The objectives of this submission are to provide the Committee of Inquiry Into Hunting With Dogs with:

• factual evidence relating to the practice of drag and bloodhound hunting in England and Wales, taking due account of regional variations and detailing the impact these variations has on the sport
• a comprehensive and detailed data set listing relevant information about the participating hunts - their history, geography, kennel practices, and other statistics - for the purpose of building a complete reference guide
• some comments on the potential for the sport of draghunting and bloodhound hunting to effectively offset any detrimental effects arising from a ban on hunting live quarry with dogs by increasing the level of participation in the sport
• an assessment of the possible scope for making drag hunting and bloodhound hunting more attractive
• an assessment of the effect that a ban on hunting live quarry would have on existing drag and bloodhound hunts, and the sport in general.

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The origins of drag hunting can be traced back to the time of the Stuart Kings where hound racing was a popular sport of the day ³. Hounds were tested for their speed and ability by following a scent laid over a specified distance and then matching them against others ⁴.

Although these trails were laid originally for hound racing, it soon became clear that the best means of watching the hounds was on horseback. They discovered too that the gallop entailed in such a pursuit was enormous fun, and drag hunting as it is known today was born ⁵.

One of the first drag hunts to be formed was the Oxford University pack, with Cambridge soon following suit and collecting a pack on or around 1855. The drag hunting vogue in the army started with the formation of the Shorncliffe in East Kent in 1861 where membership was confined to the military. The Household Brigade formed a drag pack in 1863, the Royal Artillery at Woolwich in 1866 and the Staff College and Royal Military Academy in 1869.

Most drag hunts have a shorter history, like the North East Cheshire formed in 1958, the Anglesey in 1973 and the Berks and Bucks in 1974.

1.2.1 The Quarry

The quarry of a drag hunt is the ‘drag’, a piece of absorbent material to which the scent is applied and trailed along the ground (usually by a mounted rider) according to a pre-arranged route. Scent is repeatedly applied to the rag en-route, usually by squirting the liquid from a squeezy bottle. [Variations: The Llynfi Vale Draghounds in South Wales apply the scent to the leg and tail of a horse.]

1.2.2 The Scent

Various scents have been tried and used successfully, though the most popular tend to incorporate animal urine of some origin. Aniseed oil has been used in the past, though the main objection has been that the hounds tend to hunt mute. [Variations: Royal Military Academy and Staff College Sandhurst use methylindol, a product of the cosmetic industry. The Berks and Bucks use wolf urine, the Llynfi Vale use a mixture of human urine and small quantities of aniseed oil.]

1.2.3 Procedure

The ‘line layer’ or ‘drag man’ will set off some time ahead of the Hunt, (perhaps half an hour depending on the length of the line). At the end of the line (2-3 miles) the drag will be lifted so that the hunt can stop to rest before setting off again a short while later. In general between 3-5 lines would be laid in a day. Lines would be laid according to a route agreed in advance with the land owner, and may engage a variety of natural obstacles, and purpose built hunt jumps.

The route need not be known in advance by the followers, though the huntsman and field master would have an idea of the proposed course. Because there is no long period spent ‘casting’ or looking for live quarry, draghunts are usually out for between 1½ to 2½ hours. Most drag hunts use foxhounds.

1.3.1 The Bloodhound

The Bloodhound is a specialist animal capable of hunting the natural scent of a man. It is larger than an English Foxhound (by about 15lbs) and has been bred throughout history for its exceptional scenting ability. It is so called because of the purity of its ‘bloodline’. Consequently, bloodhound hunts all breed their own animals, unlike many draghunts who accept hounds from existing fox hunting packs.

1.3.2 The Quarry

In a bloodhound pack the hounds follow the scent of a runner, or the ‘clean boot’ as it is called. No artificial scent is employed. An athlete or team of athletes leaves ahead of the Hunt and follows a route previously agreed with the farmer or landowner. When the bloodhounds catch their ‘quarry’ they receive a food reward and much praise to ensure that they will remain keen to follow the scent next time.

1.3.3 The Procedure

The procedure for bloodhound hunting is the same as that for draghunting.

The terrain hunted by Bloodhound and Draghound packs varies enormously. This can be seen from the map of registered countries (Section 2.3). Most packs like the Kent and Surrey or the Kyre Bloodhounds cover mainly grassland, however, packs like the East Anglian Bloodhounds and Cranwell Bloodhounds operate in a country that is predominantly plough with ditches, while the packs in South Wales operate on hill, forest and long grass commons. There are however, areas that are unsuitable for the sport. These would include anywhere where a horse could not be ridden at canter pace for reasonable periods.

The sport is practised in a variety of different ways, but always includes some element of horse/rider related challenge. These challenges take a variety of different forms including a fast pace with plenty of jumping (Berks and Bucks), a slower pace with more challenging jumps (Mid Surrey Farmers), or longer lines over trickier terrain but with fewer jumps (Cranwell Bloodhounds). An example of the differences in the sport can be seen by referring to Appendix A [A1, A2, A3] which details a days hunting with three different packs.

Like many live-quarry hunts, draghunts and bloodhound packs also have foot or car followers. These are usually friends or relatives of those riding with the hunt on any given day. Generally they will move into advantageous positions, usually in view of a jump or other obstacle, to see their friends ride past.

Unfortunately the sport does not lend itself to large numbers of unrelated spectators because the nature of the activity tends to be short lived and quite fast. Consequently it is difficult for a foot follower to be positioned in such a way as to see much more than two or three minutes of action.

Footnotes

³ Draghunting - Jayne Kidd, J A Allen Publishers

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On a national level, the sport of draghunting and bloodhound hunting is structured similarly to that of fox hunting, with independent member hunts practising the sport in an area registered to them by the governing body. As with foxhunting, senior representatives of each hunt (Masters) join the governing body and represent their area within the organisation.

The Governing Body of the sport is the Masters of Draghounds and Bloodhounds Association. It was formed in 1996 following a merger between the former Masters of Draghounds Association and the former Masters of Bloodhounds Association.

The Objects of the Association are:

(a) To promote the sport and fundamental ethic of Draghunting and hunting the "Clean Boot" the essence of which involves the use of hounds to provide pleasure and sport without the pursuit or killing of wild mammals.

(b) To compile and maintain a register of all draghhound and bloodhound Hunts registered with the Association and of all Masters serving Hunts on that register.

(c) To regulate the rights and obligations of its members.

(d) To regulate the sport of Draghunting and hunting the "Clean Boot" in the United Kingdom.

(e) To perform such other functions as maybe desirable from time to time for the

purpose of giving effect to the Objects set out above.
The Association is administered by an Executive Committee consisting of a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Treasurer and 5 other members. Details are as follows:
Chairman: Miss Pat Sutton MDH, Blacklands Farm, Milford Road, Elstead, Godalming, Surrey, GU8 6LA Tel 01252 703304 (Staff College and RMA Sandhurst)
Vice Chairman: Mr Phillip Broughton MBH, Oxenford Farm, Willow Lane, Cranwell Village, Sleaford, Lincs, MH34 8DQ Tel 01400 261779 (Cranwell Bloodhounds)
Treasurer/Membership Secretary: Dr D Hamilton Wallis MDH, Brynawel, Glyn Street, Ogmore Vale, Mid Glamorgan, CF32 7AS Tel 01656 841848 (Llynfi Vale Draghounds)
Committee Members: Mr Roger Palmer MDH (Berks and Bucks); Mr Walter Gilby MDH (Isle of Man); Mr Bill Kear MBH (Kent and Surrey); Mr Peter Webb MDH (Mid Surrey Farmers)
A full copy of the Association’s Constitution can be found in Appendix D

A list of Draghound and Bloodhound packs, together with their registered status, is given below.

Anglesey (Draghounds) [Wales]
Berks and Bucks (Draghounds) [England]
Cambridge University (Draghounds) [England]
Celtic (Bloodhounds) [Wales]
Cheshire Farmers (Draghounds) [England]
Coakham (Bloodhounds) [England]
Comeragh (Bloodhounds) [Ireland]
Cranwell (Bloodhounds) [England]
The North East Cheshire (formerly the Cheshire) (Draghounds) [England]
East Anglian (Bloodhounds) [England]
Farmers (Bloodhounds) [England]
Holestone Farmers (Bloodhounds) [Ireland]
Isle of Man Bloodhounds Drag Hunt [Isle of Man]
Isle of Wedmore (Draghounds) [England]
Jersey (Draghounds) [Jersey]
Kent and Surrey (Bloodhounds) [England]
Kyre (Bloodhounds) [England]
Llynfi Vale (Draghounds) [Wales]
Mid Surrey Farmers (Draghounds) [England]
North West Drag Hunt (Draghounds) [England]
Oxford (Draghounds) [England]
Saddleworth (Draghounds) [England]
West Country (Bloodhounds) [England]
West Shropshire (Draghounds) [England]
Staff College and Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (Draghounds) [England]

New Forest (Draghounds) [England]
Staffordshire (Bloodhounds) [England]
The Three Counties (Bloodhounds) [England]
Windsor and Chiltern (Bloodhounds) [England]
Draghounds (16) Bloodhounds (13)

Southern Shires (Bloodhounds) [England]
Readyfield (Bloodhounds) [England]
2.3 Map of Registered Countries

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There are a number of factors governing the formation of new drag and bloodhound packs. These range from the willingness of suitable entrepreneurs to take on Mastership duties, to the availability of land on which to practice the sport. Some problems are unique to bloodhounds alone (there are only about 320 hunting bloodhounds in the UK), further limiting the scope for short term development. Some of these points are elaborated on below.

