About Drag Hunting

History

The Staff College Drag Hunt was established in 1869 as a private pack which drag hunted twice a week in the area surrounding Camberley. It was later joined by the RMA Sandhurst and thus the Staff College and RMA SC & RMAS Drag Hunt was formed and celebrated its 130th year in 1999.

The first Point-to-Point was held in 1887 with the finish on the lawns in front of Staff College. The then Adjutant-General said that he considered the Drag to be a most important part of the curriculum and that the chances of a good staff job were slim unless you rode hard with the Drag!

Nowadays the Drag Hunt meets at least once a week and provides a focal point for military equestrian interests in the South of England. Many officers and soldiers from mounted units and Army Saddle Clubs enjoy a day's drag hunting thus improving their riding ability as well as enjoying the thrill of riding over demanding country. Today there are also, of course, many civilian members who make a tremendous contribution to the continuing existence of the Drag.

The Drag Hunt is extremely fortunate in the generosity of a number of landowners who allow it to build and maintain 'Lines' over their land. This generosity is recognised in the annual Farmers' Dinner, the first of which took place at Staff College in 1925.

Our Members are from all ages and backgrounds, drawn together by "the thrill of the chase". The best thing is that you don't have to drag hunt yourself to enjoy it! We have a number of foot-followers who come along when they can, jump in the nearest four-wheel drive and watch the action as it unfolds.

Hunting Today

SC and RMA Sandurst Drag Hunt is the oldest Drag Hunt in the country. Drag Hunting consists of a human runner dragging a bag of scent tied to string behind them across country being "hunted" by hounds and the rest of the Drag Hunt. It does not involve the chasing of animals.

Our Members are from all ages and backgrounds, drawn together by "the thrill of the chase". The best thing is that you don't have to drag hunt yourself to enjoy it!

Newcomers are always welcome and we endeavour to ensure they are guided by an experienced Member of the Drag Hunt.

We are Britain's oldest drag hunt (not live quarry) and are based at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in Camberley, Surrey.

During the Season, we meet to go drag hunting every Sunday and occasional Wednesdays in the beautiful countryside of Surrey and Hampshire.

We have a full Hunt Diary (Meet Card). This calendar includes the dates of all our drag hunting days and also our social events to which all riders and non-riders are welcome.

Everyone of any age is welcome to come drag hunting with us and we particularly welcome children and parents. Do come along and join the fun!

What to expect

Speed

Contrary to popular belief, drag hunting is conducted at a sensible pace and the routes are planned with loops and checks to ensure it is not simply a mad dash in a straight line across country. We always have a second Fieldmaster out to show the way for Novices and first-timers.

Fences

Each Meet consists of a 3 or 4 pre-determined routes or "Lines" across the surrounding countryside, which will include a number of natural and man-made fences to jump.
The Lines are decided by the Drag Hunt Masters with the permission of the farmers. Each Line is walked by the Drag Hunt Masters and Huntsman two days before the Meet to ensure that the routes are safe and to mark the jumps.
We endeavour to provide a wide range of fences to cater for all abilities and aspirations.
The greatest care is taken to ensure the fences are sited in suitable and safe locations and alternative exits are provided wherever possible.
Unless indicated, all Meets are suitable for novice riders.
The vast majority of fences range between 2ft - 3ft. At these Meets, if there is a bigger fence, there is ALWAYS a smaller alternative or gateway. Please note there are four or five Meets during the Season that are not defined as suitable for novice riders and if you are unsure whether they are suitable for you, please contact our Drag Hunt Secretary

Horse/Rider Fitness

A day's drag hunting generally consists of 3 or 4 Lines of approximately 2 miles each. There will be something between 30 - 50 fences to jump during the day. We rest for about 20 minutes between each Line. In order for you to maximise your pleasure, we suggest that you and your horse have done sufficient fitness preparation to ensure that the day does not unnecessarily exert either of you.

