luke Shirley-Mansell, who will be more than happy to chat to you.
How fast do you go?
Contrary to popular belief, draghunting is conducted at a sensible pace - to ride in the First Field, you need to be comfortable at a 'working' canter and be happy with riding in a group. We always have a Second Field for those who would like to go a little slower and gain confidence before moving up to the First Field.
Do I have to jump?
Most people come draghunting because they enjoy jumping. However, there are very few Meets where there are compulsory jumps. Jumps on our country range anywhere from 2' rails to 5' hedges. Most of the jumps are between 2'3" and 2'9". If there is a larger jump, there will ALWAYS be a smaller alternative jump or a gate that you can go through. Look at the descriptions of the Meets under 'Meet Card' on the menu on the left. If you have any questions about specific Meets, please contact Sophie & Luke our Hunt Secretaries.
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What happens at the Meet?
Please allow plenty of time to get to the Meet. We Meet at 12:00 noon unless otherwise notified. This means you need to be on your horse at 11:45am. Good draghunting etiquette demands that when you arrive, you should find the Draghound Secretary and offer him/her your cap, rather than waiting for him/her to approach you. Similarly, you should say a good morning to the Masters (the correct greeting being "Good morning Master" even if you know them personally). The Houndsman and Hounds will join the Meet at 12:00pm. You will be offered a glass of port and have a chance to chat to your fellow draghunters. One of the Masters will then welcome everyone, thank the landowners and offer information and instructions on the days' draghunting. It is very important that you are quiet and listen carefully to what the Master says. The Master will then say "Hounds please!" and the Houndsman will blow the horn and lead the hounds to the first line. Any time the Master says "Field please!" you should follow them.
What happens during the days' draghunting?
You will see a runner who lays a scent for the hounds to follow along a route which has been pre-determined by the Masters. The hounds then follow this scent under control of the Houndsman who is assisted by the whips. The Field Master then leads the field of riders to follow the Houndsman and hounds. The Second Field Master follows this First Field with the riders who prefer to go more slowly. At the end of each line, we all rest for about 20 minutes before setting off again.
What sort of country do you cover?
We are very fortunate to have supportive Landowners who allow us to cross a wide variety of country. This can be anything from old turf on country estates to farmland to forestry and military land. The days' draghunting will consist of 3 or 4 'lines' of about 2 miles each (although this can vary). These are pre-determined routes planned by the Masters. All jumps on these lines are carefully maintained and inspected in the week leading up to the event.
What happens at the end of the day?
Please wait until the Houndsman has put the hounds away before you go back to your lorry. The Field Master will indicate when you are free to move. Remember to thank the Masters before you leave. The traditional way of saying goodbye to your fellow drag hunters is to say 'goodnight', no matter what time of day it is. The Hound Supporters' Club always provide everyone with a hunt tea after the horses are washed off and put away. We pride ourselves on the quality of these teas, so do come along to have something to eat and drink and re-live the thrills of the day. Everyone is welcome. Draghound tea is included for all riders and non-mounted subscribers. We ask for a small donation from all other foot followers.
Will I be shouted at?
We pride ourselves on being a very friendly draghunt where everyone is welcome, whatever their age or level of experience. To make draghunting an enjoyable and safe pass-time for all, it is very important to follow the instructions of the Masters and other Draghound Staff. If any of these people raise their voices it will be in the interests of safety. Please look at the 'etiquette' section carefully, and adhere to it's rules.
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Can my family and friends come and watch?
Yes of course! We actively encourage non-riding draghound supporters. There will be specified locations along our route where foot followers can view the draghounds going past. To minimise environmental impact, we do ask that foot followers car share. We recommend you bring a car suitable for off road driving.
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