3.1.1 The Availability of Suitable Land

The availability of suitable land to hunt across has long been cited as one of the main restrictions in the formation of new drag and bloodhound packs. However, an NOP poll commissioned in 1996 by the LACS returned figures of co-operation among farmers that directly contradicted the experiences of many existing drag and bloodhound Masters. It was claimed that in the event of a ban between 27,000 and 37,500 hectares would be available to each existing foxhound pack to go draghunting on. This implied that huge land resources would be available to the sport in the event of a ban. However, a brief examination of the methodology employed in the poll reveals a quite astonishing oversight by the LACS in their application of the results to the sport of draghunting, and further illustrates the lack of understanding about the practice in general.

In order to assess the suitability of a given section of land for use in draghunting, one needs to consider a range of factors. Naturally, the frequency with which farmers return positive responses is important. However, the proximity of agreeable landowners is equally important. A typical hunt for example, operating in an area where the average farm size was say 160 acres, would require the permission of 6 adjoining farmers to add a 3 mile unbroken line to their day. A single farmer on his own would be of little value, since a direct route across a 160 acre farm would provide only 2 minutes of sport at fast canter pace. Similarly, 6 farmers scattered over a larger area would also have to be discarded (2 minute canter, ten minute hack etc). Yet nearly 75% of farmers polled in the LACS study owned properties with an average farm of this size.

The effect of this can be seen when one considers what would happen if 6 farmers were connected end-on-end. Combined, they would own approximately 1.5 sq miles of country, yet the chances of a draghound pack being able to make use of them would be (3/10)⁶ or about 1 in 1400.⁶ This hitherto unaccounted for restriction would render as unsuitable vast tracts of land and reduce by orders of magnitude the amount of country available to the sport in the event of a ban on live quarry hunting. Similar restrictions would apply to larger farms, though of course to a lesser extent.

Another factor not considered by the LACS study was the question of ‘restricted’ access. It is not unusual for a Master of draghounds to receive a positive response from a farmer only to arrive at his farm to be shown a 2 acre parcel of rough ground or woodland that has virtually no access. Similarly, farmers may be agreeable to allow the sport to take place on their ground in principle, but not be willing to permit horses to follow the requested route. Indeed, considerations of the type outlined above suggest that much of the country currently hunted by foxhound packs may well be unsuitable for the sport of draghunting. This would include areas where restricted access has been given by farmers (i.e. access given to hounds and hunt staff only), or where restrictions are placed on the speed of passage etc., as well as parcels of land that do not form part of a longer route.

Unfortunately, there is limited data available to quantify these restrictions. However, records kept by Clive Jefferys Rees LLB of the recently formed Celtic Bloodhounds during their first 1996-97 season, show that only 4% of farmers agreeing to allow the sport to take place on their land could actually be used for draghunting. This would be consistent with the experiences of Masters around the country who almost universally report incredible difficulty associated with opening up new country. Using this figure as a basis for calculation, and further accepting the upper bound of 145 sq miles of land available to the sport provided by the LACS survey, one immediately sees that the actual land suitable for draghunting on would be about 5-6 sq miles for each existing fox hunt.

This amount of land should, in principle, be able to sustain about 3 days hunting per season (6 if each day is visited twice). This estimate would be consistent with observations that show drag/bloodhound packs covering between 5 and 7 foxhound countries each, and putting on an average of 24 meets per season. (See map of registered country Section 2.3). In conclusion, it is unlikely that more than 45-51 packs of foxhounds could convert to draghunting in the event of a ban. This would be conditional upon them hunting only one day per week, the number being 23-26 if they wanted to hunt twice.

3.1.2 Finance

The cost of maintaining a pack of draghounds can represent a significant financial responsibility for those putting themselves at the head of the organisation. At present this ranges from between £25K⁷ - £70K⁸ per annum, depending on the amount of free labour contributed by the Masters and volunteers.⁽⁹⁾ This money is rarely met by subscriptions and/or fundraising, and almost always falls, especially in the first few years, entirely on the Masters. In addition to these ongoing costs, there is a considerable initial cost associated with building new kennels, feed storage rooms, stables for hunt staff horses and/or accommodation for hunt staff.

In general, this problem is overcome by a slow and careful introduction to the sport, with new packs meeting on about 6 occasions in their first (probationary) year. During the second probationary year a pack would be expected to lay on 12 meets per season, after which they would be eligible for full membership. This procedure has been introduced by the MDBA to avoid the high failure rate associated with the formation of ‘overnight’ packs.

Footnotes

⁶ One should note that 2 of the lowest returns made in the LACS study were in Wales and Yorkshire. In the example considered here, this would translate to a 1 in 4000 chance of getting permission from all 6 farmers in Wales, and 1 in 7000 chance in Yorkshire. Interestingly, the 2 packs operating in South Wales both use fewer than 6 farmers each, (they both rely on huge softwood forest plantations and open commons) while no packs are successfully functioning in Yorkshire.

⁷ MDBA Costing

⁸ Berks and Bucks - Private Communication

⁹ Other factors would include things like number of hounds kennelled, or if the pack operated a fallen stock round etc.

3.2.1 The National Picture

Sadly, there are fewer riders draghunting today than there were over one hundred years ago¹⁰, despite an increase in the number of packs participating. The Appendix provides a profile of the various drag and bloodhound packs operating in the UK, from which it can be seen that there are about 700 riders regularly participating in the sport today. This figure includes the Island Packs (Isle of Man, Anglesey and Jersey) where no fox hunting currently takes place to compete. The sport’s inability to convert and attract riders from different disciplines (eventing, show jumping, team chasing, etc), has been a concern for individual Masters and the Governing body for many years.

It has been suggested that more people would take up the sport if there was a ban on live quarry hunting. At first sight this may seem reasonable, but given that only 64,000 riders (of whom 40,000 are regular) participate in live-quarry hunting, and about 500,000 do not, then one is forced to ask why the sport has failed to appeal to this huge pool of potential converts.

The reason for this is probably not due to any single factor, but more likely a combination of factors, ranging from the availability of suitable horses/riders, to concerns about personal safety. In the subsections that follow, we shall highlight some of these factors, though the list should not be considered exhaustive by any means.

3.2.2 The Availability of Suitable Horses/Riders

Not all horses are suitable to follow drag/bloodhound packs, though there is a wide variation in the type of horses participating. Many packs offer visitors free advice on the type and quality of horse required to follow their hounds. For example, the Coakham Bloodhounds advise bringing a fit horse capable of sustaining hunting pace for long periods; the Holstone Farmers advise a full or three quarter thoroughbred to stay in touch; the Kent and Surrey advise a sound fit horse, while the Kyre Bloodhounds advise a good quality fit jumping horse to complete the day. Others [Mid Surrey Farmers] vet applicants before allowing them to join the hunting field.

On the other hand, not all packs are jumping orientated. The Cranwell Bloodhounds and Llynfi Vale Draghounds tend to focus their day on other challenges, often dictated by the type of country they cross. These can range from the challenge of remaining in touch with hounds across difficult and demanding terrain (Welsh packs), to covering especially long distances in one go. However, the one thing all packs have in common is that they provide fun by presenting their followers with an equestrian orientated challenge in an open country environment. This means that no matter where the sport is practised, the horses participating need to be fit, regularly exercised, and very capable. Similarly, the riders need to be skilled - and game for a challenge.

3.2.3 Safety Considerations

The sport has a good safety record in all parts of the country, and hunting related accidents appear to be at levels similar to that for live-quarry pursuits. Nonetheless, the sport is perceived as dangerous by onlookers, and this has done nothing to improve its appeal in general. Additionally, Masters have reported a sharp increase in the number of back protectors used by followers, and this reflects a growth in awareness of safety related issues, and an accompanying reluctance on the part of riders to undertake activities that are perceived as putting them at risk.

