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Drag hunting although an old rural field-sport has seen a dramatic increase in popularity in Britain since the banning of hunting animals with dogs in 2004.

Popularity
A wide cross section of the population, of all ages and background enjoy hunting. either on horseback or as foot followers. Drag hunting in common with most forms of hunting is enjoyed equally by men and women.

Location
Drag hunting is very much an activity of the open countryside, and by definition hunts over different country and different trails at each meet.

Age
Young children are not encouraged,(although most hunts do have special children's days). There is no lower age limit, if a child or teenager is capable of safely handling a brisk gallop and some cross-country jumping, they will be welcomed.

Ability
Drag hunting is all about jumping and galloping, so if you are a novice, you could be out of your depth. Some days are more strenuous than others, so it's worth contacting the hunt to decide on a day that suits your ability.

Description
Drag hunting is; Hounds following a false scent left by humans. The trail is laid in way that necessitates the hunters in jumping and negotiating obstacles. Although often sited as an alternative to Fox hunting, Drag hunting is a quite different sport, A much faster sport, riding in much straighter lines, with much of the unpredictability removed. distances ridden in a day tend to be greater than that of Fox Hunting. For this reason Ridden drag hunts are far less suitable to foot followers.

Dedication
Drag hunting is more of a participant sport than the social occasion often associated with fox hunting. Horses have to be in general, fitter as a chase is guaranteed, several scents are laid in a single days hunting.

Potential
To many a drag hunt is enjoyment of the countryside and watching a pack of hounds working and in full cry (chase). For some horses and riders it is a necessary activity to qualify for another equine activity, and for others a whole social lifestyle.

Closely Related Activities
Trail-hounding, hunting with foxhounds 333, Beagles 332, Bassets, or Terriers, Hunter Trials, Point to Points 237 and many of the countryside field sports.

Cost
Drag hunting costs tend to be less than traditional fox hunting costs. The cost varies between hunts. Most will allow you to attend for a single day at a cost of around £40. A full annual subscription costs from around £360. The hunting costs do not include the costs of hiring or maintaining and transporting your own horse. (foot followers do not have the horse related costs to incur).

Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.

Energy

Arms

Legs

Sight

Hearing

Speech

Learning

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