Hounds

We have 7 couple of hounds which are used at each Meet. They sound superb when in full cry and are rewarded at the end of the Meet.

Foot Followers

Foot followers are actively encouraged and there is a large non-riding section of the Drag Hunt who regularly support and derive as much pleasure from watching and being involved as those that ride. In order to minimise our carbon footprint we have a tradition of sharing space in suitable vehicles. There are further restrictions placed upon us when using military areas and it is important that we fill each vehicle to capacity in order to maximise the number of people that can follow and observe the thrills of drag hunting.

Hunt Tea

We always end our drag hunting day with a Hunt Tea where everyone is welcome after hounds and horses are put away. This is either provided by the Drag Hunt Supporters Club or held in the local pub depending on the Meet venue. Foot followers are kindly asked to make a contribution 0f £2. towards the Hunt Tea in the Donations Tin provided.

Etiquette

In order that a day's drag hunting can run smoothly it is important that there is some structure to the day and this requires all participants to work as a team and have a degree of discipline. The points set out below are intended to help you have an enjoyable day.

Consideration to Landowners

Drag hunting depends primarily on the goodwill of landholders and farmers. No one who goes drag hunting should do anything that might jeopardise this goodwill. It must be remembered that for most of a day's drag hunting you are a guest on someone else's land.

Please make every effort to avoid causing damage to land, fences or crops. If there is damage it must be reported to the Fieldmaster or the Secretary.
Please close all unsupervised gates and avoid disturbance to livestock.
Please do not cause obstruction when parking vehicles, horseboxes or trailers at any time.
Please do not park or drive on private land without the express permission of the landholder or a Drag Hunt Official.

Consideration to the Public

Help and acknowledgement must be afforded to all Members of the Public.
Please remember that every delayed motorist or inconvenienced walker, cyclist, rider or animal carer creates a potential enemy of drag hunting.
Please do not ride or drive on mown verges.
Please do not ride over the central road markings through villages and along busy roads.
Please do not cause obstruction when parking vehicles, horseboxes or trailers at any time.
Please do not park on both sides of roads and so interrupt the flow of other traffic.
Please acknowledge and thank any member of the public that you come across.

Consideration to the Field

Courtesy and good manners are essential for a safe and enjoyable day's drag hunting.
Please plan to arrive ½ an hour before the Meet. Hounds will move off 10 to 15 minutes after the Meet.
Please do not be late! Please pay your Cap to the Secretary as soon as you arrive.
Please do not warm your horse up at the Meet.
Please keep your horse well away from and facing hounds at all times.
Never overtake or pass the Fieldmaster and always do as he asks you.
Never ride in the opposite direction to the Field.
Should your horse refuse at an "Island" fence, please carry on to the next one. If the fence is in a fence line/hedge, please circle widely away and rejoin the Field at a safe place.
Please ride in a courteous manner and do not crowd at fences or gates.
Should you wish to overtake, please let the "Victim" know in advance!
Should you wish to leave the drag hunt at any time, please complete the line and tell the Fieldmaster you are going home.
Please do not go to your lorry at the end of the day until hounds have been moved on or boxed up.
Please come for tea & cakes

Dress Code

Below are the recommendations for dress when drag hunting with the SC and RMAS Drag Hunt. The tradition of drag hunting dress was to show an affiliation and respect for a particular pack and each pack has its own particular dress code. These days, although smart turnout is important, safety is paramount and therefore as long as your kit is correctly fitting, clean and tidy, you are welcome to drag hunt with us. However, if you drag hunt regularly it is hoped that you will be able to obtain the appropriate apparel.