This is a serious issue for the sport, and one that may not be reconcilable in the long term with the practice itself. Whereas in show jumping, eventing, team chasing etc, the rider is able to see the challenge he is about to face ahead of the action, in draghunting, this is not always the case. Additionally, in live quarry pursuits the sport lends itself, and encourages riders, to take their own route, a practice that enhances a sense of control. In draghunting there is only one approved route, and the rider must face it or go home.

This feature of draghunting removes from new participants any sense of control over what they are doing, and often translates to the feeling that they are being put in danger. Every Master of drag or bloodhounds has had to face this dilemma, many of them watching newcomers leave the sport prematurely.
Footnotes

¹⁰ Not Bloodhound Hunting

Though a variety of different types of horses are employed in draghunting, it has long been accepted that some of these will not be suitable for conversion from live quarry pursuits. This is especially true in areas where foxhunting covers difficult terrain, and horses have been bred especially to cope with the rigours it offers (e.g. Welsh Cob). Consequently, the MDBA commissioned a study into the availability of suitable horses in Wales, in order that it could assess the likely conversion rates from live quarry to drag or bloodhound hunting in the event of a ban. In the section that follows, the finished paper (by D H Wallis) is reproduced in full, complete with references.

3.3.1 The Effect of a Ban on Hunting in Wales: A Study of Field Conversion Rates From Live Quarry to Drag or Bloodhound Hunting

3.3.1.1 Summary

Results of studies into horse-fitness frequency distribution trends across a spectrum of six differing types are presented. These show that only 15% of horses presently employed in hunting live quarry in Wales satisfy the fitness profile required by drag or bloodhound hunting. The impact of economic and time/labour factors are discussed and found to restrict the potential for lower category horses to move into the required class. Topographical and artificial means of controlling draghunting pace are discussed but considered insufficient to address the problem. Further restrictions such as horse/rider ability and personal desire are considered likely to further limit conversion numbers.

3.3.1.2 Introduction

There is widespread disagreement about whether, and if so to what extent, alternative equestrian activities could effectively offset the detrimental socio-economic effect of a ban on hunting live mammals with dogs (LACS, 1996; N Ward, 1998; MDBA, 1997). In particular, it has been argued that draghunting and bloodhound hunting offer suitable alternative activities for packs currently engaged in the pursuit of live-quarry (Horse and Hound, 1996; Macdonald and Johnson, 1996; LACS, 1996; N Ward 1998). The validity of such claims has far reaching consequences. If true, it could negate the argument that a ban on hunting with dogs would necessarily have an adverse effect on the rural economy, since hunting generated expenditure, and thus associated jobs, would be protected. Similarly, the impact on both the social and cultural life of the countryside would be negligible as these aspects of rural life would continue uninterrupted since greater participation in one sport would effectively offset the demise of the other. Peripheral arguments focusing on national hound population numbers, and horse numbers, would similarly be affected.

Opponents of this view claim that the sport of draghunting is an unsuitable activity for many of their followers, (BFSS, 1997), arguing that it is both fast (J A Allen, 1978) and too dangerous to be considered a serious option (A Hawes, 1999). On the other hand, supporters of the argument claim it offers all the advantages of traditional hunting without the suffering and death of the quarry (LACS, 1996).

Just how many riders currently engaged in hunting live quarry would convert to drag or bloodhound hunting in the event of a ban has hitherto been purely speculative. Further, it seems unlikely that such a crossover figure could be accurately constrained by way of a direct poll, since responses to questionnaires would almost certainly be influenced by outside factors. Such factors would range from the effect of draghunt/foxhunt neighbour disputes (Times, 1999; New Milton Advertiser, 1999), peer pressure (Guardian, 1999; Lemington Times, 2000), and the belief that a positive response towards draghunting may be seen to undermine pro-hunting arguments (P Sutton, 1999). Furthermore, prejudice, ignorance and misconception about the sport of draghunting could also factor. This could potentially work both ways of course, as some foxhunters may consider draghunting an option, without actually realising what the sport entails.

One way of negating the effect of such influences would be to conduct a survey that avoided the highly emotive question of a ban on hunting live-quarry altogether. There may, for example, be much to learn about potential conversion figures between the two sports by studying the merits and ability of a cross section of horses engaged in each pursuit. This could potentially address the commonly held belief that the sport of drag/bloodhound hunting would be beyond the scope of many foxhunters in Wales. Unfortunately, classifying the relative merits of a given animal or group of animals with a view to comparison is fraught with potential controversy, and a task worth avoiding.

Alternatively, one could focus a study on either the fitness or training/exercise regime of a cross section of horses engaged in each sport. Such an approach could potentially reveal useful information about the differences, if any, between the sports, as horse fitness levels would also be a good indicator of activity levels on the hunting field, and therefore a good measure of horse ability. Further useful information could be revealed about the social and economic groupings of the respective owner/riders. For example, a very fit horse would require clipping during the winter months, would have a high demand for expensive feed supplements, and would require stabling. Thus, the owner of such an animal would need to be in a position to meet the combination of demands, both financial and labour/time that it would incur.

Additionally, by choosing fitness categories appropriately, it should be possible to reflect the financial/labour differentials associated with keeping a horse in each distinct group. This should make it possible to gauge the likely movement of animals within the classes by considering the financial and lifestyle implications associated with such actions. However, it is worth noting here that financial and time constraints are not the only factors restricting the movement of horses to higher fitness categories. Age, constitution, and other hereditary traits of individual animals would also need to be considered.

In the present communication, we will aim to study horse-fitness frequency distribution trends across a spectrum of different types present in the field of followers with a view to ascertain the likely crossover numbers between the sports of live-quarry and drag/bloodhound hunting in the event that a ban takes effect in Wales. This in turn will help identify the role (if any) that these sports could play in effectively offsetting any detrimental consequences arising from such a ban.

3.3.1.3 Method

In the previous section it was stated that a variety of factors could influence the outcome of a direct poll taken to examine the likely crossover rate from live-quarry hunting to drag or bloodhound hunting. In order to avoid such influences, we aim in the first instance to study the distribution of six different horse-fitness categories currently pursuing each of the sports in question. These categories range from Class A₁ - competition-ready race horses, to Class E - children’s ponies. Other than Class E, where it is assumed the pony would be kept for a child and would not be exercised regularly, all other Classes are fitness defined. The 6 Classes chosen represent 4 differing fitness categories. Simple calculations indicate that moving up one category of fitness would represent for the owner an increase in costs of the order of approximately 2-3 times. A summary of these classification groups is detailed in Table 1 below.

Table 1. Classification categories for horses regularly participating in hunting. The third column provides guidelines on the classification procedure employed.

Since the study focuses on horse-fitness distributions, the breed or type of horse likely to fall into each category was not fixed. It is, of course, quite feasible for someone to own a thoroughbred or cross thoroughbred hunter that is unfit, and it is for this reason that the third column of Table 1 provides guidelines to help classify the horses correctly.

Since the study is focused primarily in Wales, ten mounted foxhound packs were chosen at random in the country and asked to provide information about the distribution of horse-fitness types present in their field of followers. The selection process employed accounted for variations in the density distribution of mounted live-quarry packs, resulting in a greater sample number coming from the southern regions. Each hunt was supplied with a copy of Table 1 above and asked to indicate what percentage of its regular followers rode horses that fell into each of the categories listed. In total, approximately 40% of mounted Welsh foxhound packs were polled.

Similarly, a study was done into draghunting. Unfortunately, there is only one draghunt fully functional in mainland Wales, one in Anglesey, and one additional pack currently converting to bloodhounds. In order to broaden the field of study, a further seven packs were selected, two of which hunt part of their season within the Welsh border. With the exception of those operating totally or partially in Wales, the remaining five packs were chosen at random. This meant that 33% of draghound and 40% of bloodhound packs currently in existence were contacted.

Table 2. Shows results of survey for 10 mounted live-quarry hunts selected at random in Wales (See text). Entries represent the number of horses (per 100) who regularly hunt with each pack for each of the 6 horse-fitness types listed (A₁-E). Packs listed are as follows: 1. Caerphilly and District (Caerphilly) 2. Vale of Clettwr (Dyfed) 3. South Pembrokeshire (Pembrokeshire) 4. Cwrt-Y-Cadno (Wales) 5. Llanwnen (Wales) 6. Tredegar Farmers (S Wales) 7. Irfon and Towy (Powys) 8. Gogerddan (Cardiganshire) 9. Brecon (Brecon) 10. Banwen Miners (S Wales

Table 3. Shows results of survey for 6 draghound and 4 bloodhound packs (See text). Entries represent the number of horses (per 100) who regularly hunt with each pack for each of the 6 horse-fitness types listed (A₁-E). Packs listed are as follows: 1. Kyre Bloodhounds (Worcs.) 2. Kent and Surrey Bloodhounds (Kent/Surrey) 3. Cranwell Bloodhounds (Lincs) 3. Celtic Bloodhounds (S Wales) 5. Anglesey Drag (Wales) 6. Llynfi Vale Draghounds (S Wales) 7. West Shropshire Drag (Powys) 8. Mid Surrey Drag (Surrey) 9. Oxford Draghounds (Oxford) 10. Cheshire Farmers Draghounds (Cheshire)

3.3.1.4 Results

Table 2 shows results for the ten mounted live-quarry packs polled at random in Wales. Similarly, Table 3 provides equivalent results for the three draghound and two bloodhound packs operating either fully or partially in Wales, together with an additional five packs operating outside. Entries represent the number of horses (per 100) who regularly hunted with each pack, for each of the 6 horse-fitness types listed (A₁-E).

