What is drag hunting?

Drag hunting is a type of legal hunting in the UK that involves following a scent along a pre-planned route rather than any live quarry. At CUDH we follow runners- often found from Cambridge University, who drag a scent behind them as they run the route. This is usually 3 lines of roughly 3-4 miles but this varies from meet to meet so do ask if you would like to know how long the route is. If you would be interested in running for the hunt, please message our Facebook page - it’s great fun (or so we’ve been told- we prefer the riding!).

The runner is given a head start and followed by our hounds, huntsman and whips on horseback, then the field master and field.

What time do I need to arrive?

In full season, our meets start at 12.45 pm. This means you should ideally be dressed, tacked up and on your horse ready to go 10 minutes before this in order to not delay the start (and to enjoy some port if you choose!). We will not wait for you if you arrive late to a meet so please do plan enough time into your morning!

Our countryside rides and hound exercises usually start at 11am but do check each event individually to confirm the time. This means setting off on horseback at 11am so make sure you are mounted in time!

How should my horse and I be dressed?

For proper meets, your horse should be hogged or plaited unless they are a native breed, and as clean as you can get them with the inevitable mud of winter! Riders should be in smart attire including stocks and hunt jackets; black or blue jackets for adults and tweed for juniors. Hairnets are required for anyone with hair that escapes their hat.

For hound exercise, we don’t expect plaiting but horses should still be smartly turned out. Riders should have a shirt and tie and tweed or gilet depending on the weather.

Do I have to have been hunting before?

CUDH prides itself on being an inclusive group for seasoned hunters and newbies alike! If it is your first time out with us please introduce yourself to the hunt staff so they are aware, and stick to the back of the field to ensure you don’t get in the way of the hounds or staff. If you have any problems while you are with us, please ask someone in a green jacket (hunt staff!) to help and they will do their best!

Our events are tailored to a range of riding abilities. Countryside rides are mostly walk and trot and are a great way to introduce young riders or horses to the idea of hunting and riding in a group. Hound exercise, held in the months approaching our full season, is similar but with the potential for more cantering and occasionally some jumps. Those attending a hunt should be comfortable galloping in a group, and if you don’t wish to jump please ensure the meet you are attending has non-jumping options or a non-jumping master.

Can children come?

Children are welcome to attend our meets as long as they are accompanied by a mounted, responsible adult. Older children who have been hunting before may attend without a mounted adult but they must make the hunt staff aware of their presence.

We are aware that hunting can be rather exciting for small (and big!) ponies but everyone must do their best to stay behind the field master at all times, and apologise if they cause any members of the field any issues.

My horse is novice/kicks/a stallion- how can I let people know?

As is conventional in the equestrian world, we ask that tail ribbons are used to inform other riders about potential risks your horse may provide. If you see any of these ribbons in the field, please give the horses an appropriate amount of space.

Green - Young horse, unsure of temperament or nervy. It is a good idea to wear a green ribbon in your horse’s tail if you haven’t taken them hunting before as a precaution.

Red - Horse to give extra space. If your horse has a history of kicking other horses under saddle we ask that you do not bring that horse to a meet. However, it is understandable that some horses require more space than others so if you are concerned, please use a red ribbon and stick to the back of the field. Stallions may also wear red to warn others to give them space, although blue can also be used to label stallions.

What is your ticketing and refund policy?

Tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis. Most events have unlimited numbers but in certain locations or weather conditions we may limit sales.

Occasionally we make the decision to cancel an event, usually due to bad weather. In this case we will post to our Facebook and update the website with as much notice as possible, and our secretary will refund all tickets bought.

We are unfortunately unable to offer refunds if you can no longer make it to an event after booking. Tickets are sold on a non-returnable and non-refundable basis. In exceptional circumstances we may allow tickets to be transferred to another event. Please contact us via Facebook Messenger or e-mail secretary@cudh.co.uk.

For meets with limited numbers, we operate using a waiting list system, so please email or message us on Facebook if you cannot make it so that someone else can take your place. Please do not post saying that you have a ticket for sale as this encourages people selling fake tickets; only tickets sold through this website or organised through our secretary are legitimate.