Drag Hunt Officials (Masters, Huntsman and Hunt Servants)

Black hunting coat with green hunt collar and gilt buttons in front and behind
Black hat with ribbons down or skull cap with black silk
White stock with stock pin

Gentlemen

Black hat with ribbons up or skull cap with black silk
Black/navy hunting coat or tweed hacking jacket
Light coloured hunt shirt White stock with stock pin with black/navy coat or
Collar and tie with stock pin with tweed jacket
Gloves (black, brown or white)
White, buff or fawn breeches/jodhpurs
Black or topped boots Spurs
Hunting whip
Hairnet (if applicable)
Back protector (optional) worn inside or outside the jacket, Air jackets are also optional.
Gentlemen who have been awarded their "hunt button" may replace their collars and buttons on their hunting coats
Military personnel and subscribers of other packs should ride in their own hunt livery or uniform

Ladies

Black hat with ribbons up or skull cap with black silk
Black/navy hunting coat or tweed hacking jacket
Light coloured hunt shirt White stock with stock pin with black/navy coat or
Collar and tie/coloured stock with stock pin with tweed jacket
Gloves (black, brown or white)
White, buff or fawn breeches/jodhpurs
Black boots Spurs
Hunting whip
Hairnet (if applicable)
Back protector (optional) worn inside or outside the jacket, Air jackets are also optional.
Ladies who have been awarded their "hunt button" may replace their collars and buttons on their hunting coats
Military personnel and subscribers of other packs should ride in their own hunt livery or uniform

Children (Under 18)

Pony Club approved skull cap with black silk
Black/navy hunting coat or tweed hacking jacket
Light coloured hunt shirt White stock with stock pin with black/navy coat or
Collar and tie/coloured stock with stock pin with tweed jacket
Buff, light brown, cream or yellow breeches/jodhpurs
Jodhpur boots or riding boots but riding boots offer more protection against knocks and thorns
Hunting whip
Hairnet (if applicable)
Back protector, worn inside or outside the jacket, Air jackets are also allowed in the hunt field.

Horses

All tack should be correctly fitting, in good repair and clean
Only plain black or brown numnahs/browbands/bandages etc. should be worn
Manes should be plaited (preferably), hogged or neatly pulled and brushed out
A "Novice" horse should wear a green tail ribbon
A horse that is known to kick should wear a red tail ribbon and remain at the rear of the Field at all times

Safety Code

Please note that every person who drag hunts with the SC Drag Hunt MUST read the Safety Code and complete the Declaration Form

Click image to download Safety Code and Declaration Form (opens a new window)

Enquiries

New to Draghunting?
New comers always welcome. For more information and general enquiries contact the Hunt Secretary: Kirstie Burrows 07831 251051 kirstieburrows2009@sky.com

Official Sponsors of the Hunt Ball 2011

All donations helped us to raise money for the Air Ambulance and Help for Heroes

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Dodson and Horrell
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Fair Oak
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Fine Fettle Feed
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Just For Fun (UK) Ltd
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LAW Animal Physiotherapy
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My Horse Dentist
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Santalina Stables
Offers riding lessons and is a fully licensed family run horse riding stables
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Sarah Matthews
Equine Sports Massage Therapist
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Sterling Photography
Photography by James Patrick Goodchild
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Total Impact
Media storage and executive travel bags
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Wellington Riding
A British Horse Society Approved Riding School, Livery Yard and 'Where to Train' Centre to BHSI
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Classified Ads

Hirelings available for hunting with the SC&RMAS

Just one horse to be hired, the cost is £130 Two or more it will be £110 a horse Horses are delivered to the meet, tacked up and ready to go

Please contact John North 07792 286131

Please note that SC & RMAS Draghunt Cap for the day will be on top of this price

Disclaimer: The SC & RMAS Draghunt Limited provides a service to advertisers and is no way connected with these hirelings. It is the responsibility of the hirer to satisfy his or her suitability of the hireling and that they have adequate insurance in place. Herewith, the SC & RMAS Draghunt Limited accepts no liability in connection with the hirelings.

Advertising Space

If you would like to advertise your business here contact the hunt secretary for prices and availability. 07831 251051 kirstieburrows2009@sky.com