Specific trends - and in particular the high levels of invariability in frequency distributions displayed by the draghound and bloodhound packs - will be analysed in greater detail in the next section.

It can be seen from the normalised frequency distribution graphs shown in Figure 2 that there are quite significant differences in the distribution of horse fitness-types currently engaged in fox hunting throughout Wales. These differences are even more apparent when fitness-class frequency distributions are compared to those of the drag and bloodhound hunts (see Figure 1). The effect of this varies from pack to pack, but in the case of the Gogerddan and Caerphilly and District Foxhounds, fewer than 1 in 10 horses satisfy the fitness profile required by the sport of drag or bloodhound hunting. In the case of the Vale of Clettwr, Cwrt-Y-Cadno, Llanwnen, Banwen and Brecon, only about 1 in 4 or 5 horses satisfy the fitness profile, while the South Pembrokeshire Foxhounds and Tredegar Farmers did best with about one half of their horses satisfying the required profile. Adjusting for the presence of point-to-point qualifying horses in category A₁ means that approximately 15% of horses in Wales satisfy the required profile.

3.3.1.5 Further Analysis of Results

Figure 2 shows the high level of variability in the results returned by the various Welsh foxhound packs. Though social and economic factors may play a part in influencing the types of horses and fitness-class attending, the observed variations are more likely to be due, at least initially, to regional variations in topography. For example, it can be seen that the South Pembrokeshire, who operate in a grassland area that is relatively open, returned results indicating that 3 out every 5 of their regular followers satisfied the requirements of the A₁/A₂ fitness categories. This would be consistent with the type of hunting that would be expected in that region, since relatively fit horses would be required to keep up with hounds. On the other hand, the rough terrain engaged by packs like the Vale of Clettwr and the Llanwnen, places different demands on the riders, requiring them to both purchase and ‘run’ a different type of horse.

More significant than this, and far more interesting, is the broad cross-section of horse-fitness types currently participating in live-quarry hunting. This becomes even more significant when one considers the correlation between horse-fitness type and horse activity levels on the hunting field. The Llanwnen foxhounds for example, display a spread of followers throughout the fitness categories, demonstrating that more active horses pursue the sport alongside far less able ones. This would be consistent with observations of the sport in general, which suggests that some followers choose to ride close to hounds, while others seek vantage points, use their position to head off foxes, or choose alternative routes on roads or soft ground to catch up.

This feature of foxhunting is one that has hitherto been ignored, and has far reaching consequences for packs outside Wales. A study of the type presented here may not have been able to detect these features in certain parts of England, as horses are often clipped for aesthetic as much as practical purposes, making it more difficult to detect variations in activity levels on the hunting field. Nonetheless, the ability for foxhunting to appeal to a broad cross-section of horse-fitness types suggests similar trends may also apply to horse and rider ability.

The results returned by drag/bloodhound packs (Figure 1) could not contrast more markedly than those returned by the Welsh foxhunts. The most significant feature here is the relative consistency of horse-fitness types engaged in the sport. This feature appears to be resistant to both economic and topographical variations, and is consistent with observations of the sports of draghunting and bloodhound hunting in general. There is for example, no lengthy period spent locating quarry, no dispersal of the field, and little option in the route followed by the riders. The riders remain together, and those unable to follow return to their vehicles alone.

Another feature of the results displayed in Figure 1 is the way in which they are so heavily centred around the A₁/A₂ fitness categories. However, it has been suggested recently that this need not be the case (Macdonald and Johnson, 1996; LACS, 1996; N Ward, 1998) as advances in modern odour chemistry offer draghunting greater control over the speed of the chase. This could effectively allow draghunts to dictate the pace of their day, and in principle allow them to practice the sport in such a way as to cater for less fit/able horses and riders. By moving the profile of the frequency distributions displayed in Figure 1 across the horse-fitness classification groups, we can see that this could increase the number of horses satisfying the required horse-fitness profile to between one third and one half of those currently engaged in live quarry pursuits.

However, a brief look at the fortunes of new drag/bloodhound packs that have attempted this pose serious questions as to the long term effectiveness of such tactics. For example, the topography of the author’s own pack, the Llynfi Vale Draghounds, does not lend itself to high speed horse chases of the type generally associated with the sport. Consequently, the much slower Welsh foxhound was initially chosen, with shorter lines and slower days in general. Nonetheless, a brief survey of field numbers between 1996-1998 shows that of » 300 new followers introduced to draghunting in that region, fewer than 1 in 10 were regularly following the sport 2 years later. Of » 60 who regularly hunted with foxhound packs, only 3 (5%) still remained with the sport 2 years later.

It is thought that this was due to the developing fitness level of ‘regular’ follower’s horses, which in turn resulted in a demand for increased activity on the field, further widening the gap between fit and unfit horses. Thus, while it may be possible to provide a days draghunting

Figure 1. Shows the high level of invariability in the results returned by the various Draghound and Bloodhound packs. Results are as follows: 1. Kyre Bloodhounds (Worcs.) 2. Kent and Surrey Bloodhounds (Kent/Surrey) 3. Cranwell Bloodhounds (Lincs) 4. Celtic Bloodhounds (S Wales) 5. Anglesey Drag (Anglesey) 6. Llynfi Vale Draghounds (S Wales) 7. West Shropshire Drag (Powys) 8. Mid Surrey Drag (Surrey) 9. Oxford Draghounds (Oxford) 10. Cheshire Farmers Draghounds (Cheshire).

Figure 2. Shows the high level of variability in the results returned by the various Foxhound Packs in Wales. Results are as follows: 1. Caerphilly and District (Caerphilly) 2. Vale of Clettwr (Dyfed) 3. South Pembrokeshire (Pembrokeshire) 4. Cwrt-Y-Cadno (Mid Wales) 5. Llanwnen (Mid Wales) 6. Tredegar Farmers (S Wales) 7. Irfon and Towy (Powys) 8. Gogerddan (Cardiganshire) 9. Brecon (Brecon) 10. Banwen Miners (S Wales)

specifically designed to accommodate lower category horse-fitness types, it does not necessarily follow that this can be done regularly without impacting adversely on the animals themselves.

3.3.1.6 Discussion

It is not possible to form conclusions about the fitness levels of horses that only occasionally participate in drag/bloodhound hunting from the results of this survey. It would however, be reasonable to expect able horses in lower fitness categories to be capable of attending such events infrequently. This may account for the hitherto unexplained reason why drag and bloodhound packs hunt such large areas. Survey results (MDBA 2000) indicate that most packs cover an area hunted by between 4-9 foxhunts, visiting outlying areas only once or twice a season. It has been suggested that this phenomenon is due to restrictions on available ground (BFSS J George, January 1996; BFSS, J George, April 1996) while others (NOP Poll, 1996) have presented evidence that question if such restrictions really apply.

It may be possible that this practice is an attempt by drag/bloodhound hunts to attract riders from lower category fitness groups in an attempt to boost hunt revenue and participation. A recent survey of packs by the sport’s governing body (MDBA, 2000), indicates that most packs have fewer than twenty-five regular riders, with field numbers further boosted by visitors. This would certainly be consistent with observations, (P Sutton, 2000) and would have far reaching consequences on the potential viability of new drag/bloodhound hunts across the entire country.

3.3.1.7 Conclusion

Results of horse-fitness frequency distribution studies indicate that as few as 15% of horses presently employed in live-quarry hunting in Wales would satisfy the fitness profile required by drag or bloodhound hunting. Economic and time/labour considerations would further restrict the potential for lower category horses to move into the required class. Climatic, topographical and artificial methods could be employed to alter the category of horse-fitness type catered for, but the ability for such measures to have the desired long term effect are at best speculative, and at worst unlikely. Of those horses currently satisfying the required profile, further restrictions such as horse/rider ability and personal desire would limit conversion numbers.

