Drag Hunting: 19th Century British Tradition in Hampshire

At Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire, we are delighted to embrace the 200-year-old tradition that is drag hunting on the grounds of Dogmersfield Park, and on January 1 every year, we are pleased to welcome Sandhurst Draghunt, one of the oldest in the country, for their New Year’s Day Meet.

Dating back to the 19th century, grag hunting is a thrilling British sport in which a pack of hounds follow an artificial scent that has been laid over a course, normally by a human runner (or human on a quad bike, in recent years) for the hounds to "hunt." To lay a scent, the runner will simply dip a cloth in the scent mixture and drag it along the ground – animal scents are never used.

Drag hunting does not involve the chasing of animals, and it is all about the thrill of the chase and riding at high speeds over marked obstacles and fences that create an exciting challenge for the riders.

The New Year’s Day Meet is set up for officers and soldiers from mounted units and Army Saddle Clubs to enjoy a day of drag hunting and to improve their riding abilities. The drag hunt consist of up to 16 enthusiastic hounds, all rewarded with biscuits at the end of the Meet, when – or if – they catch the runner. Foot followers in suitable vehicles are welcome to watch the action unfold while enjoying a cup of hot chocolate to keep warm.

Apart from the New Year’s Day Meet, Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire also plays host to other drag hunts throughout the year. See our Drag Hunting Pinterest board, and keep an eye out on our Hampshire Happenings page for the next one.