What To Expect Last edited: 20 April 2008 Blacklands Farm 30 March 2008 Photo by courtesy of www.digitalpicy.co.uk 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. Church Farm, Eversley 2 January 2008 Photo by courtesy of www.digitalpicy.co.uk Top Fences Church Farm, Eversley 2 January 2008 Photo by courtesy of www.digitalpicy.co.uk 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 Hunt Masters with the permission of the farmers. Each Line is walked by the 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 suitables 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 the Hunt Secretary. Top Horse/Rider Fitness A day's 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. Church Farm, Eversley 2 January 2008 Photo by courtesy of www.digitalpicy.co.uk Top Hounds Church Farm, Eversley 2 January 2008 Photo by courtesy of www.digitalpicy.co.uk 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. Top Foot Followers Foot followers are actively encouraged and there is a large non-riding section of the 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 hunting. Church Farm, Eversley 2 January 2008 Photo by courtesy of www.digitalpicy.co.uk Top Hunt Tea Church Farm, Eversley 2 January 2008 Photo by courtesy of www.digitalpicy.co.uk We always end our hunting day with a Hunt Tea where everyone is welcome after hounds and horses are put away. This is either provided by the Hunt Supporters Club or held in the local pub depending on the Meet venue. Foot followers are kindly asked to make a contribution towards the Hunt Tea in the Donations Tin provided. Top If you wish to find out more about us, please contact our Hunt Secretary: Mrs. Beccie van Oostrum 01252 875449 07721 483114 beccie.vanoostrum@ntlworld.com Report errors on this site: ce@earnshaw100.wanadoo.co.uk Copyright © 2007 Staff College & RMA Sandhurst Drag Hunt All Rights Reserved