3.3.1.8 References

Allen, J. A.:1978, Draghunting

British Field Sports Society, (BFSS), Janet George: January 1996, BBC Radio 5 Live

British Field Sports Society, (BFSS), Janet George: April 1996, BBC Three Counties Radio

British Field Sports Society, (BFSS), 1997: Is Draghunting an Alternative to Foxhunting?

Guardian, The, 23-10-99: Alternative pursuit to thrill of the chase provokes bitter battle in New Forest

Hawes, A., 1999: BBC Radio Interview

Horse and Hound, 15 August 1996: League Offers To Promote ‘Draghunting’ pp6.

League Against Cruel Sports, (LACS), 1996: Draghunting - ‘A family sport’

Lymington Times, 22-1-00: Verderas in quandary over draghunting

Macdonald, D. and Johnson, P., 1996: The Impact of Sport Hunting: A Case Study

Masters of Draghounds and Bloodhounds Association, (MDBA), 31.10.97: Press Statement

Masters of Draghounds and Bloodhounds Association, (MDBA); 2000: National Survey of Members 2000

New Milton Advertiser, 2-10-99: Draghunting vs the foxhounds

NOP Poll; 1996: Access to Land for Equestrian Sports

Sutton, P., (Chairman MDBA); 1999: Private Communication.

Sutton, P., (Chairman MDBA); 2000: Private Communication.

Times, The; 5-4-99: What a drag

Ward, N., 1998: Study of the Economic Impact of a Hunting Ban

3.3.2 Other Regions

It can be seen from this study that there are regions where the sport of draghunting would not be able to offer the local stock of horses a suitable alternative practice. In addition to Wales, this could equally apply to the West Country. However, the results of this study may be less applicable to areas such as Leicestershire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Dorset and Northamptonshire, where live quarry hunting is practised in more open terrain.

3.4.1 Potential for New Packs in the Event of a Ban

Evidence provided by the LACS NOP survey of 1996, together with land proximity considerations, largely supports the experiences of Masters maintaining drag and bloodhound packs up and down the country. This indicates that there would be land available for approximately 45 new packs of draghounds in the event of a total ban on live quarry pursuits. However, if these packs were to hunt twice weekly, then that number would be about 23. [This translates to a 150% increase]

3.4.2 Regional Variations

Regional variations indicate that in some areas, (Wales and the West Country) fewer than 15% of live-quarry hunters would have horses capable of converting to draghunting, making large areas of the country unsuitable for future development of the sport. This would further limit the viability of new packs and indicate that the figure of 45 new packs should be regarded as an upper bound.

3.4.3 Requirement for Hounds

Given that approximately 20 draghounds are required to put on a days hunting per week (see Appendix B) this would mean that in the event of a ban, about 900 adult hounds could be offered homes by new draghound packs. It is generally felt that first or second season ‘entered’ hounds would prove to be the most suitable for this.

3.4.4 Employment

About half the packs in the Association do not at present employ any full-time staff. A further 3 packs employ part-time staff only, while the remaining hunts average 2 full-time members of staff each. If these employment trends were repeated with the 45 new packs likely to emerge in the event of a ban, then the sport could reasonably expect to create about 45 new jobs across the country.

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To assess the potential for the sport of drag/bloodhound hunting to be further developed, one first needs to understand what it entails, and how it operates. In the section that follows, we shall consider how the various elements of the sport define it, and how they impact on the individuals who participate.

It was previously stated that drag hunting is a versatile pursuit engaged on a variety of different levels across varying terrain. Appendix A illustrates how three different packs practice their sport, though it must be said that most draghunts favour grassland, with almost all involving jumping of some description. Despite this, there are certain principles that apply to all packs, no matter how they engage the sport.

Principal among these would be the pre-determination of the route followed on a particular day. This means that riders do not have the option of avoiding sections they may feel are beyond them. Some packs have tried to address this problem by offering easier alternative jumps often placed alongside the larger more challenging ones.¹¹ Others provide the option of by-passing the jump altogether ¹², though this practice is not possible in most areas as farm boundaries have to be maintained for stock control etc. However, there is no evidence to suggest that this practice necessarily improves the fortunes of the pack pursuing it.

The reason for this probably lies in the fact that in order to be interesting, a pre-determined route needs to be challenging. Thus, if an individual following the sport is not prepared to accept the challenges it offers, they will most likely soon become bored.

This problem, to date, has never been successfully countered.

It has been suggested that draghunting is suitable for a further wave of innovation, and a more commercially orientated approach. In particular, competitive draghunting has been suggested, with teams pursuing different lines of the same length in a race against each other or the clock.

Unfortunately, this suggestion could not work, because the pace with which hounds hunt is determined by climatic and geographical factors, making it impossible to separate the skills of the rider from other variables. However, one could imagine teams from different areas competing across the same route at the same time, possibly without the use of hounds altogether, though I think this sport already exists!

Footnotes

¹¹ The Berks and Bucks, Cranwell, West Country Bloodhounds, and others.

Neither competitive nor televised draghunting offers any realistic options.

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All Master’s Associations (MFHA, MDBA, MMHA etc) have a rule forbidding the movement of hounds to non-registered establishments. This practice has been successful in controlling the proliferation of ‘rogue packs’ in England. Quite simply, a maverick operator is unable to obtain a supply of hounds with which to establish a pack.

Unfortunately, the system failed in Wales, and hounds became easy to obtain. Consequently, there has been a prolific increase in the number of unregistered live quarry packs being formed in the region in the last few decades. The Llynfi Vale Draghounds, for example, have 11 live quarry packs kennelled with 5 miles of their own, only 1 pack being registered. With the availability of free restaurant waste etc, the cost of keeping these packs is negligible.

Bearing this in mind, one has to consider the nature of draghunting. A good huntsman would have sufficient control over his hounds to prevent them from hunting live quarry (rioting) for anything other than a very short period of time. Consequently, the killing of a wild animal is almost unheard of by a draghound pack. But this requires dedication, and one must doubt that it could be found in individuals forced to take up a practice by Government legislation.

Additionally, if 20,000 foxhounds suddenly became available overnight, there would be an almost unlimited supply of animals available to anyone who fancied hunting illegally. Furthermore, it has been openly stated by some live quarry hunters, that any law to ban their sport would need to exempt accidental pursuit by hounds or dogs. The sport of draghunting is the obvious conduit by which this would be exploited, and would almost certainly result in the demise of the sport, as no distinction could be made between genuine and maverick operators.

Many Masters of Draghounds feel that there could be quite serious consequences for their own hunts if a ban on hunting live quarry took effect. In particular, the role foxhunting plays in the collection of fallen stock and pest control means that farmers perceive them in a positive way. In some areas this has a ‘kick-on’ effect in the way our sport is received. Consequently there is concern among many Masters that the long term effect of a ban would be detrimental to the process of opening up new country, while the considerable resources spent erecting hunt jumps etc on some farmer’s land could quite easily be lost if confidence in cross country pursuits diminishes.

There is little doubt that in the event of a ban more packs of hounds would try to register as draghunts than there is room for. Such attempts would not necessarily come in the from of ex-live quarry hunts, but could take the form of applications from riding clubs or from individuals suddenly able to acquire hounds. Of course, there would be no way of preventing these packs from forming dozens of new associations to represent them, as they would almost certainly outnumber hunts registered with the MDBA. Though most packs would be unable to function long term as bona-fide draghunts, the effect their presence would have on the sport in the short term would be devastating. By the time many of them realised they did not have the country available with which to practice the sport, the damage could already have been done.

This melt-down period would see the demise of many existing drag hunts. A survey carried out by the MDBA of its registered members found that on average, each pack felt capable of accommodating about one new draghunt, providing it brought with it its own stock of approving farmers. The effect of more than this attempting to practice the sport in their registered area ranged from ‘detrimental’ to ‘fatal’.

It is thought that any law banning fox hunting would need to incorporate an exemption from prosecution for anyone whose dog pursued a wild animal accidentally. (People out walking their dog etc.). Dedication of the highest level is required to keep this under control by existing drag huntsmen. In the event of a ban the sport of draghunting would provide an ideal conduit by which an individual could hunt covertly, a practice that would have a detrimental effect on the sport as it exists today. Additionally, if 45 new packs did emerge, and each one was made up of primarily second season hounds hunted by amateur huntsmen, the potential for chaos would be huge.

The Cranwell pack was formed in 1991/2 and consists 15 couple of black and tan pure-bred bloodhounds. It is a private pack with the masters Phil and Wendy Broughton owning the hounds. Hounds are kennelled at the Masters home and are fed twice daily on a cereal based hound food. 2 full time members of staff are employed and tied accommodation is available. 12 horses, 2 horseboxes, and a Landrover are kept at the kennels solely for use with the sport.

The pack hunts approximately 30 days per season, predominantly on Sundays, so as not to clash with game shooting and live quarry hunting. They hunt across chalk, clay and sandy soil types 70% on plough/arable 30% on grass/set aside land. The Master and Huntsman Phil Broughton hunted with foxhounds for 29 seasons before taking up the sport of hunting the "clean boot" with bloodhounds 9 years ago. Emphasis with this pack is clearly toward hound work. The speed of the day is determined solely by the conditions on the day, somedays hounds will hunt at 15 mph, somedays at 5mph and on others they find it difficult to hunt at all. The jumping of obstacles is secondary to the hound work but there are usually 20-30 optional fences on offer in any one day. All are inspected and checked prior to being jumped, regular supporters are members of the Supporters Club who run many fund raising activities.

In organising a days hunting, arrangements are made with landowners and farmers in advance, with the exact routes to be taken agreed in the week preceding the meet. Special attention is paid to avoiding railways, roads, sites of special interest, delicate farming areas and other dangers.

The pack was formed in 1974 by Mr Roger Palmer, who still owns the hounds, in order to compliment the Palmer Milburn Beagles. Particular emphasis has been placed on hound breeding [the pack consists of 25 couple of cross-bred Dumphries/Scarteen foxhounds] and building inviting jumps. A special feature of the pack includes the provision of easier alternative fences.

The hunt employs 3 and a half full time staff, including a full time fence builder. The hunt club raises approximately £35,000 to £40,000 per year, with the Masters making up the deficit (approx. another £20,000 p.a)

The country is easily accessible from the M4 and M3 motorways, with an average day consisting of 9 miles and 50 jumps over at least 95% grassland. This is broken up into 3 lines of about 3 miles each though some days have 5 lines. The field are guaranteed 45 jumps though some days will have up to 90 jumps.

The line is laid using a drag (consisting of a sock weighing approximately 1-2lbs on the end of a line of about 1.5m). The scent is topped up by the runner who carries it in a small plastic container. Lines are generally not laid through woodland because of the risk of the drag becoming entangled and the risk of deer.

A good horse is required to stay in touch, with most followers being proficient riders on mainly eventers, team chasers or point-to-pointers. A range of age groups follows the hunt ranging from 12 to 70 years.

The pack was formed in 1994 by joint Masters Dr D Hamilton Wallis and his brother Julian Hamilton Wallis. It was the first project of its kind to take place in Mainland Wales, though the Celtic Bloodhounds have since formed to the west.

The country hunted is varied, ranging from the hilly areas of Abergavenny in the north, to forestry plantations in Britton Ferry in the south-west, to the flat grassland areas of Newport in the east. This part of Wales is not big jumping country, and generally fewer than 20 obstacles would be encountered in a day, with many days incorporating only a handful of hunt jumps.

The kennels are situated at Coytraheyne, about 7 miles north of Bridgend, and are home to 8 couple of home bred Welsh Foxhounds.

The hunt have had limited success in converting local farmers over to draghunting. In total, only 6 farmers have been used so far. The main part of the country hunted includes 30,000 acres softwood forest, 4 commons of approx 4,000 acres each, one farmer of 1800 acres, and some local authority ground. Similar problems face the neighbouring hunt (The Celtic Bloodhounds) who in 3 years have managed to convert 6 local farmers.

The hunt operates on a small budget, and only survives due to the unpaid efforts of the huntsman/master, Julian H Wallis, who gave up a job as a mathematics lecturer to build kennels and work to establish the pack. It is hoped that this will be completed in the next 2 years.

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The country lies in the Isle of Anglesey. There is a wide variety of terrain for such a small area (about 20 miles across), from open stone wall country to bank and ditch and thorn hedges in the woodland areas, though there is a predominance of stone walls. Lines are laid closely simulating a foxhunt.
History
The hunt was formed in 1972-73. The country had not been hunted by a mounted pack since the Anglesey Harriers closed kennels at the end of the 1939-40 season.
Year Founded: 1973; No of Masters: 2; Type of Hound: English Foxhound; Number: 16; Feed: Dry; Fallen Stock Round Operated: No; Days Hunted per Season: 20; Days Hunted per Week: 1; Average Field Number: 25; Average Foot Followers: 25; Members: 12; Number of Staff Employed: none; Run P-to-P: No; Subscription: Annual £250

The country consists of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire. The area is easily accessible from the M3 and M4 motorways. Each days lines usually consist of an average 9 miles and 50 jumps over at least 95% grassland. Some lines have 90 jumps.

The hunt was formed in 1974 by Roger Plamer who still owns the hounds. A special feature of the hunt is the provision of easier alternative fences.
Year Founded: 1974; No of Masters: 5; Type of Hound: English Foxhound; Number: 50; Feed: Flesh; Fallen Stock Round Operated: Yes; Days Hunted per Season: 40; Days Hunted per Week: 1.5; Average Field Number: 25-30; Average Foot Followers: 25-30; Members: 40; Number of Staff Employed: 3; Run P-to-P: Yes; Subscription: Annual £350

The country overlies that of the Belvior, Cambridgeshire, Puckeridge, East Sussex, Grafton, Fitzwilliam, Fernie, Quorn, West Norfolk and Woodland Pytchley. The lines are up to 10 miles long with 1 or 2 ‘checks’. Obstacles vary according to where the meet is held and include hedges timber and ditches.

The hunt dates back to 1855 with kennels at Cherry Hinton. It was in existence until 1938 and was restarted in 1946. The hounds are the property of the Masters.
Year Founded: 1855; No of Masters: 2; Type of Hound: English Foxhound; Number: 18; Feed: Dry; Fallen Stock Round Operated: No; Days Hunted per Season: 30; Days Hunted per Week: 1+; Average Field Number: 30; Average Foot Followers: 15-20; Members: 30; Number of Staff Employed: 1 Part-time; Run P-to-P: Yes; Subscription: Annual £250

The country runs from the Vale of Neath in the East to Carmarthan in the West and from Swanse Bay in the South to Builth Wells in the North

The hunt was formed in 1997 and is run on an amateur basis
Year Founded: 1997; No of Masters: 2; Type of Hound: Bloodhound Number: 15; Feed: Dry; Fallen Stock Round Operated: No; Days Hunted per Season: 15; Days Hunted per Week: 1; Average Field Number: 12; Average Foot Followers: 10; Members: 15; Number of Staff Employed: none; Run P-to-P: No; Subscription: Annual £150, Daily £20

The country is a wide variety of terrain from open hill with stone walls to good lowland pasture and arable with hedges and ditches and timber prepared fences when required.

The pack was formed in 1993 and is owned by the senior Master.
Year Founded: 1993; No of Masters: 4; Type of Hound: English Foxhound; Number: 60; Feed: Flesh; Fallen Stock Round Operated: Yes; Days Hunted per Season: 26; Days Hunted per Week: 1; Average Field Number: 30; Average Foot Followers: 35; Members: 35; Number of Staff Employed: 4; Run P-to-P: No; Subscription: Annual £295

The country is flat open pasture with hedges and post and rail fences and part moorland with stone walls. Part of the country hunted is that of the Cheshire Forest Hunt and the Holcolm Harriers

The hunt was formed in 1958 with hounds from the High Peak Harriers
Year Founded: 1958; No of Masters: 2; Type of Hound: English Foxhound; Number: 52; Feed: Flesh; Fallen Stock Round Operated: Yes; Days Hunted per Season: 34; Days Hunted per Week: 1+; Average Field Number: 60; Average Foot Followers: 20; Members: 50; Number of Staff Employed: 3; Run P-to-P: No; Subscription: Annual £250

The country lies in Kent and Sussex embracing the Old Surrey and Burstow, West Kent, East Sussex and Romney Marsh, Ashford Valley and Southdown, and Eridge countries. It includes a variety of terrain including downland, woodland and farmland. The country is well fenced and provides plenty of jumping over natural hedges, ditches, water, and fixed timber. No particular type of horse prevails but it should be fit and capable of sustaining hunting pace for long periods. A bold but sensible horse will prove to be the most enjoyable conveyance.

The hunt was formed in 1976 and was owned and run privately until the suden death of its founding Master. From 1985 - 1990 the hunt was run by joint masters with Committee backing. In 1990 the Hunt assumed entirely amateur status funded by the Committee and administered by the joint masters and elected executive officers of the committee. Hounds hunt the clean boot.
Year Founded: 1976; No of Masters: 4; Type of Hound: Bloodhound; Number: 30; Feed: Dry; Fallen Stock Round Operated: No; Days Hunted per Season: 50; Days Hunted per Week: 2; Average Field Number: 30; Average Foot Followers: 30; Members: 60; Number of Staff Employed: 1; Run P-to-P: No; Subscription: £400

The country is very varied with rolling hills and grass and stone wall clad heath, to heavy arable low country. It is bounded by the river Humber to the north, the River Nene to the south, the River Trent to the west and the Wash to the east.

The pack was formed in 1992 with drafts of hounds from the Windsor Forest and the Farmers Bloodhounds with the sole aim of providing sport and enjoyment for all within the countryside.
Year Founded: 1991; No of Masters: 2; Type of Hound: Bloodhound; Number: 30; Feed: Dry; Fallen Stock Round Operated: No; Days Hunted per Season: 30; Days Hunted per Week: 1; Average Field Number: 35; Average Foot Followers: 35; Members: 30; Number of Staff Employed: 2; Run P-to-P: No; Subscription: Annual £200

The country is predominantly plough with ditches. Hunt jumps have been erected in some areas. Lines are run to provide the opportunity to watch hounds hunt over natural country.

The Hunt was formed in July 1992 with drafts from the Windsor Forest, Farmers, Coakham, Readyfield and Cranwell Bloodhounds. They hunt the clean boot and are followed mounted.
Year Founded: 1992; No of Masters: 2; Type of Hound: Bloodhound; Number: 26; Feed: Dry; Fallen Stock Round Operated: No; Days Hunted per Season: 26; Days Hunted per Week: 1; Average Field Number: 30; Average Foot Followers: 15; Members: 25; Number of Staff Employed: none; Run P-to-P: No; Subscription: Apply Hon Sec

The country covers the Warwickshire, Ledbury, Heythrop, Croome and West Warwickshire, Bicester and Whaddon Chase, North Cotswold, Grafton, Cotswold, Pytchley, and Worcestershire countries.

The hunt was founded in 1988 with draft hounds from the Readyfield and Wooton Hall packs. In 1995 the Hunt became a subscription pack with the hounds owned by trustees and run by a committee. Hounds hunt the clean boot and are followed mounted. Field size is restricted.
Year Founded: 1988; No of Masters: 2; Type of Hound: Bloodhound; Number: 30; Feed: Dry; Fallen Stock Round Operated: No; Days Hunted per Season: 30; Days Hunted per Week: 1; Average Field Number: 30; Average Foot Followers: 20; Members: 20; Number of Staff Employed: one; Run P-to-P: Yes; Subscription: Annual £600

The country runs from Larne to Parkgate over mixed farmland with stone walls , banks, ditches and hunt jumps. Hounds hunt the clean boot. Hounds are on full cry for long periods so three quarters or full thoroughbred horse is required to stay in touch. The Hunt is very popular with farmers as the quarry can by pass coops, stock, wire and other restricted areas, thus accommodating the current changes in farming practice. Registered country is Co Antrim.

The Hunt was formed in 1990 after a visit to the Farmers Bloodhounds in the Cotswolds to assess the potential of the sport. A foundation pack of hounds was purchased and is the first bloodhound pack in Ireland hunting the clean boot.
Year Founded: 1990; No of Masters: 3; Type of Hound: Bloodhound; Number: 14; Feed: Dry; Fallen Stock Round Operated: No; Days Hunted per Season: 24; Days Hunted per Week: 1; Average Field Number: 30; Average Foot Followers: 20; Members: 30; Number of Staff Employed: 1; Run P-to-P: No; Subscription: Annual £80 + cap £5

The country covers the whole of the Isle of Man, 32 miles by 12 miles, with its varied countryside. Some of it is low lying and some it is hilly. In most areas there are magnificent views across the Island to the sea, often as far as Ireland and England. All jumps are marked and none are more than 3’ 6" high. Many are natural banks and stone walls, but there are also timbered jumps which the hunt has built in many places.

The hunt was formed in 1974 by leading members of the Manx equestrian world. Hounds were drafted from the Windsor Forest. Initially hounds hunted the ‘clean boot’ but later converted to the drag. Always run by a Committee, the Masters make up the shortfall in running costs. The Isle of Man has a population of just 72,000 and the average field is around 17.
Year Founded: 1974; No of Masters: 2; Type of Hound: Bloodhound; Number: 10; Feed: Dry; Fallen Stock Round Operated: No; Days Hunted per Season: 24; Days Hunted per Week: 1; Average Field Number: 20; Average Foot Followers: 10; Members: 20; Number of Staff Employed: 1; Run P-to-P: No; Subscription: Apply Hon Sec

The country includes that of the Berkeley, Beaufort, Mendip Farmers, Taunton Vale and Avon Vale. The terrain is diverse and variable.

The Hunt was formed in 1997 by the present Masters and remains a private pack.
Year Founded: 1997; No of Masters: 2; Type of Hound: Welsh Foxhound x Dumfryss; Number: 40; Feed: Flesh; Fallen Stock Round Operated: Yes; Days Hunted per Season: 26; Days Hunted per Week: 1; Average Field Number: 40; Average Foot Followers: 50; Members: 46; Number of Staff Employed: 4 Part time; Run P-to-P: No; Subscription: £25 per day

The whole of Jersey. Lines consist of some 8 miles over small fields with banks hedges and hunt jumps. The season extends from October to March.

The hunt was formed by Officers of British Garrison Battalions stationed in Jersey in the late 19^th Century, and apart from 2 world wars has been in continuous existence ever since.
Year Founded: Late 19C; No of Masters: 2; Type of Hound: Harrier; Number: 24; Feed: Dry; Fallen Stock Round Operated: No; Days Hunted per Season: 42; Days Hunted per Week: 2; Average Field Number: 20; Average Foot Followers: 10; Members: 20; Number of Staff Employed: 1; Run P-to-P: No; Subscription: Annual £110

The country is predominantly grass with occasional woodland. A fit horse is required to negotiate a variety of hedges, ditches, rails, timber and water.

The Hunt was formed in 1990 and is a private pack. Hounds hunt the clean boot and are followed mounted.
Year Founded: 1990; No of Masters: 4; Type of Hound: Bloodhound; Number: 25; Feed: Dry; Fallen Stock Round Operated: No; Days Hunted per Season: 26; Days Hunted per Week: 1; Average Field Number: 20; Average Foot Followers: 15; Members: PP; Number of Staff Employed: none; Run P-to-P: No; Subscription: Annual £600

The country is within a 30 mile radius of Kyre and is variable, with predominantly grass, stretching from the hilly border country of Wales on the western boundary to the centre of the country which is undulating and trappy with hunt jumps and natural fences, to eastern boundaries with natural hedges and hunt jumps.

The Hunt was formed in 1994 by one of the founder Masters of the Farmers Bloodhounds based in Warwickshire. The original hounds were drafted from the East Anglian Bloodhounds, the Coakham Bloodhounds, the Readyfield Bloodhounds and the Cranwell Bloodhounds. They now consist 16 ½ couple of which 10 ½ couple are homebred.
Year Founded: 1994; No of Masters: 2; Type of Hound: Bloodhound; Number: 33; Feed: Dry; Fallen Stock Round Operated: No; Days Hunted per Season: 50; Days Hunted per Week: 1.5; Average Field Number: 20; Average Foot Followers: 25; Members: 50; Number of Staff Employed: 1; Run P-to-P: No; Subscription: £500

The country is substantial and diverse including the hilly areas from Abergavenny in the north to Briton Ferry in the West and Newport in the south, giving a full range of lowland, forestry plantations, flat grassland and open mountain. Lines consist of some eight miles over diverse terrain negotiating hedges, stone walls, and hunt jumps.

The pack was formed in 1995 and is privately owned. It was the first recognised draghunt to operate entirely in Mainland Wales.
Year Founded: 1995; No of Masters: 2; Type of Hound: Welsh Foxhound; Number: 16; Feed: Dry; Fallen Stock Round Operated: No; Days Hunted per Season: 20; Days Hunted per Week: 1; Average Field Number: 35; Average Foot Followers: 15; Members: 30; Number of Staff Employed: none; Run P-to-P: No; Subscription: Annual £135, Daily £15

The country is from Manchester to the Wirral, up to Garstang and across to Huddersfield, by permission of local landowners and farmers.

Formed in 1995 the North Wst draghunt is a private pack.
Year Founded: 1995; No of Masters: 1; Type of Hound: English Foxhound x Bloodhound; Number: 12; Feed: Flesh; Fallen Stock Round Operated: No; Days Hunted per Season: 15; Days Hunted per Week: 1; Average Field Number: 20; Average Foot Followers: 10; Members: 46; Number of Staff Employed: none; Run P-to-P: No; Subscription: £25 per day

The country which lies north east and south of Oxford lies over the Bicester with Waddon Chase, Grafton and Heythorp. Occasional meets are also held further afield. The lines are mostly grass with a great deal of jumping over every type of obstacle. A fast bold horse with plenty of stamina is required.

The hunt was formed in 1985 by the amalgamation of the Oxford University Draghounds and a group of long standing supporters to provide a permanent administration. Records of the Oxford University Draghounds can be traced as afr back as the first part of the 19^th century and the association with the University remains a strong one, with students hunting free in term time and hounds hunted by the student joint Master.
Year Founded: 1985; No of Masters: 3; Type of Hound: English Foxhound; Number: 15; Feed: Dry; Fallen Stock Round Operated: Kennelled Bicester and Whaddon Chase FH; Days Hunted per Season: 22; Days Hunted per Week: 1; Average Field Number: 20; Average Foot Followers: 15; Members: 20; Number of Staff Employed: 2; Run P-to-P: No; Subscription: Annual £250

The country is located on the west side of the Pennines to the north of Stalybridge (Manchester) and south of Todmorden, skirting Saddleworth Moor. It is very varied terrain but predominantly hilly, long lay grass, with stone walls.

The hunt was re-established in 1985 after a break of 100 years..
Year Founded: 1985; No of Masters: 1; Type of Hound: English Foxhound; Number: 12; Feed: Flesh; Fallen Stock Round Operated: No; Days Hunted per Season: 22; Days Hunted per Week: 1; Average Field Number: 25; Average Foot Followers: 20; Members: PP; Number of Staff Employed: none; Run P-to-P: Yes; Subscription: Daily £20

The country is in Dorset, and in a small part of Somerset and Devon which covers the Cattistock, Seavington, Cotley and South Dorset Foxhound countries.

The hunt was formed in 1993 with hounds bought from the Farmers Bloodhounds annd is still run as a private pack hunting the clean boot
Year Founded: 1982; No of Masters: 2; Type of Hound: Bloodhound; Number: 27; Feed: Dry; Fallen Stock Round Operated: No; Days Hunted per Season: 25; Days Hunted per Week: 1; Average Field Number: 20; Average Foot Followers: 15; Members: PP; Number of Staff Employed: none; Run P-to-P: No; Subscription: Daily £20

The country is south Oxfordshire, south Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, and some of Hampshire and Surrey. The terrain consists of the Chiltern Hills, woodland and farmland, and typical fences are hedges and post and rail. Adjoining and co-operating hunts are the Garth and South Bucks, the Vale of Aylesbury, the Berks and Bucks Draghounds, the RMA Sandhurst Draghounds and the Hampshire ‘HH’. Hounds hunt the clean boot.

The hunt was formed in 1997
Year Founded:7; No of Masters: 2; Type of Hound: Bloodhound; Number: 20; Feed: Dry; Fallen Stock Round Operated: No; Days Hunted per Season: 26; Days Hunted per Week: 1; Average Field Number: 20; Average Foot Followers: 15; Members: Private Pack; Number of Staff Employed: 1 part time; Run P-to-P: No; Subscription: Daily £25

The country is good natural land, with hedges, post and rails etc.

The pack is privately owned by the senior Master and was formed by him in 1981 when the West Shropshire Foxhounds, of which he was a joint Master for over ten years was discontinued.
Year Founded: 1981; No of Masters: 2; Type of Hound: English Foxhound; Number: 16; Feed: Dry; Fallen Stock Round Operated: No; Days Hunted per Season: 30; Days Hunted per Week: 1+; Average Field Number: 40; Average Foot Followers: 25; Members: 40; Number of Staff Employed: 1; Run P-to-P: Yes; Subscription: Apply Hon Sec

The country is bounded in the north by Waltham St Lawrence, in the east by Tweseldown, in the south by Rotherfield, and in the west by Preston Candover.

A private pack, it was established in 1870 and maintained by Officers of the Staff College and Officers and Officer Cadets of the RMA, Sandhurst. The pack was put down in 1939 and re-started in 1947 by Lt Col M J Lindsay, DSO, KDG, a student at the 1947 Staff College course. In 1963 the Hunt divided into two packs, and the Sandhurst and Bisley Foxhounds became a separate civilian Hunt; the Drag continued under its present name.
Year Founded: 1870; No of Masters: 4; Type of Hound: English Foxhound; Number: 20; Feed: Dry; Fallen Stock Round Operated: No; Days Hunted per Season: 34; Days Hunted per Week: 1.5; Average Field Number: 30; Average Foot Followers: 30; Members: 28; Number of Staff Employed: 1; Run P-to-P: Yes; Subscription: Annual £350

The country is in the Old Surrey and Burstow, West Kent, Southdown and Eridge, Crawley and Horsham, Chiddingfold, Leconfield and Cowdray, and East Sussex and Romney Marsh.

The pack orginated some 60 years ago as the Banstead Drag, then changed to Mid Surrey Drag. It was disbanded at the outbreak of the war, revived in the 1947-48 season, and is now known as the Mid Surrey Farmers Draghounds. Attendance is limited to members only; visitors by kind permission of the Master
Year Founded: 1940’s; No of Masters: 5; Type of Hound: English Foxhound kept with Old Surrey and Burstow FH; Number: 14; Feed: Flesh; Fallen Stock Round Operated: No; Days Hunted per Season: 30; Days Hunted per Week: 1.5; Average Field Number: 30; Average Foot Followers: 30; Members: 30; Number of Staff Employed: none; Run P-to-P: Yes; Subscription: Annual £350

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Appendix C - Contact Details

Mr T I Beardsley
Maenaddwyn
Llanerchymedd
Holyhead
Anglesey
01248 470545

Mr Roger Palmer
Butlers Farm
Beenham
Reading
Berks
RG7 5NT
0118 971 3330

Mr Nick Page
71 Minerva Way
Kings Lodge
Cambridge
Cf34 2TY
07970 894568

Mr Clive Rees
18 Walter Road
Swansea
01792 470707

Mr Nigel Dean
South Lodge
Gotwick Mannor Hollow Lane
Dormansland
E Grinstead
RH19 3PY
01342 322728

Mr J H Harvey
Mill Farm
Mottram St Andrew
Nr Macclesfield
SK10 4LW
01625 548512

Mr Clive Holmes
Comeragh House
Kilmacthomas
Co Waterford
Ireland
051 291359

Mr Phillip Broughton
Oxenford Farm
Willow Lane
Cranwell Village
Sleaford
MH34 8DQ
01400 261779

Mr Roger Clark
Garden Cottage
Old Rectory
Barking
Suffolk
01449 720295

Ms Susan Busby
Dairy House
Eppington
Stratford Up Avon
CV37 7SR

Mr Wilbert Hunter
42 Ballysavage Road
Templepatrick
Co Antrim
N Ireland
01849 432997

Mr J Murphy
116 East Lancs Road
Lowton
Cheshire
WA3 1LE
01942 671656

Mr W A Gilbey
Ballacallin Mooar
Crosby
Isle of Man
IM4 2HD
01624 851450

Mr Richard Nicholls
Apple Acre
Crickham
Somerset
BS28 4JT
01934 713370

Mr J S O Arthur
Hatherleigh St Mary
Jersey
JE3 3AQ
01534 481385

Mr Edward Hammond
Bank Farm
Kyre
Tenbury Wells
Worcs
WR15 8QD
01885 410228

Mr Bill Kear
Beambrook Cottage
Partridge Lane
Newdigate
Surrey
RH5 5EE
01293 862666

Dr Daryl H Wallis
Brynawel
Glyn Street
Ogmore Vale
Bridgend
CF32 7AS
01656 841848

Mr Peter Webb
6 Lewes Crescent
Brighton
Lewes
BN2 1FH
01273 671846

Mr Paul Fletcher
Moss Gate Farm
High Crompton
Shaw
Oldham
OL2 7PT
01706 846179

Mr Ashley Brodin
Lodge Farm
Rossway
Nr Berkhamstead
Herts
HP4 3UD
01707 635201

Mr Brian Powell
Sherbrook Hall Farm
High Stile Lane Dobcross
Oldham
Lancs
01457 873362

Mrs Pat Sutton
Blacklands Farm
Millford Road
Elstead
Surrey
GU8 6LA
01252 703304

Mr P Stockdale
Stockyard Farm
Meadow Lane
N Pickenham
Swaffham PE37 8LE
01760 440117

Mr Nigel Pike
Trindwell Cottage
North Perrot
Crewcerne
Somerset
TA18 7SX
01460 74673

Mr John Lee
Fron Llwyd
Welshpool
Powys
01938 553230

Mr Michael Thomas
Hillcrest House
Harbridge
Nr Ringwood
Hants
BH24 3PX
01425 657080

Mr David Rook
4 Chilton Common
Peppard Common
Henley on Thames
Oxon
RG9 5HU
01189 722455

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Date uploaded to site 22 March 2000